How to Complete The Heart of Corruption in Dragon Age: The Veilguard

Dragon Age: The Veilguard takes players through an expansive world filled with mysterious regions and powerful enemies. One of the most challenging yet rewarding quests is The Heart of Corruption, an over-arching mission that spans the vast Crossroads region within the game. In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step of completing this complex quest, from defeating dangerous bosses to unlocking secret areas, and ultimately overcoming the final boss, the Revenant Dragon.

Quest Overview

The Heart of Corruption revolves around unlocking a thrice-locked gate found on Beacon Island—the first area upon entering the Crossroads from the Lighthouse Eluvian. To unlock this gate, players need to obtain three Revenant Essences by defeating three high-level bosses scattered across the Crossroads. However, entering these areas isn’t as straightforward as it seems. Each revenant’s domain is locked behind special gates that can only be opened by defeating Darkspawn Champions in separate regions.

Here’s a breakdown of each phase of the quest:

Step 1: Find the Thrice-Locked Door and Start the Quest

Once you reach Beacon Island, head right from the Lighthouse Eluvian, where you’ll spot a heavily-sealed gate. Interacting with this gate initiates the Heart of Corruption quest. The task ahead is clear: locate and defeat three revenant bosses hidden across the Crossroads to collect their essences and unlock the gate.

Key Tips for Preparation:

• Level Up and Gear Up: These bosses are tough, so ensure that you and your companions have high-level gear, unique items, and powerful specializations before tackling the revenants.
• Hero of the Veilguard Perks: Unlocking perks for your companions will bolster their abilities and help you survive these difficult encounters.

Step 2: Defeating the First Darkspawn Champion – Gate of Deep Sorrows

The first boss you’ll need to defeat is located in Converged City, the southernmost island in the Crossroads. To access this revenant, you first need to defeat a Darkspawn Champion named Desmal, Bloodbound to Elgar’nan. Here’s how you proceed:

• Head to Treviso, taking ziplines to reach the rooftops near the Antivan Crows headquarters. You’ll encounter Desmal after destroying a blight boil and its accompanying Darkspawn.
• Once Desmal is defeated, you’ll receive a Champion Essence that unlocks the first gate.

Boss Fight Tips:

• Prioritize Adds: Destroy the weaker Darkspawn before focusing on Desmal to avoid getting overwhelmed.

Step 3: Unlocking the Gate of Deep Sorrows and Defeating Betrayal of Felassan

With Desmal’s Champion Essence in hand, return to the Converged City and open the Gate of Deep Sorrows. Behind this gate lies the first revenant boss, Betrayal of Felassan.

Boss Fight Mechanics:

• Summons: Felassan summons enemy mobs throughout the fight. Take them out quickly to avoid being overwhelmed.
• Barrier: Felassan generates a protective barrier that can only be destroyed with ranged attacks.
• Defeating Felassan rewards you with your first Revenant Essence and The Burden, a unique amulet that increases damage when at low health but caps your health at 70%.

Step 4: Conquer the Gate of Parched Hopes and Defeat Slaughter of the Pillars

Your next destination is Arlathan Forest in the Tainted Woods region. Destroy the blight pods and defeat Entarus the Rekindled, a level 25 Darkspawn Champion, to obtain the Champion Essence needed to open the second gate.

With the essence, head to Elvhenan’s Haven, the eastern landmass in the Crossroads, and unlock the Gate of Parched Hopes. Behind the gate, you’ll face the second revenant boss, Slaughter of the Pillars.

Boss Fight Mechanics:

• Undead Minions: The Slaughter of the Pillars calls upon waves of undead minions. Use area-of-effect abilities to take them out efficiently.
• Barrier: Similar to Felassan, the revenant uses a protective barrier vulnerable only to ranged attacks.

For defeating this boss, you’ll receive Andraste’s Will, a powerful ring that enhances your burning effects.

Step 5: Defeating Amarell the Unwoven and Unlocking the Gate of Pale Reflections

The third and final revenant requires you to venture into the Hossberg Wetlands to defeat Amarell the Unwoven, another Darkspawn Champion. After obtaining the Champion Essence from this fight, head to the Heights of Athim and unlock the Gate of Pale Reflections.

Behind the gate, you’ll face Fall of the Protector, the last revenant boss standing between you and the final battle. The Protector summons a zombie horde and casts ice-based spells, which makes this fight particularly challenging.

Boss Fight Tips:

• Break the Barrier: Like the previous revenants, you’ll need to destroy the boss’s magical barrier with ranged attacks.
• After defeating the Protector, you’ll be rewarded with Casket Sharp, a unique greataxe that enhances your stagger abilities.

Step 6: The Final Battle – Revenant Dragon Boss Fight

After defeating all three revenants, return to the thrice-locked gate on Beacon Island and use the Revenant Essences to unlock it. Inside, you’ll face the final challenge of the quest: the Revenant Dragon.

Boss Fight Mechanics:

• Elemental Swaps: The dragon shifts between elemental types, starting with ice, then fire, and finally electric. Adjust your tactics accordingly.
• High Defense: The Revenant Dragon has high defence and health, so be prepared for a long fight.
• Blindness: The dragon can blind your companions, so you’ll need to rely on your own abilities to survive.

If you’ve obtained Mythal’s Essence earlier in the game, Mythal will intervene during the fight, delivering a powerful blow that takes off one-quarter of the dragon’s health.

Step 7: Claim Your Rewards

After defeating the Revenant Dragon, you’ll be rewarded with several powerful items, including:

• The Last Resort (Unique Ring): Grants 20% damage and reduces your resistance when hitting an enemy, resetting if you dodge.
• Caretaker Power Boost: A memento that grants +300 Caretaker Power.
• Mysterious Circle: The final Mysterious Circle can be found near the wolf statue at the back of the arena.

^{While games are fun, it’s highly important to note that there’s more to life than sitting countless hours playing games – there’s a purpose and more to life; seek out that purpose more often!}