Zalmarath, The Colossus, is a formidable boss encounter in Path of Exile 2, appearing at the end of the A Crown of Stone quest. This guide will break down the key strategies, attack patterns, and tips to help you defeat Zalmarath efficiently.

Where To Find Zalmarath, The Colossus

Quest: A Crown of Stone

Location: Titan Grotto (accessible through the Valley of the Titans)

Objective: Defeat Zalmarath to obtain the Flame Ruby

Path to Zalmarath

Activate Three Ancient Seals in the Valley of the Titans to unlock the path to the Titan Grotto.

Use Checkpoints and Waypoints to save progress and restock supplies.

Deep within the Titan Grotto, you'll find the Dais of Reckoning, where Zalmarath awaits.

Zalmarath's Attack Patterns and How to Avoid Them

Zalmarath's moves are powerful and cover large portions of the arena. Understanding each attack's mechanics is crucial for survival.

1. Sword Stab (Close Range)

Effect: Zalmarath thrusts its massive sword into the ground, dealing heavy damage in a straight line.

How to Avoid: Stay mobile and sidestep to either side as Zalmarath winds up the attack. Close-range players can bait this move by staying near its front.

2. Arm Sweep (Mid-Range Cleave)

Effect: Zalmarath sweeps its arm in a wide arc, dealing AoE damage.

How to Avoid: Stick closer to Zalmarath's side to stay out of the sweep range. Watch for the arm pull-back animation as a warning.

3. Rockfall (Arena Hazard)

Effect: Rocks fall from the ceiling, dealing area damage and destroying parts of the arena.

How to Avoid: Watch for glowing red circles that telegraph impact zones. Prioritize moving to safer spaces with remaining floor sections.

4. Ground Slam (Massive AoE)

Effect: Zalmarath raises both arms and slams the ground, creating a shockwave that expands across the arena.

How to Avoid: Quickly move away from Zalmarath when you see it raising both arms - this is your warning sign. Speed and timing are key here.

Best Strategies to Defeat Zalmarath

Stay Close for Evasion: Despite its size, Zalmarath's melee attacks are easier to avoid up close. Staying near its legs reduces the risk of Rockfall and lets you evade the arm sweep more easily.

Positioning is Critical: As parts of the arena fall away, avoid standing near the arena's edges. Keeping Zalmarath toward the center provides more room to maneuver.

Control Effects Help: Skills that apply Chill, Slow, or Temporal Chains will dramatically reduce Zalmarath's attack frequency, giving you better reaction time.

Mobility Skills are Essential: Equip skills like Dash, Flame Dash, or Leap Slam to reposition quickly. Movement speed boosts will also help you dodge the Rockfall zones.

Potion Management: Save your Life Flasks for emergencies, and keep Quartz Flasks (for phasing) or Jade Flasks (for evasion) active during critical phases.

Rewards for Defeating Zalmarath

Flame Ruby - A crucial item for progressing through the A Crown of Stone quest.

Valuable loot including Path of Exile 2 currency and Path of Exile 2 items.

Recommended Builds for Success

Ranged Builds: Keep distance and focus on kiting during the Rockfall phase.

Melee Builds: Hug Zalmarath's body and focus on rapid movement to sidestep key attacks.

Summoner Builds: Minions can effectively draw aggro, giving you better positioning opportunities.

Final Tip:

Learning Zalmarath's attack animations is key. The more familiar you become with its timing, the easier it becomes to predict and avoid its devastating moves.

With persistence, proper positioning, and strategic use of your skills, having PoE 2 currency and PoE 2 items will significantly improve your chances against Zalmarath. You'll conquer Zalmarath and continue your journey through Path of Exile 2!