PoE 2 Boss Guide: Benedictus, First Herald of Utopia Strategy & Drops

Benedictus is a high-ranking leader of the Twilight Covenant, who directly owes allegiance to a mysterious entity known as 'The Savior'.He is a human wizard wearing a magnificent robe and holding a staff, skilled in Earth and Lightning magic, and displaying extreme arrogance in battle.Benedictus's actions did not stem from mere evil, but from an extremely distorted form of idealism.

Lore & Background

When you damage Benedictus to 75% health, he will summon a circular maze that he will eventually destroy to inflict damage. At 50% health, Benedictus will lift two structures from the side of arena and drop it to you. He will also gain a lightning beam that he will cast at you. All of Benedictus' attacks will be AoE and be more lethal as his health gets lower.

Core Mechanics

The battle takes place in his grand cathedral. Benedictus floats above the ground, wielding the elements of Lightning and Physical damage. The fight has distinct phases representing his descent into madness.

Phase 1: Ordinary form

• 1. Gravity Rocks 
  Description: Summon floating boulders, blue electric rings appear on the ground as a warning, followed by the boulders crashing down.
  Strategy: Step out of the blue circle area.
• 2. Melee Attack
  Description: The Skeleton Snake that's attached to Benedictus will strike you when in close range.
  Strategy: This attack is often a straight line, so sidestep or roll to the side to dodge this attack. It is also slow, so you can free hit after dodging.
• 3. Lightning Storm
  Description: Call down a lightning bolt to strike directly at the player's current position.
  Strategy: Stay mobile and don't stand in one place.

Phase 2: Circular Maze (75% HP)

Benedictus teleports to the center of the field and enters an invulnerable state. Release a full-screen lightning shockwave.

• 1. Circular Maze
  Description: Benedictus will summon a circle maze to trap you in, and he will destroy it when you get trapped, which deals massive damage. Two circles of rock walls rise up, forming a maze. A few seconds later, the walls explode.
  Strategy:  Once the circle maze emerges, quickly pass through its gaps to prevent damage.

Phase 3: Utopia Arrives (50%HP)

Benedictus teleports to the center of the field and enters an invulnerable state. Release a full-screen lightning shockwave.

• 1. Earth Pillars
  Description: Benedictus will summon six earth pillars in the arena, and he will induce lightning element to each pillar that deals damage when you get near the pillar.
  Strategy: The duration of this pillar will be longer if Benedictus' health is lower. Stay away from the earth pillars to prevent damage. While Benedictus is casting this attack, you can free hit because he will be occupied with casting the spell.

Phase 4: Chaos (25%HP)

• 1. Line Maze
  Description: Several parallel charged stone walls rise up.
  Strategy:  Pay attention to the glowing marks on the ground as path guides, or channels without d current. Do not touch the walls.

 A One-Sentence Survival Guide
75% Health: When you hear 'Divinity', run to the center and enter the maze.
50% Health: When you hear 'Utopia', run to the center and avoid the pillars.
Throughout: When you hear 'Die in a pit of lies', do your best to roll behind his back.

Recommended Builds

Benedictus has high Energy Shield in Phase 1 and high Health regen in Phase 2.

• Sorceress - Chaos/Occultist: Chaos damage bypasses his annoying Energy Shield in the first phase, speeding up the fight significantly.
• Warrior - Shield Charge: High mobility is needed to dodge the slams. Using a shield helps mitigate the physical damage from his "Hand" attacks.
• Key Stats: Lightning Resistance (75%+) is mandatory for Phase 1. Chaos Resistance is vital for Phase 2.

Loot Table

As a major campaign boss, Benedictus drops high-tier loot and items related to the Templar faction.