Quick Links
Of all the Strongholds throughout Diablo 4, the Temple of Rot might be the least pleasant. Exactly what goes on there is best avoided in polite conversation. Basically, there's a cannibal cult that kidnaps some villagers, and you get to be the hero again!
Although completing this Stronghold doesn't unlock any new dungeons, doing so still gives you a big Renown boost in the Dry Steppes region. But the Temple of Rot is no joke. The fight against Molqarth can be particularly difficult for the unprepared. Here's a helpful guide to clearing out the Temple and slaying its bosses.
Slay The Cannibal Champions
The quickest way to reach the Temple of Rot is by traveling directly north from Jirandai, on the border with Kehjistan. After gaining entrance to the main Temple grounds, you'll face Bostar, the Breaker. This Elite has an annoying Terrify ability that can send you running in Fear. Just be sure to wait until you're back inside the bubble created by its Suppressor enchantment, which blocks outside ranged attacks.
The door behind Bostar remains locked, so you'll have to follow the pathway around to the left. Reach the main Temple building itself and enter to face Corpse Spawn, Child of the Devourer. This Champion has Terrify and Poison Enchanted attacks. Worst of all are the poison pools created by its Plaguebearer effect. Avoid these at all costs.
Razorface, the Carrion Zealout, waits further inside the Temple of Rot. He can create both Frozen and Explosive bubbles, sometimes over the same spot. On top of those, his Waller enchantment can block off your escape routes. Watch your environment, and avoid staying too close to existing walls so that you can always escape.
The last and most distant of Molqarth's Champions is Arden, the Ravenous. You can find him way down south of the Temple. Arden's Lightning Enchanted attacks are further enhanced by his rare Shock Lance ability. He's also a Teleporter, so wait until after he jumps before you use your most powerful attacks.
Locate Molqarth's Lair
Once you finally defeat the last of his champions, it's time to hunt down Molqarth himself. He's located at the ritual circle all the way to the far north side of the Temple of Rot. But as you approach the final path, you'll be greeted by one last mini-boss challenge.
The three Molqarth's Chosen will magically appear to stop you just before the final path. All three are Vampiric and have an additional powerful effect to boot. Bonecruncher has Chilling Wind, which creates an icy pillar to slow you and your projectiles. Fleshtearer summons Electrified Obelisks that send bolts between each other. And Blooddrinker has Hellbound, which chains you in place.
Having all three of these monstrosities pounce on top of you with no warning can be a little overwhelming. With the rest of the Temple already cleared, you have plenty of space to fall back. Then either slay one Chosen at a time or all at once, but whatever you do, don't let up. The Vampiric buff lets them heal too quickly.
Slay Molqarth
Once you reach Molqarth, The Hungerer, at the Temple of Rot's ritual circle, you may notice the egg that sits on a pedestal before him. Molqarth will seek out identical eggs all around and eat them to restore some Life during the fight. Going around the room and destroying the eggs first can save you some trouble. It's highly recommended that you upgrade your healing potion capacity before fighting Molqarth as well.
The Hungerer can dish out some pretty heavy damage, but as long as you avoid his signature slamming move, slaying him isn't too difficult. At certain times, he'll lift his hammer to prepare an earth-shattering slam that sends out waves in a cone shape. Hide behind a pillar if you must, but it's better to get behind him instead so that you can keep hitting him. Molqarth doesn't have much health compared to other Stronghold bosses for an interesting reason.
Slay The Spawn Of Molqarth
As soon as you succeed in slaying Molqarth, the final and toughest stage of the Temple of Rot will begin immediately. The Spawn of Molqarth can deal unbelievably high melee damage, as well as create a Poison pool on the ground and fire Poison projectiles at you. It can also leap right to your location to continue the melee assault.
Fortunately, this thing has even less health than Molqarth. Just keep moving to avoid constant melee attacks as well as the various Poison moves, and never stay in the same spot for more than a few seconds. After slaying the Spawn of Molqarth, you'll be free to reclaim this Stronghold for the people of Sanctuary and the associated Renown boost that goes with it.