The Forgotten Three
Deep within the Crypt of Dead Gods, beyond the usual paths, lies a hidden challenge: The Forgotten Three. This optional boss encounter is one of the game's toughest, testing your mastery of combat and resource management. Prepare for a multi-stage battle against three distinct entities, each with unique attack patterns.
Accessing the Arena
To reach The Forgotten Three, you must first navigate the treacherous Crypt of Dead Gods. From the Sanctuary in the Crypt, proceed left and drop down the series of platforms. Continue left past the Dropskulls and Bound Monsters until you reach a large open area. The entrance to The Forgotten Three's arena is located on the far left of this chamber, identifiable by a large, ominous archway.
Recommended Preparation
Before engaging The Forgotten Three, ensure you are adequately prepared. This fight demands precision and sustained damage output.
- Healing Items: Stock up on Red Flasks and consider bringing Bandages for emergency healing.
- Stamina Management: Stamina Curios or other stamina-restoring items can be invaluable, especially for aggressive playstyles.
- Damage Buffs: Utilize Flasks of Defilement or other damage-boosting consumables to shorten the fight.
- Armor: Equip your best heavy armor for maximum damage reduction. While dodging is crucial, some hits are inevitable.
- Weapon Upgrade: Ensure your primary weapon is fully upgraded. Consider weapons with high stun potential or those that deal elemental damage the bosses are weak to (though their resistances vary).
- Charms: Stone Charms for increased defense or Kureimoa Charms for extra damage are good choices.
Boss Strategy
The Forgotten Three consists of a Mage, a Thief, and a Knight. You will face them sequentially, but their health pools are shared, meaning damaging one contributes to the overall boss health. The key is to focus down one at a time to reduce the number of active threats.
Phase 1: The Mage
The Mage is typically the first to appear. This enemy focuses on ranged magic attacks, primarily firing slow-moving projectiles that track your movement. They also have a short-range burst spell.
- Prioritize: The Mage should be your first target. Their ranged attacks can be a nuisance when dealing with subsequent enemies.
- Strategy: Close the distance quickly. The Mage is relatively squishy. Dodge through their projectiles and get in close for a few hits. Be wary of their burst spell if you linger too close.
- Attacks:
- Magic Missile: Slow, tracking projectiles. Roll through them.
- Arcane Burst: Short-range AoE around the Mage. Back off when they charge this.
Phase 2: The Thief
Once the Mage is defeated (or significantly damaged), the Thief will become more active. This enemy is fast and agile, utilizing quick dagger attacks and a dangerous dash attack.
- Prioritize: After the Mage, focus on the Thief. Their speed and unpredictable movements can make them difficult to track.
- Strategy: The Thief has low poise, making them susceptible to stunlocks from heavier weapons. If using a lighter weapon, time your dodges carefully and punish their attack animations. They often leave themselves open after their dash attack.
- Attacks:
- Dagger Combo: A series of quick, close-range dagger slashes. Block or dodge.
- Shadow Dash: The Thief quickly dashes across the arena, often followed by an attack. Roll through the dash.
- Poison Throw: Throws a projectile that inflicts poison. Dodge this at all costs.
Phase 3: The Knight
The Knight is the tank of the group, wielding a large sword and shield. They are slow but hit incredibly hard and have high defenses.
- Prioritize: The Knight should be your final focus. Their slow attacks are easier to anticipate when they are the sole remaining threat.
- Strategy: The Knight's shield can block many attacks. Wait for them to attack, then dodge behind them to strike their exposed back. Heavy attacks can sometimes break their guard. Be patient and don't get greedy with your hits.
- Attacks:
- Overhead Slam: A slow but devastating overhead swing. Easily dodged by rolling to the side.
- Horizontal Slash: A wide, sweeping attack. Roll through it or jump over.
- Shield Bash: A quick shield thrust that can stun. Be ready to dodge if you're close.
General Tips for All Phases
- Stay Mobile: Constant movement and well-timed dodges are paramount. Do not stand still.
- Observe Patterns: Each enemy has distinct tells for their attacks. Learn them to anticipate and react effectively.
- Patience is Key: This is a war of attrition. Don't rush your attacks. Get in a few hits when safe, then retreat and reset.
- Utilize the Arena: The arena is relatively open. Use the space to your advantage to create distance when needed.
- Healing Windows: Only heal when you have a clear opening, usually after dodging a major attack or when an enemy is recovering from an animation.
Rewards
Upon defeating The Forgotten Three, you will be rewarded with:
- Salt: A significant amount of Salt, crucial for leveling up.
- Gold: A decent sum of Gold.
- The Forgotten Three's Trophy: A valuable crafting material used to transmute powerful weapons and armor.
- Black Pearl: A rare item used to upgrade your character's stats at a Stone Altar.
Congratulations, you have overcome one of the most challenging optional encounters in Salt and Sanctuary!