Congratulations on defeating your first Nightlord in Elden Ring Nightreign! As you progress in your journey to conquer the formidable Nightlords, you’ll soon encounter Adel, Baron of Night, during the Gaping Jaw Expedition. Be prepared — this adversary is not to be taken lightly.
Adel is arguably one of the toughest and most frustrating Nightlords in the game, noted for its aggressive behavior and devastating attacks that can easily result in a one-hit knockout at moderate levels. If your dodge timing isn’t on point, surviving this battle may prove quite challenging.
Fear not! This guide will equip you with all the essential information to overcome this formidable foe, covering everything from team compositions and weaknesses to attack patterns and effective strategies tailored for your squad.
Optimal Team Composition
While you can approach this with any character, an optimized team setup can make a world of difference. Below is my recommended composition, developed in collaboration with teammates before embarking on the expedition. Alternatively, you can consider integrating a Recluse into the team without any drawbacks.
- Wylder: A proficient Wylder player is crucial for maintaining Adel’s aggro while delivering solid close-range damage. Utilizing the ultimate ability can stagger bosses at critical moments, making the Wylder an invaluable asset.
- Ironeye: This class is a personal favorite due to its main abilities that offer invincibility frames. Primarily, it can inflict consistent damage from a safe distance, although care must be taken during the boss’s second phase. The Weakening Mark skill is particularly effective for temporarily stunning the boss.
- Duchess: Known for her opportunistic playstyle, she can evade Adel’s ferocious attacks effectively, although her low HP is a concern. Her unique evasions allow for quick counter-attacks during windows of vulnerability, and her ultimate skill can revive fallen allies, providing critical support in battle.
Moreover, Guardian serves as a fantastic alternative, utilizing its defensive capabilities to absorb damage from close-range attacks while also leveraging its ultimate ability to revive teammates.
Understanding Weaknesses and Preparation
To successfully confront this savage beast with minimal complications, early preparation is essential, particularly during the first two days of the expedition. Focus on leveling up and grinding for optimal gear to enhance your chances of survival.
Recommended Level: 12–13+. The higher your level, the greater your chances of enduring Adel’s relentless assaults.
Adel is notably vulnerable to Poison, which can be applied through various means, including grease items and weapons like the Serpent’s bow — a strong choice for Ironeye. Additionally, utilizing weapons that can inflict Frostbite is a viable strategy to somewhat mitigate this adversary’s aggression.
For defensive measures, carrying items like boiled crab or prawns can provide temporary damage mitigation. Alternatively, consider acquiring damage negation boons from Field Boss rewards to have consistent protection throughout the encounter.
Strategies to Defeat Adel, Baron of Night
Before diving into specific tactics, it’s necessary to acknowledge that this battle differs significantly from those found in other Soulsborne titles. Instead of brute force, a focus on understanding Adel’s attack patterns is crucial for your team’s success.
Here’s a breakdown of Adel’s key attacks: keep in mind that the boss may alter or add variations to its moveset, such as executing multiple biting strikes consecutively.
|
Moveset |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Double/Triple Bite |
A lunging attack where Adel attempts to bite at you with its monstrous jaws. It can be dodged, but taking all bites can rapidly deplete your health. |
|
Dragging Maw |
This signature attack is among the most lethal. Adel drags its mouth across the ground to grab and bite you, filling up your blood loss meter. The second-phase variation further intensifies the challenge, but both can be dodged. |
|
Ground Headbash |
Adel violently smashes its head into the ground at close range, repeatable twice. Although easily telegraphed, proper timing is essential to evade the attacks. |
|
Toxin Pools |
If you manage to apply the prison status ailment to Adel, it will release toxic sludge that rapidly accumulates poison on anyone caught within it. |
|
Roaring Tantrum |
Adel will emit two deafening roars, stunning nearby players, and then target an individual from your squad. Following this, it will charge with two running strikes, culminating in an immediate version of the Dragging Maw attack. |
|
Lightning Phase Transition |
During the transition to its second phase, Adel releases a powerful area-of-effect lightning pulse. Players should retreat and dodge the ensuing lightning strikes. |
|
Diving Jaws |
Shortly after transitioning to the second phase, Adel executes this move, diving towards players. While the dive itself is easily predicted, the subsequent lightning shockwaves require practice to evade effectively. |
|
Triple Headbash |
The lightning strikes return and, during this attack, Adel will slam its head three times, causing electric area effects at ground level. Players need to time their dodges just right to avoid being hit. |
First Phase
Depending on your chosen Nightfarer, the initial encounter may play out differently; melee characters will likely deal significant damage but must dodge Adel’s high-damage close combat strikes, particularly the purple lightning attacks.
For ranged characters, while you can inflict damage from afar, be cautious; you may become a prime target during Adel’s aggressive states. It’s beneficial to conduct several practice runs in the Gaping Jaw Expedition to familiarize yourself with the encounter.
The first phase is relatively feasible, as most of Adel’s most fearsome attacks remain unenhanced by the lightning transformation. Focus on recognizing the attack animations, especially the Dragging Maw grab, one of its most frustrating moves.
A key strategy involves maintaining distance; my team’s success relied on having one Wylder constantly managing aggro while two ranged players attacked from opposite sides. If you are playing as an Ironeye, be sure to effectively use the Marking Shot skill to gain invincibility frames during perilous moments.
Second Phase
It’s important to prepare for an intense second phase; Adel’s relentless assault leaves little room for errors. Don’t be alarmed if your team encounters setbacks during this segment of the battle.
This emphasizes the importance of practicing and mastering the initial phase’s attacks. If you can consistently inflict poison on Adel while conserving your healing items, you’ll significantly increase your chances of surviving the second phase.
The overarching strategy remains consistent; manage aggro with characters like Ironeye or Duchess, as their abilities grant them invincibility frames during pivotal attacks.
Although dodging the lightning strikes can prove challenging, partnering a close-range and two ranged characters offers a balanced tactic that fosters survivability. Remember to optimize your use of poison status ailments and come equipped with essential defensive boosts, and you’ll find this attritional battle worth the effort.
Defeating Adel, Baron of Night, in the Gaping Jaw expedition rewards players with a Trace of Night and the Night of the Baron relic. Additionally, those who achieve victory over their second Nightlord will gain access to the Dresser in the Roundtable Hold, where new outfit customization options await your Nightfarers.
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