Path of Exile 2: Iktab and Ekbab boss guide
Iktab and Ekbab are two formidable foes that fight together as one in Path of Exile 2 Act 2. Due to their attack sync and AOE-wide skills, beginners and veterans might face a wall before progressing further. Players must learn the mechanics of this particular fight, which in most cases, includes a specific attack pattern based on who is being attacked out of the two.
This article provides a detailed Act II boss guide for Iktab and Ekbab, including their exact location, tips to make the fight easier, and more.
Where to find Ektab and Ikbab in Path of Exile 2?
Iktab and Ekbab can be found within The Bone Pits location of Act 2. You will come across this location while completing a series of quests, one of which will ask you to use the Desert Map and travel to "Mastodon Badlands." Navigate through this location, and you will eventually encounter the entrance to The Bone Pits.
Next, push through the group of mobs within The Bone Pits, until you find an arena with several Necromancers performing a ritual. Enter to begin the boss fight.
All attack patterns of Iktab and Ekbab in Path of Exile 2
Once the fight begins, you can shift your focus on either one of the two bosses in the arena, or both simultaneously. Note that the two bosses have separate attack patterns, and must be closely monitored at all times. Here is the attack pattern of both bosses:
Iktab, The Deathlord
Iktab the Deathlord has two forms of attacks that they perform. The ones listed below are when both the bosses are alive at the same time:
- Three fire AOE skills on the ground.
- A wide-range lightning strike skill that is channeled. Can be evaded if a player positions themselves in a correct spot.
- A green rotating fixed sphere on the ground that shoots out bolts in intervals.
There is another skill set that Iktab performs when Ekbab dies first. These are just significantly enhanced versions of the abilities mentioned above, alongside an additional skill. For the additional skill, look for a cue, where the boss raises their hands.
The next attack will be a sequence of five AOE ground slams, which must be evaded at all costs.
Ekbab, the Ancient Steed
Ekbab, the other boss, is a skeletal horse and also has a few attacks depending on whether he is alive alongside Iktab or is the last one standing. Here is a list of attacks that Ekbab performs alongside Iktab
- Charges towards the player when the latter is at a distance.
- Periodically slams the ground, dealing AOE damage in front.
- Normal attacks with the head, can mini-stun players and change positions.
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 and Ekbab in Path of Exile 2?
There are several ways to defeat Iktab and Ekbab. The one we recommend is to drain their life at the same time, defeat one boss, and then quickly take on the next. The easier boss to take on last is Ekbab, the Ancient Steed, as its last-stand abilities are easier to handle, compared to the ones of Iktab.
The trick is to get both bosses in the same place, and then deal AOE damage to hurt them simultaneously. Once their health bars are low, wait for them to separate before taking out Iktab. Next, finish off Ekbab.
Some great classes to take on these bosses with include the Monk with increased Stun build Tempest bell, a Sorceress with Ice Wall comets, multiple projectile Grenades from Mercenaries, and anything that is enough for stun buildup and AOE damage.
Check out our other Path of Exile 2 guides and features:
- Path of Exile 2 Warrior class overview: Skills, Ascendancies, and playstyle
- All Path of Exile 2 Keystone Passives (known so far)
- You can dual-wield two-handed weapons in Path of Exile 2