In Path of Exile 2, the Vessel of Kulemak stands as one of the most challenging and rewarding pinnacle encounters in the Abyss system. This boss fight is accessed via a unique item called Kulemak’s Invitation, and defeating the Vessel not only yields powerful loot but also opens the path to the Abyssal Lich Ascendancy, a POE 2 Currency new endgame power option for certain builds.

Getting Started – Kulemak’s Invitation

Before you can face the Vessel of Kulemak, you must obtain Kulemak’s Invitation. This one‑use item drops from Abyssal Commanders such as Tasgul, Swallower of Light or Vandroth, Blackblooded Enslaver in high‑level Abyssal Depths (Level 79+). These bosses are found in deeper map runs and guarantee an invitation on defeat, though RNG and spawn randomness make farming it a grind. You can also purchase the invitation through the in‑game Currency Exchange or player trade if you’re struggling to find one.

With an invitation in hand, travel to the Well of Souls—a hub tied to Abyss content. Interact with the cliffside prompt near the well to consume the invitation and enter the sombre halls of the Black Cathedral, where the Vessel awaits.

The Encounter – Multi‑Phase Challenge

The Vessel fight unfolds over multiple phases with escalating difficulty. At the start, you face the boss’s core mechanics: sweeping cleaves, powerful eyebeams, hordes of minions, arena‑wide debuffs and hazardous ground effects. These attacks require constant movement, strong resistances (especially to cold and desecrated ground damage), and smart flask timing to survive.

After your initial victory over the boss, you’ll be presented with a choice: Take the Finger to end the encounter and grab your loot, or Steal a Lich’s Power. Choosing the latter revives the Vessel with a new modifier tied to one of three Lich empowerments and strengthens the boss, granting you a more powerful Grip of Kulemak ring with a Desecrated modifier.

You can repeat this cycle multiple times, activating all three lich empowerments to stack more modifiers on the ring. Each step makes the fight harder, so balance your build’s survivability and damage output carefully.

Final Choice – Return the Finger

Once all empowerments are completed, a final option appears: Return the Finger. This triggers the true final fight, where the Vessel returns at full strength. This version pushes endgame builds to their limits but provides the richest rewards, including maximum‑roll uniques and high‑tier currencies. Victory here also unlocks access to the Abyssal Lich Ascendancy.

Tips for Success

Stay mobile: many attacks punish standing still.

Overcap resistances: especially cold resist and damage over time mitigation.

Prepare flasks: high sustain and quick recharge help immensely.buy POE 2 Orbs