If you've decided to defeat Dracula in V Rising, this guide is exactly what you need. The battle with Dracula is the most challenging part of the game, and you shouldn't expect to defeat him on your first try. We will explain optimal tactics, equipment, and abilities that will significantly ease this confrontation, as well as his location and other useful tips.
How to Enter Dracula's Castle
Before entering the castle, you need to fight Lord Styx, Champion of the Night. This victory will give you the ability to craft the Blood Key. For crafting, you will need:
- Onyx Tear x3
- Primal Blood Essence x3
- Greater Stygian Shards x150
We do not recommend using it during the battle with Dracula. The Blood Key is only necessary to access the portal to the battle with Dracula. Once you have the key, head to the eastern part of the Mortium Ruins area, to the castle, and begin the battle. Don’t forget to fully restore your health, as if you die, you will end up back at the portal entrance.
The Battle with Dracula
Phase 1
The main thing to know is not to rush. You won't be able to defeat Dracula quickly; he is the strongest boss in the game. You will see 4 pillars in the arena, use them to dodge Dracula's attacks. Here are the main ones:
- Blood Waves: Dracula launches a wave of blood towards you, which can be dodged, blocked, or avoided to prevent damage. If you are fighting cooperatively, this attack applies a vampire curse.
- Vampiric Vortex: A large circular effect that contracts inward and releases blood projectiles. Avoid the circle and its projectiles to prevent damage.
- Wolf Form: Dracula transforms into a wolf, lunging at you before returning to vampire form for an attack. Dodge the lunge and the subsequent strike.
- Blades: Two intersecting blades that can be dodged or blocked.
- Bats: Dracula summons bats that fly towards you, marked by red lines. Dodge their path to avoid damage.
- Blood Drain: Dracula darkens the arena, summoning bats before teleporting to drain your blood. Save your dodge for his teleport to avoid significant damage.
- AoE Smash: A star-shaped attack with blood flames that can be blocked or dodged.
- Dash and Chop: A quick dash followed by a sword strike, dealing heavy damage.
- Strike and Stab: A direct attack that can be dodged.
If you are fighting cooperatively, additional mechanics will appear:
- Vampire Curse: A debuff applied by some attacks, exploding after a timer expires and dealing area damage. It can be cleansed or perfectly dodged.
- Multiple Wolves: Dracula summons additional wolves that need to be quickly killed to avoid overcrowding the arena.
Phase 2
Once you have dealt around 40% damage to Dracula, he will destroy the pillars in the arena, signaling the transition to the second phase of the fight. Be attentive, as the difficulty will increase, and you will no longer have places to dodge. Here are the mechanics for the second phase:
- Blood Waves: As in the first phase, but now they leave blood pools that deal damage if you stand in them.
- Blood Crystals: Large crystals with red circles that need to be destroyed.
- Clone: Dracula clones himself, attacking rapidly. The clone can be killed or avoided.
- Blood Wall: Blood projectiles intersecting and targeting you. Require precise dodging.
- Bats: These abilities from the first phase continue and overlap with other mechanics.
- Falling Swords: Swords fall from the sky, requiring constant movement to dodge.
- AoE Smash and Pools: As in the first phase, but they leave lasting blood pools.
- Summoning Circle: Dracula teleports to the center, summoning blood projectiles and a fiery cross that divides the arena.
Keep your distance and never stay in one place, using safe moments to attack.
Optimal Equipment and Abilities
Recommended Equipment:
- Dracula's Shadow Armor: Provides crucial movement speed for dodging attacks.
- Phantom’s Veil Cloak
- Whip (Phase 1): Provides medium attack range and additional mobility.
- Reaper (Phase 2): Effective for destroying blood crystals and dealing damage during Dracula's stationary moments.
- Soul Shard of Solarus: Summons a death knight and replaces your ultimate with a Fallen Angel, distracting and dealing damage.
- 100% Scholar Blood
Abilities:
- Veil of Chaos
- Spectral Wolf (with healing gem)
- Ward of the Damned (with healing gem)
These abilities improve survivability and recovery, allowing you to heal and reduce damage throughout the fight.
Conclusion
The path to the vampire throne is thorny, and Dracula is its most formidable guardian. Defeating him means proving your strength and becoming the new lord of the night. Remember: every mistake can be fatal. Don’t take unnecessary risks, protect your health, and use every opportunity to deal damage to Dracula. Believe in your abilities, and you will surely defeat Dracula.
