Astarte (Boss Guide)
Astarte, the seductive succubus, serves as the formidable boss of the desert-themed painting, The Sandy Grave. Defeating her is crucial for progressing through the game and unlocking new areas. This guide will provide a comprehensive strategy to overcome her charms and powerful attacks.
Location and Prerequisites
- Location: The Sandy Grave painting, accessible from the Master's Keep. You'll find her lair at the very end of the painting, after navigating through its treacherous sands and ancient ruins.
- Recommended Level: Approximately Level 20-25 for a comfortable fight. Lower levels are possible but will require more precise execution and better gear.
- Required Abilities: While no specific abilities are strictly required to reach her, having a good understanding of character switching and sub-weapon usage will be highly beneficial.
Astarte's Attack Patterns and Weaknesses
Astarte primarily employs a mix of magical projectiles, summoned creatures, and her signature charm spell. Understanding her moveset is key to victory.
Attack Breakdown:
- Energy Projectiles: Astarte frequently fires a spread of three purple energy orbs. These are relatively slow-moving and can be dodged by ducking or jumping, or blocked by Charlotte's Shield Spell.
- Bat Swarm: She will occasionally summon a small swarm of bats that home in on your current character. These can be easily dispatched with a single attack or avoided by moving.
- Dark Orb: A larger, slower-moving dark orb that tracks your position. This attack deals significant damage if it connects. Dash or jump over it.
- Charm Spell (Critical!): This is Astarte's most dangerous ability. She will glow pink and unleash a heart-shaped projectile. If this hits either Jonathan or Charlotte, the affected character will become charmed, turning against their partner. A charmed character will attack their ally with their basic attacks and sub-weapons, dealing friendly fire damage and making the fight significantly harder.
Weaknesses:
- Holy Damage: Astarte is highly susceptible to Holy-elemental attacks. Charlotte's Holy spells are incredibly effective.
- Physical Damage: Jonathan's whip and physical sub-weapons also deal good damage.
- Resistances: She has high resistance to Dark and Curse elemental attacks. Avoid using these.
Recommended Loadout and Preparation
Jonathan:
- Weapon: Equip your strongest whip (e.g., Vampire Killer, Flame Whip).
- Sub-Weapon: The Cross or Axe are excellent choices for their Holy property (Cross) or high damage output (Axe). The Bible can also be useful for its area-of-effect Holy damage.
- Armor: Prioritize defense and HP regeneration.
- Accessories: Anything that boosts ATK, STR, or provides HP/MP regeneration.
Charlotte:
- Weapon: Any staff will do, as her primary damage comes from spells.
- Spells (Essential!):
- Sanctuary: ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL. This spell is your primary counter to Astarte's Charm. Make sure it's leveled up as much as possible for faster casting and lower MP cost.
- Heal: For emergency HP recovery.
- Holy Lightning / Holy Flame: Your main damage-dealing spells. Holy Lightning is generally more reliable for its range.
- Shield Spell: Useful for blocking Astarte's projectiles if you're having trouble dodging.
- Armor: Prioritize INT and MP regeneration.
- Accessories: Anything that boosts INT, CON, or provides MP regeneration.
Items:
- Stock up on Potions and High Potions.
- Bring a few Mind Ups or High Mind Ups for Charlotte's MP.
Battle Strategy: Countering the Charm
The key to defeating Astarte lies in effectively managing her Charm spell. If you fail to counter it, the fight becomes significantly harder, and you risk a quick Game Over.
- Initial Engagement:
- Start with Jonathan as your active character. Approach Astarte and begin attacking with your whip and sub-weapons.
- Keep Charlotte close for quick spell casting, but ensure she's not directly in Astarte's line of fire.
- Dodging Projectiles:
- Astarte's energy projectiles and bat swarms are relatively easy to avoid. Focus on dodging these while continuing your assault.
- The Dark Orb requires a more precise dodge; a well-timed dash or jump will get you through.
- The Charm Counter (The Most Important Step!):
- When Astarte prepares her Charm spell (indicated by her glowing pink and the heart projectile), be ready.
- If Jonathan is charmed: Immediately switch to Charlotte. Move close to Jonathan and cast Sanctuary on him. The spell's area of effect will cleanse the charm. Continue with Holy spells.
- If Charlotte is charmed: Immediately switch to Jonathan. Move close to Charlotte and cast Sanctuary on her. (Yes, Jonathan can also cast Sanctuary if Charlotte has taught it to him, but it's usually Charlotte's job). Alternatively, if Charlotte is charmed and you don't have Sanctuary on Jonathan, you must avoid her attacks until the charm wears off naturally, which is very risky. This is why Charlotte must have Sanctuary.
- Important Note: Sanctuary has a small casting delay. Practice switching characters and casting it quickly. If you're too slow, the charmed character can deal significant damage.
- Offensive Strategy:
- Jonathan: Focus on aggressive physical attacks with your whip. Use your Cross sub-weapon frequently for Holy damage.
- Charlotte: Once the Charm is dealt with, switch to Charlotte and unleash your Holy Lightning or Holy Flame spells. These will chip away at Astarte's HP quickly due to her weakness.
- Dual Crush: If you have a Dual Crush available, save it for when Astarte is low on health or if you need to quickly burst her down. The "Greatest Five" or "Rush" Dual Crushes are good choices.
- Patience and Persistence:
- Don't get greedy. Prioritize avoiding damage and countering the Charm over relentless attacking.
- If your HP or MP gets low, retreat to a safe distance and use your healing items.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
- Ignoring the Charm: This is the number one reason players struggle with Astarte. Always be prepared to counter it.
- Lack of MP for Sanctuary: Ensure Charlotte has enough MP to cast Sanctuary multiple times. Use Mind Ups if necessary.
- Getting Cornered: Astarte's projectiles can be difficult to avoid if you're stuck in a corner. Keep moving and utilize the entire arena.
- Using Wrong Elemental Attacks: Avoid Dark and Curse spells/sub-weapons as they will be ineffective.
Rewards for Victory
Upon defeating Astarte, you will receive:
- Significant EXP: A substantial boost to your character levels.
- Gold: A good amount of gold for purchasing items and equipment.
- Item Drop: Astarte has a chance to drop the Succubus Hairband (Accessory: INT +10, CON +10) or the Succubus Charm (Accessory: Prevents Charm status). The Succubus Charm is an excellent drop and highly recommended for future encounters with charm-inducing enemies.
- Progression: Access to the next painting, The Nation of Fools, which opens up new areas and challenges.
