Dark Mage

Lore & Background

Their presence marks a critical turning point in the Old One's Army, where their magical prowess shifts the tide. Through pulsating runes, they heal the monstrous ranks that swarm the Eternia Crystals, forcing heroes to prioritize silence over slaughter. Yet, their greatest gift is also their most coveted treasure; beneath their tattered robes lie artifacts of strange power, including eggs that hatch into loyal companions and tomes containing the forbidden knowledge of a lost civilization.

In Their Own Story

The air grows heavy with the scent of ozone as the portal ripples open, revealing the Dark Mage hovering in silent judgment. You raise your blade, but before you can strike, he raises a hand, conjuring a glowing rune that bathes the battlefield in sickly light. The minions around him surge forward, their wounds knitting closed as if time itself has reversed for them alone.

You dodge the first barrage of dark energy, feeling the heat sear your armor. He chants again, and the ground beneath you shudders as purple clouds coalesce into skeletal warriors that claw at your heels with fresh malice. There is no rest, only the rhythm of his attacks: a spell to heal, a sigil to summon, an orb to incinerate. You must break the cycle or be swallowed by the army he commands.

With a final burst of speed, you close the distance. The Dark Mage attempts to retreat into the ether, but your strike finds its mark. As his form dissolves into motes of light, the skeletal horde crumbles into dust, leaving behind only the faint hum of magic and the promise of knowledge gained from a fallen foe.

Reader's Guide

Summon the Dark Mage by initiating the Old One's Army event with an Eternia Crystal on a stand. He appears during Wave 5 in Tier 1, and Waves 4 and 6 in Tier 3. Prepare an arena with flat ground to facilitate dodging his hovering attacks, as he cannot fly upward but can summon minions that do.

Focus fire immediately upon his appearance to prevent him from casting his healing rune, which restores up to 500 health to enemies within a massive range. If you see purple clouds forming, retreat from the immediate vicinity to avoid taking damage from the summoned Old One's Skeletons during their genesis. Be aware that he cannot heal himself or other Dark Mages.

For melee classes, maintain close range but be ready to dash away when he begins chanting. Ranged and magic users should prioritize hitting him while avoiding the ground-based healing runes. Remember that he is immune to lava and teleporters, so rely on traps only for their non-trap damage components or standard weaponry. In Tier 1, you can farm him indefinitely until Wave 5 reaches 99% completion.

Did You Know?

• The Dark Mage cannot heal itself, other Dark Mages, or the Moon Lord.
• Pet drops like the Dragon Egg and Gato Egg have some of the highest drop rates in the game.
• War Tables and pet eggs are unaffected by luck mechanics.
• A Treasure Bag exists in game files for Expert Mode but is currently unobtainable.