Gate of Deep Sorrows Quest Walkthrough

Your guide to the Gate of Deep Sorrows quest in Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Learn where to find it, how to defeat the Champion Desmal, and what rewards await.

Hey there! So, you've stumbled upon the Gate of Deep Sorrows quest in Dragon Age: The Veilguard? Don't worry, I've got your back. This one's pretty straightforward once you know where to look and how to handle the boss. Let's get you through it!

Desmal, Bloodhound to Elgar’nan Boss Guide

Alright, let's talk about Desmal. He's a Level 25 Darkspawn, and honestly, he might feel a bit tough if you tackle him too early. I'd recommend being around Level 20 or higher. Make sure you have Revival Charges from your Companions' accessory slots; these are lifesavers if Rook goes down. Desmal is weak to Fire damage but resists Necrotic, so lean into those fire spells and avoid Necrotic attacks if you can. If you have Davrin, he's great here, especially with Neve or Bellara. Keep an eye on your Companions' abilities, too!

Desmal's Attacks:

• Fire Breath: Desmal will spew fire in a line. It does Fire damage and can inflict Burning. It's pretty easy to dodge by just moving to the side, and it leaves him open for a bit.
• Triple Ground Pound: He'll slam the ground three times, sending out flaming shockwaves indicated by red AoE markers. Dodge to the side of each one. Be careful where you stand afterward, as the ground will remain fiery for a short time.
• Melee Combo: This is his most common attack. He'll slam the ground and then swipe in an arc in front of him. Creating some distance or using Perfect Defense can handle this.
• Explosive Leap: Desmal targets an area, leaps to it, and causes Burning damage on impact. He leaves behind Drakestone that damages you if you touch it. Just watch for the large AoE marker and get out of there.

Desmal, Bloodhound to Elgar’nan Boss Strategy:

Desmal can be a real challenge, especially if you're under-leveled or not used to the mechanics. The Burning status effect and the battlefield itself can be your worst enemies. Try not to get cornered! It's best to lure Desmal down to the lower area where you have more room to move around. Always be on the move; dodging not only keeps you safe but also gives you brief moments of invincibility (iframes) to avoid damage.

Desmal likes to chain attacks, especially that nasty ground pound that leaves fiery crystals everywhere, limiting your movement. He can also spawn Blight Boils, which will summon more Darkspawn if you don't deal with them quickly. Keep an eye out for these and burst them down immediately.

Using Combos is super important here. They deal massive damage and can cause a slowdown effect, giving you free hits. Try to bait Desmal into his attacks, dodge to his back, and unleash everything you've got. If you're struggling, don't be afraid to use your Revival Charges and let your Companions help out.

Gate of Deep Sorrows Rewards:

Completing the Gate of Deep Sorrows quest and defeating Desmal will net you some good rewards. While the exact loot can vary, you can expect to receive experience points, gold, and potentially some useful gear or crafting materials. It's a solid reward for overcoming the challenge!