Retrieving Golden Star’s power core in Crimson Desert is essential for the larger task of destroying the flying Fortress Orbian. The first step in this mission is to defeat the Golden Star dragon boss, after which the power core is automatically obtained. This quest is part of Chapter 11: Truth and Reality and is considered one of the game’s more complex two-phase boss battles.
Here’s a guide on how to retrieve Golden Star’s power core in Crimson Desert.
Steps to Retrieve Golden Star’s Power Core in Crimson Desert
Reaching the Arena West of Grey Forest
The Golden Star is located west of the Grey Forest in an area called Master of a Forgotten Land, as shown on the map. Navigating to the fight arena involves vertical climbing, which can initially seem challenging. The best approach is to use the grappling hook (Axiom Force), simplifying what appears to be a difficult climb.
Upon reaching the top arena, a cutscene will play before the battle begins.
How to Defeat the Golden Star Dragon Boss in Crimson Desert
The primary strategy throughout the fight is to eliminate additional mobs as they appear. During the battle, robots will join the arena, including both flying bug types and larger heavy robots resembling Mecha Workers.
While the flying robots are easy to defeat, the larger robots must be prioritized and destroyed immediately upon spawning.
Allowing them to accumulate while you focus on the dragon can quickly lead to failure and delay the retrieval of Golden Star’s power core.
Using the Marni Disruptor Spears on the Pillars
Around the arena are glowing blue pillars that contain spears, known as Marni Disruptor Special Ammunition. Collecting a spear takes about two to three seconds. Once obtained, the spear can be thrown at the Golden Star. The throw animation can be tricky, and the boss may dodge if not close enough, but getting within range allows the spear to lock on.
These throws are crucial for filling the yellow stagger meter just below the boss’s health bar. Be cautious: if the dragon’s fire breath hits a pillar, wait for the fire to dissipate before collecting from it to avoid taking damage.
If the boss moves around the arena, patience is key as landing throws becomes more challenging.
Also read: How to remove the spear from the dragon in Crimson Desert (Shackles of Fate)
Building the Stagger Meter for Maximum Damage
When the stagger meter fills from spear hits or with your bow, the Golden Star becomes staggered, offering a prime opportunity to inflict damage. Charge in with a Turning Slash, then use the right trigger for sustained heavy attacks. When stamina is low, switch to quick attacks using the right bumper to maintain pressure.
When the boss is stunned, capitalize on the opportunity by unleashing all available attacks before it recovers and resumes its attack pattern.
The Four Attacks and How to Counter Them
The Golden Star uses four main attacks. Here’s how to recognize and counter each one:
- Dragon breath: Clearly telegraphed. Dodge out of the fire’s path and avoid the burning area it leaves behind, as it can persist for a while.
- Large AoE fire circles: These circles are easy to spot and sidestep, making this attack one of the easier ones to manage once the pattern is recognized.
- Fire rockets attack: Faster than the other fire attacks and somewhat harder to dodge. Stay mobile and keep moving when this attack is initiated.
- General movement and repositioning: When the boss runs around the arena, spear throws are more challenging. Pursue patiently without rushing.
Tip: Use the camera button to widen your view. This makes tracking the boss across the arena easier and allows for quicker reactions to attacks.
Read more: All mechanical mounts in Crimson Desert and where to find them
A Defensive Strategy is Beneficial
If the attacks seem too overwhelming initially, spend some time observing the Golden Star’s attack patterns around the arena. Most attacks are avoidable once their timing is understood. Adopting a defensive approach initially before going on the offensive makes the battle more manageable.
What Happens After Defeating the Golden Star
Once the Golden Star’s health bar is depleted, a cutscene will play automatically. Afterward, skydive back down to the ground near the dragon’s body. Another cutscene will trigger, marking the conclusion of the mission to retrieve the power core.
The Golden Star’s power core is obtained through the story sequence, ensuring nothing is missed once the fight concludes.
Check out our other Crimson Desert guides:
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Edited by Rishi Pallav
