PoE 2 Boss Guide: Torvian, Hand of the Saviour Strategy & Drops

Torvian, Hand of the Saviour is a relentless, dual-wielding boss encountered in the Arastas in Act 4 of Path of Exile 2. As a zealous champion of the Eternal Empire, he fights with two massive axes in a confined gladiatorial pit. This fight is a high-pressure duel that tests a player's ability to manage multiple threats, as Torvian is constantly buffed by Priestess allies who chant from the sidelines.

Lore & Background

In the resurrected Eternal Empire, "Salvation" is enforced through absolute loyalty and brutal strength. Torvian is the living embodiment of this creed. Chosen as the "Hand of the Saviour," he is the personal champion of the High Praetor, tasked with executing heretics and testing the might of would-be challengers in the arena.

He is not a mindless brute but a disciplined warrior, his every swing empowered by the incantations of the Priestesses who oversee the trial. To face him is to face the unwavering conviction of the Empire's new world order.

Core Mechanics

Priests will cast buff spells on Torvian in the arena to enhance his attacks.

The first bonus effect is: When Tovian's dual-axe combo ends with an axe slam to the ground, it will add a ground explosion effect.

The second bonus effect is: When Tovian lands from a jump, a holy wall is generated. Opponents who touch the holy wall will receive a debuff that makes them more susceptible to critical hits.

The last bonus effect is: Tovian's thrown axes can bounce and have tracking ability.

Phase 1: The Champion

• 1. Double Axe Strike
  Description: When the player is within melee range, Torvian will attack the player with his dual axes.
  Strategy: You can dodge this attack by rolling him over.
• 2. Leap Slam
  Description: He leaps into the air and crashes down with both axes.
  Strategy: If the priest in the arena enhances this skill, a wall will rise from the ground when Torvian lands. To avoid taking massive damage when Torvian jumps and lands, you need to stay away from his attack trajectory during his jump.
• 3. Axe Throw
  Description: If the player is too far away, he will throw one of his axes in a straight line.If the priest in the arena enhances this skill, the axe will bounce and automatically track you.
  Strategy: Sidestep or roll away from Tovian's axe to lure him into throwing stones at the scaffolding, which will hit the empowered priest and remove the power-up effect from Tovian.
• 4. Rock Throw
  Description: Tovian will slam into the ground to deal area damage, then pick up a stone with his axe and hurl it at the player.
  Strategy: Avoid the area where the impact occurs because it will cause damage, predict the position of the stone, then roll to dodge and avoid getting hurt.
• 5. Tornado Attack
  Description: When Tovian's health drops to 25%, he will summon a tornado that rotates counterclockwise within the arena, dealing damage to anyone caught in it. 
  Strategy: This tornado may obscure your view of Tovian's position, so be mindful of your attack range and avoid the tornado by running in circles within the arena.When Tovian is in a tornado, you can see his outline, so you can attack him when using ranged weapons. However, for melee users, you must wait for him to exit the tornado.

Special Mechanic: Empowering Priestesses

• 1. Priests
  Description: Priests stand in alcoves around the arena, channeling buffs onto Torvian. These buffs can grant him increased Attack Speed, Damage, or a temporary Energy Shield.
  Strategy: You must interrupt the Priestesses. A single hit is usually enough to stop their chant. Prioritize silencing them before they can fully empower the boss.

Recommended Builds

This is a pure melee duel. Builds with high block chance, armor, or mobility excel here.

• Warrior - Shield / Axe: As seen in the official Warrior demo, using a shield to Block his rapid cyclone hits is the most effective defensive strategy.
• Monk - Celerity: The Monk's high mobility allows you to quickly dash between Torvian and the Priestesses, keeping them interrupted while dodging the main attacks.
• Key Stats: High Block Chance and Armour are mandatory. Stun Recovery is crucial to avoid being combo-killed.

Loot Table

Torvian drops a key quest item needed to gain an audience with the High Praetor.