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With the Third Edict update, Path of Exile 2 raised the stakes of its endgame content by introducing Kulemak's Invitation, a rare and powerful item that serves as the gateway to one of the game's most challenging encounters. This item is not just another key to a boss arena—it's your ticket to face Kulemak, the Abyssal Sovereign, a brand-new Pinnacle Boss, POE2 Currency and ultimately unlock the highly coveted Abyssal Lich Ascendancy.

As with most things in PoE, nothing about this process is straightforward. Securing the invitation requires patience, strategy, knowledge of farming mechanics, and, in some cases, a willingness to spend POE 2 Currency on smart trades. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Kulemak's Invitation: how to obtain it, how to prepare for the fight, and why this boss matters for the future of the game's endgame meta.

What is Kulemak's Invitation?

Kulemak's Invitation is a rare, map-like item introduced in the Third Edict update. It works similarly to other invitations in Path of Exile history—such as the Maven's Invitation in PoE 1—but with significant differences. Rather than being tied to map bosses across the Atlas, this invitation is locked behind new mechanics tied to the Abyss system, which received a massive overhaul in Path of Exile 2.

Once you acquire Kulemak's Invitation and use it, you'll open a portal to the Abyssal Domain, where Kulemak himself awaits. Be warned: this fight is balanced as Pinnacle Boss content, designed for fully built characters, not early endgame experiments. However, the rewards are well worth the effort.

Unlocking the Abyssal Lich Ascendancy

Perhaps the most exciting feature tied to this invitation is the ability to unlock the Abyssal Lich Ascendancy, a brand-new class extension that focuses on shadowy minions, corruption mechanics, and devastating chaos/physical hybrid damage.

Unlike other ascendancies in Path of Exile 2, the Abyssal Lich is locked behind boss progression, meaning you can't just pick it at the Labyrinth. Defeating Kulemak for the first time permanently unlocks this Ascendancy option on your account, giving you access to one of the most unique playstyles in the game.

For minion players, DoT enthusiasts, or anyone who enjoys dark thematic builds, this is an absolute must.

How to Obtain Kulemak's Invitation

Getting your hands on the invitation is where the real challenge begins. There are three primary methods: natural drops, targeted farming, and trading.

1. Natural Drops

The invitation has a low drop chance from high-tier Abyss encounters. Any time you engage with an Abyss fissure in Tier 14+ maps, you have a small chance for a Stygian Depths chest to contain Kulemak's Invitation. This makes running maps with multiple Abyss modifiers essential for natural farming.

2. Targeted Farming

If you want to increase your chances, targeted farming is the way to go:

Abyss Scarabs: These guarantee additional Abysses in your maps. Stacking multiple scarabs massively increases your odds.

Atlas Passive Tree: The Third Edict update added a new cluster of Abyss passives, including nodes that increase Abyss spawn chance, improve chest rewards, and give “Abyssal Lords have a chance to drop Invitations.” Make sure you spec into this if you're farming seriously.

Abyssal Depths Bosses: Defeating Stygian Spires and Abyssal Lords has an increased chance to drop invitations compared to normal Abyss mobs.

3. Trading with Currency

For many players, the most efficient option will be buying the invitation with POE 2 Currency. Since the drop is rare, invitations fetch a high price on the trade market. However, the demand for the Abyssal Lich Ascendancy ensures that supply is always moving. Savvy traders can buy invitations early in a league before prices spike, or flip extras for massive profit once hype builds.

Preparing for the Fight

Kulemak is not a boss you can brute force without preparation. Here are some tips:

Defensive Layers: Expect heavy chaos and physical damage. Overcapping chaos resistance and investing in physical mitigation (like armor, endurance charges, or specialized flasks) is essential.

Mobility: The Abyssal Domain arena is filled with moving hazards, making gap closers and movement skills mandatory.

Add Waves: Kulemak periodically summons Abyssal minions that can overwhelm unprepared builds. Have strong AoE clear or minion-taunting tools.

Learn the Phases: Like Maven or Sirus, Kulemak uses phase mechanics, including a blackout phase where the arena goes pitch black and players must rely on Abyssal lanterns to survive. Practice makes perfect here.

Rewards Beyond the Ascendancy

While the Abyssal Lich Ascendancy unlock is the headline reward, defeating Kulemak also provides:

Unique Abyssal Gear: New Stygian-themed uniques drop exclusively from this boss. Early reports highlight amulets and belts with abyss jewel synergy.

High-Value Abyss Jewels: These jewels can roll new powerful modifiers, some of which are build-defining.

Third Edict-exclusive Crafting Materials: Certain league recipes require fragments only dropped by Kulemak.

These drops mean that even after unlocking your Ascendancy, farming Kulemak remains profitable long-term.

Smart Currency Strategy

Since Kulemak's Invitation is so rare, managing your POE 2 Currency wisely is key:

Invest in Scarabs and Sextants: While expensive, these drastically boost your chance of finding invitations, often paying for themselves.

Flip Invitations: If you secure multiples early, selling them can net you a fortune. Many players rush for the Ascendancy unlock, driving demand sky-high.

Crafting vs. Buying Gear: Don't blow all your resources crafting pre-fight. Sometimes buying cheaper, temporary gear upgrades from trade is smarter until you've cleared the boss.

Final Thoughts

The introduction of Kulemak's Invitation marks one of the most ambitious additions to Path of Exile 2's endgame so far. By tying a powerful Ascendancy unlock to a rare Pinnacle Boss encounter, Grinding Gear Games has ensured that players will chase this content for months to come.

Whether you're farming Abysses nonstop, sniping deals on the trade market, or gearing up for one of the hardest boss fights in the game, the road to Kulemak is as thrilling as the reward itself. And once you finally unlock the Abyssal Lich Ascendancy, you'll join a select group of players wielding one of PoE 2's most sinister and exciting power sets.

For Exiles seeking a challenge that blends rarity, strategy, and buy POE2 Currency immense reward, Kulemak's Invitation delivers on all fronts.