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Howling pits (Act 1, Chapter 3)
Code Vein

Howling pits (Act 1, Chapter 3)

Navigate the foggy Howling Pits in Code Vein, find keys, and prepare to face the Invading Executioner boss.

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Navigate the foggy Howling Pits in Code Vein, find keys, and prepare to face the Invading Executioner boss.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    After arriving in the Howling Pits and witnessing the scenes, pull the level to start the torch. This area is covered in thick fog, making navigation difficult. The torch acts as a beacon to guide you back. Use chemical lights as visual breadcrumbs. Refer to the in-game map for guidance, using items as markers.
  2. 2
    Head west first. Collect items 17 (Vestige), 2, and 1 (Vestige). Go north of 1 to activate the mistle (save point) to map the area. Use the lever near 17 to open another torch.
  3. 3
    Return to the first mistle and torch. Head north-east towards 11. Use the lever to open the torch.
  4. 4
    Head further north towards 3, avoiding 15 for now. After 3, go towards 12. South of 12 is a mistle; activate it and collect item 12.
  5. 5
    Go towards 16, then follow the path opposite of 16 to 15 and 13. You will find a resting mistle and a blood spring. After scenes with siblings, collect vestiges.
  6. 6
    Head north towards 4. Pull the lever on the way to drain water, making movement easier. At the end of this path, defeat the large enemy to obtain the Rusted Sluice Key (4).
  7. 7
    Advance forward and use the Rusted Sluice Key to pull the next lever, draining more water.
  8. 8
    Advance towards 5, collecting the other 3 items in the area. Item 5 is the Eagle Key, guarded by a powerful water variant of the Mantis Lost, which acts as a sub-boss. Electric attacks are effective against it.
  9. 9
    With the Eagle Key and all 4 items collected in this area, return near the lever and go west. This path leads to a door that can be opened with the Eagle Key.
  10. 10
    In the next area, head for 6 and then 14. Item 6 is a key dropped by a large fat enemy on a ledge. Item 14 is a vestige.
  11. 11
    Go south towards 7, which contains a chest with a good blood veil. Exit this area to find a lever that uses the last key to lower the water.
  12. 12
    Move north to collect an item (Queen Steel is good for upgrading past +3) and then 10 (Vestige). Follow the path further north to open a chest (8).
  13. 13
    Head west to use a lever that activates a torch. Be aware that Mantis enemies will jump out from under ledges around you in the area leading to 10 and chest 8.
  14. 14
    From the lever, go towards 9. Activate the nearby mistle and rest.
  15. 15
    Proceed on the path from the lever to reach the boss. It is highly suggested to return to base to prepare before fighting the boss.

Base Preparation:

  1. Once back at base, speak to Yakumo to receive his Blood Code, Atlus.
  2. View the Vestiges for Assassin and Atlus that you collected.
  3. Prepare for the boss fight.

Invading Executioner (Boss):

This boss uses a pole/spear with significant reach. At close range, its attacks are difficult to dodge unless you are quick. At long range, it uses water magic that rises from the ground, which is easier to dodge.

Phase 2: The boss has an early second phase where it heals itself slightly, then sits on its spear and attempts to ram you, dealing massive damage. Dodge towards the incoming enemy to avoid this, and dodge again if it repeats the attack.

The boss also spins on its pole, launching water orbs from long range. Many of its attacks inflict the Slow status effect.

Strategy:

  • Combine long-range gifts with high close-range damage while avoiding attacks.
  • Use a quick weapon for close-range hits and dodging.
  • When needing to back away and heal, switch to long-range gifts like elemental spikes and roars.
  • Consider using attack buffs and Venom or Stun effects on weapons.
  • The enemy takes equal damage from all elements.
  • Using an Ally like Yakumo or Louis is highly suggested to distract the enemy or help end the fight more easily.
Tips
  • The torch acts as a beacon in the fog.
  • Chemical lights can serve as visual breadcrumbs.
  • Bringing an ally is highly recommended due to the low visibility.
  • Referencing the in-game map and using items as markers can aid navigation.
  • The water variant of the Mantis Lost guarding the Eagle Key has high defense; electric attacks are effective.
  • Be careful not to be thrown over ledges by enemy attacks.
  • Returning to base to prepare before the boss fight is highly suggested.

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