Decoding the Dragon’s Hoard: How Many Dragon Hearts Are in Elden Ring?
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The Lands Between are rife with challenges, but few are as rewarding (and daunting) as facing off against the draconic denizens of Elden Ring. And the prize for felling these majestic beasts? The coveted Dragon Hearts. So, to the burning question that plagues many a Tarnished: There are a total of 23 obtainable Dragon Hearts in a single playthrough (NG cycle) of Elden Ring. While you need 23 hearts to collect, you’ll only need 20 Dragon Hearts to purchase every Dragon Communion Incantation in the game.
Dragon Hearts: More Than Just Trophies
Dragon Hearts are not mere souvenirs; they are the key to unlocking powerful Dragon Communion Incantations, potent spells that allow you to wield the very essence of dragons. These incantations, purchased at the Church of Dragon Communion and the Cathedral of Dragon Communion, offer devastating offensive capabilities, making them highly sought after by Faith-based builds. Mastering the use of Dragon Hearts is crucial for any player aspiring to harness the full potential of draconic power in Elden Ring.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dragon Hearts
Let’s delve into some of the most common queries surrounding Dragon Hearts, providing a comprehensive guide for both novice and veteran Elden Ring players:
1. What are Dragon Communion Incantations?
Dragon Communion Incantations are a specific category of spells in Elden Ring that draw power from dragons. These spells typically involve breathing elemental attacks, such as fire, ice, or lightning, and require Faith to cast. They are purchased using Dragon Hearts at the Church of Dragon Communion (located in Limgrave) or the Cathedral of Dragon Communion (located in Caelid).
2. Where do I use Dragon Hearts?
Dragon Hearts are used at two specific locations:
- Church of Dragon Communion: This is found early in the game, on an island off the west coast of Limgrave. You’ll need to defeat a boss to access it.
- Cathedral of Dragon Communion: This is located in Caelid, accessible after navigating through a challenging area.
At either of these locations, you can interact with an altar to trade Dragon Hearts for Dragon Communion Incantations.
3. How many Dragon Communion Incantations are there?
The exact number of Dragon Communion Incantations can vary slightly depending on updates and DLCs. However, there are generally a substantial number of these incantations available, usually ranging from 10 to 15, offering a wide variety of draconic powers for your character to wield. You’ll need 20 Dragon Hearts to acquire all Dragon Communion Incantations.
4. Can I get more Dragon Hearts in New Game Plus (NG+)?
Yes! Your progress, including your levels and equipment, carries over to New Game Plus (NG+). Thus, you can acquire the 23 Dragon Hearts from NG and repeat the process in NG+.
5. Do all dragons drop Dragon Hearts?
No, not all dragons in Elden Ring drop Dragon Hearts. Only specific dragons, primarily those associated with the Dragon Communion, will reward you with Dragon Hearts upon defeat. Regular dragons encountered in the open world might drop other items, such as runes or crafting materials.
6. Which dragon drops the most Dragon Hearts?
Elder Dragon Greyoll, the colossal dragon found in Caelid, drops a significant number of Dragon Hearts. Defeating her nets you five Dragon Hearts, making her a prime target for players seeking to quickly acquire draconic power.
7. Is it worth killing Elder Dragon Greyoll?
While Elder Dragon Greyoll is a formidable opponent, the reward of five Dragon Hearts and a substantial amount of runes (75,000) makes her a worthwhile target. However, consider the lore implications before deciding to slay her, as her death can have consequences within the game world.
8. What are the best Dragon Communion Incantations?
The “best” Dragon Communion Incantations depend on your playstyle and build. However, some consistently rank high in terms of effectiveness:
- Placidusax’s Ruin: A powerful lightning-based attack.
- Ekzykes’s Decay: Inflicts scarlet rot.
- Borealis’s Mist: A freezing breath attack.
- Agheel’s Flame: A classic fire breath attack.
- Greyoll’s Roar: Reduces the attack power of enemies.
9. Does using Dragon Communion Incantations change my character’s appearance?
Yes! By using Dragon Communion Incantations, you will slowly begin to turn into one, as such your eyes will reflect this after you purchase 5 Dragon Spells. Specifically, you will get dragon eyes.
10. Are Dragon Cult Incantations the same as Dragon Communion Incantations?
No, Dragon Cult Incantations and Dragon Communion Incantations are distinct categories. Dragon Cult Incantations primarily revolve around lightning-based attacks and require Faith to cast. Dragon Communion Incantations, on the other hand, are more varied in their elemental affinities and are obtained by trading Dragon Hearts.
11. Who is the strongest dragon in Elden Ring?
Many players consider Dragonlord Placidusax to be the most challenging dragon boss in Elden Ring. His unique attacks, teleportation abilities, and high damage output make him a formidable opponent.
12. What do I do with extra Dragon Hearts after buying all the incantations?
Once you’ve purchased all available Dragon Communion Incantations, any extra Dragon Hearts will simply remain in your inventory. They have no other use beyond trading for spells.
13. How does Faith affect Dragon Communion Incantations?
Faith is the primary stat that determines the effectiveness of Dragon Communion Incantations. Higher Faith levels increase the damage and potency of these spells, making them a powerful option for Faith-based builds.
14. Are there any alternative ways to acquire draconic power?
While Dragon Hearts are the primary method for obtaining Dragon Communion Incantations, certain weapons and armor pieces can also grant you draconic abilities or enhance your existing draconic powers. Exploring the Lands Between thoroughly will reveal these hidden treasures.
15. What is the significance of dragons in Elden Ring’s lore?
Dragons play a significant role in Elden Ring’s lore, representing ancient power and a connection to the Erdtree’s past. Their existence is intertwined with the history of the Lands Between, and understanding their significance can provide deeper insights into the game’s narrative.
Mastering Draconic Power
Collecting Dragon Hearts and mastering Dragon Communion Incantations can significantly enhance your Elden Ring experience, providing you with potent offensive capabilities and a deeper understanding of the game’s lore. Experiment with different incantations, tailor your build to maximize their effectiveness, and unleash the power of dragons upon your foes.
Elden Ring offers a unique blend of challenging gameplay and intricate lore, inviting players to explore its vast world and uncover its many secrets. And if you are interested in learning more about video games, video game education and the influence that video games have on the world then consider checking out the Games Learning Society website at GamesLearningSociety.org. Happy hunting, Tarnished!