In Act 2 of Path of Exile 2 (POE 2), players venture into the Vastiri Desert in pursuit of the Beast of Corruption, with the ultimate goal of vanquishing Jamanra, the Risen King. However, this mission involves several intermediary quests and challenges. Among them is the assembly of the Horn of Orbala, a key artifact required to delve deeper into the desert. One of the pivotal steps in this journey is the quest “City of Seven Waters,” where players must obtain the Essence of Water by defeating Azarian, the Forsaken Son. This guide will walk you through the process of locating and defeating Azarian.

Locating Azarian, the Forsaken Son

To encounter Azarian, you must first traverse through Keth, the Lost City, and proceed to the Buried Shrines. Deep within the shrines, Azarian stands as a guardian of the Water Goddess, barring your path to the Essence of Water. Prepare thoroughly, as this battle is a true test of skill and strategy.

The Battle Arena

The confrontation with Azarian occurs in a square arena, designed with environmental hazards that add a layer of complexity to the fight. Four massive braziers are stationed at the corners of the arena, each capable of exploding when struck by attacks. These explosions cause widespread flames to engulf the corresponding corner of the arena, creating dangerous zones that inflict continuous fire damage.

If all four braziers are destroyed, the majority of the arena will be blanketed in flames, leaving only a small, relatively safe area at the center. However, this central zone places you in close proximity to Azarian, increasing the risk of his powerful melee attacks. As such, it is critical to avoid inadvertently striking the braziers during the fight.

Azarian’s Abilities and How to Counter Them

Azarian employs a variety of fire-based attacks, each with its unique patterns and damage potential. Understanding these attacks is essential to surviving and eventually defeating him.

1. Flaming Advance

Azarian charges in a straight line while rotating his weapon, dealing damage with each swing. This attack has a short wind-up animation, providing players with a brief window to anticipate and evade it. To counter Flaming Advance, move to the side as soon as you notice the wind-up animation.

2. Fireball Toss

Azarian thrusts his arm into the ground and launches a series of fireballs that spread out in a cone. These fireballs may create temporary walls of fire that hinder movement. The direction of the fireballs corresponds to the side where his arm is pulled out. Position yourself on the opposite side to minimize exposure to this attack.

3. Flame Shot

Azarian pulls his arm back and quickly extends it forward, throwing a cone of fireballs. This attack is faster than Fireball Toss and can catch players off-guard. To evade, maintain a safe distance and move laterally when you see the arm movement.

4. Flame Slam

Azarian raises his arm before slamming it down, creating two short cones of fire. This attack is particularly damaging and slightly tracks the player’s movement. Instead of dodging immediately upon seeing the arm raise, wait for the slam’s trajectory and dodge at the last moment to avoid unnecessary damage.

Strategies for Success

1. Manage the Braziers

The braziers are a double-edged sword in this fight. While their explosions create dangerous fire zones, they also serve as a warning to control your attacks carefully. Avoid using area-of-effect (AoE) skills or wide-ranging attacks that might inadvertently hit the braziers.

2. Optimize Your Equipment

To mitigate the fire damage from Azarian’s attacks and the brazier flames, prioritize gear with high fire resistance. A Ruby Charm is particularly effective, as it significantly reduces fire damage. If you have access to POE 2 Currency, consider using a Regal Orb to enhance the rarity and attributes of your charms and other equipment.

3. Class-Specific Tips

Ranged Builds: Ranged characters can maintain distance from Azarian, reducing the risk of direct melee attacks. However, as the arena becomes increasingly engulfed in flames, you may be forced into the central zone, where Azarian’s attacks are most dangerous. Focus on positioning and mobility to minimize damage.

Melee Builds: Melee characters face the challenge of staying close to Azarian while avoiding his devastating Flaming Advance and Flame Slam. Equip high-durability armor with fire resistance and use skills that enhance mobility or temporarily increase damage mitigation.

4. Study Attack Patterns

Azarian’s attacks are consistent in their wind-ups and execution. Take time to observe his patterns during the initial phases of the fight. By mastering the timing of his moves, you can dodge effectively and identify opportunities to counterattack.

5. Use Utility Skills

Utility skills like movement boosts, healing abilities, or temporary damage reduction can be game-changers. Keep a health potion or fire-resistance flask ready to counteract damage spikes. Movement skills such as Dash or Blink Arrow can help you reposition quickly and avoid fire zones or Azarian’s attacks.

Continuous Improvement

The battle with Azarian is designed to test players’ adaptability and perseverance. If you find yourself struggling, don’t be discouraged. Each attempt will improve your understanding of his mechanics and your ability to react to his moves. Over time, you’ll develop a strategy tailored to your build and playstyle.

Rewards and Progression

Defeating Azarian grants access to the Essence of Water, a crucial component of the Horn of Orbala. This victory not only progresses your journey in Act 2 but also prepares you for the greater challenges that lie ahead in the Vastiri Desert.

Additionally, players can enhance their characters’ power by participating in POE2 Currency giveaway events hosted on MMOEXP Discord. Take advantage of these opportunities to bolster your arsenal and improve your chances against formidable foes like Azarian.

Conclusion

Azarian, the Forsaken Son, is a formidable adversary who tests your mastery of combat mechanics, positioning, and resource management in Path of Exile 2. By understanding his attack patterns, optimizing your gear, and adapting your strategy, you can overcome this challenging encounter and claim the Essence of Water. With perseverance and preparation, the journey through the Vastiri Desert will be yours to conquer.