Malachai, The Nightmare

Malachai, The Nightmare
Malachai, The Nightmare
Level(s)	40
Location(s)	The Harvest
Quest(s)	The Eternal Nightmare
Resistance(s)	Resists Elemental Damage Resists Chaos Damage
Skill(s)	Slam Summon Blood Worms Teleport (with Slam) Tentacle Portal Monster Mortar Fire Trap TriBomb Ring of Fire

Malachai, The Nightmare is the final boss of Act 4, located in the Harvest's Black Core's final area: The Black Heart. Defeating him allows the player access to Act 5.

Abilities

Malachai's boss fight has two stages with small changes in the spells he uses.

Phase 1

In this stage, Malachai is initially protected by a red shield that prevents all damage. Piety helps the player by disabling his shield with her Piety Beam. Standing in the lightning beam deals lightning damage over time and shocks the player.

When Malachai's health drops to 75% and 50%, he transforms Piety into her Piety, the Abomination form and regains his shield and invulnerability. Piety will become an enemy that uses persistent balls of lightning and autoattacks. Piety's health must be reduced to 0 to cause her to revert to her human form to disable Malachai's shield again. After "killing" Piety the second time, Malachai will impale Piety with his staff and move to a new arena, triggering Phase 2.

• Autoattack: If you stand adjacent to Malachai, he attacks you with moderately strong melee strikes.
• Summon Blood Worms: Small blood worms pour into the arena at regular intervals. They deal moderate damage, but have low life. Their corpses explode after a short delay, dealing moderate damage. They grant flask charges on death.
• Spawn TriBomb: Malachai conjures three red energy orbs in a triangle in the arena. After a short delay, each orb explode into three smaller orbs.
• Teleport: Malachai teleports to another location. Does not deal damage.
• Teleport Slam: Malachai sinks into a bloody portal and re-appears in another location, rippling with red energy. After a short delay, the energy explodes in a large runic circle around him.
• Slam: Malachai lifts his weapon and smashes in front of him dealing moderate damage.
• Tentacle Portal: Malachai channels for a duration, dealing many small hits that can chill in a large cone in front of him. This skill can be easily dodged by moving behind Malachai or moving away from the cone.
• Mortar: Malachai throws balls of blood that create Rune Traps on the ground.
  • Rune Trap: Malachai throws 1-3 bloody traps. Traps are triggered when players and allies step on it or are summoned onto it, exploding for moderate damage. Traps last 9 seconds before expiring.

Phase 2

In this stage, the arena contains three Hearts of the Beast. At approximately 70%, 40% and 20% life, Malachai teleports to one of these Hearts and opens it, recovering about 30% of his Life and becomes invulnerable due to his shield. The opened Heart can then be killed to get rid of the shield.

Malachai retains most of his attacks from the first stage, with a few exceptions noted below:

• He no longer uses Slam or Summon Blood Worms.
• Malachai will use more AoEs and teleports more often as his health gets lower.
• Rune Traps are larger and deal more damage. Rune Traps are now summoned directly instead of being left by Mortar.
• Degeneration Mortar: Malachai can throw 1 or 5 balls of blood that explode and deal persistent physical damage over time for 5 seconds in an area.
• Summon Primordial Creations: Summons humanoid monsters that act similar to zombies.
• Ring of Fire: Upon opening the third Heart, Malachai creates a persistent red ring that slowly tracks the player around the arena, dealing moderate fire damage over time to anyone inside it.

Strategy

Malachai's Tentacle Portal skill.

Most of Malachai's attacks are well-telegraphed. Watch him and learn what the animations for each attack look like, and you should be able to avoid most of his damage. Learning what the attacks look like and how to avoid them is the key to victory in this fight.

In general, fight cautiously - avoid his attacks and only damage him when you can do so relatively safely. Malachai has no energy shield or health regen, so all of your damage will add up.

Malachai's tentacle portal provides the best opportunity to damage him, assuming you can avoid the other AoEs he throws out. He is stationary for the entire time he channels, and maneuvering just to one side of the portal will let you attack him without taking any damage.

For the entire fight, but especially the end of the second phase, pay very close attention to the ground in the arena. Malachai's rune traps, blood pools, and the ring of fire are all very dangerous in the chaos of the fight.

The explosive teleport is easily recognized and gives you plenty of time to react, but don't mess around with it. The explosion can easily kill in one hit. Get far away from Malachai and go back in after the explosion has gone off.

His Smash in stage 1 is quite quick, so if you are in melee using slow melee attacks like Ice Crash or a skill with Multistrike, you might not have time to dodge. This attack deals a large amount of damage, so melee characters should play especially defensively during the first phase.

Transformed Piety can be dangerous, and will require lots of dodging. She does not have the beam attack from her boss version, but her Ball Lightning deals high damage.

Lore

Malachai is one of the most prolific and accomplished thaumaturges of all time (second perhaps only to Doryani) who was prepared to sacrifice his own humanity in the pursuit of thaumaturgy. At some point in time, Malachai even used a "sliver of his soul" to animate the first "Eternal Guardian". It is unclear what this is referring to.

It was a sliver of Malachai's soul

that animated the first Eternal Guardian.

Malachai was a master at manipulating those in positions of power into yielding to his demands. After the Purity Rebellion, instead of being burned at the stake like fellow thaumaturgist Doedre, Malachai convinced Emperor Voll into letting him live, in exchange for Malachai bringing about the "end of thaumaturgy". However, Malachai had no such intentions and began work on the Rapture Device, designed to bring about the Cataclysm. It is speculated that this is what HonourhomeHonourhome
Soldier HelmetArmour: (68-112)
Energy Shield: (16-27)Requires Level 12, 16 Str, 16 Int+2 to Level of Socketed Gems
Adds 1 to 30 Lightning Damage to Spells and Attacks
(100-150)% increased Armour and Energy Shield
(10-20)% increased Rarity of Items found
(10-20)% reduced Mana Cost of Skills"The craven mind is sharp with self interest.
The honourable mind is much easier to manipulate."
- Malachai the Soulless refers to.

"The craven mind is sharp with self interest.

The honourable mind is much easier to manipulate."

- Malachai the Soulless

Map variants

Stronger versions of Malachai, The Nightmare serve as map bosses:

Map	Level	Name	Notes
Core MapCore MapMap Level: 69 Map Tier: 2 Guild Character: ûBlack monstrous bridges cross oily rivers, leading nowhere. Nothing as it should be.Travel to this Map by using it in a personal Map Device. Maps can only be used once.		Eater of Souls
Primordial Pool MapPrimordial Pool MapMap Level: 71 Map Tier: 4 Guild Character: ÂA dough of bad blood. A yeast of ill will.Travel to this Map by using it in a personal Map Device. Maps can only be used once.		Nightmare's Omen	Phase 1 only but without Piety
The Shaper's Realm	84	Eater of Souls	As one of the random mini-bosses

Voice actor

Malachai is voiced by New Zealand actor John Leigh.

Achievements

Name	Description
End of the Nightmare	Kill Malachai, The Nightmare.

Related items

Item	Item class	Flavour text
Collateral DamageCollateral Damage Viridian JewelLimited to: 2 Radius: Medium(10-15)% increased Global Physical Damage With at least 40 Dexterity in Radius, Galvanic Arrow deals 50% increased Area Damage With at least 40 Dexterity in Radius, Galvanic Arrow has 25% increased Area of EffectMalachai ran roughshod over every ethical boundary in pursuit of creating the ideal gemling. For him, there was no doubt that the end would justify the means.Place into an allocated jewel socket on the Passive Skill Tree. Right click to remove from the Socket.	Jewel	Malachai ran roughshod over every ethical boundary in pursuit of creating the ideal gemling. For him, there was no doubt that the end would justify the means.
Controlled EnergyControlled Energy Cobalt JewelLimited to: 1(20-30)% increased Spell Damage while your Energy Shield is Full 5% chance to Dodge Spell Damage while your Energy Shield is Full"Once one understands the flow of energy, the world becomes yours to shape." - Malachai the SoullessPlace into an allocated Jewel Socket on the Passive Skill Tree. Right click to remove from the Socket.	Jewel	"Once one understands the flow of energy, the world becomes yours to shape." - Malachai the Soulless
Decanter SpiritusDecanter Spiritus"Man is blinded by the mud of his corporeal self. Only through the transformation of the material into the spiritual can we hope to taste the full body of life." - Malachai the Soulless	Quest Item	"Man is blinded by the mud of his corporeal self. Only through the transformation of the material into the spiritual can we hope to taste the full body of life." - Malachai the Soulless
Dialla's SubjugationDialla's Subjugation7Support Gem Quality: +23% CorruptedA symbol of beauty and innocence The gems corrupted her mind Malachai corrupted her gems All but a glimmer of greatness lost in madness	Divination Card	A symbol of beauty and innocence The gems corrupted her mind Malachai corrupted her gems All but a glimmer of greatness lost in madness
Essence WormEssence Worm Unset RingRequires Level 38Has 1 Socket+2 to Level of Socketed Aura Gems Socketed Gems have no Reservation Your Blessing Skills are Disabled 80% reduced Reservation Efficiency of Skills"This thing is not a pet. It is a parasite that feeds on the very will of its host. Like any part of nightmare, it has found a way to make its price... acceptable." - Malachai the Soulless	Ring	"This thing is not a pet. It is a parasite that feeds on the very will of its host. Like any part of nightmare, it has found a way to make its price... acceptable." - Malachai the Soulless
HonourhomeHonourhome Soldier HelmetArmour: (68-112) Energy Shield: (16-27)Requires Level 12, 16 Str, 16 Int+2 to Level of Socketed Gems Adds 1 to 30 Lightning Damage to Spells and Attacks (100-150)% increased Armour and Energy Shield (10-20)% increased Rarity of Items found (10-20)% reduced Mana Cost of Skills"The craven mind is sharp with self interest. The honourable mind is much easier to manipulate." - Malachai the Soulless	Helmet	"The craven mind is sharp with self interest. The honourable mind is much easier to manipulate." - Malachai the Soulless
Infernal TalcInfernal Talc"A Virtue Gem is a raging thunderstorm imprisoned within a single raindrop. Infernal Talc simply lets the storm out." - Malachai the Soulless	Quest Item	"A Virtue Gem is a raging thunderstorm imprisoned within a single raindrop. Infernal Talc simply lets the storm out." - Malachai the Soulless
Lightning CoilLightning Coil Desert BrigandineArmour: (714-992) Evasion: (714-992) Movement Speed: -3%Requires Level 60, 96 Str, 96 DexAdds 1 to (20-30) Lightning Damage to Attacks (90-120)% increased Armour and Evasion +(60-80) to maximum Life -60% to Lightning Resistance 50% of Physical Damage from Hits taken as Lightning Damage"There's nothing like imminent death to galvanize one's purpose in life." - Malachai the Soulless.	Body Armour	"There's nothing like imminent death to galvanize one's purpose in life." - Malachai the Soulless.
Malachai's ArtificeMalachai's Artifice Unset RingRequires Level 5Has 1 SocketSocketed Gems have Elemental Equilibrium -20% to all Elemental Resistances +(75-100)% to Fire Resistance when Socketed with a Red Gem +(75-100)% to Cold Resistance when Socketed with a Green Gem +(75-100)% to Lightning Resistance when Socketed with a Blue Gem All Sockets are WhiteWhen the wind blows, Know which way to bend and watch the others break.	Ring	When the wind blows, Know which way to bend and watch the others break.
Malachai's AwakeningMalachai's Awakening Iron MaskEvasion: (48-60) Energy Shield: (11-14)Requires Level 60, 21 Dex, 21 Int+20 to Strength (15-30)% increased Spell Damage +10% to all Elemental Resistances Adds (42-54) to (78-88) Cold Damage to Spells while no Life is Reserved Adds (54-64) to (96-107) Fire Damage to Spells while no Life is Reserved Adds (5-14) to (160-173) Lightning Damage to Spells while no Life is Reserved Blood MagicThere is no cost too great to pay for power. Merely men who lack the conviction to pay it.	Helmet	There is no cost too great to pay for power. Merely men who lack the conviction to pay it.
Malachai's DedicationMalachai's DedicationHideout ItemCreates an object in your hideout	Hideout Decoration	—
Malachai's EntrailsMalachai's EntrailsMy organs tether me to mortality like a chain. This chain holds me from my true potential.	Quest Item	My organs tether me to mortality like a chain. This chain holds me from my true potential.
Malachai's HeartMalachai's HeartMy heart forces blood through my veins. But one who may bleed may die, and death is no fitting end to genius.	Quest Item	My heart forces blood through my veins. But one who may bleed may die, and death is no fitting end to genius.
Malachai's LoopMalachai's Loop Harmonic Spirit ShieldChance to Block: 23% Energy Shield: (179-231) Movement Speed: -3%Requires Level 65, 159 Int(10-15)% increased Spell Damage(210-250)% increased Energy Shield +2 to Maximum Power Charges 20% chance to gain a Power Charge on Hit (12-16)% increased Spell Damage per Power Charge Lose all Power Charges on reaching Maximum Power Charges Shocks you when you reach Maximum Power ChargesThaumaturgy has no limit. It is our fragile reality that imposes boundaries.	Shield	Thaumaturgy has no limit. It is our fragile reality that imposes boundaries.
Malachai's LungsMalachai's LungsMy lungs breathe the same air as the foolish and the weak. May I be yet another step removed from them.	Quest Item	My lungs breathe the same air as the foolish and the weak. May I be yet another step removed from them.
Malachai's MarkMalachai's Mark Murder MittsEvasion: (217-278) Energy Shield: (45-56)Requires Level 67, 51 Dex, 51 Int(80-100)% increased Evasion and Energy Shield +(60-80) to maximum Life Gain (15-25) Life per Enemy Hit with Attacks Gain (15-25) Energy Shield per Enemy Hit with Attacks Grants Malachai's Endurance, Frenzy and Power for 6 seconds each, in sequenceWhat man does not wish for immortality?	Gloves	What man does not wish for immortality?
Malachai's SimulaMalachai's Simula Iron MaskEvasion: (48-60) Energy Shield: (11-14)Requires Level 17, 21 Dex, 21 Int+20 to Strength +(20-30)% to Lightning Resistance Spells have a 20% chance to deal Double Damage Blood MagicIt was a sliver of Malachai's soul that animated the first Eternal Guardian.	Helmet	It was a sliver of Malachai's soul that animated the first Eternal Guardian.
Malachai's VisionMalachai's Vision Praetor CrownArmour: (161-185) Energy Shield: (201-258)Requires Level 68, 62 Str, 91 IntAdds (13-17) to (29-37) Chaos Damage +(150-200) to maximum Energy Shield +(32-40)% to Cold Resistance +(15-20)% to Lightning Resistance Regenerate 400 Energy Shield per second if all Equipped items are Corrupted Regenerate 35 Mana per second if all Equipped Items are CorruptedCorruptedWicked men chase power like stray dogs chase a rat.	Helmet	Wicked men chase power like stray dogs chase a rat.
Malachai Body ArmourMalachai Body ArmourArmour SkinChanges the appearance of any equipped body armour to the Malachai Body Armour.	Cosmetic Item	—
Malachai BootsMalachai BootsBoots SkinChanges the appearance of any equipped boots to the Malachai Boots.	Cosmetic Item	—
Malachai CloakMalachai CloakArmour AttachmentAdds the Malachai Cloak Back Attachment to any equipped body armour.	Cosmetic Item	—
Malachai GlovesMalachai GlovesGloves SkinChanges the appearance of any equipped gloves to the Malachai Gloves.	Cosmetic Item	—
Malachai HeartMalachai HeartHideout ItemCreates an object in your hideout3 Variations	Hideout Decoration	—
Malachai HelmetMalachai HelmetHelmet SkinChanges the appearance of any equipped helmet to the Malachai Helmet.	Cosmetic Item	—
Malachai Portal EffectMalachai Portal EffectPortalThis character's portals use the Malachai effect.	Cosmetic Item	—
Omen on the WindsOmen on the Winds Viridian JewelLimited to: 2 Radius: Medium(15-20)% increased Damage with Hits against Chilled Enemies With at least 40 Dexterity in Radius, Ice Shot has 25% increased Area of Effect With at least 40 Dexterity in Radius, Ice Shot Pierces 3 additional TargetsAs Malachai stepped into the Highgate mines, cold winds billowed from the mountain above. One final, feeble attempt to save what was meant to be eternal.Place into an allocated Jewel Socket on the Passive Skill Tree. Right click to remove from the Socket.	Jewel	As Malachai stepped into the Highgate mines, cold winds billowed from the mountain above. One final, feeble attempt to save what was meant to be eternal.
Replica Malachai's ArtificeReplica Malachai's Artifice Unset RingRequires Level 5Has 1 SocketSocketed Gems have Secrets of Suffering -20% to all Elemental Resistances +(75-100)% to Fire Resistance when Socketed with a Red Gem +(75-100)% to Cold Resistance when Socketed with a Green Gem +(75-100)% to Lightning Resistance when Socketed with a Blue Gem All Sockets are White"As much as Prototype #20 hints at some deep alternate physics, we cannot afford to expend any more test subjects. Experiments halted." - Administrator Qotra	Ring	"As much as Prototype #20 hints at some deep alternate physics, we cannot afford to expend any more test subjects. Experiments halted." - Administrator Qotra
The ArtistThe Artist11Level 4 Enhance Corrupted"Paint, metal, flesh... A true artist does not limit himself." - Malachai the Soulless	Divination Card	"Paint, metal, flesh... A true artist does not limit himself." - Malachai the Soulless
The Brittle EmperorThe Brittle Emperor8Voll's Devotion Corrupted"When Voll spared Malachai, accepting his aid in pursuit of Purity, the strongest faith was infected by Corruption and made brittle as glass." - Victario, the People's Poet	Divination Card	"When Voll spared Malachai, accepting his aid in pursuit of Purity, the strongest faith was infected by Corruption and made brittle as glass." - Victario, the People's Poet
The Eye of DesireThe Eye of Desire"It is a cruel joke that Man was born with more Intent than Life." - Malachai	Quest Item	"It is a cruel joke that Man was born with more Intent than Life." - Malachai
The Eye of FuryThe Eye of Fury"Fear becomes Hatred. Hatred becomes Fury. Thus is Man transformed from Martyr to Maker." - Malachai	Quest Item	"Fear becomes Hatred. Hatred becomes Fury. Thus is Man transformed from Martyr to Maker." - Malachai
The SurgeonThe Surgeon4Surgeon's Flask"He might be lacking in vision, but his virtuosity is undeniable." - Malachai, on Maligaro	Divination Card	"He might be lacking in vision, but his virtuosity is undeniable." - Malachai, on Maligaro
Malachai's Demise Rare Finisher EffectMalachai's Demise Rare Finisher EffectWeapon Added EffectAdds the Malachai's Demise Rare Finisher Effect to any weapon. It amplifies the deaths of Rare Monsters you kill.	Cosmetic Item	—
Alternate Art Malachais ArtificeAlternate Art Malachais ArtificeRing Skin	Cosmetic Item	—

Concept Art

• 

  Concept art

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Version history

Version	Changes
3.18.0e	Sentinels can no longer empower Malachai, The Nightmare, or Catarina, Master of Undeath, in the first phase of their Boss fights as they don't drop items at the end of this phase.
3.9.2f	Fixed a rare bug where Malachai in The Harvest and Core MapCore MapMap Level: 69 Map Tier: 2 Guild Character: ûBlack monstrous bridges cross oily rivers, leading nowhere. Nothing as it should be.Travel to this Map by using it in a personal Map Device. Maps can only be used once. could sometimes fail to transition to his second arena.
3.8.2	Fixed a rare bug that prevented various bosses from using skills or transitioning correctly after being Frozen or Stunned.
2.0.0	Introduced to the game.