Introduction
For over a decade now, DragonVale, the much-loved dragon-breeding game by Backflip Studios, has continued to delight gamers around the world. One of the highlights of this game is the vast collection of dragons present in the game, all of which come with their own unique traits, characteristics, and back stories. One such dragon, and a rather iconic and creepy one at it, is the Nightmare Dragon. This article will offer a detailed review of the Nightmare Dragon, detailing its design and statistics, breeding combinations, rarity, and the role of the dragon in the realm of DragonVale.
The Nightmare Dragon: an Overview
The Nightmare Dragon, Halloween themed dragon, was added to the game during the fleet of the Nightmare Collection Event organized around October. Much like its terrifying name, this dragon too is shrouded in its own horror. Therefore, players have made it their objective to collect this monster.
The Nightmare Dragon comes under the Shadow element and is a rare class dragon. It has a sickening figure instilling fear among many who happen to see it on display, almost giving an impression of some being hidden in the shades. The most impressive thing about it is the way it has been designed with all shades portraying darkness, eyes glowing, and aura creating construct which is unique among the dragons in this game.
Design and Aesthetic Appeal
In terms of graphics, the DragonVale Nightmare Dragon ranks high in uniqueness. The black and purple colors of the dragon’s body and the red glowing eyes create the danger and mystery of the dragon. Its design speaks to the gothic style and touches on horror films, which is why it is absent in other tranquil times of the year but all the more present during Halloween and other horror induced games. The dragon possesses a pair wings which are spiky and serrated, extended clawed feet, and a smoky white or blue cloud like structure that looks as though its blending into the surrounding darkness.
The general design of the Nightmare Dragon perfectly caters to players who love the more sinister side of dragon collecting. It is a reprieve from the more cartoonish and bright colored dragons, adding an element of terror in your dragon park.
Animations
Other than the amazing design itself, the Nightmare Dragon also has animations, which further enhances the scary undertone of the beast. When set inside an island, it hovers around with wings flapping gently, and a ghostly vapor around it. From time to time, the dragon roars and lets its eyes shine even brighter, which fills the atmosphere with darkness.
When it is not on the move, the Nightmare Dragon may let out a small slog of dark energy, usually around its torso, which then turns ‘smokey’. Such provides it with an ethereal feel reinforcing the fact that it is a dragon from the realms of fantasy.
Stats and Abilities
The Nightmare Dragon is more than just a pretty (or terrifying) face. It boasts impressive stats, making it not only a desirable addition to any collection but also an instrumental one in combat-related activities such as the Dragon Track and Colosseum.
Element: Shadow
Rarity: Rare
Incubation Time: 24 hours (20 hours with an upgraded Breeding Cave or Epic Breeding Island)
Hatch Time: 24 hours
Max Level: 20 (can be enhanced further with feeding and maxing out)
Earning Rate: The Nightmare Dragon will earn an average amount of gold, with it being average and not the best in terms of earning value. Still, it is a good trade for the users who appreciate the appearance and strength of this dragon.
The income rate of the Nightmare Dragon’s higher levels, however, is intended to help level up the dragon rather than cause the players to perform gold farming like in other explicitly gold farming dragons, the Treasure Dragon or the Gemstone Dragon.
How to Breed the Nightmare Dragon
How to Breed the Nightmare Dragon is not an easy matter which actually intensifies its charm. As per its classification, any player wishing to add the NightmareDragon into his ala during conventional raging campaign will be able only around Halloween or other similar creepy celebrations because the Nightmare Dragon is a limited time dragon. So, players interested in some Nightmare Dragon in their collection will have to hurry, if they want one, when this breed is on offer.
The breeding requirements for the Nightmare Dragon are quite demanding which contributes to its scarcity and worth. In order to breed the Nightmare Dragon, players have to use Shadow element containing dragons with particular specified if not all dark fire earth combinations of dragons. The recommended breeding combinations for the Nightmare Dragon include the following:
Breeding Combo 1: Abyss Dragon + Obsidian Dragon Breeding combo 2: Dark Rift Dragon + Fire Dragon
And, even when you have the right combination of dragons, the breeding of Nightmare Dragon is not assured, and account holders will have to go several rounds before they possess it. The hatching time for the Nightmare Dragon is also considerably lengthy and can even take up to 24-hour period, although this can be minimized by using an improved breeding cave or an island.
Rarity and Exclusivity
The Nightmare Dragon has a collection of traits but exclusivity is one of the most to be appreciated. Since it occurs only in special events, it is held to be rare and usually in demand for people who were not lucky enough to get that dragon in the previous years. So, according to many players, the Nightmare Dragon is an element of prestige that emphasizes their possession of a lot of unimaginable dragons and their talent in breeding them.
As the Nightmare Dragon is a limited-time dragon, it has been noticed that the players of the game DragonVale create a lot of buzz about it mostly in the Halloween season. Players trade breeding advice and skills, thus, the hunt for the elusive dragon becomes a team effort, which is fun and interactive.
In-Game Events and Availability
The Nightmare Dragon can be found in the game during Halloween events in DragonVale, for example, the Nightmare Collection Event. These events tend to incorporate horror elements into gameplay and feature creepy looking decor, unique challenges and distinct prizes. During these events players attack breeding the Nightmare Dragon for a short while or have the option of buying it with in-game gems at a very high price.
There are instances however where Nightmare dragon may also be found but through some promotions that are special and very limited in time where gamers are able to get him using some currency specific to an ongoing event. Such events normally take a couple of weeks, and after such events conclusion, Nightmare dragon stays unobtainable until the following Halloween or other similar seasonal occasions.
Habitat Compatibility and Placement
The Nightmare Dragon is suited to habitats that are dark and creepy as such context enhances its scary appearance. It can be placed in the following habitats:
Shadow Habitat: This habitat is ideal for the Nightmare dragon as the Shadow is the main element of the Nightmare dragon. In addition, the dark and gloomy look of this habitat suits the design of the dragon.
Dark Habitat: The Dark habitat is also a perfect choice because the Nightmare dragon usually represents darkness and fear. The atmosphere of this habitat is appropriate for the frightening character of this dragon.
The Nightmare Dragon is also often featured within the custom island designs of players who are in love with dark, Halloween or haunted forest themes, making it an important attraction in their parks. When this dragon is added to certain themed islands with eerie props, a further level of atmospheric narrative comes into play.
How to Use the Nightmare Dragon Strategically
Yes, the Nightmare Dragon is a very nice decoration that sits well in order, but its functionality extends beyond that in the competitive aspects of DragonVale. In such events as the Colosseum where certain types are in favor each day, the Shadow element of the Nightmare Dragon can come in handy during competitions that involve use of dark or shadow dragons.
In the Dragon Track competition, the stats of the Nightmare Dragon can be classified as average but considering its maximum level, it is an okay performer but not the best performer. However, the purpose of pride and the meat of earning a dragon that one cannot easily acquire increases the worth of this dragon in battes.
Using the Nightmare Dragon in the Colosseum
The Nightmare Dragon even has the Shadow element making it a rare dragon and therefore useful to the player in the Colosseum that sometimes requires such elements. Players possessing high level Nightmare Dragons stand a chance of winning competitions pertaining the element when it is in play by dominating the competition event with gold and silver classic dragon rewards.
It’s overused nonetheless, because of the impressive stats and the striking lick animations it has, especially to players who possess very few or no weak jpgs. Even then, this is because the Nightmare Dragon is not effective in war and was not designed for one, while Apocalypse Dragons and Elder Dragons are war machines and designed for war they will likely perform better.
Nightmare Dragon in the Dragon Track
The Nightmare Dragon is not the most agile nor the strongest dragon in the Dragon Track event but its rarity coupled with its level (when leveled up appropriately) makes it a very strong contender. They also have pleasing animations and overall design and as such are good options for players who wish to be different while racing.
Nightmare dragon is not designed for speed but relatively good stats mountain may present it’s usefulness paired with other high level dragons of matching elements.
Earning Potential
The earning potential of the Nightmare Dragon is moderate when compared to some of the better gold earning dragons in the game. One version higher of the Nightmare Dragon can still earn a fair amount of gold although there are other dragons which earn out more and thus would be preferred by players who seek to earn more especially those who desire the Treasure or Rainbow Dragons.
Worthy and highly sought after by most players, the Nightmare Dragon concedes little if any, to gold generation capabilities. It is thus, a dragon a player who does not mind such aspects and appreciates its inclusion into the collection and looks will spend money on.
The use of Nightmare Dragon in the Story of DragonVale
The Nightmare dragon introduces an exciting twist to the story of DragonVale. As per the accounts and descriptions provided in the game, Dragonvale inhabitants craft the nightmare dragons in their deepest, darkest nightmares, and it thrives on their cult’s fears. Players are fascinated by its shadowy beginnings and disturbing characteristics, which is why this dragon is one of the most interesting dragons in the game.
Moreover, its story also intersects with the common Halloween events – in this case, where other dragons like the Bone Dragon and Spectre Dragon also feature. With that, these dragons bring a combined tale which enhances the spooky season for the player.
Final Verdict: Who Is The Nightmare Dragon and Does It Matter That Much?
For example, this Nightmare Dragon is a must-have for all DragonVale players and especially for those who love everything about Halloween or dark creatures. Its designs make it a challenging yet one of the most awesome dragons in the game, both in terms of their haunting designs and rarity. For those who want to complete the dragon collection in the game or for those who simply love the season, the Nightmare Dragon is an eyecandy that fits well into your Dragonvale thereby making it plausible to build an extension to your Dragonvale park.
Painstakingly Long To Acquire The Nightmare Dragon Especially For A Casual Player Un Daunted By Convention.
For one, the Nightmare Dragon is not so easy to get because its appearance is limited during certain events and it has quite elaborate breeding requirements to meet. Players may end up trying out numerous breeding setups or even uploading a significant number of gems in order to buy the dragon in the game purchase. While some players might find the time and resources expended on the dragon’s acquisition worth it because of its beauty and scarcity; there are players who will instead look for and use other dragons capable of earning better returns or those better suited for battle.
Advantages of the Nightmare Dragon
Beautiful Architectonic Design: The design of the Nightmare dragon is very astonishing and beautifully composed as found in dragonvale. Due to its dark and spectral body structure and animations it loses its striking feature to other dragons, especially in any given Halloween events or a spooky thematic island.
Exclusivity: Being a time-limited dragon, the Nightmare dragon is one of the few dragons in the game. Thus, it is a prized dragon for any player who’s collecting his beasts as it is quite a rare inclusion. This factor makes it even more valuable and prestigious for those rich or skilled enough to create or buy it on the limited add-on period.
Lore and Thematic Appeal: The Nightmare Dragon is a great addition to the Halloween events that occur in DragonVale as they expand on the lore and immersion within the game. Players who do appreciate thematic storytelling will find herself pleased/disturbed with the theme surrounding this dragon.
Colosseum Usefulness: The Shadow element of the Nightmare Dragon can be of help to the player during Colosseum matches especially those that involve Shadow or Dark-based dragons, thus creating advantages during those events.
Disadvantages of the Nightmare Dragon
Narrow Time Range: The Nightmare Dragon is made accessible on certain occasions only (most commonly during the Halloween holiday); thus, players who play during the omission of the event and want to complete their dragon collection may have to wait until the next event which can be longer than a year. Such limits are annoying for most assiduous gamers.
Challenging Breeding: When it comes to making the Nightmare Dragon, you will be restricted to a number of dragons only, and even then there is no probability of it working if you get the right set of dragons. The Nightmare Dragon may take several breedings before a player finally gets it. This is often a very long-drawn process, and players spend a lot of resources attempting to obtain this Dragon.
Medium Income Value: Inasmuch as there is a possible improvement in the ability of the Nightmare Dragon to earn with levels, this dragon is not one of the highest earners in this game. Players that are intensely driven in the gold farming aspect of this game may be attracted more to the other dragons that have less effort worked in for better income.
Not Suitable for Combat Use: Even though the Nightmare Dragon can participate in the Colosseum and Dragon Track, the design purposes of the dragon are not combat skills. Players who want to engage in battle gameplay may find the other dragons more appropriate for this.
Ways to Improve Use of the Nightmare Dragon
If you’ve already bred or obtained the Nightmare Dragon, here’s how to make the most of this strange and wonderful beast:
Upgrade Its Habitat: It is important to place the Nightmare Dragon in a Shadow or Dark Habitat as high level as possible to fully take advantage of income generation. Because its income generation potential is not as high as some of the other dragons, restoring the territory is one way to ensure that the low income it earns is well used.
Level Up: Moreover, you will not only boost its income rate by feeding and leveling up your Nightmare Dragon but also enhance its abilities in the Colosseum and Dragon Track. Do your best to grow it to max level (20 or higher) so that it will be able to participate and not lose out in competitions that call for Shadow or Dark dragons.
Themed Islands: Employ the Nightmare Dragon for the expansion of the park’s islands that are themed ugly or around Halloween. Where such dragons as Bone Dragon or Spectre Dragon can be included in order to achieve the desired look that also tells a story. More of such story themed objects can help enhance the skeleton theme even more.
Engage in Events: For the special occasions when the Nightmare Dragon is available as a playable character, please ensure that you engage fully in order to collect any currencies or unique prizes that may assist you in acquiring this dragon through breeding or buying. It is very important because once the event is over, the dragon will not be coming back for some time, possibly for another year.
Mix with Other Limited Edition Dragons: The Nightmare Dragon is primarily meant for a collection, so it is advisable to keep it along with other rare or limited edition dragons and display them in your park. This can really help attract more guests to your park and fulfil the ambitions of serious collectors.
Conclusion
The Nightmare Dragon is probably one of the best designers’ creations in DragonVale, whose overall design bears a rich influence of Halloween and dark fantasies. Its ghostly figure, weird action sequences, spine-chilling stories and of course the skilled and detailed artwork makes it very appealing to the players especially when the considered dragon is used in an action filled eerie game event. However, despite how hard or easy the players can obtain the Nightmare Dragon, through some difficult breeding combinations or limited time offer dragons, the Nightmare Dragon has diamond prices because of its scarcity and pretty design.
The Nightmare Dragon is not the most powerful dragon in the game, nor does it make the most efficient gold in the course of this game. Its issue is in the fact that it is very rare and it fits into a certain theme. As such players keen on amassing dragon collections and enhancing their parks with exotic features will have to acquire the Nightmare Dragon. Its dark look as well as the fact that it is tied to the game’s Halloween events contribute in making sure that this dragon comes out as one of the favorite additions in the game.
All things considered, the Nightmare Dragon is an eerie and unique artifact that adds to the gloominess of DragonVale’s world and therefore every player’s collection. There are fetishes for the Nightmare Dragon be you an avid Dragon Commander collector or a new player in the game because Difficulty in breeding the dragon or obtaining the dragon replica by every other means makes the Nightmare dragon impossible to resist.