Excellus (Chapter 8)
Excellus, encountered in Chapter 8, presents a more significant tactical challenge than early-game bosses. As a high-ranking member of Plegia, he often commands a formidable force and possesses skills that can disrupt your strategies. Excellus himself is typically a Sorcerer or a similar magic-using class, making him vulnerable to strong physical attackers, particularly those wielding swords or lances, depending on his specific class and weapon. The map for Chapter 8 often features difficult terrain, such as forests or mountains, which can impede movement and provide defensive bonuses to enemy units. Excellus is usually positioned behind a line of powerful guards, including potentially armored units or other magic users. A key strategy is to carefully plan your approach, using units with high movement and the "Pair Up" mechanic to overcome the terrain and enemy defenses. Prioritize eliminating his supporting units before directly engaging Excellus. Units like Frederick, with his high defense and offense, or the Avatar, if built for combat, can be instrumental in breaking through enemy lines. Be mindful of Excellus's magical attacks, which can deal significant damage, especially to units with low resistance. Having units with high resistance or using defensive skills can mitigate this threat. Consider using staves like "Fortify" or "Ward" if you have them available to bolster your army's defenses. The "Galeforce" skill, if acquired by this point, can be incredibly useful for repositioning and engaging multiple threats in a single turn. When Excellus is within range, focus all your strongest attacks on him to defeat him quickly and end the chapter.
| Unit | Likely Class | Weaknesses | Recommended Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excellus | Sorcerer / Dark Knight | Swords, Lances, high Resistance | Eliminate supporting units first. Use "Pair Up" to navigate terrain. Utilize high-resistance units or defensive staves. Focus fire to defeat quickly. |
Pay close attention to the enemy's turn order and attack ranges. Excellus may also have access to powerful tomes like "Luna" or "Nosferatu," which can inflict heavy damage or drain HP. Ensure your units are not left exposed to his attacks. If you are struggling with his magical prowess, consider re-classing a unit to a class with higher resistance or using an accessory that boosts resistance. The objective of Chapter 8 is usually to defeat Excellus, so a direct assault once his defenses are weakened is the most efficient path to victory.