Thales Strategy
Thales, often encountered as a powerful sorcerer wielding dark magic, presents a significant magical threat that requires careful management of distance and timing. His primary offensive capabilities include potent dark magic projectiles and area-of-effect spells that can cover a wide area. When Thales casts his "Dark Bolt" spell, which fires a homing projectile, it's best to dodge roll to the side or use a quick dash to evade. He also has a charged spell that creates a lingering dark zone on the ground, which inflicts continuous damage to anyone standing within it; avoid these zones at all costs.
A crucial aspect of defeating Thales is to exploit his casting animations. Like many mages, Thales is often vulnerable for a brief period after completing a spell cast. Characters with fast attack speeds and the ability to close the distance quickly, such as those wielding daggers or swift swords, can land several hits during these windows. It is also highly advantageous to use characters who possess "Break" attacks. Landing a successful "Break" on Thales can stagger him, leaving him open for a more significant offensive onslaught. This is an ideal moment to unleash powerful "Combat Arts" or "Noble Arts."
When Thales begins to channel his most devastating spell, often indicated by a gathering of dark energy around him and a distinct incantation, it is imperative to interrupt him. If you have a character capable of a long-range "Noble Art" or a swift "Combat Art" that can quickly close the distance, this is the prime opportunity to use it. Successfully interrupting his cast can prevent a massive amount of damage and potentially stun him. If you are struggling to interrupt him, focus on evading the resulting magical barrage, which can be extremely potent and difficult to dodge entirely.
Consider the battlefield environment. If Thales is accompanied by other powerful magical units or formidable warriors, it may be beneficial to use area-of-effect abilities to manage them, preventing them from interfering with your focus on Thales. However, if Thales himself is the primary threat, direct engagement, focusing on evasion and counter-attacks during his recovery frames, is the most efficient approach. Remember to utilize your "Warrior Special" when the opportunity arises, especially if Thales is staggered or recovering from a major spell, to maximize your damage output. Characters with high resistance to dark magic or abilities that can negate magical damage will have a distinct advantage.