The Obsidian Dragon is one of the unique dragons found in DragonVale, a popular dragon-breeding simulation game developed by Backflip Studios. It has earned a significant place in the hearts of players due to its striking appearance, interesting breeding mechanics, and versatility in the game. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into every aspect of the Obsidian Dragon, from its design and lore to its role in gameplay, breeding combinations, earning potential, and more. For players, collectors, and strategists alike, the Obsidian Dragon is more than just another dragon—it represents a challenging and satisfying aspect of DragonVale’s diverse gameplay experience.
Table of Contents
Overview of the Obsidian Dragon
The Obsidian Dragon is a hybrid dragon in DragonVale that belongs to the Earth and Fire elements. Its name and design are inspired by the volcanic rock obsidian, which is formed when lava cools rapidly, resulting in a glassy, black appearance. This theme of fiery volcanic origins is reflected in the dragon’s aesthetic, with its dark, smoldering body and lava-like accents. The dragon also carries an air of mystery and power, symbolizing both the strength of earth and the untamed force of fire.
Key Information:
- Type: Hybrid Dragon
- Elements: Earth, Fire
- Breeding Time: 8 hours
- Incubation Time: 8 hours
- Rarity: Rare
- Availability: Always available (non-limited)
Design and Aesthetics
Visually, the Obsidian Dragon stands out due to its bold and dark color palette. Its body is predominantly black, mimicking the appearance of volcanic glass, with cracks and fissures glowing with an internal fiery light that suggests molten lava just beneath the surface. The combination of black and glowing red-orange highlights gives the dragon a molten, magma-like look, making it an imposing and beautiful creature in the game.
The Obsidian Dragon has sharp, angular features, which further reinforce its volcanic theme. Its wings, while not overly large, have a jagged, rock-like appearance, and the dragon’s entire body seems to emanate a smoldering heat. When flying, the Obsidian Dragon leaves a trail of sparks, emphasizing its fiery nature. Its eyes are glowing embers, adding a menacing yet majestic feel to its overall design.
This dragon’s aesthetic appeal lies in its strong elemental representation. The fiery cracks in its black, rocky skin show the fusion of Earth and Fire elements perfectly. As a result, the Obsidian Dragon is often a popular choice for players who want a dragon that looks both powerful and striking.
Thematic Significance and Lore
Dragons in DragonVale often have a deep connection to their elements, and the Obsidian Dragon is no exception. The obsidian rock, in real life, is linked to volcanic activity, and the dragon mirrors this concept by combining the raw power of Earth and Fire. This blend of elemental energy gives the dragon its thematic depth, symbolizing both stability (Earth) and volatility (Fire).
In the lore of DragonVale, the Obsidian Dragon is said to embody the fiery strength of volcanoes and the enduring nature of rocks, making it a symbol of resilience and intensity. Many players associate this dragon with toughness and strength, and it often represents the more aggressive side of the Earth and Fire elements. Despite its aggressive appearance, the Obsidian Dragon is also a protective creature, symbolizing the ability to withstand immense pressure and heat, much like the rock from which it is named.
Breeding the Obsidian Dragon
The Obsidian Dragon is a hybrid dragon, meaning that it can be bred by combining two dragons with specific elemental affinities. To breed an Obsidian Dragon, players need to pair dragons that contain both the Earth and Fire elements. However, like most hybrid dragons, success isn’t guaranteed on the first try, and it may take multiple breeding attempts to obtain an Obsidian Dragon.
Breeding Combinations:
- Earth Dragon + Fire Dragon: This is the most basic combination, and one of the easiest ways to breed the Obsidian Dragon. Both Earth and Fire dragons are commonly available early in the game, making this combination accessible to most players.
- Other Earth and Fire hybrids: Using other dragons that carry the Earth and Fire elements can also result in an Obsidian Dragon. For example, pairing a Lava Dragon (Earth/Fire) with a Magma Dragon (Earth/Fire) can also yield an Obsidian Dragon, though it might result in other outcomes as well.
Breeding Time:
The breeding and incubation time for the Obsidian Dragon is 8 hours, which is relatively standard for hybrid dragons of this level. If players are unsure whether they’ve successfully bred an Obsidian Dragon, they can use the breeding time as a clue. An 8-hour breeding time indicates that an Obsidian Dragon is on its way.
Breeding Tips:
- Use the Epic Breeding Island or Epic Breeding Cave: Players looking to speed up their breeding attempts or increase their chances of breeding rare dragons like the Obsidian Dragon should make use of the Epic Breeding Island or Cave. These structures enhance breeding odds and are worth investing in for players aiming to collect rare dragons.
- Level Up Your Dragons: Breeding high-level dragons (level 10 and above) increases the chances of success when trying to breed rare or hybrid dragons. Make sure your parent dragons are fully leveled up for the best results.
Role in Gameplay
The Obsidian Dragon is a valuable addition to any player’s dragon park, offering both utility and aesthetic appeal. Here’s how it contributes to the gameplay experience in DragonVale:
DragonCash Production
One of the most important factors players consider when adding a dragon to their park is its ability to generate DragonCash, the game’s primary currency. The Obsidian Dragon, being a rare hybrid dragon, has a decent DragonCash production rate, especially when placed in habitats that complement its elements.
- DragonCash Production: The Obsidian Dragon has a base DragonCash production rate of approximately 12 coins per minute. While this isn’t the highest earning rate in the game, it’s respectable for a hybrid dragon, and can be boosted further by leveling up the dragon or placing it in an upgraded habitat.
To maximize the Obsidian Dragon’s earning potential, players should aim to house it in a Large Earth Habitat or Large Fire Habitat. These habitats provide more space for dragons and can hold more DragonCash before requiring collection.
Battle and Competitions
In addition to its role in producing DragonCash, the Obsidian Dragon can also participate in the Colosseum and Rift battles, where players compete against other dragons. Due to its dual-element nature (Earth and Fire), the Obsidian Dragon is versatile in battle, able to exploit the weaknesses of dragons with opposing elements.
- Strengths: The Obsidian Dragon is particularly strong against dragons with elements that are weak to Earth or Fire, such as Metal or Cold element dragons. In battles that involve these elements, the Obsidian Dragon can hold its own, especially when leveled up to its maximum potential.
- Weaknesses: Like all dragons, the Obsidian Dragon has its weaknesses. Dragons with Water or Air elements can pose a challenge to the Obsidian Dragon, as these elements can counter its Earth and Fire attributes.
Participation in Events
DragonVale frequently hosts special events that allow players to unlock limited-time dragons, decorations, and prizes. The Obsidian Dragon can play a role in many of these events, as it is often featured in challenges or breeding events due to its popularity and elemental theme. During some events, players may even be tasked with breeding or using the Obsidian Dragon to complete certain objectives.
Habitat Placement and Park Design
One of the fun aspects of DragonVale is the ability to design and customize your park. The Obsidian Dragon’s striking appearance makes it a fantastic choice for players who want to create themed habitats or aesthetic displays in their park.
Habitat Options:
The Obsidian Dragon can be housed in either an Earth Habitat or a Fire Habitat. However, to maximize its DragonCash production and house multiple dragons of the same type, it’s recommended to place the Obsidian Dragon in a Large Earth or Large Fire Habitat. These upgraded habitats can hold more dragons and more DragonCash, making them ideal for housing dragons that produce high amounts of currency.
Themed Areas:
Players who enjoy creating visually cohesive areas in their park can use the Obsidian Dragon as the centerpiece of a volcanic or lava-themed area. Pairing it with decorations such as volcanoes, lava rivers, and other fire-related items can enhance the theme and create an eye-catching display. The dragon’s dark, molten appearance fits perfectly in areas designed to evoke a sense of heat and power.
Obsidian Dragon as a Collector’s Item
For many DragonVale players, the joy of the game comes from collecting rare and unique dragons. The Obsidian Dragon, with its combination of elements, rarity, and visually striking design, is a must-have for any serious collector. While it’s not the rarest dragon in the game, its status as a hybrid dragon that is always available makes it an accessible yet valuable addition to any player’s collection.
Many players take pride in breeding and displaying their Obsidian Dragon, especially when it’s housed in a well-designed habitat or placed alongside other rare dragons. The dragon’s aesthetic appeal, combined with its thematic significance, makes it a dragon that players are eager to show off in their parks.
Conclusion
The Obsidian Dragon is a dragon that embodies the perfect balance between accessibility, utility, and visual appeal. Its strong connection to its Earth and Fire elements, combined with its molten aesthetic and solid in-game performance, make it a dragon worth pursuing for all DragonVale players.
Whether you’re a new player just starting to explore the world of DragonVale or a seasoned collector looking to add depth and value to your park, the Obsidian Dragon offers something for everyone. From its fiery cracks to its volcanic theme, this dragon is more than just a part of your park—it’s a symbol of the power and beauty that DragonVale dragons can represent. Its role in battles, events, and park design ensures that it remains relevant throughout a player’s journey in the game.
As players continue to evolve their parks and strategies, the Obsidian Dragon will undoubtedly remain a steadfast companion, providing both aesthetic delight and practical benefits long after it has been bred.