This article is archived. The content on this page was relevant to a previous version of Aion, and has since either been removed from the game or never was included in the public version. Please do not use this article for critical in-game information! |
Dredgion Defense was a ranked raid instance for players of level 66 and above, introduced in 5.3 as the patch's prime content. Allowed up to 384 players, who would be added to an alliance in league. Elyos would attend to Dredgion Defense: Sanctum, while Asmodians would tackle Dredgion Defense: Pandemonium. Inside, players had to defend their precious capital cities from Balaur and, finally, getting a rank assigned based on points acquired.
The instance was removed as of the 6.0 patch. However, its assets are used as part of the level 70 campaign quest in Cygnea (Elyos) and Enshar (Asmodians).
To participate, unlike any other PvE instance, players must apply to the "Request Entry" button. After some seconds, they will be prompted to enter the instance, where they will be automatically grouped up with others.
Maps[]
Dredgion Defense: Sanctum[]
Dredgion Defense: Pandaemonium[]
Backstory[]
The effects of the Aetheric Field protecting Elysea and Asmodae had already showed with the rediscovery of the Tower of Eternity. However, a dark mist emerged above the city when their inhabitants received quite frightening signals. It began with strange nightmares of their city, darkened and emptied, with the sighting of a shadowy but spine-chilling draconic presence. The freezing of the Aether-sensitive blooms followed, and, ultimately, the sighting of a Drakan itself in the outskirts of the city. Daevas had to be prepared for the situation they had feared since the beginning of the war; an invasion to their capitals.
The invasion happened. Several Dredgions covered the sky, deploying waves of Balaur soldiers which only left blood wherever they stomped. Civilians were escorted away from the battlefield, and barricades were raised to prevent access to the residential areas.
All Daevas in the field were called back to the capital, ships were set up with turrets and set sail to disable the calamitous warmachines hovering above the city. Daevas prepared to battle against an army sent by no one other than Ereshkigal herself. Unknown to them, her objective might hide other intentions, as part of the Queen of Ice's wicked plan.
Walkthrough[]
As players enter the instance, they will automatically be assigned an alliance. Leaving the alliance or being kicked results in the expulsion of the instance. However, for the following minutes, they may reapply and reenter the battle. Being a timed instance, the faction has 45 minutes to accomplish the tasks, after which the instance ends. The countdown begins immediately after entering.
The objective is to acquire as many points as possible before 35 minutes (10 minutes left) have passed. The instance is based around 6 events which take place based on time passed, and the faction must tackle them for these points. Rewards are based on ranks, which are based solely on points.
Bind point teleportation is available inside the instance to allow an easier movement across the city. Windstreams, flight teleporting and teleports will become available as the events take place.
Dredgion Defense: Sanctum[]
Across the duration of the instance, it is best to start clearing every point-rewarding mob, and keep up this activity until the final rank is assigned. These mobs mainly include Frigida Legion captains found across the area; <Frigida Rendscale Captains>, <Frigida Sagefang Captains>, <Frigida Shadowslash Captains>, <Frigida Spellclaw Captains> and <Frigida Stingtalon Captains>.
However, at the beginning, the main focus is to deal with the three <Frigida Drakan Commanders> located in the Lyceum, Hall of Prosperity and the Hall of Artisans, rewarding 3,334 points each. By the time those are dealt with, the special events will start firing. Each alliance must be assigned one of these tasks.
Time | Event |
---|---|
3 minutes (42 minutes left) |
|
5 minutes (40 minutes left) |
|
15 minutes (30 minutes left) |
|
20 minutes (25 minutes left) |
|
30 minutes (15 minutes left) |
|
35 minutes (10 minutes left) |
|
45 minutes |
|
Events marked with (*) indicate those which may swap their start time between 5 minutes after starting to 20 minutes, and vice versa. However, two of these will always begin at the 5-minute mark, while the last of the three will happen at the 20-minute mark. The order of the events is completely random, while progression is the same.
- Frigida Drakan Commanders
When the three <Frigida Drakan Commanders> in the Lyceum, Hall of Prosperity and the Hall of Artisans are defeated, at their corresponding location NPCs will spawn to show that the faction has taken control that location. After 5 and 15 minutes from starting the instance, troops will emerge to retake these points.
NPCs are (accompanied by several other familiar guards), each when killed will remove 3,334 points from the faction's total score.
- <JucleasJucleas (DDef)> in the Lyceum
- <FasimedesFasimedes (DDef)> in the Hall of Prosperity
- <LavirintosLavirintos (DDef)> in the Hall of Artisans
All available alliances must head towards these posts and prevent the NPCs from getting killed. Otherwise, the <Frigida Drakan Commander> will respawn, and points previously acquired from killing them will be deducted.
- Frigida Drakan Overseers
<Frigida Drakan Overseers> have five different spots on the map. They are:
- Elyos Square, entrance from Exalted Path
- Elyos Square, west entrance to Galeria of Grandeur
- Elyos Square, east entrance to Galeria of Grandeur
- Divine Road, west entrance to Hall of Artisans
- Divine Road, east entrance to Hall of Artisans
When their event takes place 3 minutes after starting the instance, they will spawn in three of the possible locations. After being slain, they will respawn a few minutes afterwards in another random location. Due to rewarding 3,000 points when killed, it is crucial to find them early on.
- Dredgion Infiltration
After 5 or 20 minutes, this event will begin, spawning two Shugos in the small corner next to the Hall of Prosperity. <Cayrunerk> will sell <Wind Gap PassesWind Gap Pass>, but only up to 24 of them (limited to one ticket per person). This allows one whole alliance to access the Dredgion Infiltration. They can do so by talking to <Idorunerk>. They will be transported to a Shugo ship, attached to the Dredgion. A Shugo merchant, <Yamirunerk>, will be available to purchase additional scrolls to make the infiltration easier.
Making use of the small hatch door on the Dredgion, players will be teleported to its inside. While in there, the objective is to kill the captain; <Captain Jidega>. The inside map of the Dredgion can be separated in two parts. The left side, featuring two rooms holding a <Surkana Mortar> and a <Surkana Shock Cannon> one on each. The right side, holding the captain's control room, with <Captain Jidega> protected by a <Dredgion Mortar> and a <Dredgion Shock Cannon>.
A big menace are the <Wary Ashulagens> all across the Dredgion. These devices will call forth several Balaur soldiers, potentially wiping the groups of players, by casting <Alarm>. If engaged, it should be either killed immediately or CCed. Additional Balaur will however despawn if the <Wary Ashulagen> resets. Making use of the <Watcher Suppression Bomb> against this mob is suggested, as this item will instantly annihilate them.
While battling <Captain Jidega>, the <Dredgion Mortar> is the biggest threat. When engaged, they will continually use <Wave of Paralysis>, forcing players to enter a paralysed state for a considerable amount of time, leaving them vulnerable to the attacks of the captain and the <Dredgion Shock Cannon'sDredgion Shock Cannon> attack <Wave of Destruction>. Experienced groups will focus on killing the <Dredgion Mortar> first, then proceed to take down the <Dredgion Shock Cannon> and finally proceed to focus <Captain Jidega>.
Alternatively, less experienced factions may opt to assign a few players to the chambers on the left side of the ship, where the <Surkana Shock Cannon> and <Surkana Mortar> are. These two generators supply power to the <Dredgion Shock Cannon> and <Dredgion Mortar> respectively. When the surkanas are destroyed, Dredgion turrets will be temporarily disabled, giving the main group a window to tackle the captain. These rooms are guarded however, and the menace of <Wary Ashulagens> are always present.
While fighting <Captain Jidega>, her skill set will include <Lingering Doom> (decreasing physical defence, poisons and renders HP recovery null), <Out of Body> (paralysis), <Death Wolf> (a frontal AoE attack), <Spiritual Shot> (single target attack), <Spiritual Ignition> (an AoE attack), <Midnight Robe> (raising her defences) and <The Wailing Dead> (an AoE which will drain MP and poison). Provided she has been taken down, the faction will be rewarded 30,000 points. A portal will appear allowing players to access ground level again.
- Sanctum Western Battleground
After 5 or 20 minutes, this event will begin. Flight Transporter <Sald> will spawn in the Sky Canal, by the broken bridge, offering players to transport them to the airships battling a Dredgion on the west. The objective is to take it down by destroying the four <Dredgion Core>, two on each side. It is best to assign a single alliance to this task, separating it into two big groups of 12 players. One will be on the Upper Dock and the other on the Lower Dock.
Players must mount the <Boardable Sanctum Defense Turret>, six available per ship, three each on both sides. It is crucial to protect the <Turret Generator (Elyos)>, as this device allows the turrets to be used and will be attacked by Balaur as they wave in. If the <Turret Generator (Elyos)> is down, players will have to approach the <Dredgion Core> without turrets.
Mounting the <Boardable Sanctum Defense Turret> will give the player access to three special skills; <Bombardment> (a single target attack), <Expansive Barrage> (an AoE paralyze against a target and the ones around it) and <Core Bombardment> (a single target attack which inflicts additional damage against <Dredgion Core>). The players must immediately target the cores and make use of <Core Bombardment> until it is dead.
However, <Dredgion Core> are not completely vulnerable. They are protected by several <Surkana Turrets>, cannons which will attack enemies (paralysing them) as well as fire <Surkana Bomb>. These nasty devices will explode dealing huge damage on nearby players. Other threats include <Frigida Dreadwings>, troops flying across the area) and the waves of Balaur which will progressively spawn.
Without the <Boardable Sanctum Defense Turret>, groups may still destroy <Dredgion Core> by taking flight an attacking them themselves. However, due to <Surkana Turrets> and the reduced damage against them (compared to using turrets), this is a much less efficient way. Regardless, if all <Dredgion Core> are destroyed, the faction will be rewarded with 30,000 points. Those factions short on points should leave a group behind on these boats and deal with the <Frigida Spellclaw Captains> which will spawn, as every time they are killed, they will reward 504 points.
- Turret Fuel Transportation
After 5 or 20 minutes, this event will begin. Two <Sanctum Chariot> will spawn in the Lyceum. Once the Shugos behind them are talked with, they will start moving by themselves to their respective spots; one will head to the Exalted Path while the other to Sky Garden. On the way, Balaur will spawn to attack it. The faction must split up temporarily to escort them to their locations. The <Sanctum Chariot> will respawn back at their starting point if they are destroyed.
In order to reach S Rank, the faction is only required to take down one <DredgionDredgion (DDef)>. Players may choose to take down the one in the Exalted Path or the Sky Garden. However, the faction must clear both areas in order to slay point-rewarding Balaur. Whichever of both locations is chosen, it is crucial to protect (and heal, if needed) the <Turret Generator (Elyos)> in that location, as they will be under attack by Balaur squads from time to time.
Provided the chariot reaches its destination, the second phase begins. During this, the <Sanctum Chariot> will be interactive, giving the players who do so a <Sanctum Defense Turret Energy Source>. This fuel can be used on the <Turret Generator (Elyos)> (on both sides, connected to the main cannon) to power it up, which will enable the <Sanctum Defense Turret>. This cannon must be fired twice to take down the <DredgionDredgion (DDef)> hovering in each area.
However, in order to fully charge <Turret Generator (Elyos)>, all available players must run back and forth between the <Sanctum Chariot> and the <Turret Generator (Elyos)>, carrying the <Sanctum Defense Turret Energy Sources>, several times. When a generator reaches a new stage, rings will appear on it. When they are fully charged, the <Turret Generator (Elyos)> will become non-interactive. As both generators are charged, <Sanctum Defense Turret> may then be used, and it will fire against the <DredgionDredgion (DDef)>.
After it is fired, the <Sanctum Defense Turret> will enter in an "overheated" state. During this state, it cannot be activated until that state ends. <Turret Generator (Elyos)> may only be charged after the cannon is no longer overheating. This state will end overtime, however there is a way of speeding it up if the faction is tight on time. <Joarunerk> will spawn next to the <Sanctum Defense Turret>, selling <Sanctum Defense Turret Coolant> (only up to four can be bought, one per person). When used on the turret, the overheating will pass by faster.
Activating the turret a second time will destroy the <DredgionDredgion (DDef)>, rewarding the faction with 10,000 points.
- Commander Zedas
After 30 minutes, <Commander Zedas> will spawn in the middle of Elyos Square. This colossal Balaur deity will reward 30,000 points when defeated. Being the last event to take place before the rank of the instance run is determined, it is imperative to task almost every alliance to focus fire on it. His skill set is identical to Ereshkigal Fortress Guardian Generals and last bosses in Kysis Barracks, Krotan Barracks and Miren Barracks.
Most factions will defeat <Commander Zedas> with a small time to spare before the 10 minutes left. Slaying this boss will not stop the countdown or automatically assign a rank, much like <General Varga> in Kamar Battlefield. As such, those who are lacking points may take this window to kill any leftover points-rewarding mob.
- Sanctum Sky Battleground
As time reaches the 10 minutes left, all activities in the instance must be stopped, as rank will be assigned based on the amount of points at the time. However, the instance will not be over, as the final Dredgion must be destroyed. Windstream routes will appear across Elyos Square, which must be used to be transported to the Sanctum Sky Battleground.
The Dredgion is powered by two <Dredgion Power Core> and a <Dredgion Central Power Core>. The objective is to take down the most Power Cores possible before the instance's countdown reaches zero and rewards are distributed. The two <Dredgion Power Core> can be seen on the map, while the <Dredgion Central Power Core> will only appear (above the east core) once the previous two have been destroyed.
<Dredgion Power Core> will be protected by a shield which makes them invulnerable to any damage. This barrier can be removed by destroying the three <Barrier Power Core> on the same platform. Each will be replaced by an <Icy Core>, which will be attacked by several Balaur after a few seconds. Once they are destroyed, the barrier on the <Dredgion Power Core> will reapply and the <Barrier Power Core> will reappear. A good strategy is to ignore the <Icy Core> being attacked, and focus damage on the <Dredgion Power Core>.
Once both <Dredgion Power Core> have been disabled, the <Dredgion Central Power Core> will spawn at the top of the ship. This device, will also have a barrier protecting it. However, instead of requiring just three <Barrier Power Core> to to be destroyed in order to disable the shield, all six <Barrier Power Core> must be disabled to do so. Players should never cease flight or land on the core itself, as they will receive damage which after a few seconds will kill them.
With the <Dredgion Central Power Core> destroyed, the instance will end rewarding every player with the appropriate bundles. Meanwhile, those who do not succeed on taking down the final core, as long as the two others have been destroyed, they will still receive a lesser bundle.
- Items and other features
Several items can be acquired from the instance. They will make the defense go smoother in some aspects, while being completely optional.
Item | Acquisition | Utility | Uses |
---|---|---|---|
<Core Explosives> | Dropped from Balaur mobs in the instance | Assemble 100 of these into <Core ExplosivesCore Explosives (bomb)> | - |
<Horn of Guardians> | Dropped from <Horn Case> | Summon additional guards. | 1 |
<Sanctum Defense Turret Coolant> | Bought from <Joarunerk> | Reduce the duration of the overheated state of the <Sanctum Defense Turret> | 1 |
<Prison Camp Key> | Dropped from Balaur mobs in the instance | Open the cage door in the Airship Dock | 1 |
<Shadow Marble> | Bought from <Yamirunerk> | Puts the user and people around it in basic stealth | Infinite (60s cd) |
<Support BombSupport Bomb (DDef)> | Dropped from <Explosives Locker> | Deals damage on nearby enemies | Infinite (10s cd) |
<Surkana Bomb Diffuser> | Dropped from <Diffusion Supply Chest> | Renders <Surkana Bomb> inactive | Infinite (10s cd) |
<Watcher Suppression Bomb> | Bought from <Yamirunerk>, dropped from <Warm Excrement> | Deals heavy damage on an enemy target, additional damage against <Wary Ashulagen> | Infinite (60s cd) |
The acquisition of some items and use of certain side-features relies on just pure luck, as they may not be present in every run. This includes the following features.
In the Legions Board, players will find a <Dripping Ribbit>. When it is interacted with, it will turn into a <Bloated Ribbit>. When fed from the <Oversized Water Bucket> inside a store in the Divine Road, the Ribbit will leave behind a pile of <Warm Excrement>, which will drop <Watcher Suppression Bombs>.
Having obtained the <Prison Camp Key> from Balaur mobs, the player holding it may head towards the Airship Dock (below the west bridge) and interact with the cage doors. These will open up, revealing the <Explosives Locker>, which will drop a <Support BombSupport Bomb (DDef)>.
A pile of stones may sometimes spawn in front of the Elyos Square entrance. These can be destroyed, revealing the <Horn Case>. When interacted with, it will open, dropping the <Horn of Guardians>, lootable by one person only.
Across the side west side route in Elyos Square there may sometimes be another pile of rocks. Once cleared, an NPC will thank the user for having freed him, and will leave behind the <Diffusion Supply Chest>. When opened, this case will reward a <Surkana Bomb Diffuser>.
Special wardstones may sometimes spawn next to the entrance to the Lyceum. When interacted with, a shield protecting the <Sanctum Defense Turret> and its <Turret Generator (Elyos)> will be activated. This will give players more time to protect the devices and avoid them being destroyed early on.
Dredgion Defense: Pandaemonium[]
Across the duration of the instance, it is best to start clearing every point-rewarding mob, and keep up this activity until the final rank is assigned. These mobs mainly include Frigida Legion captains found across the area; <Frigida Rendscale Captains>, <Frigida Sagefang Captains>, <Frigida Shadowslash Captains>, <Frigida Spellclaw Captains> and <Frigida Stingtalon Captains>.
However, at the beginning, the main focus is to deal with the three <Frigida Drakan Commanders> located in the Capitol Building, Great Temple and the Temple of Gold, rewarding 3,334 points each. By the time those are dealt with, the special events will start firing. Each alliance must be assigned one of these tasks.
Time | Event |
---|---|
3 minutes (42 minutes left) |
|
5 minutes (40 minutes left) |
|
15 minutes (30 minutes left) |
|
20 minutes (25 minutes left) |
|
30 minutes (15 minutes left) |
|
35 minutes (10 minutes left) |
|
45 minutes |
|
Events marked with (*) indicate those which may swap their start time between 5 minutes after starting to 20 minutes, and vice versa. However, two of these will always begin at the 5-minute mark, while the last of the three will happen at the 20-minute mark. The order of the events is completely random, while progression is the same.
- Frigida Drakan Commanders
When the three <Frigida Drakan Commanders> in the Capitol Building, Great Temple and the Temple of Gold are defeated, at their corresponding location NPCs will spawn to show that the faction has taken control that location. After 5 and 15 minutes from starting the instance, troops will emerge to retake these points.
NPCs are (accompanied by several other familiar guards), each when killed will remove 3,334 points from the faction's total score.
- <KvasirKvasir (DDef)> in the Great Temple
- <VidarVidar (DDef)> in the Temple of Gold
- <BalderBalder (DDef)> in the Capitol Building
All available alliances must head towards these posts and prevent the NPCs from getting killed. Otherwise, the <Frigida Drakan Commander> will respawn, and points previously acquired from killing them will be deducted.
- Frigida Drakan Overseers
<Frigida Drakan Overseers> have five different spots on the map. They are:
- Vifrost Bridge
- Front of Temple of Gold
- South of Capitol Building
- Front of Legions Board
- Entrance to the Airship Dock
When their event takes place 3 minutes after starting the instance, they will spawn in three of the possible locations. After being slain, they will respawn a few minutes afterwards in another random location. Due to rewarding 3,000 points when killed, it is crucial to find them early on.
- Dredgion Infiltration
After 5 or 20 minutes, this event will begin, spawning two Shugos in the small alleyway next to the Temple of Gold. <Terunerk> will sell <Rift of Darkness Tickets>, but only up to 24 of them (limited to one ticket per person). This allows one whole alliance to access the Dredgion Infiltration. They can do so by talking to <Hemerinerk>. They will be transported to a Shugo ship, attached to the Dredgion. A Shugo merchant, <Harunerk>, will be available to purchase additional scrolls to make the infiltration easier.
Making use of the small hatch door on the Dredgion, players will be teleported to its inside. While in there, the objective is to kill the captain; <Captain Jidega>. The inside map of the Dredgion can be separated in two parts. The left side, featuring two rooms holding a <Surkana Mortar> and a <Surkana Shock Cannon> one on each. The right side, holding the captain's control room, with <Captain Jidega> protected by a <Dredgion Mortar> and a <Dredgion Shock Cannon>.
A big menace are the <Wary Ashulagens> all across the Dredgion. These devices will call forth several Balaur soldiers, potentially wiping the groups of players, by casting <Alarm>. If engaged, it should be either killed immediately or CCed. Additional Balaur will however despawn if the <Wary Ashulagen> resets. Making use of the <Watcher Suppression Bomb> against this mob is suggested, as this item will instantly annihilate them.
While battling <Captain Jidega>, the <Dredgion Mortar> is the biggest threat. When engaged, they will continually use <Wave of Paralysis>, forcing players to enter a paralysed state for a considerable amount of time, leaving them vulnerable to the attacks of the captain and the <Dredgion Shock Cannon'sDredgion Shock Cannon> attack <Wave of Destruction>. Experienced groups will focus on killing the <Dredgion Mortar> first, then proceed to take down the <Dredgion Shock Cannon> and finally proceed to focus <Captain Jidega>.
Alternatively, less experienced factions may opt to assign a few players to the chambers on the left side of the ship, where the <Surkana Shock Cannon> and <Surkana Mortar> are. These two generators supply power to the <Dredgion Shock Cannon> and <Dredgion Mortar> respectively. When the surkanas are destroyed, Dredgion turrets will be temporarily disabled, giving the main group a window to tackle the captain. These rooms are guarded however, and the menace of <Wary Ashulagens> are always present.
While fighting <Captain Jidega>, her skill set will include <Lingering Doom> (decreasing physical defence, poisons and renders HP recovery null), <Out of Body> (paralysis), <Death Wolf> (a frontal AoE attack), <Spiritual Shot> (single target attack), <Spiritual Ignition> (an AoE attack), <Midnight Robe> (raising her defences) and <The Wailing Dead> (an AoE which will drain MP and poison). Provided she has been taken down, the faction will be rewarded 30,000 points. A portal will appear allowing players to access ground level again.
- Southern Pandaemonium Battleground
After 5 or 20 minutes, this event will begin. Flight Transporter <Zallad> will spawn in Vifrost Bridge, offering players to transport them to the airships battling a Dredgion on the south. The objective is to take it down by destroying the four <Dredgion Core>, two on each side. It is best to assign a single alliance to this task, separating it into two big groups of 12 players. One will be on the Upper Dock and the other on the Lower Dock.
Players must mount the <Boardable Pandaemonium Defense Turret>, six available per ship, three each on both sides. It is crucial to protect the <Turret Generator (Asmodian)>, as this device allows the turrets to be used and will be attacked by Balaur as they wave in. If the <Turret Generator (Asmodian)> is down, players will have to approach the <Dredgion Core> without turrets.
Mounting the <Boardable Pandaemonium Defense Turret> will give the player access to three special skills; <Bombardment> (a single target attack), <Expansive Barrage> (an AoE paralyze against a target and the ones around it) and <Core Bombardment> (a single target attack which inflicts additional damage against <Dredgion Core>). The players must immediately target the cores and make use of <Core Bombardment> until it is dead.
However, <Dredgion Core> are not completely vulnerable. They are protected by several <Surkana Turrets>, cannons which will attack enemies (paralysing them) as well as fire <Surkana Bomb>. These nasty devices will explode dealing huge damage on nearby players. Other threats include <Frigida Dreadwings>, troops flying across the area) and the waves of Balaur which will progressively spawn.
Without the <Boardable Pandaemonium Defense Turret>, groups may still destroy <Dredgion Core> by taking flight an attacking them themselves. However, due to <Surkana Turrets> and the reduced damage against them (compared to using turrets), this is a much less efficient way. Regardless, if all <Dredgion Core> are destroyed, the faction will be rewarded with 30,000 points. Those factions short on points should leave a group behind on these boats and deal with the <Frigida Spellclaw Captains> which will spawn, as every time they are killed, they will reward 504 points.
- Turret Fuel Transportation
After 5 or 20 minutes, this event will begin. Two <Pandaemonium Chariot> will spawn in the Temple of Artisans. Once the Shugos behind them are talked with, they will start moving by themselves to their respective spots; one will head to the Airship Dock while the other to Triniel Coliseum. On the way, Balaur will spawn to attack it. The faction must split up temporarily to escort them to their locations. The <Pandaemonium Chariot> will respawn back at their starting point if they are destroyed.
In order to reach S Rank, the faction is only required to take down one <DredgionDredgion (DDef)>. Players may choose to take down the one in the Airship Dock or the Triniel Coliseum. However, the faction must clear both areas in order to slay point-rewarding Balaur. Whichever of both locations is chosen, it is crucial to protect (and heal, if needed) the <Turret Generator (Asmodian)> in that location, as they will be under attack by Balaur squads from time to time.
Provided the chariot reaches its destination, the second phase begins. During this, the <Pandaemonium Chariot> will be interactive, giving the players who do so a <Pandaemonium Defense Turret Energy Source>. This fuel can be used on the <Turret Generator (Asmodian)> (on both sides, connected to the main cannon) to power it up, which will enable the <Pandaemonium Defense Turret>. This cannon must be fired twice to take down the <DredgionDredgion (DDef)> hovering in each area.
However, in order to fully charge <Turret Generator (Asmodian)>, all available players must run back and forth between the <Pandaemonium Chariot> and the <Turret Generator (Asmodian)>, carrying the <Pandaemonium Defense Turret Energy Sources>, several times. When a generator reaches a new stage, rings will appear on it. When they are fully charged, the <Turret Generator (Asmodian)> will become non-interactive. As both generators are charged, <Pandaemonium Defense Turret> may then be used, and it will fire against the <DredgionDredgion (DDef)>.
After it is fired, the <Pandaemonium Defense Turret> will enter in an "overheated" state. During this state, it cannot be activated until that state ends. <Turret Generator (Asmodian)> may only be charged after the cannon is no longer overheating. This state will end overtime, however there is a way of speeding it up if the faction is tight on time. <Sarunerk> will spawn next to the <Pandaemonium Defense Turret>, selling <Pandaemonium Defense Turret Coolant> (only up to four can be bought, one per person). When used on the turret, the overheating will pass by faster.
Activating the turret a second time will destroy the <DredgionDredgion (DDef)>, rewarding the faction with 10,000 points.
- Commander Zedas
After 30 minutes, <Commander Zedas> will spawn in the middle of Pandaemonium Plaza. This colossal Balaur deity will reward 30,000 points when defeated. Being the last event to take place before the rank of the instance run is determined, it is imperative to task almost every alliance to focus fire on it. His skill set is identical to Ereshkigal Fortress Guardian Generals and last bosses in Kysis Barracks, Krotan Barracks and Miren Barracks.
Most factions will defeat <Commander Zedas> with a small time to spare before the 10 minutes left. Slaying this boss will not stop the countdown or automatically assign a rank, much like <General Varga> in Kamar Battlefield. As such, those who are lacking points may take this window to kill any leftover points-rewarding mob.
- Pandaemonium Sky Battleground
As time reaches the 10 minutes left, all activities in the instance must be stopped, as rank will be assigned based on the amount of points at the time. However, the instance will not be over, as the final Dredgion must be destroyed. Windstream routes will appear across Pandaemonium Plaza, which must be used to be transported to the Pandaemonium Sky Battleground.
The Dredgion is powered by two <Dredgion Power Core> and a <Dredgion Central Power Core>. The objective is to take down the most Power Cores possible before the instance's countdown reaches zero and rewards are distributed. The two <Dredgion Power Core> can be seen on the map, while the <Dredgion Central Power Core> will only appear (above the east core) once the previous two have been destroyed.
<Dredgion Power Core> will be protected by a shield which makes them invulnerable to any damage. This barrier can be removed by destroying the three <Barrier Power Core> on the same platform. Each will be replaced by an <Icy Core>, which will be attacked by several Balaur after a few seconds. Once they are destroyed, the barrier on the <Dredgion Power Core> will reapply and the <Barrier Power Core> will reappear. A good strategy is to ignore the <Icy Core> being attacked, and focus damage on the <Dredgion Power Core>.
Once both <Dredgion Power Core> have been disabled, the <Dredgion Central Power Core> will spawn at the top of the ship. This device, will also have a barrier protecting it. However, instead of requiring just three <Barrier Power Core> to to be destroyed in order to disable the shield, all six <Barrier Power Core> must be disabled to do so. Players should never cease flight or land on the core itself, as they will receive damage which after a few seconds will kill them.
Note: Certain factions are currently experiencing a bug in which the shield remains active regardless of every single <Barrier Power Core> being disabled, making the <Dredgion Central Power Core> almost unkillable.
With the <Dredgion Central Power Core> destroyed, the instance will end rewarding every player with the appropriate bundles. Meanwhile, those who do not succeed on taking down the final core, as long as the two others have been destroyed, they will still receive a lesser bundle.
- Items and other features
Several items can be acquired from the instance. They will make the defense go smoother in some aspects, while being completely optional.
Item | Acquisition | Utility | Uses |
---|---|---|---|
<Core Explosives> | Dropped from Balaur mobs in the instance | Assemble 100 of these into <Core ExplosivesCore Explosives (bomb)> | - |
<Horn of Guardians> | Dropped from <Horn Case> | Summon additional guards | 1 |
<Pandaemonium Defense Turret Coolant> | Bought from <Sarunerk> | Reduce the duration of the overheated state of the <Pandaemonium Defense Turret> | 1 |
<Prison Camp Key> | Dropped from Balaur mobs in the instance | Open the cage door in the Crandale District | 1 |
<Shadow Marble> | Bought from <Harunerk> | Puts the user and people around it in basic stealth | Infinite (60s cd) |
<Support BombSupport Bomb (DDef)> | Dropped from <Explosives Locker> | Deals damage on nearby enemies | Infinite (10s cd) |
<Surkana Bomb Diffuser> | Dropped from <Diffusion Supply Chest> | Renders <Surkana Bomb> inactive | Infinite (10s cd) |
<Watcher Suppression Bomb> | Bought from <Harunerk>, dropped from <Warm Excrement> | Deals heavy damage on an enemy target, additional damage against <Wary Ashulagen> | Infinite (60s cd) |
The acquisition of some items and use of certain side-features relies on just pure luck, as they may not be present in every run. This includes the following features.
In the small alleyway, where the Great Temple and Pandaemonium Plaza meet through a narrow passage, players will find a <Dripping Ribbit>. When it is interacted with, it will turn into a <Bloated Ribbit>. When fed from the <Oversized Water Bucket> inside a store in the Market Street (where the Purification and Armfusion Officers are), the Ribbit will leave behind a pile of <Warm Excrement>, which will drop <Watcher Suppression Bombs>.
Having obtained the <Prison Camp Key> from Balaur mobs, the player holding it may head towards the Crandale District (entrance to the Airship Dock) and interact with the cage doors on the west end. These will open up, revealing the <Explosives Locker>, which will drop a <Support BombSupport Bomb (DDef)>.
A pile of stones may sometimes spawn in front of the Shadow Court. These can be destroyed, revealing the <Horn Case>. When interacted with, it will open, dropping the <Horn of Guardians>, lootable by one person only.
The small narrow passage between the Great Temple and the alley in Pandaemonium Plaza is sometimes blocked only by a pile of rocks which can be destroyed. Once cleared, an NPC will thank the user for having freed him, and will leave behind the <Diffusion Supply Chest>. When opened, this case will reward a <Surkana Bomb Diffuser>.
Special wardstones may sometimes spawn in the Temple of Artisans. When interacted with, a shield protecting the <Pandaemonium Defense Turret> and its <Turret Generator (Asmodian)> will be activated. This will give players more time to protect the devices and avoid them being destroyed early on.
Quests[]
Quests are automatically acquired upon entering the instance. Upon completion, they can be turned in by visiting <Jucleas>/<Balder> or using the Bounty feature.
- Elyos
- Asmodians
There is a campaign quest automatically acquired when the player reaches level 66, which introduces them to the situation leading to the events of Dredgion Defense. They are optional to complete, as they are not required to take part on the battle.
Rewards[]
Depending on the amount of points acquired from the beginning of the instance up to the 10 minutes left mark, the faction will be assigned a rank. Provided the faction has taken down <Dredgion Power Core> and the <Dredgion Central Power Core>, they will be rewarded accordingly.
The instance's gear comes in three tiers; the Frigida Legion eternal set, the Pure Frigida Legion mythic set and the Sophisticated Frigida Legion mythic set, with the last one being the best one. The equipment can be upgraded through purification, using <Frigida Legion Balaur Scales> and <Frigida Legion Equipment Soulstones> as materials, and a +10 enchantment level. Alternatively, the desired tier can be obtained form the instance itself. The higher the rank, the greater the chance of obtaining the best tiers.
Rewards are delivered to every person inside the instance when the countdown reaches zero, and the instance ends.
Rank[]
Sky Battleground Rewards[]
Rank | Requirements | Additional Reward | Contents |
---|---|---|---|
S |
|
<Premium Frigida Legion Loot Box> |
|
|
<Major Frigida Legion Loot Box> |
| |
A |
|
<Greater Frigida Legion Loot Box> |
|
B |
|
<Lesser Frigida Legion Loot Box> |
|
C |
|
<Minor Frigida Legion Loot Box> |
|
D |
|
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- This is the first PvE instance to be accessible in a similar way to a battleground, despite not requiring players to be moved to the Instance Server.
- Before its official release, the instance underwent several changes.
- Difficulty was significantly greater, due to the huge amount of HP of Balaur mobs. This was changed by drastically increasing damage against them.
- Alliances would originally start in three different locations (where the <Frigida Drakan Commanders> spawn). Functional NPCs, such as Soul Healers, would also be present. However, this was changed to its current settings where all players spawn and resurrect at the same place, and NPCs were removed.
- Below the Southern Pandaemonium Battleground, Altgard Ice Lake from Altgard can be seen.