How to Beat Akthi and Anundr in Path of Exile 2
Akthi and Anundr are two optional-but-important side bosses in Path of Exile 2 that players encounter during the Interlude chapter in the Vastiri Desert. These bosses are tied to a quest given by Risu, and while they aren't considered major story encounters, defeating them is highly recommended due to the permanent rewards they unlock. This guide will cover where to find Akthi and Anundr in PoE 2, how to prepare for the fight, strategies to beat them efficiently, and what rewards you can expect after defeating them.
Where to Find Akthi and Anundr in PoE 2
You can find Akthi and Anundr in the Khari Crossing, a large desert zone located just outside Khari Bazaar, the main town hub during the Vastiri Interlude chapter. This area becomes accessible naturally as you progress through the Interlude, so no special unlocks are required.
Although Path of Exile 2 maps are partially randomized, Akthi and Anundr have relatively consistent spawn logic:
·They most commonly appear on the right side of Khari Crossing
·Look for a large stone entryway or gate-like structure
·The boss arena is typically connected to a long road or path
·There is almost always a checkpoint nearby, making it easier to retry the fight if needed
When exploring Khari Crossing, follow major pathways rather than small offshoots. The boss arena is visually distinct and hard to miss once you're close, so avoid fully clearing every corner of the map unless you're also farming experience or loot.
Akthi and Anundr Boss Fight Overview
Unlike many side bosses in PoE 2, Akthi and Anundr must be fought at the same time, which can be challenging for undergeared characters or builds with limited mobility.
Anundr - The Sandworm
Anundr is a massive sandworm enemy that closely resembles The Devourer from Act 1. Its main abilities include:
·Ranged projectile spit attacks
·Large sweeping body slams
·Tail attacks that activate once its health drops low
As the fight progresses, Anundr's body can physically block parts of the arena, restricting movement and making it harder to dodge incoming attacks.
Akthi - The Giant Scorpion
Akthi is a large scorpion boss that focuses on:
·Wide melee cleaves
·Quick lunging attacks
·Heavy Poison application
While Akthi is more mobile than Anundr, its attacks are generally easier to read and dodge, especially for ranged builds.
Best Strategy to Beat Akthi and Anundr
If your build has enough damage to handle both bosses simultaneously, the safest strategy is to focus Anundr first. Leaving the sandworm alive for too long can drastically reduce your movement options, turning the fight into a dangerous positioning nightmare.
Key Tips for the Fight
·Kill Anundr first to keep the arena clear and maintain mobility
·Kite Akthi in wide circles while focusing damage on Anundr
·Save burst cooldowns for moments when both bosses are close together
·Avoid standing still, especially once Anundr's tail becomes active
Akthi, while aggressive, is much easier to manage alone once Anundr is defeated.
Poison Damage Warning - Prepare Before the Fight
The biggest threat in this encounter is Poison damage. Both Akthi and Anundr can apply Poison, which is especially dangerous because:
·Poison bypasses Energy Shield
·It directly damages your Life pool
·Low-Life, high-ES caster builds are particularly vulnerable
How to Counter Poison
The most reliable solution is to equip an Antidote Charm on your belt. While the charm has charges, it grants immunity to being poisoned, dramatically reducing the risk of sudden deaths during the fight.
Additional helpful preparations include:
·Increased Life regeneration
·Poison resistance or mitigation modifiers
·Movement skills to escape overlapping attacks
Akthi and Anundr Rewards in PoE 2
After defeating both bosses, players are rewarded with a standard drop pool that includes:
·Random rare items
·Currency drops
·A solid chance at a Unique item
More importantly, if this is your first time defeating Akthi and Anundr, you will receive a Book of Specialization as part of the Clearing the Way quest from Risu.
Why the Book of Specialization Matters
·Grants bonus skill points
·Provides a permanent character upgrade
·Cannot be obtained later if skipped
Fighting these bosses is also an opportunity to farm high-value Path of Exile 2 Currency and Items, or for players short on gear, you can buy POE2 Items to ensure a smoother fight.
Final Thoughts
While Akthi and Anundr aren't the most mechanically complex bosses in Path of Exile 2, fighting two enemies at once-combined with heavy Poison damage-can catch unprepared players off guard. By knowing where to find them in Khari Crossing, bringing Poison immunity, and prioritizing Anundr during the fight, you can clear this encounter safely and secure an important permanent upgrade.
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