Defeat the Coveted

Defeat the Coveted

The Coveted is an optional, yet formidable, boss encounter in Salt and Sanctuary, found deep within the treacherous Crypt of Dead Gods. While not mandatory for completing the main story, defeating this grotesque, multi-limbed monstrosity offers significant rewards and serves as an excellent test of skill, often encountered after navigating the Ziggurat of Dust and before the final challenges of the game. Its defeat can provide a crucial boost in Salt and a valuable Black Pearl, making future upgrades and leveling more accessible as you approach the endgame.

Location and Access

To reach The Coveted, you must first progress through the Crypt of Dead Gods. This area is typically accessed after defeating The Kraeken Cyclops in the Dome of the Forgotten. From the Crypt of Dead Gods Sanctuary, proceed downwards and to the left. You'll navigate through several challenging platforming sections and encounters with Crypt Keepers, Emberskulls, and other undead horrors. The boss arena for The Coveted is situated in a secluded chamber, often requiring a keen eye to spot the path leading to it, as it's slightly off the main progression route through the Crypt.

Boss Overview and Weaknesses

The Coveted is a large, hulking creature that relies on brute force and area-of-effect attacks. Its small arena makes evasion paramount. Understanding its attack patterns and exploiting its weaknesses will be key to your success.

• Damage Type: Primarily Physical.
• Elemental Weakness: The Coveted shows a notable weakness to Holy damage. Weapons imbued with Holy damage or spells like Divine Will can significantly increase your damage output.
• Damage Type Weakness: While not explicitly weak to a specific physical damage type, faster weapons that allow for hit-and-run tactics are generally more effective due to the boss's aggressive nature and limited openings.
• Status Effects: The Coveted is resistant to most status effects, but sustained poison or bleed can chip away at its health over time, though these are generally less impactful than direct Holy damage.

Recommended Loadout and Preparations

Before challenging The Coveted, consider optimizing your gear and inventory:

• Weapons:
  • Holy Damage: Prioritize weapons with innate Holy damage or apply a Divine Blessing to your preferred weapon. The Trident of the Betrayer (if you've acquired it) is an excellent choice.
  • Fast Weapons: Daggers, Swords, or even faster Greatswords (like the Schwarzwalder) allow for quick attacks and retreats.
• Armor:
  • Physical Defense: Equip armor with high physical defense to mitigate the impact of its melee attacks.
  • Light Roll: Ensure your equip load allows for a fast roll (below 25% equip load) or at least a medium roll (below 50%). A heavy roll will severely hinder your ability to dodge.
• Charms & Rings:
  • Mossy Ring: For increased stamina regeneration, crucial for continuous dodging.
  • Bloodflower Ring: If you find yourself taking too much damage, this can provide a small but consistent health regeneration.
  • Charm of the Last Breath: If you're confident in your dodging, this can boost damage when at low health.
• Consumables:
  • Healing Potions: Stock up on Red Shards (healing potions).
  • Stamina Potions: Golden Wine or Clarity can provide a burst of stamina if you get caught low.
  • Divine Blessings: If your weapon lacks Holy damage, bring several to apply during the fight.
• Spells/Incantations:
  • Divine Will: If playing a magic-focused character, this Holy damage spell can be highly effective.
  • Mend/Heal: For emergency healing without consuming potions.

Boss Attack Patterns and Strategy

The Coveted's attacks are powerful but generally well-telegraphed. The key is recognizing these tells and reacting appropriately.

1. Melee Swings (Multi-Hit Combo):
   • Description: The Coveted will perform a series of wide, sweeping melee attacks with its various limbs. This can be a two-to-three hit combo.
   • Tell: It will often rear back slightly before unleashing the first swing.
   • Strategy: The safest option is to roll through the attack towards its back or under its arm. This positions you for a few quick hits while it recovers. Do not try to block these unless you have a very high stability shield, as they deal significant stamina damage.
2. Ground Pound (Shockwave):
   • Description: The boss will lift one of its large limbs high and then slam it into the ground, creating a circular shockwave that expands outwards.
   • Tell: A clear wind-up animation where it raises its arm.
   • Strategy: Jump just as the limb hits the ground to avoid the shockwave. You can often get a hit or two in while it's winding up, then jump and land safely.
3. Projectile Orb:
   • Description: The Coveted will gather energy and then hurl a large, slow-moving orb projectile towards you. This orb has some tracking capabilities.
   • Tell: It will pause, glow briefly, and then extend an arm to launch the orb.
   • Strategy: This attack can be dodged by rolling to the side or blocked with a shield. Due to its slow speed, you can often roll through it and continue your assault, or even use the brief window to heal if you're at a safe distance.
4. Grab Attack:
   • Description: Occasionally, the boss will attempt a quick grab, pulling you in and dealing heavy damage.
   • Tell: A sudden lunge with an open "hand" or claw.
   • Strategy: This is less common but very dangerous. Roll away immediately upon seeing the lunge. It has a surprisingly long reach.

General Combat Tips

• Stay Mobile: The small arena means you need to be constantly moving and dodging. Do not stand still for long.
• Stamina Management: Every dodge and attack consumes stamina. Always keep enough stamina for at least one emergency roll. The Mossy Ring can be a lifesaver here.
• Hit and Run: After dodging a combo or a ground pound, get in 1-3 quick hits (depending on your weapon speed) and then prepare to dodge again. Do not get greedy.
• Exploit Openings: The Coveted has noticeable recovery frames after its longer attack animations, especially the ground pound and projectile. These are your primary windows for damage.
• Positioning: Try to stay behind or to the side of the boss as much as possible. This makes its melee swings easier to dodge and reduces the chance of being hit by the full force of its attacks.
• Healing: Only heal when you have a clear opening, ideally after dodging a major attack, or when the boss is recovering from a projectile launch.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

• Getting Cornered: The small arena can lead to you being trapped against a wall. Always be aware of your positioning and try to keep the boss in the center of the room.
• Stamina Depletion: Over-attacking or excessive dodging without recovery can leave you vulnerable. Watch your stamina bar closely.
• Ignoring Holy Damage: While not strictly necessary, ignoring the boss's Holy weakness will prolong the fight and increase your chances of making a mistake.
• Underestimating the Grab: This attack can be a one-shot kill for squishier builds. Always be ready to roll away from a sudden lunge.

Rewards for Defeating The Coveted

Upon defeating The Coveted, you will receive significant rewards:

• Salt: A substantial amount of Salt, often enough for several levels, depending on your current level. This is extremely useful for powering up your character for the challenges ahead.
• Black Pearl: A rare and valuable crafting material. Black Pearls are essential for transmuting weapons and armor into their most powerful forms. This is a key reward, especially if you plan on optimizing your gear for the endgame.
• Trophy: "The Coveted" (if playing on platforms with trophy/achievement systems).

Defeating The Coveted is a challenging but rewarding experience that will hone your combat skills and provide valuable resources, preparing you for the truly demanding encounters that lie in the final stretches of Salt and Sanctuary.