Image source: EA
The elven gods have hit the Crossroads hard, spreading the Blight like a cancer through this vital area. The Caretaker is calling you to arms, urging you to cleanse the corruption. Your task? Take down three of their champions and confront the regrets that still haunt Solas. One of those champions is none other than the Slaughter of the Pillars, a formidable boss you’ll only be able to face after progressing far enough through the main storyline. Here’s how to beat the Slaughter of the Pillars in Dragon Age: The Vielguard.
Where to Find Slaughter of the Pillars
To reach the Slaughter of the Pillars, you’ll first need to face off against the Disciple in Ichor, a gruesome foe you’ll encounter in the “Something Wrong” quest over in the Hossberg Wetlands. Here, you’ll assist the Wardens by collecting Blight samples, leading you to the Old Crossroads.
Navigating the Wetlands won’t be a walk in the park, especially with Darkspawn lurking around every corner. After blasting through cysts and clearing obstructions with your crossbow, the Disciple in Ichor — a Level 30 monster — will burst onto the scene. Like most Dragon Age bosses, this one won’t go down without a fight and sports a hefty barrier that requires a charged attack to break. If you’ve got Darvin with you, have him taunt to draw aggro, then unleash your powerful abilities to chip away at the barrier.
Pro Tips for the Disciple Fight
Most of the Disciple’s attacks are unblockable, so dodge whenever possible. This boss loves its AoE attacks and can teleport around for some nasty aerial assaults, making the fight chaotic if you’re not careful. Avoid the poison plants scattered around; they explode upon contact, causing some serious damage.
If you’re patient, your best bet is to wait for the Disciple’s mace swings — you’ll usually have a couple of opportunities to deflect before it tries a big, unblockable attack. Land a deflect, and you’ll stun the boss, leaving it open for some critical hits.
The Slaughter of the Pillars Showdown
With the champion’s essence in hand, head to the Gate of Parched Hopes at the Crossroads. There, you’ll finally come face-to-face with the Slaughter of the Pillars, a Level 37 powerhouse wielding both a shield and spear. Expect it to occasionally summon mobs to make your life a living hell.
Best Strategy & Team Setup: This boss is particularly weak to Necrotic damage and resistant to Ice, so pack Emmrich and Lucanis — both specialize in Necrotic attacks. Swap out any Ice-based weaponry for something better suited to Necrotic damage, or just avoid Ice altogether.
Most of the Slaughter’s attacks are easy to dodge if you keep moving. Alongside its spear stabs, it can launch projectiles from its shield. After breaking through its barrier, be prepared for it to drain energy from a nearby Fade tear. Break its new barrier fast, or it’ll unleash an AoE attack and heal itself back up, dragging the fight out even longer.
Avoiding Blight Thorn Traps
One of the boss’s more aggravating moves is the Blight thorns it leaves on the battlefield, which stay active for around ten seconds and block your path while allowing the boss to move freely. Worse yet, your allies might get stuck behind these, leaving you to fend for yourself.
Victory Rewards
Defeating the Slaughter of the Pillars will net you some serious loot:
- EXP x350
- Etheric Remnant x5
- Mourn Watch Strength x100
- Andraste’s Will Unique Ring x1
With these spoils, your next battle in The Veilguard will be a little easier. And don’t forget — Solas isn’t going to let you walk away unscathed from facing his regrets.
