Shadow Over the Sands

Learn the best strategies to defeat the Giant Python and Snake Charmer in the Shadow Over the Sands side story in Octopath Traveler, including weaknesses and recommended tactics.

Hey there! Ready to tackle a tricky side story in Octopath Traveler? We're diving into "Shadow Over the Sands," which kicks off in Wellspring. You'll hear about a massive serpent spotted in the Quicksand Caves, and a brave (or maybe foolish?) scout went to check it out. Your first step is to find a soldier just north of the save point in the Northern Wellspring Sands. Use your Inquire or Scrutinize skill on him to get the crucial bit of info: The Giant Serpent’s Master. Once you have that, it's time to head towards the Quicksand Caves. The entrance is to the northeast, but don't just charge in – you'll need to loop around to the north and then double back south to find it.

When you finally reach the end of the caves, you'll find a man waiting. Be warned: talking to him triggers a pretty tough boss fight, so make sure you're well-prepared. Honestly, it might be a good idea to wait until you've finished Chapter 3. By then, you'll likely have a much better grasp of the game and a more complete party and equipment setup. If you have any accessories that can prevent Sleep, definitely equip them, as one of the bosses has an attack that can put your whole party to sleep!

Stats / Weaknesses:

• Giant Python: Weak to Spears, Axes, Ice, Light. High HP, high damage. Can inflict Sleep on the entire party with Soporific Breath. Also uses Sweep for heavy AoE damage and Soporific Fang for single-target Sleep.
• Snake Charmer: Weak to Swords, Bows, Staves, Lightning, Wind. Deals decent damage and primarily buffs the Giant Python with skills like “Now is your time to shine” (grants Python two actions) and “Go get them” (buffs physical attack). Can also use “Keep me safe” to increase its own shields and protect the Python's weaknesses.

Phases:

1. The Fight Begins: You'll face both the Giant Python and the Snake Charmer simultaneously. The Python is the primary threat due to its high damage and Sleep-inducing attacks.
2. Focusing the Python: The ideal strategy is to defeat the Giant Python as quickly as possible. If you defeat the Snake Charmer first, the Python becomes significantly stronger and gains three actions per turn, which is very dangerous.
3. Managing the Charmer: While you focus on the Python, the Snake Charmer will buff it. If left alone for too long after the Python is down, the Charmer can use Rampage, which deals high damage but only gets one action per turn, making it more manageable than the buffed Python.

Strategy:

• Preparation is Key: Aim to tackle this after completing Chapter 3 for better gear and skills. Equip accessories that guard against Sleep.
• Prioritize the Python: Your main goal is to break the Python's shields and defeat it quickly. Use its weaknesses (Spears, Axes, Ice, Light) to your advantage.
• Alternating Breaks: A good tactic is to alternate breaking the shields of the Python and the Charmer. Try to have one broken while the other is active, and vice versa. This helps manage incoming damage and allows you to focus your attacks effectively.
• Damage Management: Don't neglect damage on the Python, as it has roughly twice the HP of the Charmer.
• Support Skills: Utilize skills like the Merchant's Hired Help (Mercenaries) to boost physical defense and the Thief's Shackle Foe to mitigate damage.
• Dealing with Rampage: If the Charmer is the last one standing, its Rampage attack is dangerous but manageable since it only gets one action per turn. Focus on healing and finishing it off.

After the battle, there will be a bit more dialogue, and the side story will conclude within the cave. You'll be rewarded with 8,000 Leaves and the awesome Transcendent Bow of Shadows!