New World Aeternum: How to Defeat Khepri with the Tank Class
In New World, Khepri is a powerful boss that appears frequently in desert-themed expeditions and world events in the Sunshard Wastes. With his fast charge attack, ranged sandstorms, and deadly Sunbeam mechanics, Khepri can quickly decimate unsuspecting enemy teams. For players who use the Tank class, this battle will be a test of positioning, cooldown management, and team coordination. This mmoexp guide will guide Tank class players through the process of defeating him, but before that, take some New World Coins with you!
Overview of Khepri
Zone: Sunshard Wastes / Temple Ruins (Elite Chest runs and expedition variants)
Pre-Fight Preparation (Tank Role)
1. Gear Recommendations
Armor Type: Heavy Armor with high physical and elemental resistance, especially against Fire and Corruption.
Perks:
Corrupted Ward - Reduces damage taken from corrupted enemies like Khepri.
Fortifying Sacred Ground (on healer's armor) synergizes with Tank survivability.
Refreshing Ward - Helps reduce cooldowns under constant assault.
Elemental Aversion - Mitigates sunbeam and sandstorm magic damage.
Tanking Weapons:
Sword and Shield (Primary): Use for mitigation, crowd control, and taunts.
War Hammer or Great sword (Secondary): For crowd control or burst mitigation.
2. Consumables
Infused Health Potions - Crucial for emergencies when healing is delayed.
Corrupted Coatings - Increases your group's DPS if you're willing to apply debuffs.
Ward Potions (Corrupted) - Reduce incoming damage from Khepri's abilities.
Food Buffs:
Roasted Rabbit with Seasoned Vegetables - Increases Constitution and Elemental Resistance.
Tank Skill Loadout
Sword & Shield (Primary Tank Weapon)
Shield Bash - Applies stun and threat; interrupts Khepri's charge animations.
Defender's Resolve - Major damage reduction and threat generation; use during AoE.
Shield Rush - Staggers and weakens enemies; helps control smaller scarab adds (if present).
Passives to prioritize:
Final Blow
Defensive Formation
High Grip
War Hammer (Secondary)
Shock wave - Great for stunning adds or interrupting phases.
Path of Destiny - Ranged knockdown and stagger.
Wrecking Ball - Fortify buff for increased tank in ess.
Khepri Fight Breakdown - Tank Perspective
Phase 1: Ground Engagement and Initial Aggro
Objective: Secure Khepri's attention immediately and drag him to the center of the arena.
Open with Shield Rush to get quick threat, then follow with Shield Bash.
Keep your Defender's Resolve ready but don't use it until Khepri begins his first Sunburst Slam.
Maintain positioning with your back to a wall or away from sand pits, as Khepri's Charging Rush can displace you.
Mechanics to Watch:
Sunburst Slam: He leaps into the air and slams down, causing AoE damage.
Tank Tip: Activate Defender's Resolve and block or dodge if possible.
Charging Rush: He targets a random player but often redirects to the Tank.
Use Shield Bash to interrupt mid-charge.
Phase 2: Solar Flare and Scarab Minions
Khepri channels a solar beam that pulses damage in a 180-degree arc.
Tank Role: Face him away from the group. Do NOT rotate him.
Scarab Minions may spawn from sand pits.
Use Shockwave or Path of Destiny to slow and stun them.
Maintain aggro so your DPS can burn them down.
Group Support Tip: If the Healer is being overwhelmed by minions or solar splash damage, use Wrecking Ball to give them Fortify and reduce incoming damage.
Phase 3: Sandstorm Dome
At 60% HP, Khepri summons a dome that engulfs the battlefield in a sandstorm. Inside, vision is limited and movement is slowed.
He becomes faster and his Slash attacks deal bonus bleed damage.
Use Defender's Resolve as often as possible - he becomes hyper-aggressive.
Tank Strategy:
Stand close to the center of the arena to maintain positioning.
Call out when your taunt abilities are on cooldown to allow DPS to kite temporarily.
Use Infused Health Potions and Corrupted Ward Potions liberally in this phase.
Special Mechanic: If Khepri lifts into the air and starts channeling Solar Judgment, he's about to unleash a one-shot sunbeam.
Tank must interrupt this using Shield Bash or Shockwave. Failure to do so will result in a team wipe unless players are hiding behind stone obelisks at the arena's edge.
Final Phase: Radiant Frenzy (Below 25% HP)
Khepri enters a berserk mode. He gains:
Increased attack speed
Multiple solar AoEs
Enrage buff that reduces taunt effectiveness
Tank Role:
Keep spamming Shield Rush and Shield Bash to control his direction.
Position him close to a wall to avoid wide AoE splash hitting allies.
Activate Defender's Resolve on cooldown and use Wrecking Ball when healers are under pressure.
You may need to use Greatsword's Calamity Counter if you opted for it instead of War Hammer, for parrying multiple incoming hits.
If DPS is strong, the fight will only last 1-2 minutes in this phase. Watch for Sun Pillar Eruptions, a final desperation mechanic where fiery spires burst from the floor. Avoid standing on glowing sigils.
Tips for Group Synergy
Healer: Stay mobile and behind the tank; bring Purify to cleanse bleeds.
Ranged DPS: Should remain behind Khepri at all times; apply Corruption debuffs when possible.
Melee DPS: Must dodge Sunburst Slams and retreat during Solar Judgment phases unless confident.
Conclusion
Defeating Khepri as a Tank in New World Aeternum is a thrilling test of your mechanical knowledge, cool down discipline, and communication skills. The boss demands more than just absorbing damage - you'll need to actively control positioning, interrupt lethal abilities, and provide breathing room for your teammates. With the right gear, preparation, and execution of mechanics outlined in this guide, you can confidently stand as your group's bulwark and bring down the solar god-beast Khepri in triumph.
MMOexp New World Team