The Shark Fin is one of the more mysterious quest items in Path of Exile 2 that is tied straight to the Tribal Medicine side quest in Act 4. The majority of players first come across it after fighting a tough boss fight and making it out alive, but having no idea why they have it or how to utilize it. This article will have a breakdown of how to acquire the Shark Fin, what quest it unlocks, and what you can expect to gain for finishing it.
How to Get the Shark Fin
You can obtain the Shark Fin in Act 4 by killing the boss, The Great White One, on Whakapanu Island. To go to the island, you must get far enough in the main story to open up the Karui Archipelago. From King’s March, you can hire a ship to travel to Whakapanu.
The boss will usually be in the Shark Pit area of the island, but, as with many things in Path of Exile, the exact spawn point is slightly variable due to procedural generation. The fight can be challenging — The Great White One has considerable health, large damage attacks, and a tendency to swamp unwary players. It’s advisable to prepare your best equipment and a well-rounded build prior to entering battle.
Once it is slain, the Shark Fin is dropped by the boss. The item description implies its utilization by the following words: “The sea gave it strength. Now it serves a greater purpose.”
Usage of Shark Fin
The moment you acquire the Shark Fin, the Tribal Medicine quest is added to your journal. The quest is all about taking the Shark Fin to a guy who has a plan on how to use it.
Your goal is Ngakanu, whom you will battle against Kaimana. After rescuing her and helping her drive off local enemies, she’ll explain her plan to use the Shark Fin. The quest takes you from there to the killing of Tavakai, the Tukohama Chieftain, in the Heart of the Tribe in Kingsmarch Town.
After getting Tavakai healed, return to the Kingsmarch docks and speak with Kaimana again. She will ask for the Shark Fin, and as you give it to her, she uses it as a medicine ingredient to cure an outbreak of spreading blood fever among her people.
Rewards for Tribal Medicine Completion
Although you do not keep the medicine itself, you are offered the following for rewards:
- Uncut Skill Gem (Level 11) – Can be utilized to create a new active skill gem or to level up an existing skill gem to level 11.
- Uncut Spirit Gem (Level 11) – Enables you to create or charge a skill gem that is buffs-based.
- Uncut Support Gem (Level 4) – Allows you to craft a strong support gem to assist your active skills.
Every reward has lasting effects on your build. The Skill Gem is best suited for the player who wishes to unlock or enhance offensive skills early, whereas the Spirit Gem is defensive or utility-based. The Support Gem, though beginning at level 4, can grant some of the greatest synergies in the later stages of the game.
