Archer.

Follow this guide to navigate the Chapel area of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, collect key items like the Magic Missile, and defeat the boss Medusa.

In the chapel, proceed to the end of the platform and drop down to collect the map coverage and items, including the Magic Missile and Bwaka knife. As you ascend the tower, be wary of the Balloon Pod enemy, which launches damaging and poisonous pods. These are generally easy to avoid. A save point is located at the top left of this room. Proceed through the door on the right to the next area.

This next room is a narrow hallway populated by Balloon Pods and Black Panthers. You can destroy the Balloon Pods to release their smaller projectiles, then use your shield to negate their effects. For Black Panthers, crouch and attack diagonally. At the end of this hallway, you will face the boss, Medusa.

Stats / Weaknesses:

• Medusa is weak to holy attacks and most magic.
• Her shield blocks frontal attacks.
• Her beam attack petrifies.
• Her sword attack has good reach and deals about 20 damage.

Phases:

1. Medusa will block your attacks with her shield.
2. She will lower her shield and shoot a petrifying beam.
3. She will move back and forth, using her sword when you get close.

Strategy:

• If using the Faerie Familiar, switch to another. The Faerie automatically uses the Hammer item to break petrification, which is unnecessary.
• Consider equipping the Bronze Cuirass armor to only take damage instead of being petrified.
• Attack Medusa a few times, then move away to create distance for dodging her attacks.
• Be prepared to dodge her zoning attempts as she tries to push you back.

Upon defeating Medusa, you will obtain the Heart of Vlad, a relic that grants immunity to the Curse status.

The room following the boss battle is another narrow hallway with Black Panthers and Balloon Pods. The subsequent room is a tall vertical tower. Drop to the bottom to find the Talwar weapon, then ascend the tower and exit through the door on the top right.

The next room is a hallway with Black Panthers and Balloon Pods. Following this is another vertical tower section. Drop to the bottom to find a Life Max Up, Smart Potion, and Manna Prism. Ascend the tower using Mist Form or Gravity Jump. You will encounter Snipers of Goth, flying enemies that shoot dangerous arrows. Proceed to the room on the right, where you previously obtained the Silver Ring. This room contains spikes; you can use the Spike Breaker armor or Mist Form to traverse it safely. At the end, you will find the Twilight Cloak. While it offers increased defense, the Blood Cloak is recommended. The Twilight Cloak is the same one you started the game with.

Exit this room and hallway, return to the central tower section, and continue climbing. In the next section, you will face Imps, which are difficult to hit and consistently dodge attacks. They can swarm you, making it hard to attack, and may capture you, causing you to attack erratically until they release you.

At the bottom left of the area with Imps and Snipers of Goth, there is a room leading to a red door. For now, ignore this door and continue through the Royal Chapel section of the castle. At the top left of the room with Imps and Snipers is the confession room, which has no function in the inverted castle. Exit this room and proceed right, then right again into a large room. This room contains a Poltergeist that uses spears and shields instead of swords. After defeating or avoiding it, take the exit on the right. Use Gravity Jump to reach the top and exit through the door on the right.

This section can be challenging. Carefully take out enemies in small groups before advancing. While climbing this part of the chapel, break the vases on the right side for consumable items. At the top of this room, near a save point, you will find a Heart Max Up.