Taking on the Sekhemas Trial in Path of Exile 2 is a very hazardous thing to do, especially if you have to get up against Rattlecage, the Earthbreaker, at the end. That enormous boss with his powerful ground-stomping attacks represents quite a challenge for anyone who dares to take him on. This guide explores all of the strategies and tactics to take down this feared adversary and succeed in the trial.
How to Find Rattlecage, The Earthbreaker
Okay, so your first mission is to find and defeat Balbala, a traitor who’s locked up in the Prison of the Disgraced. You’ll have to go through Traitor’s Passage, and along the way, you’ll see little paper seals on the walls. Follow these seals until you find a door covered in them. Once you open it, you’ll see Balbala tied up. To free her, you need to untie all the ropes holding her captive. After that, you’ll have to fight her. After you defeat Balbala and get her coin, go back to the Caravan. There, you can use the Desert Map to find your way to the Trial of the Sekhemas.
To start the Trial of the Sekhemas, you need to use the Desert Map. Once you’re there, find the Relic Altar in the middle of the room and place the coin you got from Balbala in the slot. You can then choose some special items, called Relics, to help you during the trial. You can earn more of these Relics by completing other trials. Remember, the enemies here are pretty tough, so it’s best to be around level 22. However, the biggest danger isn’t losing health but losing your “Honour.” The final boss of the Trial of the Sekhemas is Rattlecage, the Earthbreaker.
How to Beat Rattlecage, The Earthbreaker
Rattlecage’s giant magma elemental is a real threat if you’re not ready. It hits hard with fiery attacks and massive slams. Rattlecage is weak to Cold damage but resists Fire and Lightning. He also has strong armor, so physical attacks won’t be very effective. To deal more damage, uses skills that can break his armor. Even if your character can take a lot of hits from Rattlecage, you need to be careful about your Honour.
A great tip for taking on the Rattlecage boss in your Trials run is to equip Relics that boost your Maximum Honour and provide Honour resistance buffs. This strategy makes it easier to consistently reach 500-600 Honour before the boss fights.
Rattlecage mostly uses Fire attacks. So, check with the vendors to see if they have any gear that can protect you from fire damage. You should also equip a fire charm with your belt for extra protection. Rattlecage is slow, and his attacks take time to wind up. Use this to your advantage and dodge his attacks, especially if you’re low on health. Also, be careful of his attacks that can limit your movement. Plan your movements in advance to avoid getting hit.
Rattlecage will slam the ground, damaging everyone nearby. Roll away to avoid it. If you’re a melee fighter, try to stay to his side or behind him. After slamming, he’ll create dangerous lines on the ground. Avoid crossing these lines, as they’ll damage you. Magma Nova is the most dangerous attack for melee fighters. Rattlecage will charge up energy in the ground, causing three big explosions to spread outward. Roll away quickly to avoid them.
When Rattlecage is almost defeated, he’ll slam the ground, causing fire to rain down from the ceiling. This lasts for about a minute and can be deadly, especially if you’re low on health. In this final phase, the arena will be filled with dangerous spots. You’ll need to decide whether to dodge the fire and wait for it to stop or go all-out and defeat Rattlecage before he finishes you off.
To maximize your damage output, use items like Jewels and Runes that boost cold damage on spells and attacks. Classes such as Frost Sorceresses and Monks, with all their cold attacks, prove to be really effective against him. Use Ranged DPS and not melee damage, as getting near the Rattlecage will only lead you to get damage as most of its attacks are AOE based, and you will lose lots of Honor. Be careful of the rocks falling from above and the mini volcanoes on the ground. Move out of the area, as there will be fewer mini volcanoes, and you can use your ranged DPS.
Rewards
Survive the Trial of the Sekhemas while maintaining some honor to claim your rewards. Go to the next room to claim your rewards and then choose between two powerful Ascension Classes at the Altar of Ascendancies.
