POE 2 Rudja, the Dread Engineer - How to Beat, Location, and Rewards

Path of Exile 2 (POE 2) introduces an intense new boss battle in Act 2: Rudja, the Dread Engineer. This formidable foe lurks deep within the Mawdun Mine, where she awaits challengers with a deadly arsenal of fire-based attacks and explosives. Defeating her not only advances the quest The Trail of Corruption, but also rewards players with valuable loot.

In this guide, we'll break down Rudja's attacks, strategies for defeating her, and her weaknesses while keeping it real for fellow Exiles who love the grind. Whether you're looking for POE 2 currency or just want to flex on this boss, we've got you covered.

How to Beat Rudja, the Dread Engineer

Key Strategies

1. Run When She Charges at You

One of Rudja's deadliest moves is her grenade charge, in which she swings her bomb-packed weapon while charging at you. If she connects, she triggers an explosion that can one-shot most players.

How to Counter:

• Keep moving or dodge roll away.

• Do not attack while she charges.

• After she finishes, she enters a short recovery period—use this window to dish out damage.

2. Avoid the Fire Bombs

Rudja throws Fire Bombs that explode after a short delay, dealing massive fire damage in a cluster. Getting caught in the explosion can quickly deplete your life pool.

How to Counter:

• Stay mobile and don’t linger near thrown bombs.

• Use movement skills (Dash, Frostblink) to escape danger zones.

• Equip gear with Fire Resistance to mitigate damage.

3. Dodge the Flamethrower

Rudja wields a flamethrower that sweeps in an arc, burning everything in its path. This attack can quickly drain your health if you get caught.

How to Counter:

• Move behind or to the sides of Rudja.

• If caught in the fire, dash through it instead of standing still.

• Use Cold-based skills to slow her down.

4. Equip Movement Speed Gear

Rudja might outpace you with her aggressive attacks, but you can counter that with gear.

Recommended Gear:

• Boots with Movement Speed modifiers.

• Chill and Freeze effects (via Cold spells) to slow her down.

Rudja, the Dread Engineer - Location

Where to Find Her

• Act 2: Mawdun Mine

• Found at the Munitions Bunker at the end of the Mawdun Mine.

• Part of the Trail of Corruption quest.

Keep in mind that POE 2 maps are randomly generated, so the exact layout will change.

Rudja, the Dread Engineer - Moveset & How to Dodge

Rudja's attack pattern revolves around explosives, fire-based attacks, and aggressive charges. Here’s a breakdown of her most dangerous moves and how to avoid them.

Attack List & Counters

Attack	Description	How to Dodge
Tar Grenade	Throws a grenade that explodes into a flammable tar pool	Avoid standing on the tar as it slows you down.
Direct Stun Grenade	Throws a grenade that stuns on impact	Dodge sideways when she winds up to throw.
Gas Grenade	Releases a poisonous gas that lingers in an area	Avoid standing in the green mist.
Flamethrower	Sweeps an arc of fire damage	Position yourself behind her or dash through the flames.
Stun Grenade Toss	Throws 3 grenades that detonate with a short delay	Move away from the glowing red grenades before they explode.
Dash Throw	Dashes away and throws a stun grenade	Be ready to dodge sideways after her dash.
Grenade Charge	Charges at the player while swinging a bomb-strapped weapon	Run or dodge until the attack ends; if she misses, she gets stunned.
AOE Fire Circle	Throws tar grenades before unleashing a full-area flamethrower attack	Circle around her to avoid getting burned.

Rudja, the Dread Engineer - Weaknesses & Resistances

Resistances	Weaknesses
Fire	Cold
Physical

Tip: Use Cold-based spells or weapons to exploit her weakness to Chill and Freeze.

Rewards for Defeating Rudja

Taking down Rudja rewards you with progress in The Trail of Corruption quest, as well as valuable loot.

Possible Rewards:

• Quest Progression: Unlocks new areas and story advancements.

• Fire-based gear drops (armor, weapons, and crafting materials).

• Chance for unique drops related to explosive damage or fire resistance.

• POE 2 currency drops—essential for crafting and trading.

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Final Thoughts

Rudja, the Dread Engineer, is an intense Act 2 boss in Path of Exile 2 that requires quick reflexes, good positioning, and fire resistance. By using cold damage, movement speed boosts, and smart dodging, you can take her down and progress through the story while stacking some solid loot. You can also check POE 2 Rathbreaker Boss Guide.

Stay sharp, Exiles! If you have your pro tips for defeating Rudja, drop them in the comments - let's help the community grind through this brutal boss together!