Path of Exile (PoE) offers a rich tapestry of challenges and encounters, requiring players to master various mechanics and strategies. One such demanding task is defeating a Syndicate Member that is Possessed. This guide will walk you through the steps needed to successfully complete this challenge.
Understanding the Mechanics
Syndicate Members: Introduced in the Betrayal league, Syndicate Members are powerful NPCs associated with the Immortal Syndicate. They can be found in specific encounters led by Jun Ortoi, who tasks players with dismantling the Syndicate’s operations.
Possessed: Possession occurs when a monster is inhabited by a Tormented Spirit, introduced in the Torment league. Possessed monsters gain significant buffs, becoming more challenging to defeat.
Combining these mechanics means you will face a significantly empowered Syndicate Member, requiring excellent preparation and strategy.
Preparation
Gear Up: Equip yourself with high-quality gear that offers strong defenses and high damage output. Ensure you have maximum resistances and sufficient life or energy shield to survive the onslaught.
Flasks: Bring flasks that provide instant recovery and immunities to various ailments such as bleeding, freezing, and curses. Consider flasks that boost movement speed and damage.
Skills: Use skills that provide strong single-target damage, crowd control, and mobility. Skills that enhance survivability, like those providing life leech or regeneration, are also beneficial.
Setting Up the Encounter
Find Jun: Start by locating Jun Ortoi in your maps. She will guide you to areas where the Immortal Syndicate is operating.
Identify Possession: To ensure a Syndicate Member becomes possessed, you’ll need to lure a Tormented Spirit towards them. This can be achieved in maps where Tormented Spirits are naturally present, or by using Scarabs or map device modifiers that guarantee their presence.
Activate the Encounter: Engage in the Syndicate encounter and identify the target Syndicate Member. Make sure the Tormented Spirit is close enough to possess the member before you fully engage.
Strategy During the Encounter
Lure the Spirit: Carefully kite the Tormented Spirit towards the Syndicate Member. Be mindful not to kill the spirit before it reaches the target.
Manage Adds: Syndicate encounters often come with additional enemies. Use AOE skills to manage these adds while focusing on positioning the Tormented Spirit.
Focus Fire: Once the Syndicate Member is possessed, concentrate your damage on them. Use high single-target damage skills to bring them down quickly.
Tips for Success
Stay Mobile: Utilize your mobility skills to avoid attacks and reposition yourself. Avoid standing in one place for too long, as the empowered Syndicate Member can deal significant damage.
Use Defensive Skills: Employ defensive skills and auras to mitigate incoming damage. Skills like Fortify, Molten Shell, and defensive curses can be particularly useful.
Clear the Area: Ensure the surrounding area is clear of other threats before focusing on the Syndicate Member. This reduces the risk of being overwhelmed by additional enemies.
After the Fight
Loot and Rewards: Defeating a possessed Syndicate Member can yield significant rewards, including Syndicate-specific loot and enhanced drops from the possession.
Interrogate or Bargain: After defeating the member, you can choose to interrogate or bargain with them for further benefits in your Betrayal investigation.
Final Thoughts
Successfully defeating a Syndicate Member that is Possessed requires preparation, strategy, and quick thinking. By following these steps and tips, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle this challenging encounter in Path of Exile. Good luck, Exile, and may your efforts be richly rewarded!