In the long-awaited Path of Exile 2 Trade, the Third Edict expansion has introduced a wealth of content, including new acts, bosses, and challenges for players to conquer. Among the many formidable foes in this expansion, one boss that stands out is the Scourge of the Skies. This intimidating and grotesque avian-themed boss presents a unique challenge that requires both tactical awareness and skillful execution. In this guide, we will break down the encounter with the Scourge of the Skies, providing players with valuable insights, strategies, and tips to help them emerge victorious.

The Setting: Shrike Island

The Scourge of the Skies can be found on Shrike Island, a foreboding locale in Act 4 of Path of Exile 2. This island is shrouded in darkness and decay, and it is home to a variety of terrifying creatures, including the terrifying boss itself. To reach the island, players must traverse dangerous channels and thick forests before arriving at the Corrupted Nests checkpoint, which marks the final approach to the boss. The arena where you will face the Scourge of the Skies is a large, open expanse dominated by a massive, decrepit bird nest, setting a stark and ominous stage for the impending battle.

The environment plays a critical role in the fight, as there are hazards scattered throughout the area, including hazardous bird corpse pools that can deal damage if you step into them. As you prepare for this fight, make sure to equip yourself with the right gear, potions, and items that can handle both the boss's brutal attacks and the dangerous terrain.

Boss Overview: The Scourge of the Skies

The Scourge of the Skies is an imposing creature with an avian appearance, a grotesque hybrid of bird and necromantic magic. The boss attacks with a combination of physical, elemental, and necrotic powers, making it a well-rounded adversary that can overwhelm players who do not pay attention to its attack patterns. The Scourge's primary mechanics revolve around summons, ranged attacks, and deadly debuffs that can stack over time. The boss also has unique resistances, such as its high resistance to Cold damage and vulnerability to Fire damage, which influences how you should approach the fight.

Much like other bosses in Path of Exile 2, the Scourge of the Skies has multiple phases, each with its own set of mechanics that will test your adaptability and reaction times.

Phase 1: The Corpse Barrage

The first phase of the battle begins with the Scourge of the Skies launching a barrage of deadly projectiles at the player. This is the Corpse Barrage mechanic, where the boss summons a large volley of bird corpses that explode in a wide area. The projectiles have high physical damage and can easily overwhelm players who are not paying attention. The key to surviving this phase is maintaining a safe distance from the boss and evading the incoming attacks.

Tips for Phase 1:

Stay Mobile: The Corpse Barrage attack is difficult to predict, so it’s essential to keep moving during this phase. If you’re using a melee build, it’s best to keep a good distance from the boss and wait for an opening to close the gap.

Watch for Telegraphed Attacks: The boss will wind up before launching the Corpse Barrage. Use this wind-up animation as your cue to move into a safe zone.

Physical Resistance: This phase deals significant physical damage, so it’s important to make sure your gear has good physical resistance. Without it, you risk taking large amounts of damage from the barrage.

As the phase progresses, the boss will cycle through Corpse Barrage attacks, often mixing in brief pauses where it summons additional adds to increase the chaos of the fight.

Phase 2: Feather Wall and Ground Hazards

As the battle transitions into its second phase, the Scourge of the Skies will begin to summon a Feather Wall. This mechanic involves the boss unleashing a line of spectral feathers that erupt from the ground, creating a series of damaging, cutting lines that can deal high damage if you are caught in them. These feathers will not only damage you but will also leave a lingering bleed effect, which can stack over time and weaken your defenses. In addition to the Feather Wall, the ground itself becomes littered with bird corpses, which act as environmental hazards.

The goal during this phase is to avoid the Feather Wall and not get caught standing in areas filled with bird corpses. The boss will periodically create these walls in different patterns, forcing you to be extra vigilant and move quickly to avoid the damage. These environmental hazards can make the fight feel chaotic, but with careful positioning, you can avoid most of the damage.

Tips for Phase 2:

Anticipate the Feather Wall: The Feather Wall attack can be predicted by the boss’s animation. Once the feathers start to materialize on the ground, quickly move to another part of the arena to avoid being cut down.

Avoid Bird Corpse Pools: The corpse pools scattered throughout the arena are not only visually distracting but also dangerous. These pools deal damage over time if you stand in them, so make sure to keep moving and avoid areas that have a heavy concentration of corpses.

Manage Bleed: If you get hit by the Feather Wall or any other attack that causes bleed, make sure you have a way to clear the debuff. Carry bleed-removal flasks or use abilities that cleanse debuffs, as they can be lifesavers during this phase.

Phase 3: Fire Spit and Plagueling Minions

In the final phase of the fight, the Scourge of the Skies becomes more aggressive. The boss will now summon Fire Spit attacks, which are wide-ranging lines of red fire that deal substantial fire damage over time. These lines can cover a wide area, and if you get caught in one, you will take significant damage. In this phase, the boss will also summon Plaguelings, small necrotic minions that deal additional damage and apply additional debuffs to the player.

The Fire Spit is a dangerous attack that requires you to carefully time your movements. The fire lines can move unpredictably, but they follow a discernible pattern that allows you to dodge them if you’re paying attention. It’s also crucial to deal with the Plaguelings as soon as they appear, as they will distract you and chip away at your health.

Tips for Phase 3:

Dodge the Fire Spit: The Fire Spit lines are telegraphed, but they cover large areas and deal heavy fire damage. Stay mobile and move in a way that avoids these fire lines. Perpendicular movement is often the best way to stay out of their path.

Focus on Plaguelings: While the Scourge of the Skies is your main threat, the Plaguelings can cause enough distraction and damage that it’s critical to eliminate them as quickly as possible. Prioritize these minions whenever they spawn to avoid getting overwhelmed.

Fire Resistance: Ensure that your build has decent fire resistance for this phase. The Fire Spit lines can deal significant damage, and without enough resistance, you might get overwhelmed quickly.

General Strategy and Tips

Positioning is Key: Throughout the entire fight, maintaining proper positioning is crucial. You want to avoid getting cornered by the boss’s attacks and be able to dodge incoming projectiles and fire lines. Keep moving and always be prepared to react to new hazards that appear.

Elemental Resistances: Make sure your gear provides sufficient resistance to both Physical and Fire damage. Since the boss’s attacks are a mix of physical, elemental, and necrotic damage, it’s important to prepare for a variety of different threats.

Flask Management: Having an ample supply of healing and utility flasks is essential. Bring flasks that can remove bleed, poison, and burning effects, as these debuffs will make the fight more difficult if not managed properly.

Team Coordination: If you're playing in a team, communication and coordination are key. Have one player focus on dealing with the Plaguelings while others focus on the boss. In addition, make sure to clear out any environmental hazards before they become overwhelming.

Rewards

Defeating the Scourge of the Skies will reward players with valuable loot, including high-level gear and special items that can be used to upgrade your character’s abilities. Additionally, the fight marks an important milestone in Act 4 of Path of Exile 2, advancing the storyline and unlocking access to new content and challenges. The encounter also provides a sense of accomplishment for players, especially those who are able to overcome the complex mechanics and formidable attacks of the Scourge.

Conclusion

The Scourge of the Skies is a challenging and multi-phased boss fight that tests a player's ability to adapt to a variety of mechanics. From dodging projectile barrages to avoiding deadly fire lines, the encounter requires constant movement, smart positioning, and precise timing. With the right strategy and preparation, players can defeat this formidable foe and continue their journey through the perilous world of Path of Exile 2.

Remember, the key to buy POE 2 Divine Orbs in learning the boss’s patterns, managing your debuffs, and maintaining awareness of the environment. Each phase of the fight offers new challenges, but with practice and persistence, the Scourge of the Skies can be vanquished.