The Heart of Corruption sidequest in Bioware’s Dragon Age: The Veilguard presents a formidable challenge, demanding strategic prowess and a powerful party composition. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough, outlining the steps to unlock the sealed gateways and ultimately defeat the formidable Revenant Dragon.
Initiating The Heart of Corruption Quest
Starting The Heart of Corruption is straightforward. Locate the intricate door with three circular locks in The Crossroads, specifically on Beacon Island. Interacting with this door will automatically initiate the quest in your journal. Unlocking these locks requires defeating three powerful bosses scattered across different regions, subsequently opening paths to three more challenging Revenant bosses in The Crossroads.
Locating the Champion Essences
Unlocking the initial three doors requires Champion Essences, obtained by defeating three formidable ogres.
Step 1: Desmal, Bloodbound to Elger’nan (Treviso)
This level 25 ogre resides on the rooftops of Treviso. Desmal is vulnerable to Fire damage but resistant to Necrotic attacks. An effective party composition includes Fire-wielding companions like Taash or Davrin, complemented by a support character such as Harding or Bellara for healing. Avoid companions with Necrotic skills like Lucanis and Emmrich. Defeating Desmal yields a Champion Essence, unlocking the Gate of Deep Sorrows in The Crossroads.
Desmal boss in Dragon Age: The Veilguard.
Step 2: The Disciple-in-Ichor (Hossberg Wetlands)
Located in The Old Crossroads, a blight-infested swamp within the Hossberg Wetlands, this level 30 ogre presents a greater challenge. Similar to Desmal, The Disciple-in-Ichor is weak to Fire and resistant to Necrotic damage. Employ the same party strategy as before, utilizing Taash or Davrin for Fire attacks and Harding, Neve, or Bellara for support. Victory grants a Champion Essence to unlock the Gate of Parched Hopes in The Crossroads.
Disciple-in-ichor boss in Dragon Age: The Veilguard.
Step 3: Amarell the Unwoven (Hossberg Wetlands)
Found in Solitude’s Edge within the Hossberg Wetlands, Amarell is a level 35 ogre, also vulnerable to Fire and resistant to Necrotic damage. Maintain the proven strategy of combining Fire attacks with robust support. Defeating Amarell provides the final Champion Essence, unlocking the Gate of Pale Reflections in The Crossroads.
Amarell boss in Dragon Age: The Veilguard.
Acquiring the Revenant Essences
With the three gates open, you can confront the final three adversaries, culminating in a challenging level 50 boss.
Step 1: Betrayal of Felassan (The Crossroads)
Located in the Converged City within The Crossroads, this level 32 boss is weak to Necrotic damage but resistant to Ice. An effective party includes Emmrich or Lucanis for Necrotic attacks, supported by Neve, Bellara, or Harding. Defeating the Betrayal of Felassan yields a Revenant Essence needed to unlock the triple-locked door.
Betrayal of Felassan boss in Dragon Age: The Veilguard.
Step 2: Slaughter of the Pillars (The Crossroads)
Found in Elvhenan’s Haven within The Crossroads, this level 37 boss shares the same vulnerabilities and resistances as the Betrayal of Felassan. Employ the same party strategy. Victory grants the second Revenant Essence.
Slaughter of the Pillars boss in Dragon Age: The Veilguard.
Step 3: Fall of the Protector (The Crossroads)
Located at the Heights of Athim within The Crossroads, this level 42 boss is vulnerable to Ice damage but resistant to Fire. Utilize Neve as your primary Ice damage dealer. If Neve’s hardening prevents healing, bring Harding or Bellara for support. Otherwise, include Lucanis or Emmrich. Defeating the Fall of the Protector provides the final Revenant Essence.
Fall of the Protector boss in Dragon Age: The Veilguard.
Vanquishing the Revenant Dragon
Beyond the triple-locked door lies the Revenant Dragon, a level 50 boss. This formidable foe is weak to Fire and resistant to Cold damage. A recommended party composition includes Taash or Davrin for Fire damage, supported by Bellara or Harding. Avoid Neve due to her Cold-based attacks.
Focus on breaking the dragon’s armor with heavy attacks, targeting the tail or legs. Avoid frontal assaults on the head. When staggered, the dragon’s heart becomes vulnerable, providing a crucial opportunity for maximum damage.
Completing the Regrets of The Dread Wolf quest and securing Mythal’s aid can provide a significant advantage. Mythal will appear as a dragon during the fight, inflicting substantial damage on the Revenant Dragon.
Revenant dragon boss in Dragon Age: The Veilguard.
