In Path of Exile 2, Act Two introduces one of its most challenging encounters: the boss fight against Iktab, the Deathlord, and Ekbab, the Ancient Steed. This formidable pair will alternate between crushing and electrocuting you in a tight pit, leaving you with little space to escape or dodge.
Iktab, the Deathlord, is a powerful spellcaster capable of casting lethal lightning spells, while Ekbab, the Ancient Steed, is a massive, charging mastodon that will relentlessly pursue you across the tight arena. This guide will provide you with the strategy to defeat Iktab and Ekbab during the boss fight in Path of Exile 2.
Highlights
- Encounter Ekbab and Iktab in Act Two of Path of Exile 2 during “A Theft of Ivory.”
- Fight in a cramped arena as Ekbab, the mastodon, charges, and Iktab casts AoE lightning spells.
- Equip a lightning charm to survive the battle, especially against Iktab’s powerful lightning spells.
- Avoid a bug that prevents the Tusks from dropping by defeating Iktab last.
- Focus on taking down Iktab first to prevent him from using stronger spells.
- Dodge Iktab’s dangerous comet spell and stay clear of the orange circles on the ground.
- Once Iktab is defeated, focus on dodging Ekbab’s cone-shaped tremor attacks and random lightning orb projectiles.
- Defeat both bosses to earn the Mastodon Tusks as your reward.
Finding Iktab, the Deathlord & Ekbab, Ancient Steed in Path of Exile 2
Iktab and Ekbab are located in The Bone Pits during Act 2. You’ll discover this area while progressing through A Theft of Ivory, which requires you to use the Desert Map to travel to “Mastodon Badlands.” Navigate through this area to eventually reach the entrance to The Bone Pits.
Inside, fight your way through groups of enemies until you come across an arena where several Necromancers are performing a ritual and Iktab is in the final moments of casting a spell to animate Ekbab, and you witness the magic taking effect. Enter the arena to initiate the boss fight.
All of Iktab and Ekbab’s Mechanics in Path of Exile 2
At the start of the fight, you can choose to focus on either one of the two bosses in the arena or engage both simultaneously. Keep in mind that each boss has distinct attack patterns that must be carefully observed throughout the encounter. Here are the attack patterns for both bosses:
Ikbab, the Deathlord
Iktab the Deathlord utilizes two types of attacks during the fight. The following are performed while both bosses are alive:
- Three fire AoE skills placed on the ground.
- A wide-range, channeled lightning strike that can be avoided by positioning correctly.
- A green, stationary rotating sphere on the ground that periodically fires bolts.
When Ekbab is defeated first, Iktab gains an enhanced skill set. These are more powerful versions of the previously mentioned abilities, along with an additional skill. For the new skill, watch for a visual cue where the boss raises their hands.
The next attack consists of a series of five AoE ground slams, which must be avoided at all costs.
Ekbab, Ancient Steed
Ekbab, the other boss, is a skeletal horse with a set of attacks that vary depending on whether he is alive alongside Iktab or is the last boss standing. Here are the attacks Ekbab performs while fighting alongside Iktab:
- Charges at the player when they are at a distance.
- Periodically slams the ground, dealing AoE damage in front.
- Performs head-based melee attacks that can mini-stun players and alter positioning.
When alone, Ekbab summons two green spheres that shoot out bolts. Since these spheres are constantly moving, dodging the incoming bolts can be a little tough.
How to Defeat Iktab, the Deahtlord & Ekbab, Ancient Steed in Path of Exile 2
To successfully win the boss fight, use the following strategy:
- Ekbab and Iktab are a challenging boss duo you will face together in a cramped arena. Ekbab, the mastodon, charges relentlessly around the small space, while Iktab, the spellcaster, bombards the area with powerful AoE lightning spells. To survive the boss fight, equipping a lightning charm is highly recommended.
- Currently, there is a bug with this boss fight. So, if you defeat Iktab first, the Tusks might not drop. On the other hand, defeating Ekbab first makes the fight tougher. To avoid the issue, bring both of them down to low health, then finish off Ekbab just before taking out Iktab.
- Focus on taking out Iktab first. If you defeat Ekbab first, Iktab will start using much more powerful spells, making the fight significantly harder. Defeating Iktab first ensures you will only face his weaker spells after Ekbab is gone.
- Lure the mastodon around the arena while focusing your attacks on Iktab. Watch out for his most dangerous spell: three comets crashing from above. Stay alert for the orange circles on the ground, and make sure to move out of their range as soon as they appear.
- Once Iktab is down, focus on Ekbab, the mastodon. He will be running around the arena and using cone-shaped tremor attacks. Both of these attacks can be dodged by having good timing.
- Meanwhile, there will be lightning orbs floating around the battlefield. These orbs will fire their projectiles randomly. To stay safe, stay on the opposite side of the arena, thus having more time to dodge the attacks.
Defeating Iktab, the Deathlord & Ekbab in Path of Exile 2: Rewards
By defeating Ekbab and Iktab, you will be rewarded with the Mastodon Tusks, a crucial item needed to progress in and complete The Trail of Corruption Pt 2.
Conclusion: The battle that you face when dealing with Iktab and Ekbab in Path of Exile 2 is a strict measurement of your strategy, precision and flexibility. Amazing rewards, like the Mastodon Tusks, can be acquired if you master their deadly attacks, defeat Iktab and Ekbab, and continue on your epic journey!
