Elden Ring Nightreign’s Everdark Sovereign mode has introduced a brutal new challenge for players who thought they had mastered the game. The first of these enhanced Nightlords is Gaping Jaw, also known as Adel, Baron of Night—a boss that was already tough in its original form but now comes with a slew of deadly upgrades. If you’re struggling to take down this monstrous foe, don’t worry. This guide will break down everything you need to know to survive and conquer the Everdark Sovereign version of Gaping Jaw.
Before jumping into the fight, it’s important to know what makes Everdark Sovereign different from the standard Nightlord encounters. This isn’t just a simple stat boost—Adel has new mechanics, additional phases, and relentless aggression that will test even the most seasoned Nightfarers. The fight starts in his second phase, meaning you’re immediately thrown into the deep end with his most dangerous attacks. If that wasn’t enough, once you whittle his health down to around 50%, he enters a devastating third phase complete with arena-altering tornadoes and relentless lightning strikes.
Preparing for the Fight
Success in this battle hinges on preparation. You can’t just waltz in with any old build and expect to walk away victorious. Here’s what you need to do before setting foot in the arena:
Gear Up Properly
Adel hits harder than ever in this version, so survivability should be your top priority. Look for armor and relics that boost your lightning resistance and physical damage negation. If you can find gear that enhances HP recovery or damage mitigation at full health, even better. Since poison is still his primary weakness, consider equipping a weapon that inflicts poison or Scarlet Rot—though be warned, he won’t slow down as much as he did in the original fight.
Choose the Right Class
Some Nightfarer classes perform better in this fight than others. Raider and Wylder are excellent choices for melee fighters thanks to their high stagger potential and mobility. If you prefer ranged combat, Ironeye can dish out consistent damage, but you’ll need to be extra careful with positioning since Adel can one-shot squishier classes. Recluse is another strong option if you can maintain distance while applying status effects.
Upgrade Your Equipment
Don’t skimp on upgrades. While blue-rarity weapons might have carried you through the base game, this fight demands legendary-tier gear. Make sure your flasks are fully upgraded, and bring consumables like Warming Stones and Poison Grease to give yourself an edge.
The Fight Breakdown
Now that you’re prepared, let’s break down the fight phase by phase.
Phase 1 (Starts Immediately in Phase 2)
As soon as you enter the arena, Adel will divebomb your location with a massive AoE slam. Dodge into the attack to avoid taking damage, then watch for the lightning fissures that erupt shortly after. His second-phase moveset is aggressive, featuring:
- Grab Attacks – Adel will snap his jaws at you with a telltale static sound. Dodge toward him to avoid being caught.
- Lightning Slams – When he rears up, he’s about to slam the ground, creating shockwaves. Jump or roll to evade.
- Relentless Charges – He’ll often target one player and chase them down with lunging attacks. Stay mobile and avoid being cornered.
Phase 2 (50% HP – The Tornado Phase)
This is where things get chaotic. Adel will leap into the air, summoning a massive black tornado that shrinks the arena. If you’re caught outside the storm, you’ll take constant damage. Here’s how to handle it:
- Find the Eye of the Storm – The safest spot is inside the tornado’s center, where Adel will be.
- Use Spiritsprings – If you get flung out, look for blue rifts around the arena’s edge. These will launch you back into the fight.
- Watch for Lightning Strikes – Purple fissures will appear on the ground, telegraphing where lightning will strike. Keep moving to avoid them.
Adel’s attacks become even more erratic in this phase. He’ll frequently teleport, perform back-to-back grabs, and unleash lightning storms. Stick close to his sides or rear to minimize exposure to his deadliest moves.
Final Push (Surviving the Storm)
The tornado phase repeats every 60-90 seconds until Adel is defeated. Each iteration makes the arena smaller, increasing the pressure. Focus on these key strategies:
- Stay Aggressive – The longer the fight drags on, the harder it becomes. Burn him down with status effects whenever possible.
- Prioritize Dodging Over Greed – One mistimed attack can spell doom. Learn his tells and only strike when safe.
- Team Coordination is Key – If playing co-op, assign roles. Have one player distract Adel while others focus on damage.
Rewards for Victory
Beating the Everdark Sovereign Gaping Jaw grants 25 Sovereign Sigils, a new currency used to purchase exclusive relics, skins, and chalices from the Collector Signboard vendor near Roundtable Hold. Subsequent wins yield fewer sigils, so make your first clear count!
