Dark Riku

Learn how to counter Dark Riku's lightning-fast attacks and devastating combos in Kingdom Hearts III's Limitcut episode. Master the timing to overcome this tough boss!

Alright, so you've made it to the Limitcut episode in the Re Mind DLC, and now you're facing off against Dark Riku. He's a real speedster, and his attacks can be pretty overwhelming at first, but don't worry, we'll get you through this. You'll find him through the second door on the left once you're at the top of the stairs.

Dark Riku's biggest threat is his Keyblade combos. He'll hit you super fast, teleport right to you, and unleash Shockwaves that split apart. Keep an eye out for when he glows red during a combo – that means his next hit can't be blocked, so you'll need to dodge instead of parrying. This gets even crazier when he mixes it with his other moves, making the whole arena chaotic.

If you manage to deflect some of his attacks, that's your cue to hit him back with your own Keyblade combo. He also throws out Crystal Mines, way more than you saw in the Keyblade Graveyard. These can trap you in one spot, setting you up for his deadly combos. These mines explode on contact, so as soon as he sends them out, try to find a less crowded area and get ready to counter him. Watch out for his Claw Trap too; look for the shadow that appears under Sora's feet and either deflect it as it rises or dodge out of the way.

Dark Riku can also use Reflect, creating a shield that lasts for a bit. If you hit him while it's up, he'll make it explode, damaging you. You can either play it safe and avoid him until it fades, or you can use it to your advantage: hit the shield and immediately dodge away from the explosion. This is tricky because Dark Riku is so fast and aggressive; you rarely get a break. Your best chances to attack are right after you deflect his Keyblade Combo or after you bait him into exploding his Reflect shield. You'll need to be patient, as he doesn't offer many openings, and you'll really need to nail your guarding skills. Dodging his Claw Trap at the last second also opens him up for a combo.

Finally, Dark Riku's Desperation Move is no joke and will likely be the reason you lose a few attempts. He'll teleport all over the arena, causing explosions when he lands, all while doing Keyblade Combos and summoning Crystal Mines. It's basically suicide to try and attack him during this phase, so your best bet is to learn how to properly dodge and block his onslaught.