The Everdark Sovereign version of Caligo, also known as Caligo, Miasma of Night – Fissure in the Fog, is one of the most challenging limited-time Expeditions in Elden Ring:Nightreign. This enhanced boss encounter pushes even veteran players to their limits with newly added ice armor mechanics, an extended third phase, and environmental hazards that demand precise timing and adaptability. Available only for one week, this special version of Caligo is a true test of Elden Ring Runes mastery for anyone seeking rare relics and prestige rewards.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the Everdark Sovereign Caligo fight - from its location and recommended builds to phase-by-phase strategy, key mechanics, and tips to secure victory.

How to Access the Everdark Sovereign Caligo Encounter

The Everdark Sovereign Expedition is found in the Fissure in the Fog, an alternate dimension unlocked after completing the base Caligo encounter in the Miasma Caverns. Players who have already defeated the standard version of Caligo will receive an in-game message notifying them of a "fissure's awakening."

To access it:

Travel to the Shrine of Mournful Veil.

Interact with the Obsidian Rift, which appears where the fog wall once stood.

Offer a Tarnished Remnant (earned from any Everdark Expedition) to open the gateway.

Enter to face the Everdark Sovereign Caligo, a stronger, frozen variant with new abilities.

This Expedition can be completed solo or cooperatively, though multiplayer scaling increases Caligo's total health by 60%. Recommended minimum level for solo players is Level 180+, with high Frost resistance and poise-breaking gear.

Recommended Builds and Preparations

Caligo's Everdark Sovereign form emphasizes Frostbite, AoE pressure, and sustained damage resistance. To prepare effectively, consider the following build recommendations:

1. Best Melee Builds

Colossal Strength Build – Use weapons like the Great Stars or Ruins Greatsword with Frostbite negation talismans. Heavy attacks can stagger Caligo during his transition phases.

Bleed-Strength Hybrid – Rivers of Blood or Eleonora's Poleblade can still apply bleed even through frost armor, though slower. Stack cold-resistant charms to balance the damage taken.

2. Best Sorcery Builds

Carian Frost Knight Hybrid – Use Carian Slicer and Adula's Moonblade to deal mixed physical and cold damage. Time your spells to hit Caligo's weak points when the armor shatters.

Comet Azur Setup – Works during Caligo's second phase if you bait him into a long recovery animation. Requires a co-op ally or Mimic Tear to hold aggro.

3. Best Incantation Builds

Faith-Fire Hybrid – Flame of Frenzy and Black Flame spells deal high chip damage through frost armor.

Lightning Build – Ancient Dragons' Lightning Strike deals high posture damage during the third phase when Caligo is grounded.

Consumables and Buffs

Stalwart Horn Charm +2 for Frostbite resistance.

Freezing Grease (applied to melee weapons) to counter Caligo's regeneration mechanic.

Flame, Grant Me Strength and Golden Vow for enhanced damage output.

Stock up on Thawfrost Boluses to remove frost buildup.

Phase 1:Miasma of Night

The first phase is similar to the original Caligo encounter, though slightly faster. He still utilizes his signature Dark Fog Wave and Lash of the Abyss attacks but now incorporates delayed frost detonations after every third strike.

Key Moves to Watch:

Fog Spear Combo:A three-hit chain that ends with a fogburst. Roll toward Caligo after the second swing to avoid both hits.

Nightfall Beam:A straight-line projectile that leaves frost residue. Strafe right to avoid it.

Ground Sweep:When he dips his head low, expect a sweeping arm attack that covers 180 degrees.

Strategy:Stay mid-range and circle around his right side. Punish after his Nightfall Beam when he pauses momentarily. Avoid using high Frost-inflicting weapons yet, as he becomes immune during phase two if triggered early.

Phase 2:Ice Armor Awakening

At 70% HP, Caligo roars and shatters the fog around him, triggering the Ice Armor Phase. This mechanic introduces a layer of frozen plates that must be broken before Caligo takes normal damage again.

During this phase, he gains:

Everdark Frost Pulse:Emits an expanding ring of cold energy. Jump to avoid damage.

Armor Reforge:Rebuilds his frost plates if left unbroken for 30 seconds.

Froststorm Slam:Creates icy spikes in a circular area; roll inward to avoid outer explosions.

Weak Points:The chest and hind legs glow faintly blue when armor integrity is low. Heavy or charged attacks to these zones deal extra posture damage.

Strategy:Use blunt or explosive attacks to break armor layers faster. Fire-based attacks such as Black Flame Tornado or Giantsflame Take Thee are especially effective. Once armor shatters, Caligo becomes briefly staggered, allowing a critical hit opportunity.

Avoid standing near walls, as Caligo's Froststorm Slam can trap players with delayed ice explosions, a common cause of deaths during this phase.

Phase 3:Sovereign Descent

Upon dropping to 30% HP, Caligo channels Everdark energy and absorbs the ambient frost, transitioning into his final and most dangerous phase. The arena becomes cloaked in perpetual twilight, and the fog thickens, reducing visibility and stamina recovery by 10%.

New Abilities:

Sovereign Nova:A massive AoE explosion that follows a brief silence. When Caligo pauses and the air turns blue, run away immediately or use a terrain pillar to block the wave.

Everdark Spears:Spawns three spears that home in slowly; dodge diagonally to bait and roll through each one individually.

Mournful Gaze:Locks onto one player, freezing them in place for 2 seconds before a slam. Co-op partners can interrupt this with high stagger damage.

Strategy:Maintain mobility. Caligo's third-phase attacks punish greed-focus on dodging rather than maximizing DPS. If you're using ranged builds, take advantage of his long recovery animations after Sovereign Nova to fire your strongest spells. For melee users, stay near his hind legs to avoid direct hits but retreat after every two combos to reset your positioning.

If Caligo begins to regenerate frost armor again (indicated by rising mist around his chest), hit him immediately with fire damage to halt the process.

Rewards and Relics

Defeating the Everdark Sovereign Caligo grants rare loot exclusive to the limited-time event:

Relic:Frostmourning Veil – Boosts Frost resistance by 20% and enhances damage against Frostbitten foes.

Everdark Sigil Fragment – Used to craft or upgrade Nightreign-tier talismans.

Remnant of Sovereignty – Unlocks a cosmetic aura effect and can be exchanged for unique weapon upgrades at the Obsidian Forge.

High Rune of Caligo (Everdark) – Upgrades one of your equipped runes to its Sovereign variant, enhancing both scaling and passive bonuses.

Players also earn an additional Nightreign Echo, allowing reroll access to previously missed relic drops.

Final Tips for Victory

Prioritize Frost Resistance:Many players underestimate Frostbite buildup. Equip at least one talisman or armor piece that negates it.

Control Aggro:If playing co-op, assign one player to bait Caligo's heavy swings while others focus on armor breaking.

Don't Rush the Finish:Caligo's regeneration mechanics punish reckless aggression. Wait for clear openings and capitalize after major cooldowns like Froststorm or Sovereign Nova.

Use Terrain Wisely:Pillars in the arena block certain projectiles, making them valuable cover when you need a breather or to heal.

The Everdark Sovereign Caligo encounter exemplifies Elden Ring:Nightreign's philosophy of rewarding patience, precision, and adaptability. It's a punishing yet exhilarating fight that challenges players to Elden Ring Runes buy rethink traditional tactics and master timing under constant threat. For those who triumph, the rewards go beyond loot - it's a victory that cements your place among the legends of the Nightreign.