OPTIONAL BOSS: SWORD DANCER #1

Master the Sword Dancer #1 optional boss fight in Tales of Symphonia! Get stats, weaknesses, and a winning strategy to overcome this tough challenge on Ossa Trail.

Stats / Weaknesses:

• Name: Sword Dancer #1
• Location: Ossa Trail
• HP: 8,888
• TP: 38
• ATK: 600
• DEF: 75
• XP: 150
• Gald: 2000
• Items dropped: EX Gem Lv1, EX Gem Lv2
• Steal: EX Gem Lv3
• Elemental Info: Weak to Light, Strong against None

Phases:

1. The Sword Dancer fights alone. Its main threat is its high damage output, capable of defeating party members in a single hit.

Strategy:

• Party Setup: Set your party's strategy as follows:
  • Colette: Attack Freely, At Once, Don't Pursue
  • Raine: Attack Freely, Heal, Don't Pursue
  • Kratos: Attack Freely, Heal, Skills and Magic (to keep him from getting too close)
• Tech Management: Turn off most techs for your party to focus on essential skills. Specifically:
  • Colette: Only Angel Feathers.
  • Kratos: Only First Aid.
  • Raine: Only First Aid.
• Your Role (Lloyd): You are the primary attacker. Focus on a basic 3-combo followed by Sword Rain and then Fierce Demon Fang or Double Demon Fang. However, if your normal attacks are being blocked and techs are doing minimal damage (like 2 damage per hit on Sword Rain), switch to guarding. Guarding will significantly reduce incoming damage to around 350 HP.
• Support Roles:
  • Kratos and Raine should be on constant healing duty.
  • Colette should primarily use Angel Feathers, which is significantly more powerful than your own attacks. She also needs to consistently use Orange Gels and Life Bottles on you and the party.
• Special Attacks: If you successfully land your combo (3 attacks + 2 techs), it's a good opportunity to use your Unison Attack. Ensure Colette is using Angel Feathers during this time for maximum impact.
• Survival: This boss hits extremely hard. If you get knocked out, have Colette immediately use a Life Bottle on you. Keep a close eye on party HP and be ready to heal or use items.
• Patience: The fight can take around 5 minutes. Stay focused, manage your resources, and stick to the strategy.

After the fight, you'll need to head to Izoold. You can choose to go to the other continent, but for your first playthrough, it's recommended to stick to the main path. Head to Izoold, rest at the Inn, and then visit the shop called 'Deep Blue' on the east side to restock on items like Apple Gels, Orange Gels, and Life Bottles. You'll also learn the recipe for 'Rice Ball' from the Wonder Chef in the northeast corner of a house in the east part of town. After gathering supplies and learning the recipe, speak with Max at the docks, then the man near him, and finally Lyla in her house to trigger events that will allow you to sail to a new continent.