Boss: Eligor
Eligor is a massive, armored centaur-like demon that serves as a formidable boss in Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin. This fight is less about dodging complex patterns and more about understanding Eligor's weak points and managing your positioning. Be prepared for a battle of attrition against its high HP.
Preparation
- Characters: You'll primarily be using Jonathan for this fight due to his weapon variety and sub-weapons. Charlotte will be crucial for healing and potentially some magical damage.
- Weapons:
- Jonathan: A strong whip is always a good choice, but consider a fast-hitting sword like the Valmanway if you have it, or a powerful axe/greatsword for maximum damage on the legs.
- Charlotte: Equip a high-damage offensive spell like Ignis or Grando if you want her to contribute to damage, otherwise focus on healing spells.
- Sub-Weapons (Jonathan):
- Axe: Excellent for hitting Eligor's legs and head when it lowers.
- Cross: Can deal consistent damage if you can keep it on Eligor.
- Boomeang: Good for hitting the head from a distance.
- Equipment: Prioritize equipment that boosts your ATK and DEF. The Armor of Dawn (found in the City of Haze) or similar strong armor is recommended. Accessories that increase STR or CON are also beneficial.
- Consumables: Stock up on Potions and High Potions. Having a few Mind Ups for Charlotte's magic is also a good idea.
Strategy
Phase 1: Leg Assault
Eligor begins the fight by mostly staying on the ground. Your primary target in this phase should be its legs. The goal is to destroy all four legs to bring Eligor down.
- Attack Pattern:
- Charge: Eligor will charge across the screen. Jump over it or use the Backdash to avoid damage.
- Stomp: It will occasionally stomp its front legs, creating a small shockwave. Jump to avoid.
- Arrow Volley: Eligor may fire a volley of arrows from its back. These are easily dodged by moving between them or using the Backdash.
- Headbutt: If you're close to its head, it might attempt a headbutt.
- Tactics:
- Focus Fire: Concentrate all your attacks on one leg at a time. This will make the fight more manageable.
- Jonathan's Role: Use your strongest physical attacks on the legs. The Axe sub-weapon is particularly effective here.
- Charlotte's Role: Have Charlotte cast healing spells as needed, or use offensive spells like Ignis if you want her to contribute damage to the legs.
- Relic: The Whip Skill relic (found in the Sandy Grave) is excellent for increasing whip damage.
Phase 2: Head Attack
Once all four legs are destroyed, Eligor will collapse, making its head accessible. This is your main damage phase.
- Attack Pattern:
- Arrow Volley: Eligor will continue to fire arrow volleys, but they are now easier to avoid as it's stationary.
- Energy Orb: It may fire a large energy orb that travels slowly across the screen. Jump over it.
- Tactics:
- Unleash Everything: This is your window to deal significant damage. Use your most powerful attacks on Eligor's head.
- Jonathan's Role: Use your strongest weapon and sub-weapons like the Axe or Boomeang. If you have the Grand Cross sub-weapon, now is the time to use it for massive damage.
- Charlotte's Role: Have Charlotte cast her most powerful offensive spells (e.g., Ignis, Grando) directly on Eligor's head.
- Dual Crush: If your Dual Crush gauge is full, unleash a powerful attack like Thunderbolt or Greatest Five for burst damage.
General Tips
- Healing: Don't be afraid to use your Potions. Charlotte's Heal spell is also invaluable.
- Familiarity: Learn Eligor's attack patterns. They are relatively simple, but knowing when to dodge and when to attack is key.
- Patience: Eligor has a large health pool. This fight can take a while, so be patient and focus on consistent damage.
- Reward: Upon defeating Eligor, you will receive the HP Max Up and the Eligor Soul (if playing as Jonathan).