Boss: Balore
Balore is a formidable boss found in the Underground Reservoir. This giant, cyclopean demon presents a significant challenge with its powerful physical attacks and devastating laser eye. Proper preparation and understanding its attack patterns are key to victory.
Recommended Setup
- Level: Aim for at least Level 30. While possible at lower levels, higher stats will make the fight more manageable.
- Weapon: A fast-hitting weapon is ideal for consistent damage. The Claimh Solais (found in the Underground Reservoir after defeating Balore, but if you have it from a previous playthrough or glitch, it's excellent) or the Valmanway (if you've managed to acquire it early) are top-tier choices. Otherwise, any strong sword or axe you possess will suffice.
- Armor: Equip the best defensive gear you have. The Dragon Helm and Mirrored Plate are excellent if available.
- Souls:
- Bullet Soul: The Axe Armor soul (Axe) is fantastic for consistent ranged damage, especially when Balore is out of melee reach. The Killer Doll soul (Throwing Knife) is also a decent, faster alternative.
- Guardian Soul: The Giant Bat soul (Bat Company) is invaluable for mobility, allowing you to fly over Balore's ground attacks and position yourself for aerial strikes.
- Enchant Soul: The Black Panther soul (Speed Up) can help you dodge attacks more effectively, while the Red Minotaur soul (Strength Up) will boost your damage output.
- Consumables: Bring plenty of healing items like Potions and High Potions. MP restoring items like Mind Up are also useful if you plan on relying heavily on Bullet Souls.
Balore's Attacks and How to Counter Them
Balore has a limited but powerful set of attacks. Learning to recognize and react to them is crucial.
- Ground Pound: Balore will raise one of its massive fists and slam it into the ground, creating a shockwave that travels across the floor.
- Strategy: This is easily dodged by jumping over the shockwave. If you have the Giant Bat soul, you can simply fly above it. This attack often leaves Balore's head vulnerable for a short period.
- Punch: Balore will extend its arm forward in a direct punch. This attack has a surprisingly long reach.
- Strategy: Quickly backdash or use the Giant Bat soul to fly over it. If you're close, you can sometimes duck under it, but this is riskier.
- Laser Eye: Balore's most dangerous attack. Its eye will glow, and after a brief charge, it will fire a thick, horizontal laser beam across the screen. This attack deals heavy damage.
- Strategy: When you see Balore's eye glow, immediately prepare to jump or fly. The laser travels at head height. The safest way to avoid it is to use the Giant Bat soul to fly high above it. If you don't have the bat soul, time a jump to land on one of Balore's shoulders or head just as the laser fires. Alternatively, if you're quick, you can duck under it if you're very close to Balore's body, but this is extremely tight.
Battle Strategy
The fight against Balore is a test of patience and timing. Your primary goal is to attack its head, which is its only vulnerable spot.
- Initial Engagement: Balore starts on the left side of the screen. Approach cautiously.
- Exploit Openings:
- When Balore performs its Ground Pound, jump over the shockwave. As it recovers, its head will be lowered. This is your chance to get in a few hits with your main weapon.
- If Balore uses its Punch, dodge it and then try to get a quick strike on its head as it retracts its arm.
- Aerial Assault (Recommended): The most effective way to deal consistent damage is to utilize the Giant Bat soul. Fly up and position yourself above Balore's head. You can then repeatedly strike its head with your weapon. Be mindful of your MP, as continuous flight will drain it.
- Ranged Damage: If you prefer to keep your distance or are low on MP for the Giant Bat soul, use your chosen Bullet Soul (e.g., Axe Armor) to chip away at its health from a safer distance.
- Laser Eye Evasion: This is the critical moment. As soon as you see Balore's eye glow, stop attacking and prepare to dodge. The Giant Bat soul makes this significantly easier by allowing you to fly high above the beam. If you don't have it, time your jump carefully to land on its head or shoulder.
- Patience is Key: Don't get greedy with your attacks. Prioritize dodging Balore's devastating moves, especially the laser. A few well-placed hits after an evasion are better than taking heavy damage trying to squeeze in extra attacks.
- Healing: Use your Potions and High Potions as needed. There are no safe spots to heal, so try to do so immediately after dodging a major attack.
Reward
Upon defeating Balore, you will acquire the Balore Soul. This powerful Bullet Soul allows Soma to unleash a devastating laser beam from his eye, similar to Balore's own attack. This soul is incredibly useful for clearing rooms of enemies and dealing high damage to future bosses.