PoE 2 Boss Guide: Draven, Eternal Praetor Strategy & Drops

Draven, Eternal Praetor is an optional undead boss encountered in the Defiled Catacombs, a sub-area of the Cemetery of the Eternals in Act 1 of Path of Exile 2. While the Eternal Empire fell centuries ago, its elite soldiers were buried in the Ogham region. Draven was a Praetor of high standing, now resurrected by the corruption to guard the ancient dead. This fight is an early test of Shield Mechanics and Lightning Resistance.

Lore & Background

Long before the Iron Count ruled the manor, the Eternal Empire extended its reach into Ogham. Draven was a Praetor assigned to secure the region's borders. When he fell in battle, he was interred with full military honors in the local catacombs.

The spreading corruption from the seed has seeped into the tombs, knitting Draven's bones back together within his gilded plate. He fights not for a living emperor, but out of a twisted muscle memory, striking down any "trespassers" who disturb the silence of the crypts.

Core Mechanics

Draven deals Physical Damage and Lightning Damage. As an Act 1 boss, his mechanics are simpler but punish players who blindly spam attacks into his shield.

Phase 1: 

• 1. Chop slash strike
  Description: Raise a long sword and strike the ground fiercely. This generates a forward-spreading green shockwave or causes the ground to split.
  Strategy: Pay attention to his hand-raising movement and do not stand directly in front of him.
• 2. Green Flame Barrage
  Description: The boss will swing its sword and release multiple ring-shaped green splashes of flame.
  Strategy:  Once you see the boss about to swing its sword, immediately step back and stand in the gaps created by the flames at a certain distance to avoid them.
• 3. Chop Combo
  Description: The Boss swings his sword at you at least 4 times.
  Strategy: Pay attention and roll to dodge.
• 4. Green Flame Rune
  Description: The boss summons green flames in a circular shape from the ground 3 times. Before the Flames summon, a circular ring appears from the ground which indicates the AOE of the attack.
  Strategy: Leave the circle rune range.
  

Recommended Builds

Since this is Act 1, your build options are limited, but certain strategies work best.

• Warrior - Heavy Slam: Timing a heavy slam right after he finishes his charge allows you to break his posture (Stagger) effectively.
• Ranger - Lightning Arrow: While he has some lightning resistance (Lore), the arcing capability of Lightning Arrow helps clear the skeletal minions he occasionally summons.
• Key Stats: Lightning Resistance (try to get a Sapphire Ring or Topaz Ring early). Stun Recovery is helpful against his shield bash.

Loot Table

Draven is a great source for early game "Soldier" archetype gear and accessories.