Path of Exile 2: How to Beat Torvian, Hand of the Savior

Path of Exile 2 continues to push the limits of ARPG boss design, and Chapter 4 introduces one of the most polarizing encounters yet: Torvian, Hand of the Savior. Players either walk away impressed by the fight's mechanics or deeply frustrated by its invulnerability phases. Regardless of opinion, Torvian is a mandatory fight for progression, and understanding his mechanics can save you from a painful defeat. This guide covers where to find Torvian, his abilities, and the strategies you need to overcome him.

Where to Find Torvian, Hand of the Saviour

Torvian resides deep within the Arastas map, tucked away in the cliffs outside the region. To reach him, players must fully clear the map and navigate its winding paths. His arena lies in the center of the zone, marked by raised platforms where three mages stand guard.

Some players speculate that with extreme movement speed, it's possible to bypass the encounter and push into the Excavation map before Torvian spawns. However, for most adventurers, this remains more myth than method. If you want to progress, you'll need to face him head-on.

Torvian's Attacks and Abilities

Torvian is designed as an aggressive melee brawler with layers of magical support. His moveset forces constant repositioning, and his allies' buffs turn the fight into a puzzle of precision and timing. Here's a breakdown of his abilities:

·Melee Combo - A fast series of axe swings that punish standing too close.

·Axe Throw - Launches an axe that spins through the air and tracks the player.

·Boulder Toss - After planting his axes in the ground, Torvian hurls a massive boulder. This is the key mechanic: if the boulder hits one of the mages above, it cancels his invulnerability enchant.

·Leaping Slam - A quick jump attack meant to crush players with both axes.

·Holy Wall - Summons a glowing barrier that slows you and increases your chance to be critically struck if you pass through it.

·Holy Ground - Creates sections of blessed terrain that inflict slow and vulnerability to crits.

·Rotating Flame Beam - A devastating fire attack that spins counter-clockwise, applying a burning DoT on contact.

·Explosive Axes - Throws axes that stick in the ground and detonate after a short delay.

The fight's complexity comes not from any single move, but from how quickly Torvian chains them together while his allies shield him with hidden buffs.

The Invulnerability Mechanic Explained

Torvian's most infamous mechanic is his invulnerability phase. Periodically, his allied mages enchant him with a protective buff that doesn't display in the UI but effectively makes him unkillable. Direct attacks during this period deal negligible damage, frustrating players who don't realize what's happening.

The solution lies in his Boulder Toss. Position yourself so that when Torvian throws the boulder, it collides with one of the elevated mages. The impact interrupts their casting and strips his protection. Without hitting the mages, you're forced into a drawn-out war of attrition, slowly whittling him down over many minutes.

For summoner builds-minions, totems, or this mechanic is particularly painful. Torvian's boulders often collide with your summons instead of the mages, wasting precious opportunities. Players relying on these builds should be extra careful about positioning and may want to buy POE2 Currency to respec into higher-burst damage options for the fight.

Strategy to Defeat Torvian

Beating Torvian requires a mix of patience, mobility, and smart positioning. Here are the essential tips:

1. Stay Mobile - Torvian constantly throws axes, leaps, and drops AoE zones. Standing still is a death sentence.

2. Master the Boulder Toss - Always be ready when he plants his axes in the ground. Lure him into throwing the boulder toward a mage platform, then dodge at the last second to ensure it lands where you want it.

3. Use the Platforms - Fighting under the platforms is often the safest place to bait boulders and avoid some AoEs.

4. Save Defensive Cooldowns - Reserve your best defensive tools for his Rotating Flame Beam and Explosive Axes, which deal massive burst damage.

5. Maintain Damage Windows - Once his buff is down, unload all your burst skills to shorten the fight before the next invulnerability phase.

If you're underleveled or relying on summons, the fight can drag. Overleveling or bringing a high-burst single-target build can dramatically reduce the frustration.

Torvian's Final Phase

At around 25-30% HP, Torvian introduces his most dangerous attack: the Beam of Fire. This sweeping column of flame rotates around the room, forcing constant movement while dodging his other abilities. Combined with explosive axes detonating across the arena, the last phase becomes a frantic dance of survival.

The key is to keep moving clockwise with the beam's rotation, weaving between axes, and looking for windows to strike. With focus and preparation, you'll finally bring him down and unlock access to the Excavation area.

Final Thoughts

Torvian, Hand of the Savior, stands out as one of the most controversial bosses in Path of Exile 2. His invulnerability mechanic frustrates unprepared players, and his AoE-heavy kit punishes passive playstyles. Still, the fight offers a unique puzzle that rewards players who pay attention and learn to manipulate his Boulder Toss.

While many fans hope Grinding Gear Games will refine this encounter, mastering it now is the best way forward. Stay patient, control the arena, and remember: the real fight isn't against Torvian's axes, but against his spellcasting allies.

For smoother progression, don't hesitate to upgrade your build with high-quality Path of Exile 2 Items or to buy POE2 Currency if you're aiming to push into endgame content faster. With the right preparation, you'll not only conquer one of Chapter 4's toughest battles but also sharpen your skills for the challenges yet to come.