Dire Shadows

Learn about Dire Shadows, Persona 5 Strikers' super bosses, their locations, weaknesses, and rewards, including merciless versions.

Dire Shadows are essentially super bosses that stand still in a dungeon, surrounded by blue lightning. Unlike normal enemies, they do not engage you on sight; battle begins only when you attack them. These bosses are very powerful and can be nearly impossible to beat when you first enter a dungeon. Typically, there is one Dire Shadow per dungeon, though some may not appear initially due to story progression.

Beating Dire Shadows on non-Merciless difficulties rewards you with a +10 stat accessory.

Merciless Versions

The merciless versions of these enemies share most of their moves with their standard counterparts but are significantly more dangerous and possess more health. These versions drop ultimate weapons for the party on the first defeat. Dire Shadows in Merciless mode (respawn (be brought back to life at a checkpoint after death)) can be fought endlessly and are an excellent source of Bond EXP, SP items, and more. Additionally, each has a rare chance to drop an accessory that nullifies an element.

Bugs

Recommended Level: 40+. Found in Shibuya Jail, Bunkamichi.

This enemy is a challenge if you do not prepare properly. It is weak to Wind, Lightning, and Curse, but it drains Nuke and Psy. For this fight, bringing Ryuji and Morgana is recommended. The third party member is up to you, but Zenkichi was found to be quite useful.

The boss has several moves, including three different Psy attacks (one being a dyne), one Nuke attack, and various physical attacks that can instantly kill you or leave you near death, such as Bloodbath and God's Hand.

Defeating this boss involves getting used to its movements, dodging its attacks, and continuously using magic. Using Electric attacks to shock it can trigger technicals, making it a better choice over Curse, though Curse can still be used if you have ample SP. While Morgana can deal damage, it is advisable to have him focus on keeping the party alive. You absolutely need SP items for this fight, in addition to HP items. This boss has a higher HP pool than many late-game story bosses. To win, you must maintain consistent offense and recover lost SP, so cooking curry or similar items is advised.

Raja Naga

Recommended level: 50+. Found in Sendai Jail, West Garden.

This boss is not a significant threat in terms of its moveset, as most can be dodged with practice, but it deals substantial damage if you are hit. It is weak to Fire, Ice, and Light, but drains Electric and Wind. Bring Sophia, Yusuke, and Ann, or at least one of them, but avoid Ryuji or Morgana.

This boss favors using Thunder Reign, which is relatively easy to dodge. However, its Magarudyne and Mazionga skills are more difficult to avoid. To deal significant damage, your party members should use Dyne or On skills (for Bless and Curse). Ensure you bring healing and SP items.

Lilith

Recommended Level: 50+. Found in Sapporo Jail, Sapporo Clocktower.

Unlike the previous two bosses, this one primarily uses spells, almost all of which are high-level dyne skills. It drains Fire, Ice, Wind, and Lightning, but is weak to all other elements except Gun and Physical attacks. During the fight, a blizzard occurs, so make sure to lock on to the enemy to maintain visual contact. The key to this fight is avoiding her magic and attacking in the intervals between her spell casts. Sophia, Makoto, and Haru are the best party member choices, and they should have endgame magic skills before engaging her, as should Joker. Continue to dodge her attacks and land your own, and be sure to bring supplies. Sophia is particularly effective in this battle.

Nebiros

Recommended level: 55+. Found in Okinawa Jail, Crane room near the first checkpoint (an auto-save point you restart from on death).

Similar to the previous boss, Nebiros primarily uses magic but has a much higher HP pool and nullifies Bless and Curse. To make matters worse, it uses instant-kill moves like Mudoon and Hamaon. To mitigate these, equip accessories that nullify instant kills. The enemy is weak to Electric, Wind, and Fire. Bringing Ann, Morgana, and Ryuji will make this fight easier. You will definitely need SP items due to the enemy's high HP pool. Dodge its moves and attack when it is open. You can also utilize nearby cover (press the cover button to crouch behind walls or objects) points for some attacks.

Yatagarasu

Recommended level: 55+. Found in Kyoto Jail, Mother Fox Shrine.

This boss is a flying enemy that moves frequently. It does not nullify any elements but is weak to Fire, Nuke, and Ice. It utilizes high-level Wind and Lightning attacks while airborne. When its health drops to half, it becomes much more aggressive. Avoiding its magic attacks is crucial for survival. You must continuously attack it with magic until it is defeated. Using a persona that can absorb or nullify Wind and Lightning is advised. Ann, Makoto, and Yusuke are ideal for this fight. Joker can also be very useful for hitting the airborne enemy. As before, prepare a substantial amount of healing items.

Eligor

Recommended level: 55+. Found in Osaka Jail, Mt. Chashiro.

This boss can be challenging, as it uses dyne Ice and Fire attacks followed immediately by physical attacks like Lunge and Vorpal Blade. The best approach is to break its shields while it is casting to cancel its attacks and keep it pinned down. Fire and Ice attacks are ineffective; it is weak to Electric, Bless, and Curse. Ryuji and Sophia are the best party members besides Joker for this fight. Continuously use magic in combination with combo magic to break its shields while it is casting. Like the previous boss, Eligor has a large amount of health, so bringing plenty of supplies is advised. Most of its attacks are close-ranged.

Berserk Mithras

Recommended level: 60-70. Found in Jail of the Abyss after the initial visit, near the entrance.

Not a very tough b