MMOEXP POE2:Top Tips for Building Ekbab, Ancient Steed

In Path of Exile 2, Ekbab, Ancient Steed is a unique and formidable boss found in the Bone Pits region. This challenging encounter is part of a dual boss fight with Iktab, the Deathlord. Players need to defeat both of these powerful monsters to obtain the Mastodon Tusks, a key item required to progress the quest A Theft of Ivory. Here’s an overview of the encounter and some helpful tips on how to POE 2 Currency take down Ekbab and Iktab.

The Encounter: Ekbab and Iktab

The Bone Pits encounter is a dynamic and challenging fight. Ekbab, the Ancient Steed, and Iktab, the Deathlord, are the main antagonists, and how you approach the encounter can significantly impact the difficulty of the fight. When both bosses are alive, the battle features a combination of powerful physical and elemental attacks that test both your defensive and offensive capabilities.

Boss Mechanics

Iktab, the Deathlord:
Iktab primarily deals physical damage, utilizing a range of devastating area-of-effect (AoE) attacks that can quickly overwhelm unprepared players. If Iktab is killed first, Ekbab will enrage, drastically increasing the difficulty of the encounter and adding additional mechanics to the fight.

Ekbab, Ancient Steed:
Ekbab’s most notable feature is its ability to summon lightning-based attacks that force the player to stay on their toes throughout the encounter. Here’s a breakdown of the new mechanics that appear when Iktab is killed first:

Lightning Orb: Once Iktab falls, Ekbab will begin summoning a ghostly orb that follows the player. The orb moves slowly but steadily, and if it makes contact with the player, it will explode, dealing substantial damage. Players must carefully manage their movement to avoid the orb’s detonation.

Lightning Projectile Nova: In addition to the Lightning Orb, Ekbab will periodically cast a nova of ghostly lightning projectiles that shoot out in all directions. These projectiles have a high chance to shock the player, adding an extra layer of danger. Players will need to be constantly aware of the nova’s timing and positioning, as the shock debuff can amplify the damage taken, leaving you vulnerable to other attacks.

Tips for Defeating Ekbab and Iktab

Prioritize Iktab: If you’re tackling this encounter, it’s generally advisable to kill Iktab before Ekbab. While Ekbab enrages when Iktab dies, allowing you to access his lightning abilities, killing Iktab first will prevent Ekbab from gaining his more punishing attacks right away.

Keep Moving: The Lightning Orb and Lightning Nova require constant movement. You’ll need to stay mobile throughout the encounter to avoid getting hit by these deadly attacks. Keep an eye on the orb and time your dodges to stay out of its range.

Use Shock Resistance: Since the lightning attacks from Ekbab have a high chance to shock, make sure to stack up on shock resistance (through gear, flasks, or passive tree nodes) to mitigate the damage and reduce the risk of being overwhelmed by the electrical assault.

Manage AOE Damage: With both bosses having powerful AoE abilities, positioning is key. Keep a safe distance when possible and avoid standing in the same spot for too long, especially when Ekbab prepares to cast his nova.

Conclusion

Defeating Ekbab, Ancient Steed, and Iktab, the Deathlord, in Path of Exile 2 requires both careful strategy and quick reflexes. By prioritizing Iktab’s death to minimize the added complexity of Ekbab’s enraged state and staying mobile to cheap POE 2 Chaos Orbs dodge the lightning-based attacks, players can successfully defeat these bosses and collect the Mastodon Tusks to continue their quest. As with most end-game encounters in Path of Exile 2, preparation, adaptability, and awareness are the keys to victory.