Rescuing Iris

Rescuing Iris

Rescuing all four maidens – Maria Renard, Iris, Tera, and Annette – is absolutely crucial for unlocking the true, best ending of Castlevania: Rondo of Blood. Missing even one will result in a less favorable conclusion to Richter Belmont's quest. Iris is one of these vital maidens, and her rescue requires careful navigation through a hidden, alternate path in Stage 5.

Location and Prerequisites

Iris is held captive in Stage 5': The Underground Waterway. This stage is an alternate version of Stage 5 and is only accessible if you have successfully rescued Maria Renard in Stage 2' and taken the correct branching path from Stage 4.

• Required Maiden Rescued: Maria Renard (from Stage 2')
• Stage: 5' (The Underground Waterway)
• Importance: Essential for the best ending.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough to Iris's Rescue

Accessing Stage 5' and then finding Iris can be a bit tricky. Follow these detailed steps:

1. Reaching Stage 5' (The Underground Waterway)

To get to Stage 5', you must first have rescued Maria Renard in Stage 2'. If you haven't, revisit Stage 2 and follow the guide for Maria's rescue. The boss of Stage 2' is indeed the Minotaur, which is where the confusion may have arisen. The main path of Stage 4 features the Dullahan as its boss, but the alternate path to Stage 5' does not involve a boss fight.

• From Stage 4: After navigating through Stage 4, you will typically proceed to Stage 5. However, to access Stage 5', you need to take an alternate exit.
• The Hidden Path in Stage 4:
  1. Play through Stage 4 until you reach the area with the large, rotating gear platforms and the falling chandeliers.
  2. Proceed past this section until you reach a long, vertical shaft with several platforms. This shaft is populated by Axe Armors and often features a few Medusa Heads.
  3. Instead of going right at the bottom to the regular exit (which leads to Stage 5 and a boss fight with Dullahan), look for a breakable wall on the left side of this vertical shaft. This wall is usually around the middle or lower section, often distinguishable by a slight discoloration or a crack.
  4. Use your whip or an item crash (like the Axe or Cross) to break it. The Axe sub-weapon is particularly effective for breaking blocks both horizontally and vertically.
  5. Enter this hidden passage. It will lead you to a different exit that takes you directly to Stage 5': The Underground Waterway.

2. Navigating Stage 5' to Iris

Stage 5' is characterized by its aquatic theme, featuring submerged sections, strong water currents, and several water-based enemies. Be prepared for challenging platforming and enemies that are often more agile in the water than on land.

1. Initial Descent: The stage begins with a long descent into the waterway. Be mindful of Flea Men and Mermen that will attack from the water below or from ledges.
2. First Underwater Section: You'll soon enter a large underwater area. The water current can push you, making movement challenging.
   • Enemies: Expect numerous Mermen (who shoot projectiles), Fishmen (who leap out of the water from below), and potentially Ghostly Mermen (spectral versions that pass through walls and are immune to physical attacks unless using the Holy Water or Cross sub-weapons).
   • Strategy: Use Richter's dive kick (jump + down + jump) for faster underwater movement and to avoid some enemies. The Holy Water sub-weapon can be very effective here, as its flames spread along the ground (or water surface) and can hit multiple enemies. The Cross sub-weapon can also be useful for its wide area of effect and ability to hit spectral enemies.
3. The Waterfall Cavern: Continue through the initial underwater sections, navigating past more Mermen and Fishmen. You will eventually reach a large cavern with a prominent, cascading waterfall. This is a key landmark for finding Iris.
4. Navigating Past the Waterfall:
   • From the waterfall area, proceed to the right. You will encounter more water-based enemies and some tricky jumps over gaps, often with water currents trying to pull you down.
   • You will pass through a section with several small, elevated platforms and more Mermen. Keep moving right.
   • Eventually, you will reach an area where the main path continues downwards or further to the right, leading towards the stage's boss. However, Iris is not on the main path.
5. Finding the Hidden Passage to Iris:
   • In the section immediately after the waterfall cavern, as you are moving right and slightly upwards, look carefully at the ceiling or upper-right wall. There is a subtly hidden, breakable section here. This breakable block is often located above a small, elevated platform, just before the path starts to descend significantly or continues horizontally towards the main exit.
   • Use your whip or an item crash (the Axe is particularly good for breaking hidden blocks above you) to reveal a hidden passage. This passage is often obscured by the background art, so look for any slight discoloration, unusual texture, or a block that visually stands out slightly from its surroundings.
   • Enter this newly opened passage.
6. Iris's Chamber: This hidden passage will lead you to a small, secluded chamber.
7. Defeating the Guardians: Inside Iris's chamber, you will typically find a few enemies guarding her. These are often Bone Pillars (stationary, fire-breathing skulls that shoot projectiles) or Fleamen (small, agile enemies that jump erratically). In some versions, you might encounter a single, stronger enemy like a Lesser Demon.
   • Strategy: Prioritize taking out the Bone Pillars quickly, as their fireballs can be annoying in the confined space. Use your whip's full range or a well-placed Axe or Cross sub-weapon. If Fleamen are present, use your whip's crouch attack or a well-timed jump attack. For a Lesser Demon, focus on dodging its attacks and striking when it's vulnerable.
8. Rescuing Iris: Once all enemies in the chamber are defeated, approach Iris, who will be bound to a pillar or kneeling. A short cutscene will play, and she will be rescued. You will receive a bonus for her rescue.

Rewards and Impact

• Rescue Bonus: Successfully rescuing Iris grants you a significant score bonus at the end of the stage, contributing to a higher overall score.
• Best Ending Requirement: As mentioned, Iris is one of the four maidens whose rescue is absolutely mandatory for achieving the true, best ending of Castlevania: Rondo of Blood. Failing to rescue her (or any of the other three maidens) will lock you into one of the less desirable endings, where Richter's quest is incomplete.
• Story Progression: Her rescue also provides additional context to the story, reinforcing Richter's heroic quest to save the innocent and foil Dracula's plans.

Common Pitfalls and Tips

• Missing the Stage 4 Exit: The hidden exit in Stage 4 leading to Stage 5' is easy to overlook. If you find yourself in a stage that doesn't feel like an underground waterway (e.g., a fiery cavern or a clock tower) after Stage 4, you've likely missed it and need to restart Stage 4 to find the correct path.
• Missing Iris's Hidden Passage: The breakable wall leading to Iris's chamber in Stage 5' is also quite subtle. If you've explored the entire stage, defeated the boss (if you went the wrong way), and haven't found her, backtrack through the area after the waterfall and meticulously check the ceilings and upper walls for any anomalies. Don't be afraid to use an Item Crash with the Axe or Cross to reveal hidden blocks.
• Underwater Combat: Mermen and Fishmen can be challenging due to their movement patterns and the water currents. Use your sub-weapons strategically. The Holy Water is excellent for ground/water-level enemies, while the Axe can hit enemies above or below you effectively. The Cross is also strong for its wide range and ability to hit multiple enemies.
• Maria's Rescue Prerequisite: Remember, if you haven't rescued Maria in Stage 2', you cannot access Stage 5' and thus cannot rescue Iris. Ensure Maria is saved first, as her rescue opens up the alternate paths required for Iris.
• Sub-weapon Choice: For Stage 5', the Holy Water is highly recommended for its effectiveness against the numerous ground/water-based enemies. The Axe is also a strong choice for breaking hidden blocks and hitting enemies on different elevations.

By following these instructions carefully, you'll successfully navigate the treacherous Underground Waterway, defeat Iris's captors, and bring Richter one step closer to achieving the true ending of Castlevania: Rondo of Blood.