Among the formidable Nightlords in Elden Ring Nightreign, the massive dragon known as Caligo stands out for its unique tactics involving fog and ice. This powerful beast exhibits remarkable agility during battles, making it a challenging foe to confront due to its ability to fly.
While Caligo is not the most complicated boss you’ll encounter, fights against this frosty dragon tend to be lengthy. Given its wide-ranging attacks and the unpredictability of team dynamics, arriving at the battle equipped with a solid strategy is crucial for victory.
Optimal Team Composition
For an effective team setup, it’s advisable to include a mix of at least two ranged characters alongside a melee specialist. A tried-and-true combination would consist of Recluse, Ironeye, and Executor, as they provide substantial damage output during critical moments in the fight.
- Recluse – Aim for headshots whenever possible, but maintaining a steady stream of damage is paramount. Position yourself strategically, favoring one side of Caligo to enhance your evasive maneuvers and minimize attacks directed at you.
- Ironeye – Concentrate on targeting the dragon’s head and reviving allies as needed. Your ranged capability is vital when Caligo ascends into the air, allowing you to inflict damage while your teammates regroup. Stay alert for area-of-effect (AOE) attacks that can extend beyond your expectations.
- Executor – Focus on close-range attacks near Caligo’s feet, as only a few AOE strikes target the ground directly. This positioning provides a safer avenue for consistent damage while avoiding most threats.
When Caligo takes to the skies, it’s best to spread out and remain mobile. The dragon returns to the ground quickly, so keep a close watch on its movements.
Weaknesses and Preparation
Preparation can only take you so far in a challenging title like this. Developing a deep understanding of Caligo’s attack patterns and learning how to dodge effectively is vital. Prior to the confrontation, if you can acquire equipment that inflicts Fire damage, you’ll gain a significant edge.
For Recluse, utilizing weapons that channel Magma Sorcery will assist in consistently dealing damage while Caligo is grounded. Look for staves or seals housing such spells to enhance your damage output.
Also, acquiring items that provide passive resistance to ice damage becomes crucial during Caligo’s second phase. Players typically find success challenging this dragon around level 10, although gaining additional experience never harms your chances. Furthermore, if you encounter the Mountaintop Shifting Earth event during your run, prioritize it to enhance your resistance to Frostbite.
Don’t forget to boost your Stamina to effectively evade powerful attacks; getting caught by Caligo can quickly lead to your demise.
Strategies to Defeat Caligo, Miasma of Night
Caligo’s size and relentless movement make this boss fight particularly arduous. Upon entering a fog-laden sandy arena, you may find the beast resting, presenting a brief opportunity for aggressive attacks. Aim for its face to maximize damage before it becomes mobile.
Once provoked, you’ll need to adapt your positioning, either rushing in or retreating to evade its expansive AOE attacks. Avoid getting caught in the crossfire of its power.
Phase 1
During the first phase, many of Caligo’s attacks lack the icy effects typical of its repertoire. Instead, the initial barrage consists primarily of physical damages, with ice-infused breath attacks being the main exception.
Maintaining a position beneath or next to Caligo enhances your ability to avoid incoming attacks, though it may compromise your hits on the dragon’s head. If you believe you can withstand the offensive, feel free to aggressively target its face.
| Attack | Description | Status Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Freezing Breath | Caligo lowers its head, unleashing a cone of icy breath. | Frostbite |
| Freezing Field | Caligo stands tall, exhaling freezing breath toward the ground. | Frostbite |
| Claw Swipes | Caligo performs a pair of swift claw strikes. | N/A |
| Freezing Tail Whip | Caligo coats its tail with frost, swinging it around in an arc. | Frostbite |
| Tail Swipe Combo | Caligo strikes the ground with its tail, then sweeps the area. | N/A |
| Freezing Mist | Caligo unleashes a wide cone of freezing breath, sweeping from side to side. | Frostbite |
| Soaring Claw | Caligo lifts off briefly before crashing down towards a target. | N/A |
| Ice Crash | Caligo ascends, forming a misty fog, before dropping down with an ice field. | Frostbite |
| Ice Blast | Caligo rises and uses fog to release an enormous freezing strike. | Frostbite |
Utilizing the ice pillars as barriers during the Ice Blast is crucial for surviving this phase. Standing elsewhere often leads to instant defeat.
Phase 2
In this phase, all attacks now inflict frostbite, and Caligo’s movements become more vigorous, complicating damage avoidance and tracking efforts.
Players should prepare for a more drawn-out confrontation, as Caligo will display several new attacks while cycling through familiar moves.
| Attack | Description | Status Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Ice Blast | Caligo ascends and releases a freezing mist over a wide area. | Frostbite |
| Chilling Wind | Caligo flaps its wings, sending a blast of cold air forward. | Frostbite |
| Flying Ice Barrage | Caligo leaves a trail of ice in the air before crashing down. | Frostbite |
| Ice Barrage | Caligo quickly opens its wings, projecting sharp ice shards. | Frostbite |
| Ice Mines | Caligo creates a field of frost that erupts into mini ice explosions. | Frostbite |
| Gust of Ice | Caligo infuses its tail with ice to create a chilling shockwave. | Frostbite |
The real challenge lies in Caligo’s vast area-of-effect attacks combined with its consistent agility. Once you get a firm hold on its patterns, dealing damage becomes significantly more manageable.
Upon vanquishing this Nightlord, you will receive the Night of the Miasma relic, which opens up opportunities for early frost damage in your subsequent runs.
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