Path of Exile 2 introduces an array of formidable bosses, but few are as challenging as Zarohk, the Temporal. This pinnacle boss, encountered at the end of the Trial of the Sekhemas, tests your agility, strategy, and endurance. Mastering this battle not only ensures victory but also maximizes your POE 2 Currency gains, as Zarohk drops valuable loot and relics based on your performance. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to reach him, defeat him, and optimize your rewards.

How to Reach Zarohk, the Temporal

Zarohk resides at the pinnacle of the Trial of the Sekhemas, requiring players to clear four floors filled with trials, three other bosses, and numerous afflictions before confronting him. Preparation is key, as the buffs and debuffs acquired throughout the trial significantly impact the battle ahead.

To enhance your odds, focus on selecting boons that increase damage output, movement speed, and honor resistance. The Hare's Foot boon, offering a 40% movement speed boost, is particularly beneficial. Additionally, avoid afflictions that weaken defenses and prioritize relics that amplify movement speed and boss damage. This strategy ensures you remain mobile and capable of navigating Zarohk's relentless attacks while sustaining minimal damage.

How to Defeat Zarohk, the Temporal

Zarohk is an exceptionally tanky boss, boasting 17 million Life and resistance to three elemental damage types. However, he remains vulnerable to physical and Chaos damage, making them the most effective options for depleting his health. If relying on elemental damage, you must first break his resistances to deal significant harm.

Unlike most Path of Exile 2 bosses, Zarohk's attack patterns are unpredictable, as his voice lines do not consistently align with his strikes. Thus, quick reflexes and strategic positioning are essential. However, a few of his attacks are telegraphed with voice cues:

"You are not in control" – Zarohk hurls an orb of energy surrounded by a slowing field.

"The hour grows late" – He teleports to the room's center and unleashes a radial lightning attack. The best counter is moving to the corners of the arena.

"The sands of time wait for no one" – Zarohk vanishes and generates a glowing platform in the center. Stepping on it triggers a clock-based challenge where players must traverse six floating orbs within 15 seconds. Every second, movement slows, making efficient pathing crucial. Failure results in immediate defeat.

As the battle progresses, Zarohk introduces new mechanics:

At 66% health – The Sands of Time challenge initiates.

Below 50% health – He deploys pylons that spin and deal continuous damage.

Below 40% health – Zarohk summons slowing bubbles across the battlefield.

Below 33% health – Clockfaces appear beneath players, resetting their position after four seconds.

At 25% health – The Sands of Time challenge occurs again.

While Zarohk's individual attacks may not deal devastating damage, each successful hit diminishes your honor, which functions as your true health pool in this battle. Thus, prioritizing evasion over aggression is crucial. Focus on movement, dodging projectiles, and attacking only when safe. When opportunities arise, unleash high burst damage and apply damage-over-time effects to sustain pressure.

By the final phase, the arena will be saturated with hazardous effects. If you've preserved sufficient honor, this is the moment to shift into full offense, enduring minor hits in exchange for maximizing damage output and closing the fight efficiently.

Maximizing POE 2 Currency Gains from Zarohk

Defeating Zarohk not only grants the satisfaction of overcoming a pinnacle challenge but also yields substantial POE 2 Currency rewards. The loot dropped is influenced by the relics placed in the altar at the trial's commencement. Players aiming to maximize their POE 2 Currency haul should:

Select High-Value Relics – Certain relics enhance the rarity and quantity of loot, making them ideal choices.

Optimize Damage Output – The faster Zarohk is defeated, the more honor is preserved, potentially leading to better rewards.

Avoid Afflictions That Reduce Loot Quality – Some afflictions negatively impact rewards, so choose wisely during the trial.

Conclusion

By employing a meticulous strategy and optimizing relic choices, players can turn Zarohk's defeat into a lucrative opportunity, yielding substantial POE 2 Currency gains. With the right preparation and execution, this formidable foe can become one of the most rewarding adversaries in Path of Exile 2.

MMOexp POE 2 Team