Can You Fight the Iskal Queen in Remnant: From the Ashes? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you absolutely can fight the Iskal Queen in Remnant: From the Ashes. She is a significant boss encounter, and whether or not you actually engage in combat with her depends on the choices you make during your playthrough, specifically on the world of Corsus. This article dives deep into the specifics of encountering, fighting, and even circumventing a battle with the Iskal Queen, along with answers to frequently asked questions about this fascinating boss.
Understanding the Iskal Queen and Corsus
The Iskal Queen, also known as Cessnya, is the ruler of the Iskal, a hive-minded insectoid race found on the swampy world of Corsus. Corsus itself is a unique zone; it can be encountered in both the campaign and adventure mode. However, the ability to fight the Iskal Queen as a boss is intrinsically tied to the Corsus DLC. Without the DLC, she primarily functions as a merchant.
Her role in the narrative revolves around her efforts to control and even overtake the Root, the primary antagonist force in Remnant: From the Ashes. Her methods are drastic, often involving the corruption and manipulation of other beings for her own purposes. This makes the choices surrounding her all the more impactful.
Triggering the Iskal Queen Boss Fight
Whether you fight the Iskal Queen depends on your actions. You can fight her in 2 conditions:
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Refusing to give her the Guardian’s Heart after obtaining it from Ixillis: If you accept her initial offer to bring her the heart and slay Ixillis, then once you are in her presence with the heart, you can refuse her. This will trigger the boss fight.
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Betrayal After Offering the Heart to the Undying King: If you first agree with the Undying King on Rhom to retrieve the Guardian Heart from Corsus, she will only become a simple merchant once you return to her. If you then give the Beast Heart from Earth to her, and return to the forest merchant on Earth, you will be able to start the fight against the Iskal Queen as well.
The Iskal Sanctum: Her Domain
The Iskal Queen doesn’t roam the open areas of Corsus. She resides within the Iskal Sanctum, a distinct dungeon. This is where you will find her, whether you intend to trade, parlay, or fight. The entrance to the Iskal Sanctum is recognizable by its spiked stone exterior, often described as being 60-70 feet tall, with wooden fences leading towards the entrance. The Iskal Sanctum can be found in adventure mode.
Why the Iskal Queen is Considered Difficult
Many players consider the Iskal Queen a challenging boss for several reasons:
- Phase 1 Armor: In her first phase, the Iskal Queen possesses significant armor, making direct damage less effective. This forces players to strategize and find ways to bypass her defenses.
- Status Effect Resistance: The Queen’s high resistance to status effects in the first phase further complicates matters. Applying bleed, fire, or other ailments is less reliable, making traditional builds less effective.
- Erratic Behavior: Her attack patterns, especially in the second phase, can be unpredictable. This requires quick reflexes and adaptability.
- Long-Reaching Attacks: One of her signature moves is a long-reaching uppercut. This attack has a bluish glow.
Strategies for Defeating the Iskal Queen
Overcoming the Iskal Queen requires a combination of understanding her attack patterns, exploiting her weaknesses, and employing the right gear and skills:
- Armor Piercing: Weapons and mods with armor-piercing capabilities are highly effective against her first phase.
- Mob Control: She frequently summons adds (lesser Iskal enemies). Weapons with area-of-effect damage or the ability to quickly dispatch these adds are crucial.
- Mobility: Constant movement and dodging are essential to avoid her attacks, especially the uppercut and ranged projectiles.
- Status Effects (Phase 2): While less effective in phase 1, status effects can be more useful in phase 2 once her armor is weakened.
- Teamwork (Multiplayer): Coordinating with teammates to focus fire and manage adds can significantly increase your chances of success.
Iskal Queen’s Rewards
Defeating the Iskal Queen grants you valuable rewards, including:
- The Parasite: This weapon mod infests a target with parasites that deal damage over time and spread to nearby enemies upon the target’s death. It’s great for wave clearing.
- The Iskal Vial: This allows you to corrupt consumables with a secondary Iskal effect.
- Other Loot: You will also be able to obtain additional loot from the dungeon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Iskal Queen
1. Can the Iskal Queen spawn in adventure mode?
Yes, the Iskal Queen can spawn in adventure mode, specifically within the Iskal Sanctum on Corsus. This allows you to target her for farming or specific rewards without re-rolling the entire campaign.
2. Where is the Iskal Temple in Remnant: From the Ashes?
The Iskal Temple, or more accurately, the Iskal Sanctum, is found on the world of Corsus. It’s located in one of the large spire dungeons, not the underground cave types.
3. Why does the Iskal Queen want the Guardian’s Heart?
The Iskal Queen desires the Guardian’s Heart to open Corsus to Root invasion. Her intention is to have the Iskal overtake the Root, just as they did with the original inhabitants of Corsus.
4. What happens if you give the Beast Heart to the Iskal Queen?
Giving the Beast Heart to the Iskal Queen unlocks a new series of events, starting with a quest to assist the Stuck Merchant and ending in a boss fight. You also receive the 100K Ring and Guardians Blessing trait.
5. Can you fight the Undying King in adventure mode?
No, the Undying King is a campaign-exclusive boss. To fight him, you’ll need to re-roll the campaign and make the choice that leads to the encounter.
6. Can you get Leto’s Amulet in adventure mode?
Yes, Leto’s Amulet can be found in adventure mode, specifically within Shroud’s dungeon.
7. What happens if you refuse to give the Beast Heart in Remnant?
If you refuse to give the Heart to the Undying King, you will have to fight him. Defeating him nets you the Labyrinth Key and Undying Heart.
8. What are the easiest bosses in Remnant?
Generally, The Ent is considered one of the easiest bosses due to its accessible weak points and predictable attack patterns.
9. Is there a max trait level in Remnant?
Yes, in Remnant 2, you can collect a maximum of 60 Trait Points.
10. What happens if you refuse the Undying King?
Refusing the Undying King’s request leads to a boss fight against him.
11. What do you get for killing the Undying King?
Killing the Undying King rewards you with the Labyrinth Key and the Undying Heart, which can be crafted into Ruin, an assault rifle.
12. What happens if you accept the Undying King’s request?
Accepting the Undying King’s request sends you on a quest to Corsus to retrieve the Guardian’s Heart from Ixillis and give it to the Iskal Queen.
13. Should I give the Beast Heart to the Undying King?
The decision to give the Beast Heart to the Undying King depends on your desired outcome and rewards. This choice impacts which bosses you have to fight and which weapons you are able to obtain.
14. Can you fight the Undying King after giving him the heart?
No, you cannot fight the Undying King after giving him the heart unless you reload the campaign.
15. Can I change my build after starting Remnant: From the Ashes?
Yes, you can change your build by modifying gear, weapons, and traits.
Conclusion
The Iskal Queen represents a unique challenge and narrative choice within Remnant: From the Ashes. Whether you choose to ally with her, betray her, or simply trade with her, understanding her motivations, location, and combat mechanics is crucial for navigating the dangers of Corsus. By employing the strategies outlined above and answering the frequently asked questions, you’ll be well-equipped to face whatever outcome your choices lead to.
For further insight into the educational aspects of gaming and the potential for learning through play, consider visiting the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.