Divine Beast Dancing Lion Boss Guide
The Divine Beast Dancing Lion is a formidable foe encountered at the culmination of the Belurat Tower Settlement, specifically at the Stagefront. This boss demands precise dodging, strategic positioning, and a keen understanding of its elemental attacks. Defeating it is crucial for progressing through the Shadow Realm and will allow you to return to Hornsent Grandam with your newfound strength.
Preparation is Key
Before engaging the Divine Beast Dancing Lion, ensure you are adequately prepared. This boss utilizes both Frost and Lightning attacks, so consider equipping talismans and armor that offer resistance to these damage types. The following are highly recommended:
- Talismans:
- Boltdrake Talisman (Lightning Resistance)
- Dragoncrest Shield Talisman (Physical Damage Negation)
- Pearldrake Talisman (Non-Physical Damage Negation - found in Shadow Keep)
- Armor: Prioritize armor sets with good Lightning and Frost resistance.
- Consumables: Keep plenty of Stanching Boluses on hand to cure Frostbite, and Lightning Resistant Dried Liver for a temporary boost to Lightning defense.
- Spirit Ashes: Summoning powerful Spirit Ashes can draw aggro and create openings for you. Consider using Black Knife Tiche or Mimic Tear Tiche if available.
Phase 1: The Dancing Lion's Fury
The Divine Beast Dancing Lion begins with a series of aggressive physical attacks, often incorporating sweeping claw strikes and powerful lunges. Its movements are fluid and unpredictable, so maintaining a safe distance and observing its attack patterns is crucial.
- Claw Swipes: The Lion will often perform a two-hit combo with its claws. Dodge into the attacks to get behind it and land a few hits.
- Leaping Slam: It will occasionally leap into the air and slam down, creating a small AoE. Roll forward just as it begins its descent to avoid damage and position yourself for a counter-attack.
- Tail Whip: If you spend too much time behind it, the Lion may perform a quick tail whip. This attack has a surprisingly large hitbox, so be ready to roll away.
- Roar: A short-range roar attack that can stagger you. This is a good opportunity to heal if you're out of range, but don't get greedy.
Focus on punishing the end of its combos. Melee users should aim for its hind legs, while ranged attackers can target its head for critical damage opportunities.
Phase 2: Elemental Onslaught
Once the Divine Beast Dancing Lion reaches approximately 60% health, it will imbue itself with elemental power, alternating between Frost and Lightning attacks. This phase significantly increases the danger, requiring careful management of status effects.
Frost Attacks
When the Lion glows with a frosty aura, it will unleash a barrage of ice-based attacks:
- Ice Breath: The Lion will breathe a cone of freezing mist. This attack has a long wind-up, giving you time to roll to its side or behind it.
- Ice Shard Projectiles: It will launch several homing ice shards. These can be dodged by rolling sideways just before they hit.
- Frostbite AoE: The Lion may stomp, creating a localized Frostbite-inducing explosion. Roll away from its feet immediately.
If you get afflicted with Frostbite, immediately use a Stanching Boluses to prevent further stamina regeneration penalties.
Lightning Attacks
When the Lion crackles with electricity, prepare for fast and powerful lightning strikes:
- Lightning Claw: Its claws will be charged with lightning, dealing increased damage and potentially inflicting Shock. Dodge through these attacks.
- Lightning Bolt Summon: The Lion will raise a paw, summoning a lightning bolt to strike your current position. Continuously move or roll to avoid this.
- Lightning AoE Slam: Similar to its physical leaping slam, but this version creates a larger, more damaging lightning explosion upon impact. Create more distance before it lands.
During both elemental phases, the Lion retains its physical attack patterns, often weaving them in between its elemental abilities. The key is to recognize which element it's currently using and adapt your dodging and counter-attacking accordingly.
General Tips for Success
- Stay Mobile: The Divine Beast Dancing Lion is a highly agile boss. Standing still is an invitation for punishment.
- Learn the Tells: Pay close attention to its wind-ups and elemental glows to anticipate its next move.
- Manage Stamina: Don't get greedy with attacks. Always reserve enough stamina for a crucial dodge.
- Use the Environment: The arena is relatively open, allowing for plenty of space to maneuver.
- Patience: This boss can be a war of attrition. Don't rush your attacks, and prioritize survival.
Upon defeating the Divine Beast Dancing Lion, you will receive valuable Runes and the Remembrance of the Divine Beast Dancing Lion, which can be exchanged for powerful items at the Roundtable Hold. You can then proceed to explore the deeper sections of Belurat Tower Settlement and eventually return to Hornsent Grandam to continue your journey through the Shadow Realm.