How to Defeat Corius the Icetalon in Dragon Age: The Veilguard – Mastering the Treviso Dragon Fight

Key Takeaways

1. Leverage Fire: Corius is highly vulnerable to fire-based attacks, making fire magic and allies like Davrin essential in this fight.
2. Target Weak Points: Look for purple-glowing areas on Corius’s body, as these deal the most damage and help fill his stagger meter.
3. Stay Mobile: Dodge and reposition continuously to avoid Corius’s heavy ice-based attacks and area-of-effect slams.

In Dragon Age: The Veilguard, taking on Corius the Icetalon is one of the most challenging yet exciting battles you’ll face, especially if you opt to defend Treviso with Lucanis. This icy dragon has a powerful arsenal of ice-based attacks, making it essential to come prepared if you hope to survive this showdown.

Preparing for the Fight Against Corius the Icetalon

Before engaging Corius, ensure you’re well-prepared. Stock up on health potions and assemble a strong team, ideally with Davrin or Harding. Each character brings unique skills that can tip the scales, particularly against Corius’s relentless attacks.

Key Party Members

• Lucanis: Required for this fight, Lucanis can provide support and tank hits while you focus on your own role.
• Davrin: As a fire-based ally, Davrin’s attacks deal significant damage to Corius, making him invaluable.
• Harding: If you’re a warrior class, Harding’s adrenaline buff can help you deal fast, close-range damage.

Corius the Icetalon’s Weaknesses

As an ice-based dragon, Corius is vulnerable to fire. Exploiting this weakness will make a considerable difference, especially since the fight ends once you’ve reduced his health by about one-third. Though defeating Corius outright isn’t necessary, applying consistent damage until he retreats is your goal.

Strategy and Tactics for Each Class

Warriors: Up Close and Personal

Warriors will need to brave close-quarters combat, but caution is essential. Corius can quickly retaliate with ice attacks and powerful headbutts. Stay agile, and whenever you see Corius’s weak spots glowing purple, aim for them with heavy attacks. Having Harding on the team can also boost your damage output with her adrenaline buff.

Rogues: Strike from Afar

Rogues are best suited to maintaining distance, firing arrows, or using ranged attacks. Focus on hitting Corius’s purple weak spots and use allies like Lucanis and Davrin to close in and deal elemental damage. Use evasive maneuvers to avoid his area-of-effect attacks, and save your special abilities for when his stagger meter is close to full.

Mages: The Advantage of Fire Magic

Mages have an advantage in this fight due to their range and the ability to wield fire-based spells, which exploit Corius’s elemental vulnerability. Keep distance and focus on hitting his weak points with fire magic. Your ranged spells allow you to keep moving, making it easier to dodge Corius’s attacks.

Key Attack Points: Targeting Weak Spots

Throughout the battle, Corius will expose different parts of his body as purple-glowing weak points, which you should focus on for maximum damage. Here’s how to best capitalize on these moments:

• Glowing Feet and Legs: Corius’s feet are often the first area to glow purple. Attacking these spots fills his stagger meter faster and deals significant damage. If you’re a close-range fighter, hit these weak points quickly and retreat before Corius kicks.
• Head and Chest: When Corius’s stagger meter fills up, he’ll be temporarily grounded, exposing his chest as another purple weak point. This is the prime moment to unleash your strongest attacks. Hit him with everything you’ve got here to deal maximum damage and hasten the end of the fight.

Dodging and Defensive Manoeuvres

Corius’s arsenal includes devastating attacks, but keeping an eye on his movements will give you a head start in dodging them.

Key Attacks to Watch For

1. Leap and Ground Slam: If Corius takes to the air, prepare to move quickly. He’ll slam back down, creating a shockwave that can deal heavy damage if you’re caught in its radius. Listen to your companions they’ll often warn you when you’re in danger.
2. Ice Projectiles: Corius will spit ice chunks toward you, following your movements if you don’t stay on the run. Once you see him charging this attack, start running to avoid being hit.
3. Ice Breath: In one of his deadliest moves, Corius crouches and releases a sweeping beam of icy breath. This attack can drain your health to zero if caught in its path. The safest spot is behind him, so try to maneuver there whenever he prepares this move.
4. Area of Effect (AoE) Circle: When Corius flies up and you see a red circle on the ground, move out of it immediately, as he’ll crash down with devastating impact.

Mastering Timing and Mobility

When facing Corius, the key is to stay on the move. His attacks are powerful but avoidable if you’re attentive and responsive. Dodge often, reposition, and keep a close eye on his patterns to avoid taking unnecessary hits.

Ending the Fight

Once Corius’s health drops to about one-third, he’ll retreat from the battle. While you won’t defeat him entirely in this fight, you’ll survive to continue your journey. Afterward, you’ll move on from the “On Deadly Wings” quest with the knowledge that you may encounter Corius again in a future battle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do I need to bring down Corius’s entire health bar?

• No, the fight ends once you reduce Corius’s health by roughly one-third. At this point, a cutscene will trigger, and Corius will retreat.

2. What’s the best party composition for fighting Corius the Icetalon?

• Lucanis is required, and bringing Davrin for his fire attacks is highly recommended. Harding is also a good choice if you’re a warrior.

3. What attacks should I watch out for?

• Corius has several attacks, including ground slams, ice projectiles, a sweeping ice breath, and an AoE circle. Keep moving and dodge frequently to avoid these.

4. Can I exploit elemental weaknesses against Corius?

• Yes, Corius is highly vulnerable to fire-based attacks. Use fire magic or fire-based abilities for maximum damage.

5. Are there specific weak points I should target?

• Throughout the fight, Corius will reveal purple-glowing areas. Focus your attacks on these weak points to maximize damage and fill his stagger meter.

By keeping these tips and strategies in mind, you’ll find yourself better prepared for one of Dragon Age: The Veilguard’s most exciting battles. So go forth, embrace the challenge, and may your journey in Thedas continue with newfound strength.