Depths: Cliffs of Rust
The Depths: Cliffs of Rust is an optional area accessible via a Vestige Core. This zone is characterized by its winding, elevated pathways and the prevalence of speedy, aggressive Lost. Prepare for vertical combat and ambushes.
Initial Descent and First Vestige
- Upon entering the Depths: Cliffs of Rust, proceed forward along the narrow path. You'll immediately encounter several standard Lost.
- Stick to the left side as you navigate. You'll soon come across a small alcove containing the Cliffs of Rust Map. This is crucial for navigating the area.
- Continue onward, fighting through more Lost. Be wary of ranged attackers positioned on higher ledges.
- You will soon reach the first Mistle, serving as a checkpoint and fast travel point. Rest here and prepare for the next section.
Navigating the Upper Levels
From the first Mistle:
- Take the path leading upwards. You'll encounter a few more Lost, including some larger, more resilient variants.
- Keep an eye out for a branching path to your right. This leads to a small dead-end with a valuable item: Awake MJ310.
- Return to the main path and continue ascending. The environment here features several precarious drops, so watch your step.
- You'll encounter a group of Lost guarding a chest. Defeat them to claim the contents: Queen Steel x3.
- Proceed further, and you'll find another Mistle, marking the halfway point of this Depths area.
The Lower Caverns and Final Stretch
From the second Mistle:
- Descend into the lower caverns. This section is darker and features more confined spaces, making combat trickier.
- Be prepared for ambushes from the ceiling and around corners. The Lost here are often clustered.
- Explore the various nooks and crannies. One such hidden path leads to a Loss Shard (L), useful for gaining Haze.
- As you near the end, you'll face a slightly tougher encounter with a few elite Lost. Focus on one at a time and use your Companion's abilities.
- After clearing the final group of enemies, you'll find the last Mistle of the Depths: Cliffs of Rust, signifying you've fully explored the area.
Key Items and Notable Loot
- Cliffs of Rust Map: Essential for navigation, found early in the area.
- Awake MJ310: A rare material for Blood Code progression, located on an upper-level detour.
- Queen Steel x3: Valuable for weapon and Blood Veil upgrades, found in a chest on the upper levels.
- Loss Shard (L): Provides a significant amount of Haze, hidden in the lower caverns.
- Various standard crafting materials and Haze items are scattered throughout.
Enemy Strategies
- Standard Lost: Easily dispatched, but can overwhelm in groups. Prioritize them to avoid being swarmed.
- Speedy Lost: These enemies are fast and aggressive. Dodge their quick attacks and counter-attack during their recovery frames.
- Ranged Lost: Often positioned on ledges, they can interrupt your combos. Take them out first if possible, or use cover.
- Elite Lost: Larger and more durable, these enemies often have unique attack patterns. Focus on parrying or dodging their heavy attacks for openings.
Remember to use your companion's gifts and your own Blood Veils effectively to manage the varied enemy types and challenging terrain of the Cliffs of Rust.