Path of Exile 2: Candlemass the Living Rite boss guide

Path of Exile 2’s Candlemass the Living Rite is the final optional mini-boss you’ll find in Act 1. Hiding within the walls of the Ogham Manor, this living bundle of church candles is a powerful boss. It may not hold a candle to the Iron Count, but if you can get past this one, you stand a chance of succeeding deeper within the walls of the Ogham Manor.

However, you shouldn’t skip Candlemass the Living Rite in Path of Exile 2. It’s one of the bosses that gives you a permanent stat boost the first time you defeat it. Here’s what you need to know if you want to easily overpower the Candlemass in PoE 2.

---

How to beat Candlemass the Living Rite in Path of Exile 2

While Path of Exile 2’s maps are randomized, Candlemass the Living Rite is always going to be on the first floor of Ogham Manor. It also tends to always show up in the northern part of the map. In my case, it was the northeastern part, but that can vary.

Candlemass is ready to burn down the house (Image via Grinding Gear Games)

Just explore the first floor until you find a Chapel — that’s where this boss will spawn. Make sure to walk close to the Checkpoint to activate it, in case it’s not next to you when you walk in.

Having more Fire Resistance will go a long way in this fight since most of its attacks are predictably fire-based. Candlemass the Living Rite has a flaming sword attack that it swings in a wide arc in front of it, and there’s also a version that shoots an arc of fire in a line in front of it.

Candlemass' flamethrower has a long reach, that's for sure (Image via Grinding Gear Games)

The arc attack has a brief charge period, so you can get ready to dodge it. You also have to keep an eye out for when the boss leaps. It’ll smash down and strike with his sword, creating a line of fire.

In addition, Candlemass has a flamethrower attack, where it exhales a gout of fire in front that tracks you briefly. This is highlighted by the boss charging up and unleashing a wave of fire around himself.

When Candlemass squats, that means it’s ready to unleash its most powerful attack. This is a huge bombardment of fire AOE attacks, similar to what you might see from a missile swarm in Macross. It’s a repeated series of huge AOE attacks, so you just have to be on the move while it’s opening fire.

This AOE attack is particularly deadly. Avoid it if at all possible (Image via Grinding Gear Games)

For most of the optional mini-bosses, I found myself on the defensive, trying to sneak in hits while I could. However, I noticed Candlemass the Living RIte’s stagger meter moves pretty fast in Path of Exile 2. Hence, I was able to push it around while avoiding its attacks. You get plenty of room to maneuver for this fight as well, thankfully.

After you best Candlemass the Living Rite, make sure to collect the item Candlemass’ Essence for a bonus +20 Maximum Life. It will certainly come in handy when you go to fight Count Geonor, deep within this manor.

---

Check out our other Path of Exile 2 guides and features

• Path of Exile 2 Rathbreaker boss guide
• Does Path of Exile 2 have transmog?
• How to get Uncut Spirit Gems in Path of Exile 2