Boss: Legion
Legion is one of the more visually striking and memorable bosses in Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, found deep within the Catacombs. This grotesque entity is a sphere composed of numerous human corpses, protected by an outer shell of decaying bodies. Defeating it requires a systematic approach to dismantle its defenses before striking at its core.
Recommended Equipment & Preparation
Before engaging Legion, ensure Alucard is well-equipped. This boss can be a test of endurance due to its multi-stage nature.
- Weapon: A fast, high-damage weapon is ideal. The Crissaegrim (dropped by Schmoos in the Forbidden Library, though this is a late-game item and likely overkill for Legion) or the Yasutsuna (found in the Olrox's Quarters) are excellent choices. For earlier encounters, the Alucard Sword or even the Jewel Sword can suffice.
- Armor: Equip armor that provides good defense. The Alucard Mail (found in the Long Library) or the Dragon Mail (dropped by Dragon Zombies in the Catacombs) are solid options.
- Accessory: The Duplicator (purchased from the Master Librarian after obtaining the Gold Ring and Silver Ring) is a game-changer if you have it, allowing for unlimited use of consumable items. Otherwise, the Covenant Stone (found in the Catacombs) for increased luck, or the Medal (dropped by Flea Men) for a slight defense boost, can be helpful.
- Sub-Weapon: The Cross is exceptionally powerful against Legion, especially when used with the Item Crash (Up, Down-Forward, Forward + Attack). The Holy Water can also be effective for clearing out the outer bodies.
- Spells: The Hellfire spell (Down, Down-Forward, Forward + Attack) can deal significant damage to the core once exposed.
- Consumables: Stock up on Potions and High Potions. If you have the Duplicator, bring a few Attack Potions to boost your damage output.
Battle Strategy
Legion's fight is divided into two distinct phases:
Phase 1: Destroying the Outer Shell
Legion begins as a large, impenetrable sphere of bodies. Your primary goal here is to destroy these outer bodies to expose its vulnerable core. The bodies will slowly rotate around the core, and some will detach and float towards Alucard, acting as projectiles.
- Prioritize the Bodies: Focus your attacks on the individual bodies composing the outer shell. Each body has its own small health pool.
- Optimal Positioning: Stand directly beneath Legion. This position allows you to hit multiple bodies with upward-swinging attacks (like the Alucard Sword's special attack, Down, Down-Forward, Forward + Attack) or with the Cross sub-weapon.
- Cross Sub-Weapon: The Cross is devastating here. Throwing a single Cross can hit several bodies as it travels, and its Item Crash (Up, Down-Forward, Forward + Attack) will unleash a screen-clearing barrage of crosses that rapidly strips away the outer layer. This is highly recommended if you have enough hearts.
- Avoid Projectiles: The detached bodies will slowly drift towards you. They are easily destroyed with a single hit from most weapons. Keep an eye on them and clear them out to avoid unnecessary damage.
- Patience is Key: This phase can take some time, especially if you're not using the Cross. Keep chipping away at the bodies until the core is fully exposed.
Phase 2: Attacking the Core
Once enough bodies are destroyed, Legion's fleshy, pulsating core will be revealed. This is its only weak point. Be aware that even with the core exposed, some remaining bodies might still detach and float around.
- Unleash Damage: This is your window to deal maximum damage. Get close to the core and unleash your most powerful attacks.
- Hellfire Spell: If you have enough MP, cast Hellfire repeatedly. It deals significant damage and can be spammed effectively.
- Weapon Combos: Utilize your weapon's special attacks or rapid combos. The Crissaegrim, with its multi-hit attack, will shred the core quickly.
- Watch for Regeneration: If you take too long to defeat the core, Legion will begin to regenerate its outer shell of bodies. If this happens, you'll need to repeat Phase 1 to re-expose the core.
- Dodge the Laser: Legion's core will occasionally fire a slow-moving, wide laser beam horizontally across the screen. This attack is telegraphed and relatively easy to avoid by jumping over it or ducking beneath it if you're far enough away.
Post-Battle Reward
Upon defeating Legion, you will receive the Skill of Wolf relic. This allows Alucard to transform into a wolf, granting increased speed and the ability to pass through small gaps. This relic is crucial for exploring new areas and reaching previously inaccessible locations within the castle.