Path of Exile 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the legendary action RPG Path of Exile, brings players back into the dark and brutal world of Wraeclast. Featuring a new campaign, overhauled mechanics, and innovative gameplay, Path of Exile 2 introduces a whole new level of challenge for players. One of the most intimidating new challenges awaiting players is the POE 2 Currency boss encounter with Mektul, The Forgemaster.

Mektul is a formidable adversary located in the heart of the Dunes of Malathea, a sprawling desert region filled with ancient ruins, forgotten gods, and terrifying monsters. As a master blacksmith of unholy power, Mektul’s forge has been the source of countless weapons used to wreak havoc across Wraeclast. But as an immortal entity bound to the Forge, Mektul has become a living embodiment of the horrors of corruption, fire, and steel.

This boss guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Mektul, The Forgemaster, and how to successfully defeat him. From preparation to mechanics and strategies, here’s your comprehensive boss guide to overcoming this deadly challenge.

Understanding Mektul, The Forgemaster
Mektul, once a revered blacksmith, was corrupted by dark forces and bound to the forge that he once used to craft weapons of immense power. In the years since, his mind has fractured, and he is now a twisted version of his former self, fused with the very forge he once commanded. Mektul’s appearance reflects this corruption – his body is a grotesque combination of flesh and molten metal, with the heat of his forge constantly emanating from his form. His eyes burn like coals, and his roar is the sound of anvils being struck.

In terms of lore, Mektul is not just a blacksmith – he is a tragic figure. Once a man of pride and dedication, he became consumed by the idea of creating the perfect weapon, leading to his eventual downfall. Now, his forge has become a prison, trapping his essence and fueling his rage. The powerful weapons he forged in life now serve as instruments of death, and Mektul’s mission is clear: to craft the ultimate weapon by any means necessary.

Location: The Forge of Mektul
Before you can face Mektul, you’ll need to locate his forge. This will take you deep into the Dunes of Malathea, a region scattered with molten rivers, ancient forges, and remnants of lost civilizations. As you approach his lair, you will be greeted by the sounds of clanging hammers and the scent of burning metal.

Navigating this area requires caution, as the ground is unstable and filled with traps, molten pools, and various monster types that will relentlessly chase you down. Keep your eyes peeled for unusual terrain and hidden paths that can lead you closer to Mektul’s forge. You may also come across various artifacts and items scattered across the region, hinting at the once-thriving forge that now serves as a haunted tomb.

Preparation: What You Need to Know
Before facing Mektul, you’ll want to make sure your character is properly prepared for the challenge ahead. Here are a few critical aspects to focus on:

1. Resistances and Defense
Mektul’s forge is a fiery, volatile environment. Expect a significant amount of fire and physical damage throughout the fight. You should ensure that your resistances are at their maximum, particularly fire resistance. Equipping gear that boosts your elemental resistances, as well as your maximum life and energy shield, will be crucial for surviving his onslaught.

2. Movement and Mobility
Mektul’s arena is filled with traps and fire-based hazards. Staying mobile is key to avoiding deadly effects. You will need to utilize fast movement skills like Leap Slam, Flame Dash, or Whirling Blades to dodge attacks and stay out of dangerous areas, especially as the floor can become littered with patches of molten lava and other environmental hazards.

3. Damage Output
While defense is important, dealing with Mektul efficiently requires high damage output. His various phases mean that if you’re unable to consistently apply damage during his vulnerable windows, the fight could drag on, leaving you open to getting overwhelmed. Make sure your build is optimized for sustained damage, whether through high single-target DPS or powerful AoE attacks to clear the minions he summons.

4. Consumables
Bring ample amounts of health and mana flasks, as the fight can get extremely chaotic. Mektul will frequently use attacks that drain your health quickly, so having instant recovery flasks or flasks that grant immunity to fire and bleeding will be incredibly helpful.

Understanding Mektul’s Phases and Abilities
Mektul is a complex boss with multiple phases and a variety of deadly attacks. Understanding these mechanics will be key to overcoming him. The fight is divided into three distinct phases, each escalating the danger as Mektul becomes more powerful.

Phase 1: The Foundry of Flame
At the start of the fight, Mektul will be positioned at the center of his forge, surrounded by towering anvils and molten rivers. During this phase, Mektul will use a series of fire-based attacks to deal damage, along with summons of molten creatures to distract you.

Key Mechanics:

Molten Hammer Strike: Mektul will slam the ground with his massive molten hammer, sending out shockwaves that deal fire and physical damage in a large radius. You’ll need to avoid these shockwaves by moving away from the impact area.

Lava Pools: Throughout the arena, Mektul will cause pools of lava to spawn on the ground. Standing in these pools will deal significant fire damage over time, so you’ll need to keep an eye on the POE2 Currency for sale arena’s layout and avoid standing still for too long.

Forge Minions: Mektul summons molten golems that relentlessly pursue the player. These minions deal moderate physical damage and will try to corner you. Dealing with these golems quickly is important, as they can overwhelm you if left unchecked.