Exar Kun (EK)

The Exar Kun heroic instance is set on the planet Yavin 4, inside the ancient Massassi Temple, where players face the spirit of the Sith Lord Exar Kun, who was a major figure in the Star Wars Expanded Universe. This instance explores his dark legacy and connection to the dark side of the Force.

STRATEGY AND REQUIRMENTS

The Exar Kun heroic instance is one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences in Star Wars Galaxies. Success in this instance requires careful preparation, a well-rounded group composition, and precise execution of strategies drawn from all previous heroic encounters. Whether you’re a veteran or tackling this instance for the first time, understanding the following key points will be crucial to your victory.

Prequests

• You need to finish Controlling Spirit

Buffs and Preparation

To withstand the onslaught within the temple, all group members should ensure they are buffed for Kinetic and Fire Damage Over Time (DOT) effects. While the disease encountered in Phase 2 is manageable, fire and kinetic resistance are paramount throughout the instance. Pay close attention to NPC dialogue for timing cues and strategic hints, which can make a significant difference in your approach to each phase.

Group Composition and Roles

• Medics: The Exar Kun instance requires Medics to be at their best, as the healing demands are relentless. Two Medics are ideal, but if you must proceed with only one, ensure they are well-prepared and geared with cooldown reset capabilities to manage the sustained damage output effectively.
• Officers: Officers are invaluable due to their high DPS and action regeneration abilities. Bringing an Officer equipped with the 5-piece General Heroic Jewelry set will ensure your group’s action bars remain stable, maximizing overall DPS and sustaining the group’s momentum.
• Commandos: Commandos shine in this instance, offering both sustained DPS and reliable tanking capabilities throughout the encounter. They are particularly effective in key tanking roles and can handle the brunt of the damage in most phases.
• Bounty Hunters: A tank-focused Bounty Hunter can be a valuable asset, especially in Phase 5. Alternatively, an additional DS Jedi can fill this role effectively.
• Smugglers: Smugglers bring unique utility, particularly in Phase 3, where Pistol Whip can halt the Executioner’s deadly attacks, giving your group crucial breathing room.
• Jedi: Both Light Side (LS) and Dark Side (DS) Jedi can fulfill tanking roles effectively. While a strong Commando or well-geared DS Jedi with around 29k health can handle the tanking without struggle, LS Jedi are equally viable, especially for certain phases. Having two Medics is highly recommended due to the constant and intense healing required. This instance is one of the most demanding for Medics, and it’s advisable to equip at least one with a 5-piece First Responders jewelry set to reset healing cooldowns. 
• Spies: While Spies lack unique profession contributions in this instance, they can still perform well in the elemental section of Phase 5. However, a Bounty Hunter or Commando may be more desirable for this role.

➡NOTE: As you move through the temple, ensure that all group members fully enter each room before advancing. When the instance begins, hidden doors will close behind you, locking out anyone still in the corridors.

💡TIP ·》Pets can be a significant asset in several stages of the instance, but poorly managed pets can create problems. Use them wisely and ensure they are under control during critical moments.

 

PHASE 1: The Open Hand of Hate

Part One Eliminating the Cultists

Welcome to the battle against The Open Hand of Hate, a challenging encounter that requires teamwork and strategy.

As you enter the room, you’ll notice eight inactive NPCs called "Exar Kun Cultists" and the main boss, The Open Hand of Hate (TOHH), ready for battle. Your first task is to deal with these cultists while managing the boss. The Jedi tank initiates the encounter by attacking The Open Hand of Hate. They can use any special attacks but should primarily focus on basic attacks and self-healing. 

➡NOTE: A medic should be dedicated to healing the Jedi tank during the fight.

The Jedi tank should keep The Open Hand of Hate at its starting location, avoiding moving it too close to the group to prevent losing aggro. A bit of movement might be necessary, but try to keep it minimal.

Dealing with Cultists

The eight "Exar Kun Cultists" will become attackable one at a time. The group's priority is to eliminate these cultists as quickly as possible. Cultists are relatively easy to defeat, so the group should focus all their attacks on each one as they activate. With the Jedi tank managing The Open Hand of Hate on the other side of the room, the rest of the group is free to unleash their attacks on the cultists without worrying about AoE attacks from the boss.

💡TIP ·》During the battle, you’ll notice green circles of energy falling from the ceiling and landing on the floor. These become more frequent as you defeat more cultists. Standing in these green circles will inflict damage, as they cause "Static Shock," similar to the fire circles in the Axkva Min fight. If you receive the "Static Cling" debuff, indicated by the "Electrified" graphic, you’ll become a target for Static Shocks, so be extra cautious and avoid the circles.

Part Two: Defeating The Open Hand of Hate

 

Attack Strategy:

• • The key to success in this phase is restraint: avoid using major damage-dealing special attacks.
  • Debuffs like "Static Cling" and green energy circles will continue to pose a threat. Additionally, a new debuff called "Shared Pain" (similar in appearance to the Commando's "Base of Operations") will come into play.

Managing Group Damage:

• • When attacking The Open Hand of Hate, your group's damage output (DPS) will cause proportional damage to all members. This is why only basic DPS should be used.
  • The "Shared Pain" debuff amplifies the damage received by at least one group member. If anyone uses a powerful special attack, it could severely harm the debuffed player.

Healing and Group Coordination:

• • Constant medic healing is crucial. However, group members must also take responsibility for their own safety.
  • If you notice your health dropping dangerously low, stop attacking for a few seconds to give the medic time to heal you. This strategy is a balancing act and requires everyone to be vigilant.
  • It's better to take an extra few minutes to defeat the boss cautiously than to risk wiping the group and spending 10 minutes re-buffing and returning to the instance.

Special Instructions for Specific Roles:

• • Beast Masters: Set your pets to "passive" mode. If pets "break away" and attack The Open Hand of Hate, they could cause unwanted damage to you and your group.
  • Dark Jedi: If you're the primary tank, consider using the Stance ability instead of Force Drain, as Force Drain will only hurt you. Stick to basic attacks while in Stance.
  • Multiple Commandos: Coordinate your use of Heavy Weapons to maximize damage potential without overloading the group's DPS.