Stage 7': Dracula's Keep

Welcome to the true final stage, Richter! This is it – Dracula's Keep, a gauntlet of his most formidable guardians and traps. Prepare for a challenging ascent, culminating in the ultimate showdown. Having the Holy Water or Axe as your sub-weapon is highly recommended for this stage, especially for the upcoming boss encounters.

Ascending the Keep

Initial Ascent: The stage begins with a long, vertical climb. You'll immediately face Fleamen and Medusa Heads. Prioritize taking out the Fleamen as they can be a nuisance with their erratic jumps.
Candle and Hidden Items: As you climb, keep an eye out for candles. One of the first candles on the left contains a Heart. There's also a hidden Money Bag in the wall to the left, just before the first platform you can stand on.
Bone Pillars and Axe Knights: You'll soon encounter Bone Pillars that shoot fireballs and Axe Knights. Use your whip's extended range to deal with the Bone Pillars from a safe distance. For the Axe Knights, try to bait their axe throw and then move in for a few hits.
Moving Platforms and Gargoyles: The next section features moving platforms and more Medusa Heads and Gargoyles. Time your jumps carefully. The Gargoyles can be annoying; a well-timed whip or sub-weapon can take them out quickly.
The Grand Staircase: You'll reach a grand staircase guarded by more Axe Knights and Spear Guards. The Spear Guards have a long reach, so be cautious. Use your slide to get under their attacks if necessary.
Hidden Roast Beef: At the top of the staircase, before entering the next area, there's a hidden Roast Beef in the ceiling. Jump and whip to reveal it – a crucial health boost for what's to come.

The Gauntlet of Guardians

After the staircase, you'll enter a series of rooms, each presenting a mini-boss or a challenging enemy encounter.

Room 1: The Werewolf and Minotaurs
- You'll face a Werewolf and two Minotaurs. The Werewolf is fast and aggressive. Try to keep your distance and use your whip. The Minotaurs are slow but hit hard. Focus on one at a time. The Holy Water can be very effective here, stunning multiple enemies.
- After defeating them, a Large Heart will appear.
Room 2: The Doppelganger
- This room pits you against a Doppelganger of Richter himself. This enemy mimics your movements and attacks. The key here is to anticipate its moves. When it jumps, you jump. When it whips, you whip.
- A good strategy is to use your Item Crash with the Holy Water or Axe if you have enough hearts. This can deal significant damage quickly. Otherwise, try to get a few hits in after it attacks and before it recovers.
- Upon defeat, another Large Heart will drop.
Room 3: The Grim Reaper's Lair
- This is arguably the toughest mini-boss before Dracula. The Grim Reaper will summon Scythes that fly around the room. Avoid these at all costs.
- The Reaper itself teleports and throws its large scythe. The best time to attack is right after it throws its scythe, as it will be vulnerable for a brief moment.
- If you have the Axe sub-weapon, it can be very effective against the Reaper, hitting it even when it's slightly above you. The Item Crash with the Axe can also deal massive damage.
- Defeating the Grim Reaper will reward you with a Large Heart and a full health refill.

Final Approach

After the Grim Reaper, you're on the final stretch to Dracula. Collect the health and hearts, and prepare yourself. The next door leads directly to the final boss chamber.

Stock Up: Make sure you have your preferred sub-weapon and as many hearts as possible. If you're low on health, consider using any remaining Roast Beef or Potions you might have.
Dracula's Chamber: Enter the large double doors to confront Dracula.