How to Defeat Ekbab and Iktab in Path of Exile 2
Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) introduces a wealth of new bosses, mechanics, and challenges that push players to refine their combat skills and character builds. Among these, Ekbab and Iktab stand out as one of the most intense dual-boss encounters early in the game. Found in Act Two, these two adversaries combine brute strength and deadly spellcraft to test your movement, timing, and resource management. This guide will help you understand how to find them, what to expect in their deadly arena, and how to efficiently defeat them.
Where to Find Ekbab & Iktab
You'll face Ekbab and Iktab during Act Two, in an area known as The Bone Pits, while completing the quest A Theft of Ivory. When you enter the pit, you'll find Iktab in the middle of animating Ekbab, his massive mastodon companion. Unfortunately for you, you arrive just in time to see the spell succeed, forcing you to deal with both enemies at once.
The Bone Pits is a dark, claustrophobic area filled with bone piles and narrow corridors. This limited space makes dodging attacks difficult, so preparation before entering is essential. Make sure your resistances are capped, particularly Lightning Resistance, as most of Iktab's attacks revolve around lightning magic. Equipping flasks that boost elemental resistance or using lightning charms can make the difference between victory and a quick death.
Understanding the Boss Duo
Ekbab and Iktab are designed to complement each other, one focuses on raw physical power while the other unleashes devastating spells.
Ekbab, the Mastodon: A massive creature that relies on brute strength. His attacks include charging across the arena and performing powerful slam attacks that deal physical and tremor-based damage.
Iktab, the Necromancer: A spellcaster who dominates the arena with wide-area lightning and magic attacks. He can summon orbs of energy that pulse and detonate, forcing constant movement.
Together, they create one of the earliest "chaotic synergy" boss fights in Path of Exile 2. Defeating them requires not only knowing when to strike but also understanding which one to target first, and that order is critical.
Which Boss to Defeat First
One of the most important tips for this encounter is to focus on Iktab first.
If you defeat Ekbab before Iktab, the necromancer will gain access to new, deadlier abilities. His lightning spells become far more devastating and cover larger areas, making survival extremely difficult. However, if you eliminate Iktab first, the fight becomes much more manageable. His death weakens Ekbab, and Iktab's lingering magic only produces a few weaker residual spells rather than a full-blown storm of destruction.
This strategic choice not only makes the battle easier but also ensures that you'll take less damage overall, saving valuable flask charges and preserving your POE 2 Currency investments in expensive gear or consumables.
Combat Strategy and Movement Tips
The key to this battle is controlled movement and target prioritization. You'll be confined to a small arena, which means avoiding AoE (Area of Effect) damage is challenging but essential.
Start with Positioning: As soon as the fight begins, identify where Iktab is casting from and keep Ekbab between you and him. The mastodon's large frame can sometimes block line-of-sight for Iktab's spells.
Dodge the Lightning Comets: Iktab's signature ability is his trio of lightning comets that fall from above. Watch for orange circles on the ground, these mark where the comets will land. Move out of these zones immediately.
Kite Ekbab Around the Arena: While you attack Iktab, make sure to kite Ekbab in a circular pattern. His charges are predictable; listen for the sound cue before he lunges, and use a quick dodge roll or movement skill to evade.
Use Damage Over Time Effects: Because the fight involves constant movement, DoT-based builds such as Poison, Ignite, or Bleed perform exceptionally well. You can apply the effect and then focus on avoiding damage instead of maintaining constant attacks.
Manage the Lightning Orbs: As the fight progresses, Iktab's orbs float around and discharge random bolts of electricity. Stay on the opposite side of the arena to give yourself time to dodge projectiles.
After Iktab Falls: Once Iktab is defeated, turn your full attention to Ekbab. His attacks are easier to read, he'll charge, stomp, and create tremor shockwaves. These can all be dodged with good timing. Keep your distance, attack during his recovery frames, and stay alert for any lingering lightning effects left behind by Iktab's death.
Recommended Gear and Build Preparation
Before entering this fight, make sure you have gear that balances survivability and mobility.
Lightning Resistance Gear: Amulets, rings, or charms that increase lightning resistance will drastically reduce the damage from Iktab's spells.
Movement Speed Boosts: Boots with increased movement speed or skills like Dash and Flame Dash will make dodging significantly easier.
Flasks: Carry at least one Topaz Flask for lightning damage mitigation and a Life Flask with Bleed Removal, as Ekbab's physical attacks can sometimes inflict bleed effects.
POE 2 Currency Tip: If you're struggling with this encounter, invest your POE 2 Currency into crafting or trading for better resist gear. Even small upgrades can greatly increase your survivability.
Ekbab & Iktab Rewards
Defeating Ekbab and Iktab not only completes your quest but also rewards you with Mastodon Tusks, a key quest item required for The Trail of Corruption, Part 2. Additionally, players can expect valuable loot drops, including crafting materials, skill gems, and rare items that can be traded or upgraded using POE 2 Currency.
This fight is a true test of agility and awareness early in Path of Exile 2. By prioritizing Iktab, mastering movement, and preparing the right gear, you'll not only survive this challenging encounter but also walk away richer, both in experience and POE 2 Currency.
MMOexp POE 2 Team