Taking on the Scourge of the Skies in Path of Exile 2 isn’t just about raw damage – it’s about staying alive long enough to land those hits. This huge bird-like boss waits at the top of the Aerie of Ruin, smashing you with both Physical and Lightning damage. Before you even step in, make sure your Lightning Resistance is maxed at 75% and think about running a Topaz Flask for those nasty bursts. Armour or evasion will help you soak up its physical blows, but the real lifesaver here is your dodge roll. You’ll be using it constantly, so get comfortable with the timing. If you’re still gearing up, PoE 2 Currency can make prepping a lot smoother.

Phase One: Ground Combat (Full Health to 70%)

At the start, the Scourge stays grounded. It’s got two main tricks here. First is Talon Sweep – a big, slow wind-up slash in front of it. The animation gives you plenty of warning, so roll back or, if you’re melee, roll through to its other side. Second is Static Discharge, where it drops slow-moving lightning orbs around the arena. They’re not hard to dodge, but if you let them pile up you’ll get boxed in fast. Keep your attacks short and snappy; long animations will get you caught mid-swing when it sweeps. The key is to keep moving, keep space between you and the orbs, and chip away without getting greedy.

Phase Two: Airborne Attacks (70% to Defeat)

Once it hits roughly 70% health, the Scourge takes off. This is where melee players start swearing. From above, it fires Feather Storm – a rain of sharp feathers that hit hard and stack Bleed. If you don’t have a bleed-removal flask (“of Staunching”), you’re in trouble. The big danger though is Skyfall Slam. The boss roars, a huge circle appears on the floor, and seconds later it crashes down for massive Physical and Lightning damage. Roll or dash out instantly. This is your golden moment – after the slam it’s stuck on the ground for a few seconds, wide open. Dump all your heavy hits here before it takes off again. The rest of the fight is a loop: dodge feathers, escape the slam, punish the landing. Don’t chase damage; wait for the slam window.

Overall Tips

Winning this fight is all about reading the boss and rolling at the right time. The dodge roll’s invincibility frames let you slip through attacks like Talon Sweep and reposition during Skyfall Slam.

Watch its body language – the wind-up tells you what’s coming next. A Granite Flask for armour or Jade Flask for evasion can make a huge difference against its physical hits. Stay patient, learn its rhythm, and strike only when it’s safe. If you’re looking to fine-tune your build or grab gear upgrades before the fight, PoE 2 Currency buy can help you get there faster.