POE 2 Rathbreaker Boss Guide: How to Beat, Location, and Rewards

Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) brings a new wave of thrilling boss battles, and Rathbreaker is one of the first major hurdles in Act 2. A menacing hunter leading a horde of hyena demons, Rathbreaker will test your combat skills with overwhelming numbers and devastating attacks. In this guide, we'll break down Rathbreaker's location, movesets, and the best strategies for defeating him, ensuring you're well-prepared to maximize your rewards.

Rathbreaker Overview

• Location: Vastiri Outskirts, Act 2 (Raider’s Cliffs)

• Damage Type: Physical

• Resistances: None

• Weaknesses: None

• Main Threats: Swarming enemies, spear barrages, high-damage combo attacks

• Reward: Progression in the Earning Passage quest

Rathbreaker is no ordinary boss fight - it's a battle of endurance and strategy. With multiple enemies constantly harassing you, positioning and timing are crucial.

Where to Find Rathbreaker

Rathbreaker is located in the outskirts of Vastiri, specifically at Raider's Cliffs, near the Maraketh Bazaar. As Path of Exile 2's maps are procedurally generated, the exact layout of the area can vary. However, look out for a clifftop camp swarming with hyena demons and raiders - this is where Rathbreaker awaits.

Rathbreaker's Moveset and How to Dodge

Understanding Rathbreaker’s attack patterns will give you a significant advantage. Here’s what to expect:

1. Default Melee Attack

• What it Does: Rathbreaker swings his sword in a basic slash.

• How to Dodge: Sidestep or roll backward when he winds up the attack. Use this window to land counterattacks.

2. Three-Stroke Combo

• What it Does: A three-hit sequence ending in a powerful shockwave slash.

• How to Dodge: The first two hits are manageable, but the third is lethal. When he swipes the ground, prepare to dodge immediately to avoid the final devastating blow.

3. Charge Attack

• What it Does: Rathbreaker roars and rushes forward in a straight line.

• How to Dodge: Move to the side when you hear the roar. He moves fast, so anticipate the charge early.

4. Shockwave Slashes

• What it Does: Rathbreaker swings twice, sending out two shockwaves in straight lines.

• How to Dodge: If you see him lowering his sword behind him, quickly reposition out of his line of sight.

5. Overhead Smash

• What it Does: A heavy downward smash with a wide AoE impact.

• How to Dodge: Dodge-roll behind him right before he swings.

Best Strategy to Defeat Rathbreaker

1. Clear Out the Hyena Demons

Rathbreaker doesn't fight alone. Hyena Demons will constantly spawn and attack you throughout the battle. If you ignore them, they'll quickly overwhelm you. Use AoE attacks to clear them out regularly.

2. Positioning is Everything

• Fighting too close to the cliffs will expose you to raiders throwing spears from above.

• Fighting too far down will trigger massive hyena swarms.

• The best approach is to lure Rathbreaker near the cliff edge, where he’s away from spear barrages and the hyenas can be funneled into a manageable area.

3. Dodge the Third Strike in His Combo

Rathbreaker's three strike combo is his most dangerous attack. The first two strikes don't do much damage, but the third is devastating. As soon as you see him swinging, stop attacking and concentrate on dodging.

4. Use a High-Damage, Mobile Build

Since this fight involves constant movement, favor builds that emphasize:

• High mobility skills (Dash, Flame Dash, Blink Arrow)

• Fast-hitting or AoE abilities (Cyclone, Cleave, Explosive Trap)

• Crowd control options (Frost Nova, Temporal Chains, Shockwave Totem)

5. Use Potions Wisely

You’ll likely take chip damage from spear attacks and hyena bites, so keep instant life flasks handy. Stamina-based builds should bring Quicksilver Flasks for mobility.

Rathbreaker Rewards

As well as random loot, defeating Rathbreaker will earn you the respect of Zarka, the leader of the Maraketh caravan. This grants you a place in her ranks and allows you to progress through Act 2 of Earning Passage.

Recommended Gear and Skills

Weapons & Gear

• High DPS melee weapons (for direct strikes)

• Wands or bows (for safer ranged combat)

• Armor with high evasion or armor rating (to mitigate physical damage)

• Flasks for instant health recovery

Best Skills for Rathbreaker Fight

• Cyclone – High DPS and constant movement

• Flame Dash – Quick repositioning to avoid his charge attack

• Explosive Trap – Strong burst damage for the boss and his minions

• Cleave – Excellent for handling the hyena swarms

• Molten Shell – Extra defense when dealing with multiple enemies

Final Thoughts

Rathbreaker is an early game boss that will teach you the importance of positioning, crowd control and dodging telegraphed attacks. Use your mobility to clear the swarming hyenas and be patient with your openings. If you're prepared, Rathbreaker will fall and you'll be well on your way to dominating Act 2 of Path of Exile 2.

For more tips on tweaking your build and gear, check out the PoE 2 currency options on Kit4Game to ensure you're always battle-ready!