Path of Exile 2 – How to Beat Benedictus, First Herald of Utopia

Oct-14-2025

 

After cutting your way through Arastas and defeating Torvian, your journey in Path of Exile 2 reaches one of its toughest moments — the battle against Benedictus, First Herald of Utopia.

 

He's a powerful member of the Order of Twilight and fights with deadly Lightning magic that can wipe you out in seconds if you're not prepared. Here's a simple guide to help you survive the fight and take him down — and make sure your poe2 currency investment in gear and resistances truly pays off.

 

 

Where to Find Benedictus

You'll find Benedictus at the end of your path through The Excavation on the island of Arastas. This is a key story encounter — defeating him is required to access The Forge, where you'll combine the three weapon fragments needed to face The Beast.

 

Because Path of Exile 2 uses procedural map generation, your route to The Excavation might look different each time. Just keep exploring the caverns and tunnels until you reach his arena — you'll know you're close when the music shifts and the air crackles with electricity.

 

Phase One: Lightning and Spikes

The battle begins in eerie silence. Benedictus raises his staff, electricity swirling around him, before unleashing a torrent of lightning that fills the arena. His first attacks are meant to test your reflexes — and punish hesitation.

 

When he shouts "Shatter!", a glowing spike bursts from the ground, followed by a crushing wave of electricity. Rolling to either side just before the detonation is crucial. Standing still for even a heartbeat too long can mean instant death.

 

Between these moments, he lashes out with sweeping lightning waves and small area attacks. The trick is to stay close. His melee strikes are weak compared to his ranged magic, and being near him lets you dodge through his body when he begins charging stronger spells.

 

Occasionally, rocks will fall from above, marked by faint, dark circles on the ground. Keep an eye on these indicators and reposition quickly — they're easy to miss, especially amid the chaos of lightning.

 

If you can push Benedictus down to half health, he'll roar in fury and strike the ground, transforming the battlefield and beginning the fight's second stage.

 

Phase Two: The Maze and the Laser

The second phase opens with a thunderous crash as two lightning pylons slam into the arena, shrinking your fighting space. Sparks erupt across the ground, and the air hums with energy.

 

Suddenly, the floor glows blue. Benedictus teleports to the arena's center, conjuring two circular mazes made of stone and lightning. Each ring has a single narrow gap — your only escape route. You must find it and dash through before the maze explodes, covering the arena in devastating energy.

 

Later, his pattern changes. He teleports to one side and forms walls of rock, again with only one safe opening. You'll need to weave through the shifting walls, keeping calm under pressure as explosions tear through the area.

 

Meanwhile, small lightning pylons begin appearing across the battlefield. Standing too close will rapidly drain your life, but you can deactivate them by stepping near and dodging away. Clearing a few between attacks helps you stay mobile.

 

Then comes his signature move — the Lightning Laser. Benedictus gathers power in his staff, lightning building to a blinding glow before firing a precise, deadly beam across the arena. The charge time is short, and the blast can one-shot unprepared players. The safest option? Stay close behind him during the charge and be ready to dodge the instant his staff flashes.

 

As the fight rages on, the arena becomes a storm of glowing hazards and electrified traps. Every movement counts. Once you learn his rhythm — dodging the mazes, countering the laser, and keeping space clear — the chaos begins to feel controlled. That's when victory is within reach.

 

Strategy Summary

Boost Lightning Resistance – Use a Topaz Ring or Storm Rune to survive his heavy lightning damage.

Stay Close – His melee attacks are weaker and easier to dodge through.

Keep the Arena Clear – Deactivate pylons whenever it's safe to do so.

Use Mobility Skills – Roll or dash through him during big attacks to reposition.

 

Rewards and Next Steps

Benedictus doesn't drop unique loot, but defeating him unlocks the forge — a key step in crafting your weapon for the final Act 4 fight against The Beast.

 

Final Thoughts

Benedictus, the First Herald of Utopia, isn't just another boss — he's a skill check that demands precision and patience. Learn his patterns, stay calm through the mazes, and keep your resistances high. With preparation, timing, and the right use of your poe2 currency resources, victory will come naturally.