In Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2), boss fights are among the most intense and rewarding parts of the game, and Rathbreaker is no exception. Known for his brutal combat mechanics, unique phase transitions, and high-damage abilities, Rathbreaker is a challenging encounter that requires precision, preparation, and adaptability. Whether you're facing Rathbreaker as part of your progression or revisiting him for endgame farming, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about this fearsome boss, including his abilities, strategy tips, and how to defeat him effectively.

Who is Rathbreaker?

Rathbreaker is a formidable endgame boss encountered in Poe 2 trade. His role in the game's storyline ties into the overarching conflict of Corruption, and he serves as a major antagonist in one of the game's most challenging acts or endgame zones. Rathbreaker is a monster of great power, known for his ability to control the elements, summon powerful minions, and unleash devastating physical and elemental attacks. Players will need to prepare their builds carefully, make use of the environment, and manage their positioning to overcome this powerful foe.

Rathbreaker's Abilities

Before diving into strategies, it's crucial to understand the key abilities that Rathbreaker uses during the fight. His attacks are a mix of physical damage, elemental bursts, and summoned minions, making him a multi-faceted threat. Here's a breakdown of the most important abilities you need to watch out for:

1. Elemental Conduit (Elemental AoE)

Rathbreaker will occasionally charge up and unleash a wide area-of-effect (AoE) attack that deals fire, cold, or lightning damage in a large circle around him. This ability can devastate your health pool if you're not careful. The key here is to dodge or run out of the AoE range quickly to avoid taking significant damage.

Tip: The elemental conduit can be signaled by a glowing aura around Rathbreaker's body. Keep an eye on his posture and move swiftly.

2. Deathly Slams (Melee Attacks)

Rathbreaker is equipped with large, powerful claws that he uses for devastating melee slams. These attacks deal massive physical damage and have a large area of effect around him. These slams can also apply debuffs that further lower your defenses or increase the damage you take.

Tip: Dodge or sidestep these attacks. Rathbreaker telegraphs his slam with a wind-up animation, so pay close attention to his movements.

3. Summon Minions (Adds)

At certain points in the fight, Rathbreaker will summon a horde of minions that swarm you. These minions often come in the form of zombies, skeletons, or corrupted creatures, and they can overwhelm you if left unchecked.

Tip: Focus on clearing minions quickly to avoid being overwhelmed. Using area-of-effect (AoE) abilities will help manage the adds more efficiently. If you're playing a ranged build, kite Rathbreaker while keeping the adds under control.

4. Corruption Orb (Debuff)

Rathbreaker can cast a Corruption Orb that will float above the battlefield, slowly expanding its radius. Standing within the orb's field can apply a debilitating debuff that reduces your resistance to damage and can even lower your maximum life over time. This is one of his most dangerous abilities, as it forces players to keep moving while fighting.

Tip: Stay out of the Corruption Orb at all costs. If you're caught in it, use movement skills to quickly escape or reposition.

5. Wrath of the Tempest (Phase Transition)

At about half health, Rathbreaker enters his Wrath of the Path of Exile 2 Currency for sale Tempest phase, a transition where he becomes more aggressive, gaining the ability to shoot powerful elemental projectiles in quick succession. These projectiles can track your movements and deal massive elemental damage, forcing you to be constantly on the move.

Tip: Use flasks and high mobility skills (like Leap Slam, Dash, or Whirling Blades) to dodge Rathbreaker's projectiles. Staying still can quickly lead to death, so prioritize movement.