Path of Exile 2 is packed with cinematic, lore-heavy, and punishing boss fights, but few battles match the spectacle and intensity of Tavakai, the Chieftain. Serving as the climactic encounter of Chapter 4, Tavakai pushes players through a brutal three-phase transformation, each deadlier than the last. By the time the fight ends, he has shifted from The Chieftain into The Fallen, and finally into The Consumed, demanding skill, patience, and adaptability from every Exile.

If you're struggling to bring him down, this guide covers where to find Tavakai, what his attacks look like, and how to beat each stage of this unforgettable boss fight in Path of Exile 2.

Where to Find Tavakai, The Chieftain in Path of Exile 2

Tavakai can be found in the Heart of the Tribe checkpoint on Ngakanu Island. This location plays a pivotal role in Chapter 4's storyline and is transformed into one of the most sprawling maps in the game.

·To reach him, you'll need to cut through hordes of Ngakanu enemies across the island.

·In earlier chapters, the Heart of the Tribe was home to a vendor and the Shark Fin side quest. In Chapter 4, it becomes the staging ground for Tavakai's climactic battle.

·The area is rich in loot, so be sure to explore thoroughly. Gathering rare Path of Exile 2 Items, experience, and even currency drops before the fight can help you prepare for the gauntlet ahead.

When you step into Tavakai's arena, prepare for a fight that resets twice-he has three health bars, with entirely different mechanics at each stage.

Phase 1: Tavakai, The Chieftain

In his first form, Tavakai fights as The Chieftain, combining jade-powered attacks with savage melee strikes. This phase ends when you reduce his health to 50%, triggering his first transformation.

Key Attacks

·Axe Combos - Sweeping melee strikes that can quickly overwhelm you up close.

·Jade Slam - Slams the ground, causing jade explosions that linger briefly.

·Jade Wall - Creates a wall of jade spikes, then smashes through it with his axe.

·Jade Bomb - Lobs a delayed explosive that detonates in a large AOE.

·Tukohama's Spirit Slam - Summons Tukohama's spirit to create a massive, damaging zone.

·Grappling Hook - Fires a hook to pull you in, leading into a brutal melee combo.

Strategy: Stay mobile and watch for audio cues on the Grappling Hook-dodging sideways at the right moment prevents the pull. Minion builds perform especially well here, as summons can soak melee hits while you focus on dodging AOEs.

Phase 2: Tavakai, The Fallen

At 50% health, Tavakai regenerates completely and becomes The Fallen. The arena shifts, and the fight emphasizes corruption-based AOE mechanics that punish poor positioning.

Key Attacks

·Jade Statues - Summons exploding statues that detonate almost instantly.

·Blood Tentacles - Fires projectiles that shock, ignite, and weaken fire resistance.

·Blood Tumor - Creates a swelling tumor, then stomps it into a persistent daging puddle.

·Jade Spike Wave - Sends jade spikes surging across the arena.

·Corruption Burst - Dual-weapon explosion with wide damage coverage.

·Tawhoa's Forest - Fills the arena with green flora that applies a damage-reduction debuff.

Strategy: The exploding statues are the deadliest hazard here-immediately disengage when they spawn. Keep movement skills ready to avoid puddles from Blood Tumors. Constant repositioning is critical, and ranged builds thrive by keeping their distance.

Phase 3: Tavakai, The Consumed

At 25% health, Tavakai shifts one last time into The Consumed, regaining his health bar. This phase is the most dangerous, combining mechanics from Phases 1 and 2 with new area-denial attacks that pressure every corner of the battlefield.

Key Attacks

·Weapon Combo + Leap Slam Chain - A rapid flurry of strikes capped with multiple leap slams, each leaving damaging AOE zones.

·Blood Crystals - Summons crystals that explode after a short delay.

·Volcanoes - Calls forth fiery eruptions that flood the battlefield with lava zones.

·Lightning Strikes - Summons targeted lightning bolts to chase you down.

Strategy: Maintaining maximum mobility-dodging chains of leap slams while managing environmental hazards, is the biggest challenge here. Ranged builds can chip away safely, while melee builds should focus on patience, waiting for brief openings after Tavakai overcommits to his combos.

How to Beat Tavakai

Phase 1 Tips

·Prioritize dodging Grappling Hook.

·Let minions or allies soak melee combos.

·Save flasks for Jade Bomb AOEs.

Phase 2 Tips

·Always clear space around Jade Statues.

·Use defensive flasks to mitigate puddles.

·Keep an escape route open at all times.

Phase 3 Tips

·Don't linger near Blood Crystals.

·Use mobility skills to dodge Leap Slam chains.

·Ranged builds should kite consistently; melee must exploit safe windows.

Defeating Tavakai rewards a major cutscene where the Hooded Oneenes, pushing the story toward the Intermission of Path of Exile 2.

Final Thoughts

The battle against Tavakai, the Chieftain, is one of the most cinematic and punishing encounters in Path of Exile 2 so far. His three escalating phases test your ability to adapt, reposition, and master layered mechanics. While the fight is grueling, it also delivers some of the most memorable gameplay moments in Chapter 4.

Preparation is key. Ensure your build has mobility skills, strong defenses, and reliable flask management. Just as important, upgrading your equipment before the fight gives you a crucial edge. Farming rare gear drops or choosing to buy POE2 Items from trusted sources can help you secure the survivability and damage output you need to withstand Tavakai's brutal assault.

For players ready to embrace the challenge, Tavakai's fall is not just a test of mechanics but a milestone in Path of Exile 2's epic journey.