How to Defeat Calivan in Dragon Age: The Veilguard – Complete Boss Guide

Key Takeaways:

1. Calivan has three difficult phases with escalating attacks and tactics.
2. Use a mix of ranged attacks and precise dodging to survive AoE spells, especially in the second phase.
3. Focus on shield-breaking moves and stagger combos to maximize damage in his vulnerable moments.

In Dragon Age: The Veilguard, one of the toughest boss encounters is the battle against Calivan during the “Sea of Blood” quest. Calivan, a powerful mage, undergoes three distinct phases, with each phase increasing in intensity and attack complexity. Without a strategic approach, it’s easy for him to decimate your party, especially during his second form where he reveals his true power.

This guide covers all of Calivan’s attack patterns, offering detailed strategies for each phase to help you defeat him efficiently.

Phase 1: Calivan’s First Form – Dealing with Summoned Mages and Blight Attacks

In the first phase, Calivan appears in his standard mage form. Though this phase is the least challenging, it sets the tone for the battle, as Calivan summons Mages to assist him and unleashes several damaging spells.

Tactics for Handling the Mages:

1. Prioritize Ranged Attacks: Calivan’s Mages spawn with shields, so instead of rushing in, maintain distance. Use ranged attacks to chip away at their defenses before switching focus back to Calivan.
2. Break Shields Early: The Mages’ shields can absorb a lot of damage if not addressed immediately, so prioritize taking these down quickly to avoid an overwhelming situation.

Dodging Calivan’s Blight Projectiles:

Calivan uses Blight spells that create slow-moving orbs aimed directly at you. These projectiles can cause significant damage if they connect.

• Watch for Telegraphs: He’ll raise his staff before casting Blight, giving you time to anticipate and prepare to dodge.
• Prepare for Multiple Attacks: Occasionally, Calivan fires three projectiles in rapid succession. Maintain a steady rhythm in your dodging to evade each projectile.

Avoiding Blight Spikes:

If you get too close to Calivan, he’ll trigger an AoE attack with red indicators on the ground that signal incoming Blight spikes.

• Stay Alert to Red Indicators: Once you see a red zone appear, move out immediately to avoid spike damage.
• Use Ranged Attacks Whenever Possible: Keep a safe distance during this phase, and rely on ranged attacks. Shift to melee only when Calivan moves or repositions, giving you a chance for close-range combos.

By carefully managing the Mages and avoiding AoE damage, you’ll be able to get through the first phase with minimal losses, saving health and resources for the more intense phases ahead.

Phase 2: Calivan’s Pride – Dealing with Powerful Sword Attacks and AoE Spells

In Phase 2, Calivan transforms into his more formidable self, known as Calivan’s Pride. Here, he regains full health, armor, and shield, and wields a massive, purple-infused sword. This phase is the hardest, marked by relentless attacks and AoE spells that cover large portions of the battlefield.

Preparing for Sword and Armor-Based Attacks:

1. Dodge Sword Slash Projectiles: His sword sends out energy-based projectiles that can hit hard if you don’t dodge. Try to dodge to the left for the best chance of avoiding the projectiles while setting up a counter.
2. Focus on Armor-Breaking Moves: Get close and use shield-based and heavy attacks to break down Calivan’s armor. By staggering him when possible, you can land critical Takedowns that will chip away at his health bar effectively.

Managing the Deadly Purple Spell:

One of Calivan’s most dangerous moves is a purple spell that summons an orb at the arena’s center, releasing waves of red AoE circles.

• Constant Movement and Dodging: The AoE circles expand and contract rapidly, so keep moving and dodge-roll consistently to avoid getting caught.
• Attack After the Sequence Ends: Once the spell dissipates, close in on him for a round of attacks to capitalize on the short recovery window.

Key Strategy for Phase 2:

Throughout this phase, prioritize stagger attacks to capitalize on any vulnerability. The purple spell can easily overwhelm you, so stay mobile and use precise timing to avoid damage.

Phase 3: Calivan’s Final Phase – Reintroducing Mages and Increased Blight Projectiles

The final phase is a hybrid of the previous phases, combining elements from both. Calivan’s shield and health regenerate to a lower level, but his attacks come faster, and he summons Mages once again, keeping you constantly on the defensive.

Managing Calivan’s Shield and Mages:

1. Adapt First-Phase Tactics: Use the same strategy for handling Mages and dodging projectiles, but with quicker reflexes, as he’ll fire off attacks in rapid succession.
2. Stay Focused on Shield Breaks: As before, keep whittling down his shield with ranged attacks and shield-based melee when possible. Make quick work of the Mages to prevent distractions and to keep the focus on Calivan.

Dodging Blight Projectiles and Spike AoE Zones:

The Blight projectiles return in this phase, sometimes appearing in sets of three.

• Time Dodges Carefully: Be ready to dodge multiple projectiles, using the rhythm from Phase 1 to stay on your toes.
• Avoid Red Zone Damage: Once again, watch for the red indicators on the ground and move out quickly. These spikes do even more damage now, so be swift in your movements.

With a mixture of ranged and melee attacks, as well as a watchful eye on his AoE spells, you can take down Calivan in this final phase. Staying consistent with your attacks, dodging with precision, and managing incoming Mages are crucial for ending this challenging fight.

FAQs

Q: What’s the best way to deal with Calivan’s second form?
A: The second form, Calivan’s Pride, is best managed by focusing on close-range armor-breaking moves and staying alert for his purple AoE spell. Keep moving, dodge the AoE circles, and use stagger attacks to maximize damage during vulnerable moments.

Q: How do I avoid Calivan’s AoE damage?
A: Watch for the red indicators on the ground. Move out of these areas quickly to avoid taking spike damage. Practice dodging his attacks in rhythm, especially when he casts multiple Blight projectiles in succession.

Q: How should I handle the Mages Calivan summons?
A: Prioritize attacking the Mages from a distance, as they arrive with shields. Once their shields are down, switch focus back to Calivan to prevent the Mages from disrupting your rhythm in the battle.

With this approach, you’ll be well-prepared to handle Calivan’s relentless attacks and bring down this powerful boss in Dragon Age: The Veilguard.