Achates is the twelfth Guardian Raid Boss in Lost Ark. It is the 4th Guardian Raid in the Raid Level 3 tab of the Guardian Raid Bulletin Board. Entry Requires iLvl 920.
Achates Quick Strategy Overview
- Achates Color Shield: Destroy Guardian Angels; throw 2 crystals per shield of the corresponding color to break the shield.
- if 4 Angels: 1 Angel per Player; 2 Players first color, 2 Players second color.
- As of March 4th, these variations will only exist in Challenge Guardian Raids
- if 2 Angels: Angel 1 = Player 1, Angel 2 = Other Players. Player 1 throws first color, Other Players pick up 1 crystal each.
- if 1 Angel: 5 crystals received. Achates launches waves of alternating orbs. Players carrying the crystal of the same color absorbs the attack. These players shield the other players who will throw their crystal at the shield.
- if 4 Angels: 1 Angel per Player; 2 Players first color, 2 Players second color.
- Once the Color Shield is destroyed use Corrosive Bomb, Destruction Bomb, and Weak Point Skills to break Achates wings. Otherwise boss enrages.
- Red and Blue Icons: Characters with these above their head must stand together to remove. Otherwise red takes damage over time
- Energy Blast: Gathers in energy, then also players. Save dodge until AFTER initial being pulled in. Run away. Avoid incoming orbs. Run even further away (see safe zone below).
- Use Panacea at 3 or 4 debuff stacks of Flame of Torch.
Suggested Battle Items
Here are the best Battle Items to have equipped during this encounter.
Corrosive Bomb
Destruction Bomb
Panacea
HP Potion
Flare
Achates Boss Strategy
Featured Mechanic: Color Shield
Achates will teleport to the center and have a dome shield either colored Blue, Green, or Yellow. Angels that spawn will produce a few crystals, corresponding to the possible shield colors. Throwing crystals at the shield breaks it after 2 hits.
4 Angels: Each player destroys an angel and picks up a colored crystal. Ideally, have 2 players pick up the first color, then the other players wait to pick up the second color.
Once the shield is destroyed, use bombs and skills with Weak Point to break his wings.
March 4th update: Variations below only in Challenge Guardian Raids.
2 Angels: 1 Player goes to angel 1, picks up the crystal and throws it. (Immediately this player should pick up another crystal in hopes that it will correspond to the next shield). The remaining players go to the other shield and each picks up a crystal. The player with the second crystal of the first shield throws, and the others wait until the next shield. The worst case scenario is if the shield is the same color two times in a row, meaning all players must drop their crystal and destroy another angel.
1 Angel: 5 crystals drop from the angel. Colored orbs blast out from Achate damaging and knocking down. This can be absorbed by carrying crystal of the same color. Therefore, 2 Players are assigned to throw, 2 players are assigned to block the orbs.
Featured Mechanic: Red and Blue Icons
Players with these Red and Blue Icons above their head must stand together to remove.
Featured Mechanic: Energy Blast
Achates gathers in energy, then players. Run far, far away and avoid orbs that will knock players up. Save dodge until AFTER initial energy gathering. This ability will explode dealing massive damage, often killing players in one hit.
Debuffs
- Flame of Torch: Applies from being hit by magical attacks. Damage over time, Reduced HP Regen. Stacks up to 4 times. Duration 12 seconds.
- Torch Storm: Applies upon 4 Stacks of Flame of Torch, inflicts Damage and Flame of Torch debuff to other players nearby. Duration 25 seconds.
- Overwhelmed: Applies every time Achates roars after enraging. Reduces damage output. Stacks up to 3 times, refreshing the 1 minute duration with each application.
Counterable Attack
The counterable attack is a forward wing slap after glowing and pulsating blue.
Primary Attacks
The majority of Achates’s attacks are frontal or to the side. Attack from behind the boss to avoid them. There are many area of effect skills that players will need to avoid, here are some of them:
Rift Cracks
Achates causes crossing lines of rifts in the ground that will have a delayed explosion. They have a larger hit box than the initial inner telegraph.
Dark Circle
A dark energy circle will appear under the player. After 3 seconds it will release lightning and leaves a puddle that deals damage. You must dodge at the right time in order to avoid the damage and debuff.
Light Explosion, Cone Spikes, Breath
Avoid telegraphed white circles. There will be 2 or 3 repetitions of this. They will either target a player or start near the boss then radiate outwards. Cone Spikes follow a player and performs 2 repetitions. Breath applies Flame of Torch stacks.
Lasers
The gaps between these slices of laser pie are very small. It’s safest to stand outside of the radius of this attack.