PoE 2 Boss Guide: Tavakai, The Chieftain Strategy & Drops

Tavakai, The Chieftain is the relentless final boss of Act 4 in Path of Exile 2. Encountered in the Heart of the Tribe on Ngakanu Island, he is a tragic figure corrupted by the very weapon he sought to wield for his people. This marathon encounter spans three distinct phases, each evolving his powers from physical brute force to eldritch blood magic and finally into a void-consumed monster.

Lore & Background

Once the noble leader of the Karui tribes, Tavakai sought to unite his people against the encroaching darkness. However, in his desperation, he seized a forbidden weapon forged by the First Herald, Benedictus. The weapon's corruption instantly consumed him, twisting his devotion to the Ancestors into a mad hunger for power.

He now stands as a gatekeeper to the endgame, wielding the corrupted powers of Jade, Blood, and Shadow. Defeating him is not just a battle for survival, but an act of mercy to free his soul from the entity that has possessed him.

Core Mechanics

This is an endurance fight. Tavakai has three full health bars (or phases where he heals), changing his arena and abilities each time. Management of your Flask charges is critical.

Phase 1: The Chieftain (Jade Form)

• 1. Jade Sunder
  Description: Strike the ground to generate straight emerald spikes.
  Strategy: His tell (raising the axe) is very obvious and slow. Do not run backward because the straight-line distance is far; rolling to the side or rolling behind him is the optimal position to output.
• 2. Summon Warrior Spirit
  Description: Summon the green statue and then detonate it.
  Strategy: Intentionally getting close to the statues to trigger their self-destruct countdown, then immediately rolling away.
• 3. Jade Sunder
  Description: Wide-area fan-shaped attack.
  Strategy: The closer you are to him, the shorter the distance you need to move to dodge the fan-shaped area. Circle around his model while staying close.

Phase 2: The Fallen (Blood Form)

At 50% HP, he transforms into "The Fallen," heals to full, and drags you to a new arena. He gains Blood and Moon abilities.

• 1. Aronhongui,Daughter of the Moon（Voice Lines）
  Description: A massive beam of pale moonlight (or ice) tracks across the arena, bisecting the ground and leaving a damaging trail.
  Strategy: Stop attacking and run. The beam deals lethal damage over time. You must cross to the safe side of the arena before the beam cuts off your escape.
• 2. Ramako,Father of the Sun
  Description: Summon the huge solar fireball that descends slowly.
  Strategy: When you hear a voice or see a fireball appear, immediately run to the farthest edge of the map,After the fireball lands and creates a large Burning Ground, run back to the center.Never let the fireball land in the center of the field; otherwise, you will have no place to stand later.
• 2. Blood Tentacles
  Description: Red tentacles erupt from his body or the ground, lashing out at nearby players. Hits apply Shock and Ignite.
  Strategy: The tentacles can predict your movement path. Irregular movement is more effective than running in a straight line to avoid damage. Pay attention to the Bleed effect caused by the tentacles, and drink medicine in time to remove the debuff

Phase 3: The Consumed (Shadow Form)

In his final form, he becomes a monstrosity of shadow and nature. The arena itself becomes a weapon.

• 1. Tawhoa's Forest
  Description: Tavakai covers the entire floor in cursed green flora, except for a small safe zone in the center.
  Strategy: Standing among plants, the damage you cause will be significantly reduced.You must quickly find that small patch of grass-free clearing (usually under the Boss or in the center of the arena) and stand there to output; only then can you damage him.
• 2. Shadow Dragons
  Description: He opens tears in reality that spawn "Shadow Dragons" or projectiles that bombard the arena.
  Strategy: Dragons themselves fly in the air and are hard to spot. You need to pay attention to the black rift shadows on the ground, as those are where they dive. Try not to stand on the rifts.
• 3. Corrupted Sunder
  Description: Enhanced Earthsplitter with multiple explosions.
  Strategy: After releasing the skill, red and black crystals will remain on the ground. Absolutely do not touch or step on them, as they will cause extremely high chain explosion damage. Wait for them to disappear naturally.

Recommended Builds

Survival is more important than DPS. Builds with high sustain and mobility excel here.

• Ranger - Barrage/Kite: You can damage him while moving, which is crucial for Phase 2's beam and Phase 3's bombardment.
• Monk - Celerity: The high mobility allows you to weave through the Jade Statues and quickly reach the safe zone in Phase 3.
• Key Stats: Chaos Resistance becomes very important in the final phase. Ensure you have flasks with the "Recharges charges when you deal a Critical Strike" mod, as the fight is very long.

Loot Table

Defeating Tavakai completes Act 4 and unlocks the Interlude quests leading to the endgame.