How to Beat Alucard (Recruitment)

Boss: Alucard (Recruitment)

Before you can recruit Alucard, Dracula's estranged son, you must first confront him in battle. This encounter is not a fight to the death, but rather a test of your resolve and an opportunity to free him from his father's dark influence. Successfully defeating Alucard in this "boss" encounter will add him to your party, granting you access to his unique abilities and making your journey through Wallachia significantly easier.

Location and Prerequisites

• Location: Alucard is encountered in the Clock Tower, specifically in Stage 3-B. To reach this stage, you must choose the upper path after completing Stage 2. This path is generally considered the "good" or "heroic" route, as it leads to the recruitment of Alucard and Sypha.
• Character Requirement: Trevor Belmont is the primary character for this encounter. While you may have Sypha or Grant already, Trevor will be the one initiating the fight.
• Recommended Sub-Weapon: The Cross sub-weapon is highly recommended for this fight due to its boomerang trajectory and ability to hit Alucard multiple times. The Axe can also be effective if timed correctly.

Alucard's Attack Patterns and Weaknesses

Alucard, even under his father's thrall, fights with a distinct style that blends human and vampiric traits. Understanding his patterns is key to a swift victory.

Human Form Attacks:

• Triple Fireball Spread: Alucard's primary attack in human form involves firing three projectiles in a spread pattern. These fireballs travel diagonally downwards.
  • Strategy: The most effective way to dodge these is to stand between the projectiles. There's usually a clear gap. Alternatively, if you're close enough, you can duck under the middle projectile or jump over the entire spread, though the latter is riskier.
  • Vulnerability: He is vulnerable to attacks during and immediately after launching these projectiles.
• Movement: In human form, Alucard walks back and forth across the platform. He will often stop to launch his fireballs.

Bat Form Attacks:

• Erratic Flight: Periodically, Alucard will transform into a bat and fly erratically around the room. He does not directly attack in this form, but his unpredictable movements can make him difficult to hit.
  • Strategy: This is often the best time to land multiple hits, especially with the Cross sub-weapon. Its boomerang path can catch him as he flies away or returns. If you have Sypha, her Fire spell can also be devastating during this phase, as its large hitbox can connect multiple times.
  • Vulnerability: He is highly vulnerable in bat form, but his erratic movement makes precise whip attacks challenging.

Recommended Strategy for Trevor Belmont

Trevor's whip is your primary weapon, but strategic use of sub-weapons will make this fight much easier.

1. Initial Positioning: Start by moving towards Alucard, but maintain a safe distance. Observe his first attack pattern.
2. Dodging Fireballs: When Alucard is in human form and fires his triple spread, position Trevor carefully to move between the projectiles. This is crucial for avoiding damage.
3. Whip Attacks: After dodging his fireballs, quickly move in and land one or two whip strikes on Alucard. Don't get greedy; retreat to a safe distance before he prepares his next attack.
4. Sub-Weapon Usage (Cross): This is where the Cross shines. When Alucard transforms into a bat, throw a Cross. Its boomerang effect often allows it to hit Alucard multiple times as he flies around, dealing significant damage. Aim to throw it when he's at the apex of his flight or just beginning to descend.
5. Sub-Weapon Usage (Axe): If you prefer the Axe, time your throws to hit Alucard as he's either in human form and stationary, or as he's beginning his bat transformation. The Axe's arc can be tricky to master against a moving target.
6. Patience and Observation: Alucard's patterns are predictable once you learn them. Don't rush. Focus on dodging and landing hits when he's vulnerable.

Strategy with Sypha Belnades (if recruited)

If you've already recruited Sypha, she can make this fight trivial.

• Fire Spell: Sypha's Fire spell is incredibly powerful against Alucard. Its large, persistent hitbox can deal continuous damage, especially when Alucard is in bat form and flying through it.
• Ice Spell: While less damaging, Sypha's Ice spell can briefly freeze Alucard, allowing Trevor to get in free hits.
• Switching Characters: Switch to Sypha when Alucard is in bat form and unleash Fire spells. Switch back to Trevor for whip attacks and dodging when Alucard is in human form, as Sypha is more fragile.

Common Pitfalls and Tips

• Getting Cornered: Avoid being trapped in a corner, especially when Alucard fires his projectiles. Always leave yourself an escape route.
• Underestimating Bat Form: While he doesn't attack directly in bat form, it's easy to get complacent. Use this as an opportunity to deal damage, but be mindful of his erratic movements.
• Sub-Weapon Management: Ensure you have enough hearts for your chosen sub-weapon. Collect hearts from candles in the preceding rooms.
• Health Management: If you're low on health, prioritize dodging and only attack when you have a clear opening. There are no health drops during this fight.

After the Battle: Alucard's Recruitment

Once Alucard has taken enough damage, he will cease fighting. A short dialogue sequence will follow, where he recognizes Trevor's strength and the purity of his intentions. He will then pledge his aid to Trevor, joining your party.

Rewards and Benefits:

• Alucard as a Playable Character: You gain access to Alucard, a powerful ally with unique abilities.
• Alucard's Abilities:
  • Bat Transformation: Alucard can transform into a bat, allowing him to fly over obstacles and enemies. This is invaluable for exploration and bypassing difficult sections. While in bat form, he is invulnerable to most ground-based attacks but cannot attack himself.
  • Fireball Attack: In human form, Alucard can fire a single, powerful fireball horizontally. This costs hearts but is a strong projectile attack.
  • High Jump: Alucard has a significantly higher jump than Trevor, aiding in platforming.
• Path Progression: Recruiting Alucard is essential for certain paths and endings in the game, particularly those that lead to a more "complete" party and a stronger confrontation with Dracula.

Recruiting Alucard is a pivotal moment in Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse. His unique abilities open up new strategies and make subsequent stages more manageable. Master this encounter, and you'll have a powerful ally by your side in the fight against Dracula!