Boss Fight: Shrouded Gaze

Defeat the Shrouded Gaze boss in Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness. Learn recommended party setups and tactics to counter its magic and status effects.

The Shrouded Gaze is a formidable foe encountered in the depths of the Resulian Plains, specifically within the Drakenburg Castle catacombs. This boss relies on a combination of powerful magical attacks and debilitating status effects. Preparation is key to overcoming this challenge.

Recommended Party Setup & Roles

• Fidel (Player Controlled): Focus on high damage output with Battle Skills like Mirror Blade and Air Raid. Equip gear that boosts ATK and Critical Hit Rate.
• Miki (Healer): Essential for keeping the party alive. Set her AI to "Heal First" and ensure she has access to Faerie Healing and Faerie Light. Equip accessories that increase INT and MP.
• Victor (Tank/Damage): Utilize his high DEF and HP to draw aggro. Set his AI to "Prioritize Aggro" and equip him with defensive Battle Skills like Stone Rain for area control and damage.
• Anne (Damage/Stun): Her rapid attacks and ability to inflict Stun are invaluable. Set her AI to "Focus on Weaknesses" and equip Battle Skills like Thunderclap.

Pre-Battle Preparation

Before engaging the Shrouded Gaze, ensure your party is adequately prepared:

• Level: Aim for your party to be at least Level 35-40.
• Equipment: Upgrade your weapons and armor at the blacksmith in Myiddok. Prioritize gear with elemental resistances, particularly against Darkness and Wind.
• Items: Stock up on the following:
  • Blueberries (HP recovery) - Can be purchased from item shops or found in chests in the Coast of Minoz.
  • Blackberries (MP recovery) - Crafted via Item Creation (Alchemy) or found in the Northern Territory of Sohma.
  • Resurrection Elixirs (Revive) - Crucial for when Miki can't keep up. Purchase from the Central Resulia item vendor.
  • Anti-Silence Amulets (Accessory) - Equip on Miki and Fidel to prevent Silence, which can shut down healing and Battle Skills. These can be found in a hidden chest in the Santeroule area or crafted.
• Role Setup: Ensure Miki has the "Savior" role equipped for increased healing efficiency. Fidel should have "Attacker" or "Berserker" for damage.

Boss Mechanics & Strategy

The Shrouded Gaze has several key attacks and phases:

Phase 1: Initial Assault

• Shadow Bolt: A single-target magical attack. Miki should be able to heal through this.
• Darkness Wave: A cone-shaped AoE attack that inflicts moderate damage and can sometimes cause Silence. This is where your Anti-Silence Amulets come in handy.
• Strategy:
  • Have Victor immediately engage the boss to draw its attention.
  • Fidel and Anne should position themselves behind the boss to avoid the frontal cone attack.
  • Focus on building up your Reserve Rush gauge.

Phase 2: Summoning Minions

Around 75% HP, the Shrouded Gaze will summon two to three "Shadow Spawn" minions. These are not particularly strong but can overwhelm your healer if left unchecked.

• Strategy:
  • Immediately switch your focus to the Shadow Spawn. Anne's AoE Battle Skills (e.g., Thunderclap) are excellent here.
  • Fidel can use Battle Skills like Air Raid to hit multiple targets.
  • Miki should continue to prioritize healing.
  • Once the minions are dealt with, return your focus to the Shrouded Gaze.

Phase 3: Desperation Attacks

Below 50% HP, the Shrouded Gaze becomes more aggressive and introduces new, more dangerous attacks:

• Abyssal Gaze: A powerful, wide-area magical attack that deals significant Darkness damage and has a high chance to inflict Curse.
  • Counter: When you see the boss begin to charge this attack (it will glow dark purple), use a Reserve Rush if available. This can interrupt the cast and deal massive damage. If no Reserve Rush is ready, spread out your party as much as possible to minimize damage, and be ready with Resurrection Elixirs.
• Void Tentacles: Summons several tentacles from the ground that deal physical damage in small AoE bursts. These are less dangerous than Abyssal Gaze but can interrupt your attacks.
• Strategy:
  • Maintain aggressive pressure. The faster you defeat it, the fewer times it can use Abyssal Gaze.
  • Keep an eye on your party's HP and MP. Don't hesitate to use items.
  • If Curse is inflicted, use a Cure Condition item or Miki's Antidote spell if she has it.
  • Utilize your Reserve Rush strategically to interrupt Abyssal Gaze or to burst down the boss in its final moments.

Post-Battle Rewards

Upon defeating the Shrouded Gaze, you will receive:

• EXP and FOL.
• A guaranteed drop of the Gaze Fragment, a key item for a later quest.
• A chance to obtain rare materials like Darkness Gem or Mystic Cloth, useful for Item Creation.

Congratulations on overcoming the Shrouded Gaze! Continue your journey through Faykreed and beyond.