In the haunting world of Elden Ring, players encounter mysterious altars and cryptic rituals that tie into the game’s deeper lore and powerful abilities. One such intriguing feature is the Ritual of Dragon Communion. This dark and ancient rite offers a path to harness the raw power of dragons by consuming their hearts. While it may sound grotesque, it opens up a unique set of powerful dragon incantations. Understanding the Ritual of Dragon Communion is key for any Tarnished who seeks to dominate their enemies through fearsome draconic magic.
What Is the Ritual of Dragon Communion?
Origins and Lore
The Ritual of Dragon Communion is rooted in the twisted faith of those who worship the power of ancient dragons. Unlike other forms of magic in Elden Ring, these spells are fueled not by intellect or faith alone, but by a symbolic and literal bond with the dragons themselves. The practitioners of this ritual believed that consuming the hearts of dragons allowed them to channel their strength, breathe their fire, and command their fury.
Mechanics of the Ritual
To perform the Ritual of Dragon Communion, players must collect Dragon Hearts items dropped from slain dragons across the Lands Between. These hearts are then offered at a specific altar to unlock and use dragon-based incantations. The ritual is more than just a transaction; it is a transformation of the user into something draconic and primal.
Where to Perform the Ritual of Dragon Communion
Key Locations
- Church of Dragon Communion: Found on a small island off the western coast of Limgrave. Accessible early in the game through the Coastal Cave.
- Cathedral of Dragon Communion: Located in Caelid, this upgraded altar allows access to more advanced dragon incantations.
Visiting either location will open up a menu where Dragon Hearts can be exchanged for incantations. The cathedral in Caelid generally offers a broader and more powerful selection of dragon spells, making it a prime destination for serious draconic casters.
How to Get Dragon Hearts
Hunting Dragons
Dragon Hearts are primarily obtained by defeating dragons found throughout the world. These are often challenging encounters, each with their own mechanics and environments. Here are some of the key dragons that drop hearts:
- Flying Dragon Agheel– Found in Limgrave
- Glintstone Dragon Smarag– Roams near the Academy of Raya Lucaria
- Magma Wyrm– Dwells near the Ruin-Strewn Precipice
- Great Wyrm Theodorix– Located in the frozen lake of Consecrated Snowfield
Each of these dragons will drop a Dragon Heart upon defeat. Some of the larger or more unique dragons may even drop multiple hearts.
Tips for Fighting Dragons
- Bring ranged weapons or spells to attack from a safe distance
- Use Torrent (your spectral steed) to stay mobile and avoid fire breath
- Target their heads for critical damage when grounded
- Equip fire-resistant armor and talismans
Dragon Incantations and Their Effects
Available Dragon Spells
Once you’ve gathered Dragon Hearts, you can exchange them for incantations at the communion altars. These incantations range from breath attacks to transformative abilities. Below are some notable options:
- Dragonfire– Spit a wide cone of fire, mimicking a dragon’s breath
- Dragonice– Breathe icy mist that slows and damages foes
- Dragonclaw– Summon a draconic claw to slash enemies up close
- Dragonmaw– Create a massive dragon head that bites enemies
- Ekzykes’s Decay– Emit scarlet rot breath that deals damage over time
- Borealis’s Mist– Breathe out frost mist from the sky
These incantations offer diverse effects, from crowd control and status ailments to devastating direct damage. They scale with Faith and Arcane, so investment in those stats is recommended.
Building Around Dragon Communion
Recommended Stats and Gear
To use these powerful incantations effectively, players should prioritize the following:
- Faith: Required to cast all dragon incantations
- Arcane: Boosts potency and unlocks certain spells
- Mind: Increases FP to allow more spell casting
Equipping aDragon Communion Sealfound in Fringefolk Hero’s Grave will boost the power of dragon incantations significantly. This seal scales with both Faith and Arcane, making it perfect for a dragon-magic-focused build.
Useful Talismans and Armor
- Flock’s Canvas Talisman– Increases incantation potency
- Radagon Icon– Speeds up spell casting
- Armor sets with high fire resistance– Helpful for dragon-related combat
Advantages and Drawbacks of the Ritual
Why Use Dragon Communion?
Dragon incantations are among the most visually impressive and powerful abilities in Elden Ring. They allow players to create destruction on a wide scale, applying elemental pressure and status effects in both PvE and PvP. The versatility in attack type fire, frost, rot, and more makes them adaptable to various enemy weaknesses.
Things to Consider
While powerful, dragon incantations are costly in both FP and stamina. Their casting time is also relatively long, making the player vulnerable during use. They also require significant stat investment in both Faith and Arcane, which may limit hybrid or melee-focused builds unless carefully planned.
Ritual of Dragon Communion and Elden Ring Lore
The Corruption Within
The deeper implication of the Ritual of Dragon Communion lies in its corrupting nature. Those who practice it are said to gradually lose their humanity, adopting the feral characteristics of dragons. Some NPCs encountered in the game hint at this transformation, presenting moral ambiguity and tragic backstories surrounding the pursuit of power.
Story and Themes
The ritual plays into one of Elden Ring’s recurring themes sacrifice for power. Players are confronted with the decision to embrace monstrous strength at a cost. This element adds depth and immersion to gameplay, enhancing the overall narrative experience.
The Ritual of Dragon Communion is more than just a gameplay mechanic in Elden Ring it’s a symbol of power, sacrifice, and transformation. By collecting Dragon Hearts and unlocking devastating incantations, players can wield the fury of ancient dragons and crush their enemies with supernatural force. Though it demands careful build planning and overcoming formidable foes, the reward is a unique and powerful path that stands apart from traditional magic or melee combat. For those daring enough to embrace the draconic arts, the Ritual of Dragon Communion offers an unforgettable experience in the Lands Between.