Dragon Age The Veilguard: Ultimate Guide to Defeating Final Boss Elgar’nan

Key Takeaways:

1. Master the Three Phases: Each phase of Elgar’nan’s battle introduces new challenges and weaknesses, so adapt your tactics as the fight progresses.
2. Choose Allies Wisely: Companions with Necrotic and Cold damage abilities are key to defeating Elgar’nan.
3. Final Choices Matter: Your choices with Solas shape the game’s ending, adding layers to the narrative and potential outcomes.

Facing Elgar’nan, The Dread Wolf Rises

The final boss of Dragon Age: The Veilguard brings players face-to-face with Elgar’nan, a powerful force whose combat style demands focus, skill, and the right strategy. Elgar’nan is encountered during the climactic quest, “The Dread Wolf Rises,” where every decision you’ve made and ally you’ve chosen can impact the outcome. Let’s dive into the specific tactics and strategies you’ll need to emerge victorious in this three-phase battle.

Phase One: Battle Preparations and Key Attacks

The first phase of Elgar’nan’s fight introduces his powerful elemental abilities. Right from the start, he’ll begin summoning Aspects of Elgar’nan, ghostly clones that can deal serious damage despite their low health. He also unleashes lightning attacks concentrated in red circles and energy balls aimed at your team.

Effective Tactics for Phase One:

• Avoiding Electric Attacks: Dodge the red-circled areas on the ground to evade lightning strikes.
• Weapon Choice: Equip Lucanis or Emmrich, as their Necrotic attacks can severely weaken Elgar’nan.
• Take Down Aspects Quickly: These ghost-like minions are weak but damaging; eliminate them before they swarm.
• Dodge and Counter: Watch for Elgar’nan to float backward and prepare for a sword swing. Dodging this is crucial to avoiding heavy damage.

Phase Two: The Solo Battle with Elgar’nan

In the second phase, the arena darkens, isolating you from your companions, who will be absent for the entirety of this phase. Elgar’nan’s attacks remain relentless, so your best strategy is to dodge and wait for a cutscene that marks the phase’s end.

Solo Survival Tips:

• Rely on Dodging: Without allies, the damage you inflict is minimal. Avoid attacks and stay mobile.
• Time Your Dodges: Elgar’nan’s attacks remain predictable; practice dodging his sequences to avoid cumulative damage.

Phase Three: Elgar’nan’s Final Form and Elemental Weakness Shift

Once your allies return, Elgar’nan’s elemental vulnerabilities change. He now resists Heat but becomes weak to Cold. This final phase also brings new attack patterns, including a fiery sword attack and fireball strikes.

Phase Three Attack Strategy:

• Cold Damage: Use companions who can deliver Cold-based attacks, as Elgar’nan is now vulnerable to them.
• Stay Out of Fire Zones: When the ground glows red or is encircled by flames, dodge quickly.
• Hit and Retreat: Attack from a safe distance whenever Elgar’nan is focused on elemental attacks.

Companion Selection and Pre-Battle Preparation

Your choice of companions before this final battle is critical. Here are some suggestions to maximize your chances:

• Necrotic Specialists: Characters like Emmrich or Lucanis excel with Necrotic damage, effective against Elgar’nan’s defenses.
• Healers: If Emmrich lacks healing abilities, swap him out with Lucanis. Ensure at least one companion has healing abilities if no potions are available.
• Fire Vulnerability Counter: Taash can be valuable for areas before the boss battle, where you’ll face Darkspawn vulnerable to fire.

Key Decision Points: Navigating Game Endings and Consequences

Dragon Age: The Veilguard offers nuanced choices that affect your experience, especially concerning Solas in “The Dread Wolf Rises” quest. Here’s what you need to know about these pivotal moments.

Should You Fight or Trick Solas?

You have three options with Solas, each influencing the narrative’s conclusion:

1. Trick Solas: Deceiving Solas allows him to realize his entrapment only after the Veil binds him, leading to a bittersweet ending where he congratulates you. This is the preferred “happy” ending for many.
2. Fight Solas: Opting to fight doesn’t result in a physical battle, but you’ll see a cutscene where Solas is bound to the Veil by force. The outcome is similar, though the emotional tone is darker.
3. Mythal’s Essence: If you completed the quest with Mythal’s Essence, Solas willingly binds himself to the Veil, leading to a harmonious conclusion.

While these choices don’t change gameplay, they impact the storyline and could influence potential sequels, hinting at Solas’s evolving worldview.

Final Encounter with Elgar’nan: Battle Breakdown

The last phase of Elgar’nan’s encounter includes multiple layered attacks that test your timing, agility, and strategy. Here are detailed breakdowns of what to expect:

Key Attacks to Watch Out For:

1. Crackling Electricity: The ground around Elgar’nan will flash red before lightning strikes. Quickly dodge out of the radius, then strike him from the periphery.
2. Summoning Lightning: Smaller, targeted red circles indicate upcoming bolts. Use your abilities to sidestep the impacts.
3. Aspect Summons: Ghostly clones should be taken out quickly to prevent high-damage combos.
4. Sword and Energy Attacks: Avoid his fiery sword by dodging backward when he swings. His energy balls can be parried or dodged as they line up.

Optimal Weapon and Ability Choices:

• Cold-Based Spells and Attacks: In the final phase, utilize Cold-based attacks to exploit his elemental vulnerability.
• Area Damage and Ranged Abilities: When his sword becomes imbued with fire, try ranged attacks or hit-and-run tactics to limit damage.
• Ultimate Item Use: Don’t forget to activate the Ultimate Salvation of Felassan, especially if Morrigan provided it after her quests.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What’s the best companion lineup for fighting Elgar’nan?
Bringing Lucanis or Emmrich for Necrotic damage is ideal, and a healer like Neve or Taash is recommended to sustain the team during long phases.

2. Can I avoid all of Elgar’nan’s attacks during the second phase?
Yes, it’s possible to dodge most attacks, though you may take minor damage. Keep moving and stay alert, as you’ll lack allies during this phase.

3. Do my choices with Solas impact future gameplay?
While they don’t alter gameplay mechanics, these choices affect the story’s emotional tone and may influence future game storylines in a sequel.

4. How many times do I have to fight the Aspects of Elgar’nan?
Aspects appear in the first and third phases. Prioritize them quickly, as they deal considerable damage if left unchecked.

5. Does Mythal’s Essence change the ending?
Yes, choosing Mythal’s Essence creates a more harmonious conclusion where Solas willingly binds himself to the Veil, potentially leading to a peaceful ending.