PoE 2 Boss Guide: Rudja, The Dread Engineer Strategy & Drops

Rudja, The Dread Engineer is the mechanical guardian encountered in The Furnace Core, the deepest level of the massive Dreadnought Vanguard in Act 2 of Path of Exile 2. Tasked with fueling the relentless war machine of the Risen King, Rudja fights amidst roaring engines and scorching steam. This fight is a claustrophobic battle of endurance, requiring players to navigate a room that periodically fills with lethal fire and superheated gas.

Lore & Background

Rudja was the chief artificer of the Faridun, a genius who unlocked the secrets of refining volatile "Sand-Oil" to power the ancient machines. However, his obsession with the Dreadnought's engine consumed him—quite literally.

The intense heat of the core fused his protective suit to his skin, and the toxic fumes warped his mind. He no longer cares for the war outside; his only purpose is to "feed the beast" (the engine). To stop the Dreadnought, you must slay the man who keeps its heart beating.

Core Mechanics

Rudja deals high Physical Damage (Melee) and massive Fire Damage (Environmental). The arena is filled with vents and grates. The fight revolves around the Heat Level of the room.

Phase 1: 

• 1. Flamethrower
  Description: Rudja spins in a circle while unleashing flames from her flamethrower. The attack spreads fire in all directions and leaves patches of burning ground that cause fire damage over time if stepped on.
  Strategy: Counter this by doing a dodge-roll through the trajectory of the flames to avoid the damage. The fire has a narrow hitbox, so time your roll correctly to prevent taking damage. 
• 2. Grenade
  Description: Rudja throws a single Explosive Grenade that explodes after a short delay. 
  Strategy: Roll out of the circular blast radius before the grenade explodes to counter this attack.
• 3. Multiple hand grenades
  Description: Throw three grenade bombs simultaneously; the bombs scatter within the arena and explode after a short delay.
  Strategy: After throwing the grenade, immediately roll towards Rudja to take cover from the outwardly spreading explosion.

Recommended Builds

Rudja has high Physical mitigation due to his heavy suit. Elemental damage (specifically Cold) works best.

• Sorceress - Ice Nova/Frost: Rudja is susceptible to Chill. Slowing his animations makes dodging his Wrench Slam much easier and gives you more time to react to the floor mechanics.
• Mercenary - Grenade Launcher: You can fire grenades over the Burning Ground patches without needing to step in them. The burst damage can also stagger him.
• Key Stats: Fire Resistance (75%) is mandatory. A Ruby Flask is essential for the second phase.

Loot Table

Rudja drops the key required to stop the Dreadnought and progress the Act 2 story.