PoE 2 Boss Guide: Ketzuli, High Priest of the Sun Strategy & Drops

Ketzuli, High Priest of the Sun is a spectacular caster boss encountered in Temple of Kopec, a Vaal ziggurat located in the jungles of Act 3. As a fanatical survivor of the ancient Vaal Empire, Ketzuli wields the scorching power of the sun itself. This fight is a test of environmental awareness and precise timing, culminating in a deadly laser phase where a single mistake means instant death.

Lore & Background

While the rest of the Vaal Empire crumbled into ruin, Ketzuli and his acolytes maintained their vigil in the Sun Temple. Through centuries of ritual, he has kept the temple's solar core active, believing that one day it will usher in the return of the Vaal's golden age.

He is not merely a priest but a living conduit for the sun's wrath. He sees all outsiders as heretics who seek to defile his sacred sanctuary. To face him is to face the unrelenting fury of a dying star.

Core Mechanics

Ketzuli deals exclusively Fire Damage. The arena is a circular platform with several large, destructible stone pillars. These pillars are not just obstacles; they are your only hope of survival.

Phase 1: The Sun Priest

• 1. Fireball Barrage
  Description: Ketzuli hovers and unleashes a volley of slow-moving fireballs that leave patches of Burning Ground.
  Strategy: Weave through the gaps between the projectiles. Do not stand in the fire, as the damage over time is significant.
• 2. Flame Dash
  Description: He teleports to a new location in a burst of fire, often repositioning to get a better angle on the player.
  Strategy: Be ready to close the distance. He typically follows this up with an immediate spell cast.
• 3. Solar Flare
  Description: The boss will accumulate flame energy, which rises to the sky and summons countless small flames that fall like rain, tracking your movement.
  Strategy: You need to keep moving around the area to avoid the fire rain until it ends.Pay attention to the attack path and keep moving to avoid it.

• 4. Solar Beam
  Description: Ketzuli floats to the center of the arena and begins charging a massive, screen-wide beam of solar energy. He then rotates, sweeping the beam across the entire platform.
  Strategy: This is a one-shot kill mechanic. You must hide behind one of the stone pillars to block the beam. The beam will destroy the pillar on contact, so you must move to the next pillar to survive the full rotation.
• 5. Flame Black Hole
  Description: The boss will summon a large and slow-moving fire-black hole, which is surrounded by intense flames and will slowly move around the arena.
  Strategy: It moves very slowly, giving you ample time to adjust your position. Always pay attention to its movement path and move to a safe area.

Recommended Builds

Mobility is paramount. Builds that can deal damage while repositioning are highly effective.

• Sorceress - Ice/Frost: As a fire-based boss, Ketzuli is weak to cold. Chilling or freezing him can slow his casting animations, giving you more time to react.
• Ranger - Kiting: The ability to move while shooting is crucial for dodging the Fireball Barrage and repositioning between pillars during the Solar Beam.
• Key Stats: Fire Resistance (75%) is mandatory. Movement Speed on boots is essential for surviving the Solar Beam phase.

Loot Table

Ketzuli drops a key quest item needed to progress through Act 3.