In Path of Exile 2, endgame progression revolves around testing your build against increasingly dangerous pinnacle encounters. These bosses are not designed to be stumbled upon casually; instead, they require deliberate preparation, specialized access items, and a strong understanding of encounter mechanics. One of the most notable of these challenges is Kulemak, an Abyss-themed pinnacle boss that sits outside the normal mapping loop and offers some of the most lucrative rewards tied to Abyss content.

Kulemak cannot be accessed randomly through maps. To face this boss, players must obtain a rare key item called Kulemak's Invitation. Understanding how this invitation works, where it comes from, and how to safely complete the encounter is essential for players looking to push deep into Path of Exile 2's endgame and generate meaningful currency returns.

Kulemak's Invitation is not a random drop that appears while mapping. Instead, it is tied directly to Abyss-focused gameplay and a unique progression chain involving the Vessel of Kulemak. This design ensures that players engaging with Abyss mechanics are the ones who gain access to the fight, rather than the encounter being something that can be brute-forced through general farming alone.

To begin the process, players must repeatedly defeat the Vessel of Kulemak. This enemy appears through specific Abyss-related encounters and serves as a gatekeeper to the final fight. Each time you defeat the Vessel, you move closer to triggering the key moment that leads to Kulemak's Invitation. This makes the process predictable, but still time-intensive, especially if your build is not optimized for Abyss content.

After defeating the Vessel of Kulemak several times, you will eventually be presented with a critical choice involving a mysterious finger tied to Kulemak. At this point, players can either keep the item or return it. Choosing to return the finger is what ultimately leads to the true endgame encounter. This decision is irreversible and signals that you are ready to face Kulemak at full power.

Returning the finger immediately triggers the final fight against Kulemak. This version of the boss is significantly more dangerous than the Vessel encounters leading up to it. Kulemak uses heavily Abyss-themed mechanics, including area denial, high-damage bursts, and overlapping threats that punish poor positioning. Players attempting this fight should expect minimal room for error, especially in solo play.

Because of the difficulty spike, it is strongly recommended that only well-optimized builds attempt the Kulemak fight. Strong single-target damage, reliable sustain, and the ability to quickly reposition are all crucial. Defensive layers such as high life or energy shield, damage mitigation, and ailment immunity play a major role in surviving the encounter. Glass-cannon builds may succeed, but only with exceptional mechanical execution. 

Successfully defeating Kulemak is where the true payoff begins. Upon victory, the boss drops the Grip of Kulemak, a highly sought-after item with powerful modifiers that synergize well with Abyss and endgame builds. In addition to this guaranteed unique drop, players are rewarded with a substantial amount of extra loot, including valuable crafting materials and
POE2 Currency. This makes the entire process profitable, especially for players who can complete the encounter consistently.

From an efficiency standpoint, farming Kulemak's Invitation yourself is often more sustainable than purchasing one outright from other players. While buying an invitation can save time, it cuts into profit margins and introduces market volatility. By contrast, farming the Vessel of Kulemak allows you to control both the pace and cost of entry, making it a better long-term strategy for dedicated endgame players.

Kulemak represents the kind of endgame content Path of Exile 2 is built around: deliberate, challenging, and highly rewarding. The invitation system ensures that access is earned through gameplay rather than chance alone, while the difficulty of the final fight rewards preparation and mastery. For players focused on Abyss mechanics, high-end loot, and efficient currency generation, learning how to obtain and use Kulemak's Invitation is a crucial step toward true endgame success.