Boss: Granfaloon
Granfaloon, also known as the "Corpse Eater," is a truly grotesque boss found deep within the Catacombs. This massive, pulsating orb of stitched-together bodies can be intimidating, but with the right strategy, Alucard can make short work of it.
Location and Preparation
You'll encounter Granfaloon in the large, circular chamber at the very bottom of the Catacombs. Before entering the boss room, ensure you're adequately prepared:
- Weapons: Fast-hitting weapons are excellent here. The Crissaegrim (if you've been lucky in the Forbidden Library) or the Yasutsuna are top-tier choices. For earlier encounters, the Alucard Sword or even the Combat Knife can work due to their speed.
- Armor: Equip armor with high defense. The Dracula Tunic or Alucard Mail are ideal.
- Accessories: The Duplicator (if you have it) combined with powerful sub-weapons can trivialize this fight. Otherwise, the Necklace of J or Medal for stat boosts are good.
- Sub-Weapons: The Axe is incredibly effective against Granfaloon, especially when powered up. The Holy Water can also deal consistent damage if you're close.
- Relics: Make sure you have the Leap Stone for double jumping and the Gravity Boots for high jumps. These are crucial for dodging and positioning.
- Consumables: Stock up on Potions and High Potions. A Manna Prism or two can also be useful if you plan on spamming sub-weapons.
Granfaloon's Attacks and Weaknesses
Granfaloon has a few distinct attack patterns:
- Body Drop: Granfaloon will periodically release smaller, zombie-like bodies from its underside. These bodies will fall to the ground and then slowly shamble towards Alucard. They are easily dispatched but can be a nuisance if left unchecked.
- Laser Beam: As Granfaloon takes damage, it will open its central eye and fire a slow-moving, wide laser beam horizontally across the screen. This attack is telegraphed and relatively easy to avoid.
- Weak Points: Granfaloon's primary weak points are the four pulsating eyes located on its underside. These eyes are protected by the falling bodies.
Strategy
The key to defeating Granfaloon lies in focusing damage on its weak points while managing the constant stream of smaller enemies.
Phase 1: Destroying the Eyes
- Initial Assault: As soon as the fight begins, double jump and attack the pulsating eyes on Granfaloon's underside. Use your fastest weapon.
- Sub-Weapon Spam (Recommended): If you have the Duplicator and a good supply of Axe sub-weapons, stand directly beneath Granfaloon and spam the Axe. Each Axe hit will damage multiple eyes simultaneously, making this phase incredibly quick. If you don't have the Duplicator, use the Axe strategically, aiming for the eyes.
- Managing Bodies: The falling bodies can be annoying. Use your regular weapon to quickly clear them out as they appear, or use a downward attack (jump + attack) to hit them as they fall. Don't let them overwhelm you.
- Dodging the Laser: When Granfaloon opens its eye, prepare to double jump over the incoming laser beam. It moves slowly, so you have ample time to react.
- Repeat: Continue attacking the eyes. Once all four eyes are destroyed, Granfaloon will enter its second phase.
Phase 2: Core Exposure
After all four eyes are destroyed, Granfaloon's outer shell will break apart, revealing its central core. This core is its final weak point.
- Direct Attack: With the core exposed, focus all your attacks on it. Again, fast-hitting weapons like the Crissaegrim or Yasutsuna excel here.
- Sub-Weapon Finish: If you still have sub-weapons or Manna Prisms, now is the time to unleash them. The Axe or Holy Water can deal significant damage to the exposed core.
- Continued Dodging: Granfaloon will continue to fire its laser beam and drop bodies, though perhaps less frequently. Maintain your vigilance and dodge as before.
With sustained damage to its core, Granfaloon will eventually explode, leaving behind a valuable reward and clearing your path forward.