S.S. Zelbess Boss Fight: Sage of Marbule

Learn how to defeat the Sage of Marbule in Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition. Master his elemental counters and use Element Traps to your advantage!

The fight against the Sage of Marbule in Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition is a unique one! If you picked up any Element Traps back in Another World's Marbule, now's the perfect time to put them to good use.

Stats / Weaknesses:

• The Sage initially only uses standard attacks.
• When hit by an Element, he'll first change the attacker's color to match the Element used, then blast them with the opposing Element.
• His next three actions will be: a standard attack, an enfeebling Element, and a Level 6 Element matching the one he was initially hit by (Inferno, Deluge, Carnivore, ThundaStorm, HolyLight, or Freefall).

Phases:

1. Initial Phase: The Sage uses only standard attacks.
2. Counter Phase: After being hit by an offensive Element, the Sage retaliates.

Strategy:

• Strategy 1: Pure Physical Assault
  Avoid using any offensive Elements against the Sage. Stick to regular physical attacks. You can safely use enhancing Elements on your party, like Eagle Eye to boost your Hit Rate for more Fierce attacks, and any Healing Elements you might need.
• Strategy 2: Element Trap Exploitation
  This is where Element Traps shine! You can provoke the Sage with an offensive Element, and then immediately use the corresponding Element Trap to steal his powerful Level 6 Element. For example, to steal ThundaStorm, have a character use a ThundaStorm trap on him. This allows you to not only avoid his powerful counter but also potentially snag a great Element for yourself!

After you've proven your resolve in battle, the Sage will reward you with the Fiddler Crab. This is a key item that allows you to access the south side of the Dead Sea. You'll use it from the south side of the Dead Sea (which is north of Marbule). Make sure you're standing where the "Dead Sea" location text appears on screen when you try to use it.

After the fight, Nikki will also appear and ask the Sage for help.