Boss: Graham
Graham is a pivotal boss battle in Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow, serving as a major turning point in the narrative. Defeating him is essential to progressing the main story. This guide will help you prepare and conquer Graham's various forms.
Preparation
Before facing Graham in the Top Floor of the Condemned Tower, ensure you are adequately equipped. A good level for this fight is around 30-35, but skilled You can manage with less. Here's what to consider:
- Weapons:
- Long Swords: Weapons like the Claymore or Great Sword offer good damage and range.
- Katanas: The Katana or Osafune are excellent for quick, powerful strikes if you prefer faster weapons.
- Spears: The Lance provides good reach, keeping you safer from some attacks.
- Souls:
- Bullet Soul: The Medusa Head soul (from Medusa Heads in the Condemned Tower) is highly recommended for its ability to freeze Graham, creating openings for attack. The Great Axe Armor soul (from Great Axe Armors in the Demon Guest House) is also a strong damage option.
- Guardian Soul: The Ghost soul (from Ghosts) is useful for its MP regeneration. The Imp soul (from Imps) can provide a shield.
- Enchant Soul: The Minotaur soul (from Minotaurs in the Demon Guest House) increases your strength, while the Succubus soul (from Succubi in the Condemned Tower) grants HP absorption, which can be invaluable.
- Armor & Accessories: Equip the best armor and accessories you have. The Rune Ring (found in the Demon Guest House) is excellent for MP regeneration, allowing more frequent soul usage.
- Consumables: Stock up on Potions and High Potions for HP recovery, and a few Mind Ups if you rely heavily on souls.
Phase 1: Graham's Human Form
Graham initially fights in his human form, using several magical attacks. His movements are relatively predictable, but his spells can be devastating if not dodged.
Attacks:
- Fireball: Graham will launch a single, fast-moving fireball directly at Soma. This is easily dodged by jumping or ducking.
- Triple Fireball: He'll shoot three fireballs in a spread pattern. Jump over the bottom one and duck under the top one, or simply backdash away.
- Dark Orb: Graham summons a slow-moving dark orb that tracks Soma. This can be destroyed with a few hits or simply avoided by moving away.
- Summon Swords: He'll summon several swords that hover around him before launching them at Soma. The swords launch one by one, giving you time to dodge each. Stay mobile and use backdashes.
- Teleport: Graham frequently teleports around the arena. Pay attention to his reappearance to anticipate his next move.
Strategy:
The key to this phase is to be aggressive but cautious. Graham has a brief recovery period after each attack, which is your window to strike. Use your strongest weapon and bullet souls. If you have the Medusa Head soul, use it to freeze him, then unleash a flurry of attacks. Repeat this process, dodging his spells, until he transforms.
Phase 2: Graham's Demon Form
Once his HP is sufficiently depleted, Graham transforms into a larger, more demonic entity. This form is more imposing and has a new set of powerful attacks.
Attacks:
- Claw Swipe: Graham will perform a wide, sweeping claw attack if you are close. This is best avoided by backdashing or jumping over him.
- Fire Breath: He'll breathe a stream of fire across the ground. Jump onto one of the higher platforms or backdash to the other side of the arena to avoid this.
- Dark Energy Pillars: Graham will summon pillars of dark energy from the ground. Watch for the visual cues on the floor to predict where they will appear and move to a safe spot.
- Falling Debris: He may cause debris to fall from the ceiling. Keep an eye on the shadows on the ground to dodge these.
Strategy:
In this phase, Graham is larger and slower, making him an easier target for sustained damage. However, his attacks hit harder. Focus on hitting his head, as this is his weak point. Continue to use your powerful weapon and bullet souls. The Medusa Head soul remains effective for freezing him, allowing you to get in free hits. Prioritize dodging his Fire Breath and Dark Energy Pillars, as these can deal significant damage. If your HP drops low, don't hesitate to use a Potion. Keep up the pressure, and Graham will eventually fall.
Post-Battle
After defeating Graham, you will gain access to the Giant Bat soul. This crucial soul allows Soma to transform into a bat, granting the ability to fly and access previously unreachable areas. This opens up new pathways and areas within the castle, including the ability to reach the Cursed Clock Tower.