Fader is the seventh and final boss in Valheim, found in the Ashlands biome. Here’s how to prepare for and defeat this formidable undead dragon.
Step 1: Finding Fader
To locate Fader, you’ll need to read a Vegvisir that contains information on his whereabouts. The Vegvisir is hidden in a Charred Fortress dungeon and looks like a small grey rock with red-glowing runic inscriptions. Interacting with this runestone will mark Fader’s location on your map.
- Locate Charred Fortresses: These are massive square buildings with green smoke rising from the top. The Vegvisir is found inside the central tower of the fortress.
- Use a Battering Ram: Break through the thick walls of the Charred Fortress to access the Vegvisir and Bell Fragments.
Step 2: Collecting Bell Fragments
To summon Fader, you’ll need Bell Fragments found inside the central tower of Charred Fortresses.
- Gather Bell Fragments: Collect these fragments encased in glass inside the central tower. Each Charred Fortress usually contains between two to four Bell Fragments.
- Craft Bells: At a Black Forge workstation, exchange three Bell Fragments for one Bell. You’ll need three Bells in total to summon Fader.
Step 3: Portal Preparation
Set up a portal near Fader’s location to return quickly if you die.
Step 4: Armor and Weapon Preparation
Equip yourself with the best armor and weapons available.
- Armor: Flametal Armor set for high defense, or a medium/light build for better mobility.
- Weapons:
- Melee: Mistwalker or Jotun Bane (be cautious as Fader’s attacks are within melee range).
- Ranged: Dundr staff for direct damage and Trollstav to summon a fiery minion.
- Avoid Poison Weapons: Fader is immune to poison.
Step 5: Food and Boosts
Eating the right food will maximize your health and stamina for the fight. Here are our recommendations:
- Seeker Aspic
- Lox Meat Pie
- Salmon Roll
These foods will provide significant health and stamina boosts.
Step 6: Utilize the Resting Effect
Before heading into battle, ensure you have the Resting Effect by being sheltered or sitting by a fire. The Resting Effect provides:
- +50% Health Regen
- +100% Stamina Regen
- +50% Skill Experience Boost
Step 7: Entering Fader’s Arena
Head to Fader’s marked location, which resembles an old colosseum. Inside, place one Bell on each of the three bell holders, then interact with the Altar of the Emerald Flame to summon Fader.
Step 8: Combat Strategy
Fader has a massive health bar and deals high damage with various attacks. Here are the tactics to defeat him:
- Avoid Initial Slam: Stay near the Altar of the Emerald Flame to avoid Fader’s initial ground slam.
- Poison Damage: Fader emits poison, so equip Poison Resistance Mead to mitigate its effects.
- Attack Patterns:
- Biting and Swiping: Stay away from Fader’s head.
- Spinning Attack: Dodge the full-circle spin.
- Meteorites: Dodge to the side when Fader roars and lifts his head.
- Summoning Minions: Prepare to fight Charred and Volture minions.
- Fire-Breathing: Dodge the straight-line fire attack when his HP is below 75%.
- Summoning Spikes: Avoid the large area of effect attack by keeping your distance.
- Maintain Distance: Most of Fader’s attacks are melee range, so a medium or light build for mobility is recommended.
- Use Trollstav: Summon a fiery minion to distract Fader while you attack from a distance with the Dundr staff.
- Use the Environment: Run behind the colosseum walls to avoid Fader’s attacks. He can break the walls, but it will give you time to reposition.
Step 9: Fighting with Friends
Having friends join the fight can increase your chances of success. One can distract Fader while the others attack from behind. If solo, kite him around the arena and use ranged weaponry for a safer, though slower, battle.
Step 10: Defeating Fader
After a prolonged fight, defeating Fader will reward you with his trophy, which you can place at the spawn altar
