Dragon 39;s Dogma Dark Arisen Leveling Guide
Christina Smith
Bitterblack Isle, for those unaware, was originally a sort of DLC addition to the original Dragon's Dogma. The Dark Souls inspired island features a sprawling dungeon of high-level enemies, making it a great post-game challenge for players who still need to make it to level 200. It's fairly difficult, and also very vague in terms of story. Because the main focus is the intense combat and multi-stage environment, there's not much to learn or discuss. Therefore, this portion of the guide will be similar to the Hard Mode page, in which I walk you through each floor of Bitterblack Isle and the best way to approach it. As with the main storyline, I will explain the events at the end of the guide for those interested.
As I've said, this is the best location to collect gear for your character. But there's also numerous consumables and materials that are both rare and considered valuable for expert players. Not only that, quite a few of the items dropped as loot from creatures will go towards upgrading your equipment. Expect to dish out some serious coin on upgrading these items, as well as buying things for the trip.
Shockingly, there is no prerequisite for entering Bitterblack Isle. You can quite literally walk in at any time you'd like. However, you should read up on the Hints section before doing so. I can't stress how hard this will be as a beginner. That being said, you'll gain plenty of experience by doing it early. Furthermore, there are a few differences to gameplay once you arrive:
If you aren't sure if you're a high enough level for Bitterblack Isle, then just do an experimental run. Save the game and go for it. Alternatively, I recommend that you fight the Ur-Dragon as a test. If it takes more than three tries, you're likely under-leveled. I found that, once I reached level 90, it was much less of a challenge.
There's not much else to remember besides the basic tips of the game. Keep your pawns updated and upgrade your equipment as needed. Bitterblack Isle is really just about being smart with the game mechanics, so the main struggle will just be staying alive. There are no tricks with the story and most enemies will have direct weaknesses stated in the guide.
This list will explain the best equipment that you can find in Bitterblack Isle. If you're looking for quality equipment to use before completing it, visit the Hard Mode page. Although there is limited equipment in terms of sets, each piece is considerably more valuable than the Gransys counterparts, and many of them come with different stats:
Do note that these sets are from the highest tier. They are not the only sets of equipment in Bitterblack Isle. Each collection can be gained by collecting tier 3 cursed items. Furthermore, certain sets can also be collected through notice board quests. As usual, the pieces can be mixed and matched for the best results. It's also much more crucial to pay attention to the stats of each piece since the new enemies will have new differences. The armor you used previously may not hold the same value now that immunities and weaknesses have changed.
Once again, because Bitterblack Isle is combat-based, this portion of the walkthrough will be similar to Hard Mode where the focus is enemies. You will not need to worry about story elements because achievements are based on kills. There is only one other achievement that you can't get by playing, and that's to kill Death. See the Additional Achievements section to learn more.
To travel to Bitterblack Isle, find Olra in Cassardis. Every night, she can be found at the docks. Speak to her to begin. You can travel back and forth from Gransys through her at no cost. You can leave Bitterblack Isle at any time to return, but it must be done through Olra if you started at the beginning. You will not have access to Ferrystone fast-traveling until you've reached Gran Soren.
Bitterblack Isle can be very confusing at first, but there's no harm in checking out each hallway. You should try to explore as much as possible, because most chests will either offer great curatives, cursed gear, or Riftcrystals. To purify gear, speak to Olra at the harbor. Riftcrystals will be spent to do so.
To start, head own the stairs and follow the path forward. Your first time through the garden will be filled with Wargs. As expected, they are immune to fire-based attacks and weak to ice and holy. When they're killed, head to the left for a chest. There is also a walkway hidden behind the crates. Smash them to get through and then head down the path to open another chest. You can also attack the enemies from up above, however, you'll need to come down at some point or another.
Head back into the previous room and turn left (or right from the stairs). Watch out for the snakes that will pop out from beneath the railing as you travel down the path. You can find Mithridate on the next level to get rid of poison. As you reach the end of the path and down the stairs, you'll enter the courtyard. Death will also appear here if it's your first time through the path. Avoid his lantern and keep your distance at all costs! Death will insta-kill you and your pawns, and pawns that are hit cannot be revived until you reach a Riftstone. You do not have to fight the other enemies either, as there's no achievement connected to the Wargs or the Cyclopes.
Your first visit here will be void of enemies. Instead, you'll meet Barroch for the first time, who will mention his own life as the Arisen. Barroch can be used to rarify equipment beyond upgrades. In other words, there are a total of 6 upgrades for each weapon and armor piece now. It still requires special materials, however.
The tower is also special because of the treasures that surround it. You'll notice numerous locked doors while exploring. These can only be unlocked by Moonbeam gems, which are earned by clearing Bitterblack Isle (or at least Daimon). You won't have access at the moment. So continue past them. That leaves three exits.
The first is straight ahead and leads to the Vault of Defiled Truth. You won't be able to get access unless you find the key. The second room, the path that's off to the right, leads to the Ward of Regret and Midnight Helix. This is where you can find the key. Enter when ready, and don't forget to loot the chests available in the area.
The last is at the is above the center door, and can only be accessed by scaling the side of the rock face. This is the Rotunda of Dread, and is not needed for completion of Bitterblack Isle. Seek out the Ward of Regret first.
These two locations are combined because they are an offset to the original path, meaning they are not connected to the other locations. Only to Duskmoon Tower. They must be explored to receive a Void Key, which allows you to open other locations in the isle, so it's a required location.
Ward of Regret: One of the first things you'll see is a broken Riftstone. These will appear periodically and can be repaired with Riftcrystals. This one in particular isn't of much use in all honesty. You will likely visit this area once and then forget it's here. So continue through into the next location as quickly as possible.
Midnight Helix: There's numerous enemies in the area to deal with, but the most notable is no doubt the Condemned Gorecylops. Do note that you don't need to kill it for any reason. In fact, your pawns are quite okay with you leaving it there. These are one of the toughest enemies of Bitterblack Isle, so it's better to handle the Cyclops later. The Void Key can be found at the very top of the Helix. So grab it and exit as soon as possible.
There's plenty of paths to follow in this section, however, most will lead you to where you need to go. So don't worry too much about directions. Instead, focus on the enemies and chests. There's quite a few small pocket spaces where loot is stashed, so be thorough. The enemies here are also quite easy to handle, with the majority being either Hobgoblins or Hellhounds.
When you reach the courtyard (similar to the Garden of Ignominy) there will be a Cockatrice waiting. As stated, it's not required as an achievement, so there's little reason to slay it. However, all experience is good experience.
The Gutter of Misery connects to the Warrior's Respite, which I highly recommend that you visit. A few enemies will light the way, such as Saurians and Undead, but they are otherwise quite small. There's no need to kill them unless you wish to. The next section of Bitterblack Isle can be reached by the lower stairs and by following the sewer tunnel to the doors.
To reach the Warrior's Respite, head upwards instead. Bitterblack Isle Harbor can be accessed by an additional door by pulling the handle and Barroch will remain here until you progress to the next resting area. In addition to this, there is a Riftstone and a Healing Spring here, and even notice board. Collect all the quests from it before leaving.
This is where your first achievement comes in. I recommend stocking up on Panacae or other cure-all ailment curatives. Upon entering, your pawns will likely alert you to the Evil Eye waiting for you. This one in particular is known as the Gazer, and is quite massive in comparison to the others. There's a few easy tactics to use against it, as well as some special ability that you'll need to watch out for.
It might take awhile for lower-leveled players, but eventually it will go down. The Gazer, although powerful, deals very little overall damage and instead relies on ailments and magic. An achievement will pop on its death.
This is a resting location. Bitterblack Isle Harbor can once again be accessed by the additional door, as well as a Riftstone that can be repaired. It's up to you if you wish to do so, because you can always unlock the door to outside and use the Riftstone there. Barroch will also remain here until you progress to the next resting area.
The Fortress is a relatively large location with three other rooms branching from it. The two that are important is the Pilgrim's Gauntlet and the Tower of Treasons Repaid. The final door, reaching the Black Abbey, is not important. So the path you want to take is through the Gauntlet, back out, and then through the Tower. The Pilgrim's Gauntlet should be the first door you access. The other two can be found when venturing down the spiraling steps.
c80f0f1006