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Dragons inElden Ringare no laughing matter, but the Shadow Of The Erdtree DLC has turned these ferocious monsters into something far more sinister. With over ten times the health of Agheel, three times the health of Lansseax, or 150 percent of Dragonlord Placidussax’s health, you’re looking at an absolute beefcake of a monster.
But if the health wasn’t enough for you, the many resistances and immunities its deathlike state give it make it comparable to the deadliest of Death Rite Birds, stronger than even the one found in the Consecrated Snowfields. Thankfully, this dragon is far more intimidating in appearance, and we’ll show you the way to reacquaint this dragon with reality.
How To Prepare For The Ghostflame Dragon
The Ghostflame Dragoncan be encountered in multiple locationsacross the DLC area.However,the first and closest one can be found in the big lakenorth of the Scorched Ruins and just west of the Abandoned Ailing Village.
Hiding in plain sight, it’swrapped around itself in a pile of bonesslightly off-center in the middle of the lake. It will unwrap itself once you venture close enough.
Other locations for the Ghostflame Dragon include:
For the Ghostflame Dragon fights, they areall very similarin their conditions. Typically,you’ll be allowed to use Spirit Summons or summoned cooperatorsfor this fight and other Ghostflame Dragon fights. If you wish it, equip a spirit or bring a friend for the ride*.
Otherwise,we recommend making the following preparations:
*We do recommend trying Spirit Ashesat least once in the Lands of Shadow. Although you may feel inclined not to use them in your run,the Lands of Shadow are made with spirit summons in mind- indicated by the Revered Spirit Ashes, which increase the damage and health of your spirit summons. This boss does not truly require the use of them, but it may speed up the process and re-introduce you to this useful mechanic.
Ghostflame Dragon Attacks And Combos
The Ghostflame Dragonhas almost the same moveset as any dragonin the Lands Between:
However, there are several changesto this particular dragon boss you don’t want to be surprised by.The most deadly of those attacks is theGhostflame Stomp, in which the normal dragon stomp has been bolstered by a wave of Ghostflame to deal incredible damage and inflict Frostbite.
For a full combo-list and their counters,please study the chart below.
Suggested Counter
Ghostflame Stomp
The dragon picks up one foot (higher than a normal stomp) andgathers Ghostflame within. It then stomps downward, releasing the energy in a rippling wave attack that extends to just beyond the dragon’s other foot.
Keep your distance around the dragon’s other foot. Then, once the risen foot slams on the ground, roll forward through the flames.
Stomp (Normal)
Much the same as Ghostflame Stomp but visually, the leg does not lift as high. This attack is also quicker as a result.
Dodge roll forward toward the offending foot.
Charging Rush
The dragon leaps backward a small distance (if in melee), raises its right wing, and begins a forward charge toward the player. This charge always has two swipes,but a third or fourth may followif the player is still located in front of the dragon.
Begin rushing toward the dragon. Dodge roll forward through the first swipe, aiming to end beneath the dragon.
Charging Swipe
The dragon raises its right wing upward and back before lunging forward witha horizontal swipe. It then makes the same attack in quick succession with its left wing.
Begin rushing forward to reach beneath the dragon before it swipes. If not possible, roll forward with the same intent to hide beneath the dragon.
Short-Range Breath Attack
The dragon flies back and lands a great distance away. It turns its head to the side and beginsbreathing ghostflame a short-range distancein a horizontal fan in front of it.
Torrent:Equip Torrent and begin riding away first, then to a chosen left or right with the aim of ending beneath the dragon.
No Torrent:Begin sprinting away from the dragon if not first in melee. If still in melee during this attack, dash or roll forward to end beneath the dragon.
Long-Range Breath Attack
The dragon flies back and lands a great distance away, but in thelong-range variation, it keeps its head focused on the player and unleashes a powerful blast of ghostflame that stretches a great distance.
Torrent:Equip Torrent and ride to the left or right, sprinting to stay ahead of the ghostflame.
No Torrent:Begin sprinting to the left or right, roll dodging in the final frames if not fast enough to avoid the flames.
Flying Air-Drop
With great suddenness, the dragon hoists itself into the air and hovers above the player a short time. After, it slams onto the ground on top of the player.
Stop moving and time a roll dodge forward for the exact moment the dragon lands on the ground.
Spin Attack
The dragon curls its body to one side, bracing, and then releases the tension in a180-degree spin. It ends with its head facing the direction of the player when struck.
As the dragon begins to brace, pause and, just as the tension is released, roll in any direction.
Ghostflame Explosion
Ceasing all movement, the dragon roars and begins to charge ghostflame in its chest. After several seconds, it releases the energy ina great wave of ghostflame.
When the dragon stops all movement and makes the sound cue (or visibly can be seen charging), sprint away from the dragon and stay clear until the ghostflame begins to dissipate.
32,500
Head (+50 percent damage)
Special Notes
The Ghostflame Dragon can inflict Frostbite and Death Blight on the player.
If you’ve fought a Death Rite Bird before and a dragon, you can easily put the two together to create the Ghostflame Dragon.
Combining themoveset of a dragon with the area attacks, status effects, and elemental resistances of a Death Rite Bird, this dangerous creature is made even more frightening by itsabsolutely ridiculous healthpool.
Even taking advantage of its weaknesses, you’ll be spending a lot of time whacking at this beast until it stays dead. This meansyou cannot afford to not learn its movesetif you want to stay alive long enough.
The fight is bestbroken up into two parts:
If you’re not cooperating with another player, you’ll want tosummon Torrent occasionally. This is especially true during the Ghostflame Dragon’s breath attacks.
When the dragon flies backa far distance in preparation for a breath attack:
The rest of the fight will be done on foot.
If you have a reach weapon like a lance or a scythe, you can also race on Torrent forward after the dragon does a Spin Attack
You’ll want totarget only the feet of the dragon.
In general, your aim is tostay beneath the dragon as much as possibleexcept when it is charging its Ghostflame Explosion attack.
While itsweakpoint is its head, it isalso the most dangerous place to bewhen fighting any dragon. Additionally, the head is far more mobile and is often less reliably hit.
Where possible,save your largest and strongest attacks for beneath the dragon. When under it, there are only three moves to watch for:
It tends to favor stomp attacksin this position, so you’ll want to get well-acquainted with these attacks.
As long as you’re patient and have the stamina to deal with this dragon’s massive health, you’ll come out way on top.
Ghostflame Dragon Rewards
Don’t get greedy, wait your turn, and you’ll see results in the form of anotherDragon Heartand anSomber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone.
TheGreat Katanaweapon can also be found in this lake on the ground here not far from the dragon’s location.
