The quick answer
Heavenfall ends with two combat phases: Dragon King first, then River Master on foot. Jump the sweeping water attacks, deflect the large energy ball to create an opening, and leave the Dragon King’s landing zone. Against River Master, deflect his readable melee attacks and dodge the golden charge.
On this page
Reach the battle and identify the mode
Follow Heavenfall in Roaring Sands, north of Kaifeng City. The crane and Imperial Jade Seal sequence leads into the fight. Finish the campaign to unlock the repeatable Campaign encounter.
Our preparation priority is a familiar damage pair and enough recovery for two phases. Spending every defensive resource to finish the fish quickly can leave you poorly prepared for the faster sword duel.
Phase one: answer the water patterns
| Attack | What to do |
|---|---|
| Tsunami: three advancing waves | Jump each arriving wave; do not land into the next one while trying to attack. |
| Water Slicer: a straight water sweep | Jump over its line. |
| Energy Ball: one large charged projectile | Deflect it as it reaches you to return the attack and create an opening. |
| Water Cannon: rapid smaller shots | Deflect or dodge the sequence; do not mistake it for the single charged ball. |
| Body Slam | Move out of the landing area before the fish crashes down. |
Attack the exposed head when the Dragon King settles at the platform or is staggered. Our suggestion is to prioritize a clean energy-ball response over chasing extra hits while it is moving away. A missed counter costs an opening as well as health.
Phase two: keep defending after the approach
River Master follows with close-range sword combinations, projected Shadow Waves and a red aerial slam called Deep Dive. These give deflection opportunities. His golden charge needs an evade; do not answer its color cue with the same input as a red strike.
The Dragon King can still contribute a Water Slicer during this phase. Keep the jump response available while watching the swordsman. A change of opponent does not remove every water hazard.
Our recommended learning sequence is one defensive cycle, one short punish, then a reset. Pay special attention to the end of his combination before attacking. If a rush leaves him beside you, re-establish the camera angle before committing to a long charged skill.
Complete Heavenfall’s final conversation
After the battle and scene, talk to Jin Zhongyuan to resolve the campaign. This completion also opens Feng Ruzhi’s world-boss encounter. Inspect the selected Campaign difficulty’s reward preview when replaying; its drops are separate from the story handoff.
If you entered Abyssal Lament
Use the Sword Trial activity instructions for that group encounter. A shield countdown or additional raid objective is a mode mechanic, not a missing step in the two-phase campaign route above. Confirm the selected activity before comparing a video or loadout recommendation.
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Common questions
Can I roll through every wave instead of jumping?
The campaign’s Tsunami and Water Slicer are designed around an aerial response. Learn their jump timing rather than spending all your dodges on them.
Why does another River Master guide mention extra objectives?
Check its mode. The Heavenfall campaign and Abyssal Lament do not use an identical encounter script.