Zalmarath, the Colossus, is the final boss of the A Crown of Stone quest and can be found at the end of the Titan Grotto. Defeating him is vital for progression in Path of Exile 2, as it marks the completion of the A Crown of Stone quest and rewards you with valuable items, including the Flame Ruby, needed to advance further.
In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about Zalmarath, the Colossus, including strategies, weaknesses, the best builds, and how to defeat him.
How to Find Zalmarath in Path of Exile 2
The encounter with Zalmarath takes place at the Dais of Reckoning, located deep within the Titan Grotto. To reach this area, you’ll first need to traverse the Valley of the Titans and activate three Ancient Seals to unlock the path to the Titan Grotto.
The Valley of the Titans is expansive, so make use of Checkpoints and Waypoints to rest and prepare as needed. Once inside the Titan Grotto, follow the path to the Dais of Reckoning, where Zalmarath awaits your challenge.
Zalmarath Attack Patterns, Strategies, and Weaknesses in Path of Exile 2
Zalmarath primarily deals physical damage, but also uses a few attacks that inflict fire and lightning damage. To prepare for this fight, it’s essential to maximize your armor rating to reduce the damage you take from the boss.
Here are Zalmarath’s attacks and the best strategies to evade them:
| ATTACK | DESCRIPTION | STRATEGY TO USE |
| Sword Thrust | Zalmarath will plunge its sword into the arena and then drag it back toward itself. | When Zalmarath raises its sword, move out of the way to avoid the stab. This attack is fairly easy to dodge but can cause significant damage if it connects. |
| Electric Bolts | Zalmarath will unleash waves of projectiles while moving in a quarter-circle around the arena’s edge. | To avoid them, move to the opposite side of the arena and follow Zalmarath’s direction to stay clear of the projectiles. |
| Arm Swing | Zalmarath will swipe its arm across the arena, pulling in players and dealing damage. | This attack covers a wide area, so if you can’t dodge the boss’s arm, try running in the opposite direction to avoid the hit. |
| Falling Debris | Zalmarath will shoot a laser at the ceiling, causing debris to fall around the arena. One of the debris pieces will be larger than the rest and will damage the area where it lands. | The falling debris is signaled by swirling dust circles on the ground. Avoid these circles to dodge the debris. |
| Stone Surge | Zalmarath will bring its arm down, sending out a wave of rocks that cause damage. | When Zalmarath lifts its arm, it’s your signal to move out of the way. The boss may use this attack twice in succession, so be ready to dodge again. |
| Laser | Zalmarath will unleash a laser, damaging everything in its path. Typically, the laser fires in a straight line without movement, but occasionally the boss will sweep the laser across the arena. | The laser starts close to Zalmarath’s body and then extends outward, giving you time to dodge. However, be prepared to keep moving if the boss shifts the laser’s direction. |
| Vril Phantasms | Vril Phantasms will spawn from one side of the arena and try to swarm you. | Eliminate them quickly to avoid being overwhelmed by damage. AoE attacks are highly effective for managing these enemies. |
| Laser Beam Sweep | Zalmarath will drive its sword into the arena and prepare to unleash a massive laser wave. This attack inflicts heavy, continuous damage unless you take cover behind the sword. | As soon as Zalmarath embeds its sword into the ground and releases it, quickly run behind it to avoid the laser wave. |
| Flame Wisps | Zalmarath will strike the ground with its fist, summoning fiery tendrils that deal damage as they spread. | The tendrils move in random directions, making them challenging to dodge. Pay attention to their paths and try to position yourself in a safe area. |
Zalmarath will continue this sequence of attacks until it is defeated. As parts of the arena are destroyed by falling debris, avoiding Zalmarath’s attacks will become more difficult as the fight progresses.
Note: the most crucial attack to dodge is the massive laser beam sweep. Make sure to position yourself behind Zalmarath’s sword as soon as it is planted in the ground, or you risk being instantly killed.
Zalmarath’s Weaknesses
Zalmarath has one major weakness: it’s slow. If you time your moves correctly, you can deal significant damage between its attacks. Zalmarath is particularly vulnerable to cold damage, so focusing on that can help you deal more damage. In the beginning, focus on dodging its moves while landing hits when possible. Once you’re comfortable with its pattern, increase the pressure. Attack with everything you’ve got during its downtime, and you should be able to defeat it before the arena becomes too small to maneuver.
Best Build for Fighting Zalmarath in Path of Exile 2
Forget about building up the stun bar in the standard version of Act 2, as it is nearly impossible to stun him. However, his health pool is not very high and can be drained quickly with the right damaging setups.
Here are some tips for different builds:
- Melee Classes: The fight is significantly easier for melee classes, such as the Warrior and Monk. These classes will have an advantage in close combat.
- Ranged Classes: When Zalmarath performs his laser attack, stay near his body to avoid the full impact.
For the lightning bolts, simply avoid each one and move to the opposite side from Zalmarath, as the bolts spread further while traveling.
Note: Always deal with the small mobs that fly in during the fight, as they can freeze you, which can lead to death.
