Hardware FixRecommendedDevice not working? Your driver may be the problemCheck updates for common hardware issues.Fix DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsWindows FixRecommendedWindows errors stealing your time? Find the fix fastScan stability, cleanup and performance issues.Fix Now×
Skip to content
VGSources
Blog

Ekbab, Ancient Steed: Location, Boss Fight, and Mastodon Tusks

Ekbab, Ancient Steed shares the Bone Pits encounter with Iktab in Act 2. Here’s where to find the fight, what attacks to watch for, and how the Mastodon Tusks advance A Theft of Ivory.
Length2 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Ekbab, Ancient Steed is one of the two bosses in the Bone Pits encounter in Act 2 of Path of Exile 2. Find the fight in Blackrib Pit, defeat Ekbab and Iktab, the Deathlord, then collect the Mastodon Tusks and return them to Zarka at the Ardura Caravan to progress A Theft of Ivory.

Where to find Ekbab, Ancient Steed

Travel to the Bone Pits in Act 2 and look for Blackrib Pit, where Ekbab appears alongside Iktab, the Deathlord. The area layout is randomly generated, so the route and bosses’ precise position can vary; explore the zone rather than relying on a fixed map path. Game8’s location and encounter guide was last updated January 16, 2026 (Game8’s Bone Pits boss guide).

How to handle the Ekbab and Iktab fight

This is a paired encounter: both bosses can attack while you are dealing with the other. Game8 describes Iktab as using ranged area attacks, while Ekbab pressures you with melee swings, charges, and slams, including a forward-moving shockwave. The guide recommends dodging sideways to avoid Ekbab’s attacks.

Keep moving and watch both bosses

  • Track Iktab’s ranged attacks while positioning yourself to react to Ekbab’s approach.
  • When Ekbab swings, charges, or slams, move laterally rather than trying to remain directly in front of the attack.
  • Do not assume the encounter is safe just because you are focusing on one boss; the other remains part of the fight.

Boss order may affect the encounter

The community-maintained PoE2 Wiki reports that the surviving boss gains additional mechanics depending on which one you defeat first. In particular, it says Ekbab enrages and gains lightning-themed mechanics if Iktab is killed first. This is a version-sensitive community-wiki description, not a guaranteed account of current behavior; check the fight as it appears in your game before choosing a strategy around that detail. See the PoE2 Wiki entry for Ekbab.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Bushiroad Palworld Trading Card Game Dawn of Palpagos Red & Blue Trial Deck POCGe-TD01 [50 Cards]
  • Official Palworld Trading Card Game: Strategic gameplay designed for two players featuring mysterious creatures known as Pals
  • Complete Trial Deck Set: Includes 50 cards in the Dawn of Palpagos Red & Blue Trial Deck, designed for immediate play right out of the box
  • Flexible Deck Construction: Build decks using up to 2 colors from Red, Blue, Green, and Purple, plus versatile Colorless cards that work with any deck combination
  • Customizable Strategy Options: Cards are customizable with a maximum of four copies per card, encouraging personalized strategies and unique gameplay experiences
  • Comprehensive Game Components: Includes 60-card set with 50 main deck pieces and 10 soul cards, plus play guide, paper playmat, life counter, and bonus booster pack

What to do with the Mastodon Tusks

The Mastodon Tusks are a quest item tied to A Theft of Ivory, not a tradable physical item. After defeating Ekbab and Iktab, collect the tusks and return to the Ardura Caravan to speak with Zarka. Game8 lists an Uncut Support Gem among the quest-completion rewards; its guide was last updated January 13, 2026 (Game8’s A Theft of Ivory walkthrough).

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

If the tusks do not appear

A player reported on the Path of Exile official forums on December 17, 2025, that the Mastodon Tusks did not drop after a Bone Pits boss kill, preventing quest progress. That single user post does not establish that the issue is widespread, still occurring, or officially confirmed, and it does not document an official fix. If you do not see the quest item, verify that both bosses are defeated and check the quest objective before leaving the area; the report alone is not evidence that every missing drop is caused by a current bug. Read the forum report.

Quick Recap

SaleBestseller No. 2
BUSHIROAD Palworld Official Card Game Booster Pack Dawn of Palpagos Box (Japanese)
BUSHIROAD Palworld Official Card Game Booster Pack Dawn of Palpagos Box (Japanese)
7 per pack; Each box contains 12 cards; (C) PALWORLD
$74.90
Bestseller No. 4
The Loyal Subjects PALWORLD 3-inch Scale Chillet, Grizzbolt, Relaxasaurus Figure Collectors Set
The Loyal Subjects PALWORLD 3-inch Scale Chillet, Grizzbolt, Relaxasaurus Figure Collectors Set
Build your PALWORLD collection instantly with the Collectors Set by The Loyal Subjects.; FIGURES: Three 3-inch scale figures designed for posing and display.
$19.99
Rank #4
The Loyal Subjects PALWORLD 3-inch Scale Chillet, Grizzbolt, Relaxasaurus Figure Collectors Set
  • Build your PALWORLD collection instantly with the Collectors Set by The Loyal Subjects.
  • PALWORLD: The global phenomenon, multiplayer open world survival and crafting video game where players collect mysterious creatures called ‘Pals,’ is taking the action off screen with these all new and first ever Figures!
  • SET INCLUDES: Chillet, Grizzbolt, and Relaxasaurus — for an all-in-one collectible showcase.
  • FIGURES: Three 3-inch scale figures designed for posing and display.
  • PACKAGED: In a premium display-ready window box.
Rank #2

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More quests from Patch Notes

  1. How To Create Custom Stickers & Shoutouts In Monster Hunter WildsMonster Hunter WildsBlog20min
  2. How to Get XL Gogoat in Pokemon Legends Z-A (An Extra-Large Gogoat)Pokemon Legends Z-ABlog20min
  3. How to Get Rotting Lightbringer in Diablo 4Diablo 4Blog17min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.