Path of Exile 2: How to Become an Abyssal Lich

The release of Path of Exile 2: Rise of the Abyssal didn't just expand the crafting system with Abyssal modifiers-it also introduced one of the most challenging and rewarding secret Ascendancies in the game: the Abyssal Lich.

While many players expected only gear-based transformations at the Well of Souls, it turns out your character can transform, too. For summoner mains or dark-caster enthusiasts, ascending into an Abyssal Lich is a natural progression. But unlike standard Ascendancy unlocks, the Abyssal Lich requires players to face one of the hardest Pinnacle bosses multiple times.

This guide will break down how to unlock the Ascendancy, the boss gauntlet you'll need to overcome, and how the Abyssal Lich differs from the regular Lich.

How to Unlock the Abyssal Lich Ascendancy in Path of Exile 2

Unlocking the Abyssal Lich is not straightforward and requires persistence, preparation, and mastery of your build. The process can be broken down into several key steps.

Step 1: Acquire Kulemak's Invitation

To even access the Abyss Pinnacle fight, you'll need Kulemak's Invitation, an item that drops from Abyssal bosses found deep within the new league content. The drop isn't guaranteed, so expect to farm several Abyssal Depths encounters before one appears.

For players short on time, many turn to the trade market to buy POE2 Items like Kulemak's Invitation or other rare Abyssal fragments.

Once you secure the invitation, the Well of Souls in town will gain a new interaction, allowing you to descend into the Black Cathedral, home of the Abyss Pinnacle boss.

Important: You must already be playing as a base Lich Ascendancy to attempt the Abyssal Lich transformation. Other classes cannot trigger the secret Ascendancy path.

Step 2: Defeat the Vessel of Kulemak

Inside the Black Cathedral, you'll face the Vessel of Kulemak, a primeval horror that represents one of the hardest encounters in Path of Exile 2. Defeating the boss once isn't enough-you'll need to defeat it four separate times to unlock the Abyssal Lich.

Step 3: The Resurrection Gauntlet

After your first victory, you'll be presented with two options:

·Take the Finger - Ends the encounter and grants standard loot.

·Steal a Lich's Power - Continues the fight and revives the boss with an additional modifier.

To unlock the Abyssal Lich, you must always choose Steal a Lich's Power. Each resurrection stacks a new Abyssal modifier, making the Vessel stronger and deadlier. On your fourth revival, you'll receive the option to "Return the Finger" and complete the final battle.

Successfully defeating the fully empowered Vessel of Kulemak grants you access to the Abyssal Lich Ascendancy.

Abyssal Lich vs. Lich: What's the Difference?

The Abyssal Lich retains the core theme of the standard Lich-dark power, minion synergy, and sacrificial magic-but swaps out four key Notables for more specialized ones.

While the majority of passives remain the same, the differences lie in how the Abyssal variant pushes summoners and hybrid casters deeper into Abyssal mechanics. Some of the changes include:

·Desecrated Might - Minions and spells deal increased damage when near Abyssal zones.

·Unending Hunger - Minions that kill poisoned enemies spread poison explosions.

·Soul Rot - Increases Spirit reservation efficiency while granting poison immunity.

·Grip of Darkness - Minions apply Abyssal Wither stacks on hit, increasing enemy chaos damage taken.

These shifts make the Abyssal Lich particularly appealing for poison, chaos, and hybrid summoner builds that want a fresh layer of utility beyond the original Lich tree.

Exclusive Rewards from the Vessel of Kulemak

In addition to unlocking the Abyssal Lich, defeating the Vessel of Kulemak can reward several unique and highly desirable items.

Grip of Kulemak (Unique Ring)

·Always drops after completing the full Abyssal Ascendancy sequence.

·Can roll up to four custom desecrated modifiers, making it one of the most flexible uniques in Path of Exile 2.

The Unborn Lich (Unique Staff)

·Tailored for summoner builds, granting extra minion levels and increased abyssal synergy.

Undying Hate (Unique Timeless Jewel)

·Alters large sections of the passive tree, pushing chaos and poison scaling to new limits.

These rewards make the gauntlet not only a path to Ascendancy but also a key farming target for endgame builds.

Is It Worth Becoming an Abyssal Lich?

The short answer: if your build supports it.

The Abyssal Lich is not a universal power upgrade. If your build doesn't rely on poison, chaos, or minion synergies, the transformation won't offer as much value compared to other Ascendancies. However, for players already invested in summoner playstyles, damage-over-time scaling, or abyssal mechanics, this secret Ascendancy is a perfect fit.

The loot incentives, like Grip of Kulemak, also make the process worthwhile. Many players who farm or trade regularly use Path of Exile 2 Currency to grab these items early, giving them a strong edge in endgame content.

Final Thoughts

Becoming an Abyssal Lich in Path of Exile 2 is one of the most demanding challenges currently in the game. You'll need to farm Kulemak's Invitation, survive four increasingly difficult battles against the Vessel of Kulemak, and risk failure with each revival. But the rewards-both in terms of Ascendancy power and unique loot-are unmatched.

For summoners and chaos enthusiasts, the Abyssal Lich is the ultimate evolution of the Lich class, combining relentless minion pressure with abyssal corruption. If you're ready to face the Black Cathedral's horrors, the transformation awaits.