Throughout your journey, you must’ve encountered numerous formidable adversaries, but only few can match the unyielding ferocity of Blackjaw, The Remnant. Deep within The Oubliette of Jiquani’s Machinarium, this optional boss awaits. While facing him isn’t mandatory, it is highly recommended, as defeating Blackjaw grants a unique reward—a permanent 10% Fire Resistance buff—that proves invaluable in end-game challenges.
This guide will provide you with everything you need to know to conquer Blackjaw, the Remnant.
How to Prepare for the Fight with Blackjack, the Remnant in Path of Exile 2
Gear, Build, and Skills
- High Fire Resistance Gear: Blackjaw’s attacks inflict substantial fire damage, making fire resistance essential. Equip gear that boosts fire resistance and carry potions to reduce elemental damage or enhance health regeneration.
- Healing Weapons: Equip weapons or items with healing properties, as this lengthy battle demands strong sustain to withstand Blackjaw’s relentless assaults.
- Minion Builds: Players with minion-based builds, such as a Witch specialising in Raging Spirits, will find the fight easier. Use your minions to absorb damage while you stay safe and focus on applying curses or damage-over-time effects.
- Mobility Skills: Blackjaw employs slam attacks and wide, sweeping fire lines. Utilise abilities like dodge rolls, Blink Arrow, or Flame Dash to evade these lethal strikes.
- Frost or Cold Damage: Although not essential, cold-based attacks can slow Blackjaw’s relentless onslaught, providing you with crucial breathing room.
Blackjaw, the Remnant Fight Mechanics in Path of Exile 2
| ATTACK | DESCRIPTION |
| Stonebreaker Strike | Blackjaw swings his massive mace down with tremendous force, creating a shockwave in the target area that inflicts heavy damage. |
| Blazing Breath | Blackjaw releases a fiery breath in a sweeping arc from left to right, dealing Fire Damage and setting anything it touches ablaze. |
| Tail Swipe | Blackjaw strikes with its tail, knocking back nearby enemies and dealing minor damage. |
| Dragon’s Strike | Blackjaw swiftly swings its mace in a straight line, dealing moderate damage to anything in its path. |
| Skyfall Slam | Blackjaw leaps into the air and slams its mace down with tremendous force, striking a larger area and inflicting increased damage. |
| Blazing Arc | Blackjaw engulfs his mace in fire and swings it in a broad arc, striking all enemies in front of him with fiery, devastating blows. |
| Infernal Salvo | Blackjaw exhales fire into the air, unleashing multiple flaming projectiles aimed at the player. |
Strategies to Use Against Blackjaw, the Remnant in Path of Exile 2
Blackjaw the Remnant is a formidable boss, resembling a stone-like humanoid with dragon-like features. Armed with a colossal mace and fiery breath, he poses a significant challenge with his devastating slams, ranged fire attacks, and unpredictable tail swipes. The fight takes place in two phases.
Phase 1
In Phase 1, Blackjaw starts with his Stonebreaker Strike, where he lifts his mace high before slamming it down, creating a shockwave in the targeted area. To counter this, watch for his wind-up and dodge-roll away from the marked area to avoid the shockwave. Be cautious, as he may follow up with additional slams, so stay alert and ready to dodge again.
Another notable attack is Blazing Breath, where Blackjaw exhales a sweeping fire breath from left to right, dealing fire damage and igniting everything in its path. To evade this, run in a clockwise direction and prepare to dodge-roll either towards or away from Blackjaw to remain outside the breath’s range.
Blackjaw’s Tail Swipe is less threatening. He lashes out with his tail, pushing enemies back and dealing minor damage. This attack provides a chance to reposition strategically, so use it to stay close but not too near to him.
Lastly, Dragon’s Strike is a quick horizontal swipe of his mace, inflicting moderate damage. The best way to avoid this move is to remain behind Blackjaw, as the attack is predictable when you position yourself correctly.
Phase 2
When Blackjaw enters Phase 2, his attacks become more aggressive and deadly. One of his new abilities is the Skyfall Slam, where he leaps into the air and slams his mace down with increased force, covering a larger area and dealing more damage. To counter this, quickly move to the side and dodge in the direction of his landing spot. Timing is crucial, as you’ll have less time to react compared to his other moves.
Another new attack is the Blazing Arc, in which Blackjaw breathes fire onto his mace and swings it in a wide arc, dealing fire-infused cleave damage to all enemies in front of him. To avoid this, stay behind Blackjaw or swiftly move behind him. It’s important to keep your distance, as the attack has a large area of effect.
Finally, Infernal Salvo is an attack where Blackjaw exhales fire into the air, launching several flaming projectiles at the player. To dodge these projectiles, move sideways to stay out of their path. If there are pillars nearby, use them as cover to block the projectiles and shield yourself from damage.
Conclusion: Surviving Blackjaw’s attacks requires quick reflexes and careful positioning. In Phase 1, his attacks are powerful but generally predictable, so keep moving and use your mobility to dodge his shockwaves and fiery breath. As Blackjaw transitions to Phase 2, his attacks become more deadly, requiring even greater vigilance. You’ll need to exploit the brief openings after each of his moves. By staying calm, reacting swiftly, and positioning yourself effectively, you can avoid his most dangerous strikes and seize the right moments to counterattack.
