Stage 5: The Ghost Ship

Welcome aboard the spectral vessel! This stage is a classic Castlevania gauntlet, featuring tricky platforming, relentless enemies, and a memorable boss fight. Precision and good sub-weapon management are key to navigating the Ghost Ship.

Walkthrough

You begin on the deck of the ship. Be prepared for immediate action.

Initial Deck Encounter:
Immediately upon starting, you'll face a few Mermen leaping from the water. Deal with them quickly. As you move forward, you'll encounter Skeletons and more Mermen. The Axe sub-weapon can be very effective here for clearing enemies above and in front of you.
First Cabin and Below Deck:
Enter the first cabin. Inside, you'll find Fleamen and potentially a Candle containing a Heart or a sub-weapon. Descend the stairs. You'll now be in the ship's interior, which is often dark and filled with traps.
- Navigating the Hold:
  The hold is characterized by narrow passages and enemies like Ghosts and Zombies. Watch out for the swinging Axes that appear from the ceiling – time your movements carefully. There's often a Candle or two in this area, sometimes hiding a Cross sub-weapon, which is excellent for clearing multiple enemies.
- Hidden Item:
  Keep an eye out for breakable walls or floors. In one of the lower sections, often near a set of stairs leading further down, you can find a hidden Rosary or Money Bag by whipping a specific block.
The Mast and Upper Deck:
Eventually, you'll ascend back to an upper deck section, often near the ship's mast. This area is perilous due to strong winds that can push you around, making platforming difficult. Harpies will also swoop down from above. The Knife or Axe can help deal with the Harpies.
- Candle Locations:
  There are several Candles on the mast and upper rigging. These often contain Hearts or the Holy Water sub-weapon. The Holy Water can be very useful against ground-based enemies and for its Item Crash.
- Navigating the Wind:
  When the wind picks up, try to stay grounded as much as possible. If you must jump, do so with caution and anticipate the push. A well-timed whip or sub-weapon can sometimes interrupt enemy attacks that might knock you off.
Approaching the Captain's Quarters:
As you move towards the front of the ship, you'll encounter more challenging enemy combinations, such as Bone Pillars firing projectiles, alongside Skeletons. Clear them out methodically. You'll typically find a Large Heart before the boss door, so grab it.

Boss Strategy: Death

The Grim Reaper himself awaits you in the Captain's Quarters. This is a multi-phase fight that requires patience and precise movement.

Phase 1: Scythe Attacks
Death will initially float around, throwing his large scythe. The scythe moves in a boomerang-like pattern. Your primary goal is to avoid the scythe while getting hits in. Use your whip's extended range to strike him when he's within reach. The Axe sub-weapon can be effective here, as it travels upwards, hitting Death even when he's high.
- Evasion: Focus on dodging the scythe. It often returns to Death after a short arc. Pay attention to its trajectory.
- Damage Opportunity: After throwing his scythe, Death is vulnerable for a brief period. Get a few whip strikes in, then prepare to dodge again.
Phase 2: Summoned Skeletons
Once Death takes enough damage, he will begin to summon Skeletons to aid him. These Skeletons will rise from the floor and walk towards you. This adds another layer of complexity to the fight.
- Prioritize Skeletons: Quickly dispatch the Skeletons with your whip or a well-placed sub-weapon like Holy Water (if you have it). Letting them accumulate will make dodging Death's scythe much harder.
- Sub-Weapon Usage: If you have the Cross sub-weapon, its Item Crash can deal significant damage to both Death and any summoned Skeletons, making this phase much easier. Otherwise, conserve your Hearts for strategic Axe throws.
General Tips:
- Stay Mobile: Don't stay in one place for too long. Death's scythe can cover a wide area.
- Whip Upgrade: If you have the fully upgraded whip, its increased range and damage will make this fight considerably smoother.
- Item Crash: If you're struggling, consider using an Item Crash with a powerful sub-weapon like the Cross or Holy Water when Death is vulnerable or when Skeletons are overwhelming.

Defeating Death will clear Stage 5 and bring you closer to Dracula's Castle!