Key Takeaways:

1. Blackjaw the Remnant is an optional yet rewarding boss in Path of Exile 2, offering a permanent +10% Fire Resistance upon defeat a valuable boon for survival in later acts.
2. The fight demands strategic gameplay, with careful positioning, dodge rolling, and effective damage mitigation to overcome the boss’s fiery attacks.
3. Proper preparation, including the use of specific builds, Lesser Soul Cores, and attack patterns, can make this challenging encounter more manageable.

Path of Exile 2 is an action RPG with complex boss fights, hidden areas, and rewarding secrets. One such encounter lies in Act 3’s Jiquani’s Machinarium, where the boss, Blackjaw the Remnant, awaits in the Chamber of Remnant. But don’t be fooled this is a boss you might completely miss if you’re not thorough in your exploration.

Why go through the effort to find him? Simple: Blackjaw grants a rare permanent stat boost +10% Fire Resistance. For a game where elemental resistance penalties become increasingly punishing, this is an upgrade you can’t afford to ignore. Let’s break down how to find, prepare for, and defeat this fiery foe.

How to Find Blackjaw the Remnant

To access the fight with Blackjaw, you’ll need to navigate through Jiquani’s Machinarium, a maze-like dungeon in Act 3. Here’s what you need to know:

• Search for the Lesser Soul Core: You can find this item in Jiquani’s Machinarium. It’s a key component needed to unlock the boss fight.
• Locate the Oubliette: Hidden behind a Stone Altar in the dungeon is the entrance to the Oubliette, where Blackjaw resides. Use the Lesser Soul Core to activate the door.
• Don’t Miss the Path: Jiquani’s Machinarium has multiple winding hallways, and it’s easy to overlook the corridor leading to this hidden area. Double-check your map to ensure you don’t skip this powerful opportunity.

Preparing for the Fight

Blackjaw the Remnant isn’t your average boss. His arsenal includes devastating melee strikes, fiery area attacks, and high-speed projectiles. Preparation is key.

Recommended Builds and Items

• High Fire Resistance Gear: Blackjaw’s attacks deal significant fire damage, so equipping items with fire resistance is crucial. Stock up on potions that reduce elemental damage or boost your health regeneration.
• Minion Builds: For players using minion builds, like a Witch specializing in Raging Spirits, Blackjaw becomes considerably easier. Let your minions take the heat while you focus on staying safe and applying curses or damage-over-time skills.
• Healing Weapons: Equip weapons or items with healing capabilities, as the fight is prolonged and requires sustaining through heavy damage.

Skills to Bring

• Mobility Skills: Blackjaw’s attacks include slam strikes and wide-sweeping fire lines. Use dodge rolls, Blink Arrow, or Flame Dash to avoid these deadly moves.
• Frost or Cold Damage: While not mandatory, ice-based attacks can help slow down Blackjaw’s relentless assault, giving you more room to breathe.

Blackjaw the Remnant: Boss Mechanics and Strategy

When you enter the Oubliette, Blackjaw wastes no time attacking. This boss fight requires awareness, agility, and the ability to adapt to his phases. Here’s a breakdown of his key mechanics:

Blackjaw’s Attack Patterns

1. Line of Fire: Blackjaw sweeps fire across a large area in front of him. This attack is devastating at close range and will shred your Energy Shield or health if you’re caught off guard. If you’re playing as a ranged character, maintain maximum distance to minimize the risk.
2. Slam Attack: His powerful melee Slam Attack can one-shot squishier characters. This attack has a brief wind-up animation watch for it and roll out of its range.
3. Jump Slam: Around 50-60% health, Blackjaw introduces a quick Jump Slam attack. It’s highly telegraphed, but you’ll need to stay on your toes to dodge it in time.
4. Flamethrower: A sweeping, close-range fire attack that deals heavy damage. Minion users can tank this attack, but melee fighters should prioritize positioning behind Blackjaw when he begins this move.
5. Fire Projectiles: Near the end of the fight, Blackjaw starts spitting high-speed fireballs in rapid succession. Circle around him to evade these and continue chipping away at his health.
6. Weapon Cleave: Occasionally, Blackjaw lights his axe on fire and performs a cleave forward. A quick sidestep or dodge roll can avoid this, but be mindful of its reach.

Strategies for Success

1. Stay Mobile: The majority of Blackjaw’s abilities can be dodged with proper movement. Use dodge rolls or movement abilities liberally to avoid damage. Remember, his Jump Slam is fast, so anticipate his animations and reposition frequently.
2. Keep Your Distance: Ranged characters have an advantage in this fight. Stay as far back as possible to avoid his Line of Fire and cleave attacks, while keeping a steady stream of damage going.
3. Focus on Burst Damage: If you can land heavy burst attacks during his vulnerability windows, like after his slam or jump animations, you’ll shorten the fight and reduce the chance of getting overwhelmed.
4. Stun Opportunities: Use stuns to your advantage. Once stunned, Blackjaw will stop attacking for around four seconds, giving you time to heal, reposition, or unleash high-damage skills.
5. Elemental Damage: Ice-based builds, like Frost Sorceresses, can make this fight much easier. Slowing Blackjaw down gives you more time to react to his attacks and opens opportunities to deal consistent damage.

Rewards: Why Blackjaw Is Worth Your Time

Defeating Blackjaw the Remnant is no easy feat, but the rewards more than justify the effort. Here’s what you’ll gain:

1. Permanent +10% Fire Resistance: This is one of the rare permanent stat boosts you can obtain in Path of Exile 2. It will significantly ease the burden of elemental resistance penalties in later acts.
2. Loot Drops: Blackjaw also rewards players with valuable items, including:
   • The Flame Core (a rare crafting component)
   • Moulded Mitts
   • Siphoning Wand
   • Gold
3. Access to Deeper Areas: After defeating Blackjaw, you can progress further into Jiquani’s Machinarium to uncover additional challenges and treasures.

FAQ: Common Questions About Blackjaw the Remnant

Q: Where can I find the Lesser Soul Core?
A: The Lesser Soul Core can be found scattered throughout Jiquani’s Machinarium. Search every nook and cranny, as these items are limited in the area.

Q: Is Blackjaw the Remnant mandatory to defeat?
A: No, Blackjaw is an optional boss, but skipping him means missing out on a rare permanent Fire Resistance boost and valuable loot.

Q: What’s the best build for defeating Blackjaw?
A: While any build can handle Blackjaw with preparation, minion builds (like a Witch specializing in Raging Spirits) or ranged frost builds are particularly effective.

Q: How long does the fight last?
A: The fight can be longer compared to other bosses due to Blackjaw’s high health and deadly attack patterns. Proper strategy and preparation will determine how quickly you can defeat him.