PoE 2 Boss Guide: Zalmarath, The Colossus Strategy & Drops

Zalmarath, The Colossus is a massive, stationary construct encountered in the Titan Grotto at the end of the Valley of the Titans in Act 2 of Path of Exile 2. As the guardian of the ancient "Crown of Stone," this colossal automaton fights from the edge of the arena, using its immense size and laser weaponry to obliterate intruders. This fight is a puzzle of positioning, requiring players to use the boss's own weapon as cover against his ultimate attacks.

Lore & Background

Forged in the era before the Vaal civilization fell to ruin, Zalmarath was built to guard the secrets of the Titans. He is powered by Vril, a mysterious subterranean energy source that pulses through the caverns of the valley.

Unlike the flesh-and-blood abominations of the corruption, Zalmarath is a machine of pure purpose. He sits upon the Dais of Reckoning, awakening only when the seals of the valley are disturbed. His "eye" is a focusing lens for high-intensity thermal energy, capable of melting stone and steel in an instant.

Core Mechanics

Zalmarath is stationary (cannot move), but his attacks cover the entire arena. The fight revolves around the "Sword Shield" mechanic. If you fail to hide correctly, you will be instantly killed.

Phase 1: The Awakening

• 1. Elbow Ground Smash
  Description: Zalmarath drags his massive hand or sword across the entire platform.
  Strategy: Upon seeing the elbow-raising movement, immediately roll in the opposite direction (to the left). The attack range is extremely large, covering almost half of the screen.
• 2. Ceiling Laser
  Description: He fires a laser into the ceiling, causing rocks and stalactites to fall on random locations.
  Strategy: Red circular indicators will appear on the ground. Keep moving. These rocks deal Physical damage and can stun you.
• 3. Summon Vril Apparitions
  Description: Small, electrifying Vril creatures spawn from the edges of the arena.
  Strategy: Kill them quickly. They do not deal much damage alone, but they can body-block you during the critical "Laser Wipe" mechanic.
• 4. The Sword Anchor
  Description: Zalmarath stabs his colossal sword deep into the center or side of the arena. It remains there for a few seconds.
  Strategy: This is your cover. Stop attacking immediately and identify where the sword is.

• 5. Stone Ground Smash
  Description:

Sweep: Slash the sword along the ground horizontally to knock the player sideways.

Ground Split: Insert the sword into the ground and pull back to cut, creating a straight line of damaging fissure on the ground.
Strategy: Hug the Boss. Standing close to his abdomen/waist area is usually a blind spot, allowing you to avoid most of the outer sweeping attacks.

• 6. Fist Slam
  Description:Fists slam into the ground, creating multiple tracking flame rifts.
  Strategy: Stay mobile and don't linger in the same place.

Ultimate Mechanic: Wipe Mechanic

• 1. Titanic Blade Barrier
  Pre-skill: Zalmarath plunges a massive stone sword vertically into the center of the platform, then releases it, and his hands begin to gather brilliant energy.
  Skill Effect: Releases full-screen Eye Lasers (eyelaser) or energy waves.
  Countermeasure (Official/Only Solution): Hide Behind the Sword (hide behind the sword).
  You must quickly move to the exact rear of the stone sword (relative to the Boss's position) and use the sword's body to block the lasers. If you are exposed outside the sword's shadow, you will be instantly killed.
  

Recommended Builds

Since the boss is stationary, builds with "placed" damage abilities excel here.

• Sorceress - Firewall/Meteor: You can place damage zones under him that will tick constantly since he never moves out of them.
• Warrior - Heavy Slam: His stationary nature makes landing fully charged "Earthquakes" or "Sunders" very easy. Just be ready to roll when he swipes.
• Key Stats: Movement Speed is critical for reaching the sword cover in time. Lightning Resistance helps against the Vril adds.

Loot Table

Zalmarath drops the key item needed to progress the "Crown of Stone" questline.