Abyssos: The Eighth Circle

Endwalker Raid Lv90 iLvl 585

The fourth and final encounter of the Abyssos raid tier. Hephaistos, known as “Perfect Imperfection,” is a hemitheos who can transform into different beast forms during battle.

Hephaistos

A transformation-based fight where the boss shifts between forms, each with unique mechanics. Features knockback sequences, gaze attacks, and fire-based hazards.

Key Mechanics

MechanicTypeDescription
Genesis of FlameRaidwideModerate party-wide magic damage - shield and heal
FlameviperTankbusterHeavy tank buster attack requiring cooldowns
Sunforge (Serpent)CleaveSummons serpent - line AoE down the middle of arena
Sunforge (Phoenix)CleaveSummons phoenix - cleaves sides of arena, safe in middle
Reforged ReflectionAoEBoss transforms into different forms with unique attacks
Blazing FootfallsKnockbackBoss dashes across arena with knockbacks, then jumps to marked spots in sequence
Rearing RampageRaidwideModerate raidwide magic damage
Fourfold FiresAoEProximity meteors at intercardinal edges that leave fiery puddles
Chthonic VentAoEBoss tethers to fire puddles and summons serpents

Sunforge (Serpent vs Phoenix)

Watch what creature appears:

  • Serpent: Line AoE down the center - move to sides
  • Phoenix: Cleaves both sides - stay in the center

The visual telegraph shows which creature before the attack resolves.

Reforged Reflection (Transformation)

Hephaistos transforms into different forms:

Quadrupedal Form:

  • Performs dashing attacks across the arena
  • Watch for dash indicators and move out of path

Serpentine Form:

  • Summons adds requiring target switching
  • Uses gaze mechanics - look away when indicated

Blazing Footfalls

A sequence mechanic:

  1. Boss dashes across the arena with knockback effects
  2. Position to avoid being knocked into edges
  3. Marked spots appear showing where boss will jump next
  4. Watch the numbered sequence and avoid landing zones in order

Arena Hazard

After the first raidwide:

  • Arena edges ignite with fire
  • Standing in edges inflicts a burn DoT
  • Stay toward center when possible

Tips

  • Learn to quickly identify serpent vs phoenix for Sunforge
  • During Blazing Footfalls, track the numbered jump sequence
  • For gaze mechanics in serpentine form, look away from the boss
  • Stay away from arena edges after they ignite
  • Position away from intercardinals during Fourfold Fires (proximity damage)
  • Healers watch for Genesis of Flame into Rearing Rampage combinations