Boss: Dullahan (Stage 3)
Dullahan, the Headless Horseman, serves as the formidable boss of Stage 3. This knight, astride his spectral steed, presents a significant challenge due to his aggressive attack patterns and surprising agility. Successfully defeating him requires precise timing, strategic sub-weapon use, and an understanding of both Richter's and Maria's unique combat styles.
Richter Belmont Strategy
As Richter, your primary goal is to exploit Dullahan's vulnerabilities during his attack cycles. He has two main phases of attack: mounted charges and aerial maneuvers.
Recommended Loadout:
- Primary Weapon: Vampire Killer (Whip)
- Sub-Weapon (Recommended):
- Axe: Excellent for hitting Dullahan as he rides past or when he's airborne. Its upward arc can connect reliably.
- Cross: Provides consistent, multi-hit damage, especially useful when Dullahan is momentarily stationary or during his jumps.
- Holy Water: Can be used to create a damaging zone on the ground, but its utility against a fast-moving boss like Dullahan is limited.
- Item Crash: Grand Cross (with Cross sub-weapon) or Holy Flame (with Holy Water sub-weapon) can deal significant burst damage if you have enough hearts.
Phase 1: Mounted Charges and Fireballs
Dullahan will spend a good portion of the fight charging across the screen on his horse, attempting to impale Richter with his lance. He will also periodically summon fireballs that track your position.
- Dodge the Charges: When Dullahan charges, jump over him or duck under his lance if he's on the ground. His charge pattern is predictable: he'll often charge across, turn, and charge back.
- Attack Opportunity (Ground): As Dullahan rides past, you can often get a quick whip strike in. The Axe sub-weapon is particularly effective here; throw it as he approaches or passes, aiming for his upper body.
- Fireball Management: The fireballs he summons can be a nuisance. They track you slowly, so keep moving to avoid them. You can sometimes destroy them with your whip, but focusing on Dullahan is usually a better use of your time.
Phase 2: Aerial Assaults
Periodically, Dullahan will jump high into the air, often positioning himself above Richter before attempting to stomp down or throw his lance.
- Vulnerability During Jump: When Dullahan jumps, he is highly vulnerable to attacks from below. This is your prime opportunity to deal significant damage.
- Whip Uppercut: Position yourself directly beneath him and use Richter's upward whip attack (hold Up + Attack). This can hit multiple times.
- Axe Sub-Weapon: Throw an Axe straight up. Its trajectory is perfect for catching Dullahan mid-air.
- Cross Sub-Weapon: If you have the Cross, throw it. Its boomerang-like path can hit Dullahan on the way up and on the way down.
- Dodge the Stomp/Lance: After his jump, Dullahan will either attempt to land on you or throw his lance. Move quickly to avoid these attacks.
General Tips for Richter:
- Maintain Distance: While you need to get close to attack, try not to get cornered. Keep the fight in the center of the arena as much as possible.
- Heart Management: Save your hearts for sub-weapons, especially the Axe or Cross, as they are crucial for consistent damage.
- Item Crash (Grand Cross): If you're struggling, and have the Cross sub-weapon and enough hearts, unleash the Grand Cross. It deals massive damage and can turn the tide of the battle.
Maria Renard Strategy
Maria's unique abilities make the Dullahan fight a different experience. Her double jump, animal companions, and faster movement can be used to great effect.
Recommended Loadout:
- Primary Weapon: Dove Attack (Maria's standard projectile)
- Sub-Weapon (Recommended):
- Cat: Summons a cat that rushes forward, dealing damage. Useful for hitting Dullahan during charges.
- Dragon: Summons a dragon that flies across the screen, dealing continuous damage. Excellent for hitting Dullahan during his aerial phases or as he rides by.
- Turtle: Creates a shield. Less useful for offense but can provide a brief reprieve.
- Item Crash: Bird Strike (with Dove sub-weapon) or Dragon Breath (with Dragon sub-weapon) can be devastating.
Phase 1: Mounted Charges and Fireballs
Maria's agility gives her an edge in dodging Dullahan's charges.
- Dodge with Double Jump: Maria's double jump makes it incredibly easy to clear Dullahan's charges, even if he's low to the ground.
- Attack Opportunity (Ground):
- Dove Attack: Spam your Doves as Dullahan rides across the screen. They are fast and can hit multiple times.
- Cat Sub-Weapon: Release the Cat as Dullahan approaches. It will rush forward and deal damage.
- Dragon Sub-Weapon: The Dragon can fly across the screen, hitting Dullahan multiple times during his charges.
- Fireball Management: Maria's Doves can easily destroy the tracking fireballs, giving you more control over the screen.
Phase 2: Aerial Assaults
Maria excels at attacking airborne enemies due to her double jump and upward-aiming attacks.
- Vulnerability During Jump: This is Maria's strongest phase for offense.
- Upward Dove Attack: Position yourself beneath Dullahan and hold Up + Attack to launch Doves straight up. With Maria's rapid fire, you can unleash a barrage.
- Double Jump + Doves: Jump, then double jump to gain extra height, allowing you to hit Dullahan with Doves from above or at his level.
- Dragon Sub-Weapon: If you have the Dragon, unleash it when Dullahan is airborne. It will fly up and across, dealing continuous damage.
- Dodge the Stomp/Lance: Maria's double jump makes dodging these attacks trivial.
General Tips for Maria:
- Aggressive Play: Maria's high damage output and agility encourage a more aggressive playstyle. Don't be afraid to stay close and unleash a flurry of attacks.
- Heart Management: While Maria's standard attack is powerful, her animal sub-weapons, especially the Dragon, consume hearts but deal immense damage. Use them strategically.
- Item Crash (Dragon Breath): If you have the Dragon sub-weapon and enough hearts, Maria's Dragon Breath Item Crash is incredibly powerful and can quickly end the fight.
Common Pitfalls & Missables
- Getting Cornered: Both Richter and Maria can be easily cornered by Dullahan's charges, leading to repeated hits. Always try to keep the center of the arena open for maneuvering.
- Ignoring Fireballs: While not immediately threatening, the fireballs can chip away at your health if you constantly ignore them, especially as Richter.
- Mismanaging Sub-Weapons: Using sub-weapons indiscriminately will leave you without hearts when you need them most (e.g., for Item Crashes or critical damage phases).
- Underestimating Dullahan's Speed: Despite his size, Dullahan is surprisingly fast. Don't assume you have more time than you do to react to his attacks.
After successfully vanquishing Dullahan, the path to Stage 4 will open, bringing you closer to Dracula's Castle.