In Path of Exile 2, Against the Darkness is a unique Time-Lost Jewel that can significantly enhance your build—provided you roll the right affixes. Like other Time-Lost Jewels, it applies its modifiers as individual bonuses to each Passive Node within its radius. With a massive 1300 radius, Against the Darkness becomes a powerhouse option when paired with the right build, especially in endgame setups.
If you're wondering why Against the Darkness is such a popular choice in many high-end builds, or how to get your hands on it, this guide is here to help!
To get your hands on Against the Darkness, you’ll need to defeat Zarkh, the Temporal Boss. However, this boss isn’t something you can just stumble upon; you need to first complete a 4-Floor Trial of Sekhemas. This requires your character to be at least level 80 with a Djinn Barya before you can attempt it.
The Trial of Sekhemas itself is no walk in the park. You’ll need to survive four consecutive floors, each with its own set of challenges. Afterward, you’ll face Zarkh, and you’ll need to master time-based mechanics during the fight to win.
Now, here's the kicker: Against the Darkness isn’t a guaranteed drop from Zarkh. However, you can boost your odds by using a Unique Relic, called The Desperate Alliance Vase. This relic increases Zarkh’s damage output and defenses significantly, but in return, it guarantees that Against the Darkness will drop.
While The Desperate Alliance Vase guarantees that Against the Darkness will drop, it’s not exactly cheap. This relic can cost upwards of 2 Divine Orbs in the market, so buying it just to farm Against the Darkness may not be the most efficient choice—especially if you’re playing in a trade league.
It’s also worth noting that Against the Darkness cannot be obtained by using Orbs of Chance on Time-Lost Diamonds, as some might assume.
At first glance, Against the Darkness may seem like just another unique item, but it’s far more impactful than that. Here's why:
To maximize the potential of Against the Darkness, you'll need to find the right affix for your build. The jewel’s large radius gives you plenty of options, but the key is to target the affixes that complement your character’s strengths.
For example:
Currently, the official trade site for Path of Exile 2 doesn’t allow you to filter results by specific affixes. Instead, you’ll need to sort by your budget and manually search for the one that fits your build.
If you're planning to take your build to the next level, Against the Darkness is definitely worth considering. Its 1300 radius and potential affixes can make a massive difference, especially in high-end builds. However, acquiring it is no easy feat. You’ll need to complete the 4-Floor Trial of Sekhemas and defeat Zarkh, or buy the expensive Desperate Alliance Vase relic to guarantee a drop.
If you don’t want to go through all the hassle of farming it yourself, you can always find Against the Darkness on the official trade site. Just make sure to choose the version with the right affix for your build.
And if you’re looking for reliable help in buying or trading valuable Path of Exile 2 items, U4GM offers a range of services to make your gameplay experience smoother and more rewarding.
Good luck, Exile—may the darkness never find you!