Boss: Aguni
Aguni is a formidable fire demon that will test your reflexes and positioning. While he might seem intimidating, a methodical approach will see you through. This guide will help you extinguish this fiery foe.
Recommended Preparation
- Weapon: A fast-hitting weapon is generally preferred for consistent damage. The Valmanway (if you've managed to acquire it early through farming or New Game+) is excellent, but any strong sword or even the Claimh Solais if you're further along, will do.
- Souls:
- Bullet Soul: The Flame Demon Soul (from Flame Demon enemies) is a fantastic choice for offense, dealing significant fire damage. Alternatively, the Killer Fish Soul (from Killer Fish) can be useful for its quick, projectile attack.
- Guardian Soul: The Giant Bat Soul (from Giant Bat) is invaluable for its ability to transform Soma into a bat, allowing for easy evasion of Aguni's ground-based attacks.
- Enchant Soul: The Succubus Soul (from Succubus) provides HP absorption, which can be a lifesaver during longer fights. If you don't have it, consider souls that boost strength or defense.
- Armor & Accessories: Equip your best defensive gear. Consider items that boost your defense or provide resistance to fire, if available. The Flame Mail (found in the Underground Reservoir) offers good fire resistance.
- Consumables: Stock up on Potions and High Potions. MP restoring items like Mind Ups are also recommended if you plan on heavily relying on Bullet Souls.
Battle Strategy
Aguni has a few distinct attack patterns, all of which are telegraphed and can be dodged with practice.
Phase 1: Ground Attacks
Aguni will primarily stay on the ground during this phase, unleashing a series of fire-based attacks.
- Fire Breath: Aguni will lean back slightly and then unleash a stream of fire directly in front of him.
- Evasion: This is best avoided by jumping over him or using the Giant Bat Soul to fly above him. If you're quick, you can also slide under him, but this is riskier.
- Opportunity: While he's breathing fire, he's stationary and vulnerable. Get a few hits in from behind or above.
- Fire Pillars: Aguni will slam his fist into the ground, causing several pillars of fire to erupt from the floor across the arena.
- Evasion: Watch for the small sparks on the ground that indicate where the pillars will appear. Move to a safe spot between them. The Giant Bat Soul can also be used to stay airborne and avoid all pillars.
- Opportunity: Aguni is open to attack immediately after he slams his fist, before the pillars fully appear.
- Charge Attack: Aguni will sometimes charge across the screen.
- Evasion: Jump over him or use the Giant Bat Soul to fly over.
- Opportunity: He's vulnerable as he recovers from the charge.
Phase 2: Aerial Attacks (Appears after significant damage)
Once Aguni has taken a good amount of damage, he will occasionally float into the air, changing his attack patterns.
- Fireballs: While airborne, Aguni will launch multiple fireballs that home in on Soma's position.
- Evasion: These fireballs can be tricky. Dash, jump, and use the Giant Bat Soul to maneuver and avoid them. Try to create distance to give yourself more reaction time.
- Opportunity: He's still vulnerable to attacks while airborne, especially if you have a long-reaching weapon or a projectile Bullet Soul.
- Ground Slam: Aguni will sometimes dive down from the air, creating a shockwave upon landing.
- Evasion: Jump just before he lands to avoid the shockwave.
- Opportunity: He's vulnerable for a brief moment after landing.
General Tips
- Stay Mobile: Aguni's attacks cover a wide area. Never stand still for too long.
- Utilize the Bat Soul: The Giant Bat Soul is your best friend for evading almost all of Aguni's attacks, especially his ground-based ones and fire pillars.
- Attack from Behind/Above: Aguni's front is often protected by his fire attacks. Try to get behind him or attack from above when possible.
- Soul Drop: Aguni has a chance to drop the Aguni Soul, which allows Soma to summon a pillar of fire. This is a powerful Bullet Soul, so it's worth farming for if you enjoy its effect.