Blackjaw, the Remnant, is an optional boss in Act 3 of Path of Exile 2. Hidden inside Jiquani's Machinarium, this powerful warrior combines heavy melee strikes with dangerous fire attacks that can quickly punish careless players. You can skip the fight and continue the campaign, but defeating him grants a permanent resistance bonus that remains useful as you progress. Before spending your POE 2 Currency on equipment upgrades, consider tackling this encounter for a free character improvement.
Where to Find Blackjaw in POE 2
Blackjaw is located in The Oubliette, a sealed arena within Jiquani's Machinarium. Since zone layouts can vary, you should explore carefully instead of relying on a fixed route.
Follow these steps to reach the boss:
1. Explore Jiquani's Machinarium and look for a Small Soul Core.
2. Find the sealed chamber containing a Stone Altar and a nearby checkpoint.
3. Place the Small Soul Core into the altar to unlock the entrance.
4. Enter the arena and approach the central statue to awaken Blackjaw.
As soon as the fight begins, move behind him to avoid his opening fire breath. This is a useful lesson for the entire encounter: staying directly in front of Blackjaw makes many of his attacks harder to avoid.
Blackjaw's Main Attacks and How to Dodge Them
Blackjaw hits hard, but his attack animations provide clear opportunities to reposition. Instead of trading blows, watch his movements and attack when he finishes a sequence.
• Frontal weapon swings: Move around his side or back rather than standing directly in front of him.
• Overhead slam: Watch for him raising his weapon behind his head, then dodge before it lands.
• Three-hit slam combo: Later in the fight, his slam can develop into three consecutive strikes that send shockwaves forward. Keep moving and don't rush back in after dodging the first hit.
• Leap slam: Prepare to dodge when he jumps toward you. The landing covers a considerable area.
• Fire-infused weapon sweep: When Blackjaw breathes fire onto his weapon, get behind him before the subsequent frontal attack.
Players who plan to buy POE 2 Currency for stronger gear should remember that better equipment helps, but learning these attack patterns is often more important than adding a small amount of damage.
How to Survive the Fire Projectile Phase
Blackjaw's fire-ring sequence is the most important mechanic to recognize. He ignites the ground around himself before launching multiple fiery projectiles. Staying close during this phase can be dangerous, even if you have been successfully attacking from behind.
Use the arena's pillars for protection:
• Watch for the ground ignition and prepare to retreat.
• Move behind a corner pillar to block the incoming fire projectiles.
• Remain in cover until the projectile sequence ends.
• Return to close range and resume attacking during his recovery.
Be careful, though: pillars block the projectiles, but they won't protect you from his slam shockwaves. Once the fire phase ends, pay attention to his next animation rather than immediately rushing forward.
Recommended Preparation and Rewards
You don't need an elaborate build to defeat Blackjaw, but a few preparations can make the fight easier.
• Fire resistance: Helps reduce the danger of his fire-based attacks.
• Physical mitigation: Provides additional protection against his heavy melee strikes.
• Reliable damage: Short attack windows are safer than long combos that leave you exposed.
• Good movement: Keep enough room to dodge his leaps and multi-hit slam sequences.
If you need cheap POE 2 Currency, prioritize practical defensive upgrades rather than spending everything on damage. Surviving long enough to learn his patterns is usually the better investment.
Defeating Blackjaw for the first time rewards you with The Flame Core. Consume it to gain +10% Fire Resistance permanently. This increases your fire resistance, not your maximum fire resistance, making it a straightforward and valuable campaign reward.
Is Blackjaw Worth Fighting?
Yes. Blackjaw is an optional encounter, but the permanent resistance bonus makes the detour worthwhile for most characters. His fight also teaches useful habits for other Path of Exile 2 bosses: recognize attack animations, avoid frontal damage, and switch between aggressive positioning and defensive cover when necessary.
Before moving on, check your equipment and campaign progression to see whether any further upgrades are needed. You can compare your crafting budget with available POE 2 Currency for sale options if you're preparing for tougher encounters. With patience and careful movement, Blackjaw becomes a manageable fight that rewards you with lasting character progression.
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