How to Get Kulemak’s Invitation

Patch 0.3 of Path of Exile 2, Rise of the Abyssal, introduced one of the most interesting mechanics currently in the game, Kulemak’s Invitation. While it was teased during the live stream before the Patch 0.3 dropped, players had no idea what they would encounter once finding this drop other than being able to jump into the Well of Souls. We now know this rare drop grants access to a new Pinnacle Boss as well as allowing Lich players to unlock a sub-Ascendancy, the Abyssal Lich.

For long-time players of Path of Exile, it may come to no surprise that this entire process is a bit convoluted. Keep reading below for a full break down of this unique game mechanic and what exactly it provides to players who jump through all the hoops to play the content.

What is Kulemak’s Invitation and Where to Find It?

Kulemak’s Invitation is a rare consumable that can drop through two different sources.

• Tasgul, Swallower of Light
• Vandroth, Blackblooded Enslaver

Both of these enemies are Abyssal Bosses that can only make an appearance at Level 79 or higher. Expect both fights to be pretty tough. Luckily, GGG decided to have a bit of mercy when it comes to the drop rate, as Kulemak’s Invitation has a 100% drop chance if either boss is defeated. There’s a bit of RNG involved when trying to lure these bosses out; they’re not guaranteed to spawn in the Abyss.

With that being said, if you’re getting frustrated with trying to get the item to drop, you can opt to buy it off trade. While this amount may change, we’ve seen you can buy the item for a modest price of anywhere from 15 – 20 Exalted Orbs.

A One-Time Invitation

Once you’ve obtained Kulemak’s Invitation, you’ll need to take it down to the Well of Souls. There will be a special button to press near the cliff edge that allows you to throw yourself into the Well. This will bring you into a new map called The Black Cathedral.

Be mindful, once you’ve fallen and clicked on the door below, the consumable will disappear. If Kulemak kills you, you’ll be able to try again, as there is a Checkpoint. The issue is if you use the Invitation before your build is capable of killing the Pinnacle Boss, you’ll need to leave and come back at another time, and you will not get the item back. You’ll either need to farm it again or buy it off trade.

The Vessel of Kulemak

The boss you’ll find in the Black Cathedral is called The Vessel of Kulemak. This is a unique fight in the fact that you’ll need to complete it four times. Each time you kill the Vessel of Kulemak, you will be able to add one modifier to the unique ring that appears. By selecting one of the skeletal figures at the back of the arena (Amanamu, Ulaman, or Kurgal), you can attempt to roll for specific Desecrated Modifiers on said item.

Upon killing the Vessel of Kulemak for the fourth time, you’ll be given an option. You can either Take the Finger or Return the Finger. Taking the Finger will simply give you the item and you’re free to leave. This will then roll all the Desecrated Modifiers on the ring. However, if you return the Finger, the middle of the arena will crack open and you’ll be able to fight the Vessel of Kulemak at full strength.

Unlocking Abyssal Lich

If you’re strong enough to conquer this boss at full strength, and you’re also playing the Lich Ascendancy, the end of the encounter has a secret. An NPC will appear with the question above its head: Embrace abyssal power? Clicking on this will pull up a new Ascendancy tree next to the current one you’re using, allowing you to compare the nodes to see what’s changed.

In case you’re curious right now, the big changes are:

• Umbral Well – Skeletal Minions you would create instead grant you Umbral Souls.
  • Skeletal Warriors grant 15% increased Attack Damage.
  • Skeletal Snipers grant 15% increased Projectile Speed.
  • Skeletal Clerics grant 30% increased Energy Shield Recharge Rate.
  • Skeletal Arsonits grant 15% increased Area of Effect.
  • Skeletal Storm Mages grant 25% increased Spell Damage.
  • Skeletal Frost Mages grant 35% increased maximum Energy Shield.
  • Skeletal Brutes grant 60% increased Stun buildup.
  • Skeletal Reavers grant 6% increased Skill Speed.
    • All of these stack per minion you would have summoned.
• Unwilling Offering – Your offerings can target enemies in Culling range. Your offerings affect you instead of your minions. Offerings created by Culling enemies have 1% increased effect per Power of Culled enemy.
• Steward of Kulemak – Grants Skill: Abyssal Apparition. Damaging Spells consume a Power Charge if able to trigger Abyssal Apparition.

With everything covered, it’s fair to say that Patch 0.3 Rise of the Abyssal was worth the wait. It certainly makes us excited for the future of the game. Hopefully with new updates each Ascendancy will have its own side content that can be used to unlock powerful, new interactions.