OPTIONAL BOSS: SWORD DANCER #1 (2)

Struggling with the optional Sword Dancer #1 boss in Tales of Symphonia? Get a step-by-step strategy, including party setup, recommended combos, and crucial healing tips to overcome this tough foe.

Stats / Weaknesses:

• Name: Sword Dancer #1
• Location: Ossa Trail
• HP: 8,888
• TP: 38
• ATK: 600
• DEF: 75
• XP: 150
• Gald: 2000
• Items dropped: ???
• Steal: ???
• Elemental Info: Weak to Light. Immune to other elements.

Phases:

1. The fight is a single, intense phase. The Sword Dancer is relentless from the start.

Strategy:

• Party Setup: The recommended party for this tough fight is Lloyd (Level 16), Raine (Level 15), Colette (Level 15), and Kratos (Level 15).
• Healing is Key: Kratos and Raine should be dedicated to healing for the entire battle. Don't let their HP drop, as the Sword Dancer can easily finish off weakened party members.
• Colette's Role: Colette should primarily be supporting the party with Angel Feathers and providing you with Orange Gels and Life Bottles. Her support is crucial for keeping everyone alive.
• Your Attack Pattern: As Lloyd, your main goal is to execute a basic 3-hit combo followed by techs like Sword Rain and then Fierce Demon Fang or Double Demon Fang.
• Adapting to Defense: If you notice the Sword Dancer blocking your normal attacks, stop using techs. You'll only deal 2 damage per hit on techs like Sword Rain. Instead, focus on guarding.
• Minimizing Damage: If you block an incoming attack, you'll take around 350 damage. This is significantly less than a direct hit, so guarding is essential when you can't attack safely.
• Reviving Fallen Allies: If you fall in battle, immediately have Colette use a Life Bottle on you. Don't hesitate, as staying down makes the fight unwinnable.
• Resource Management: Keep Colette using Orange Gels on herself and others as needed, and ensure Life Bottles are always available for revives.
• Unison Attack: Once you've successfully landed the 3-attack + 2-tech combo, it's the prime time to unleash a Unison Attack. It's highly recommended to have Colette use her Angel Feathers during this attack, as its power is significantly boosted.
• Victory: With consistent execution of this strategy, you should be able to defeat the Sword Dancer #1 after about 5 minutes.

Note on Sword Dancer #2: You can only fight Sword Dancer #2 after defeating #1. To find him, head to Gaoracchia Forest. From the save point at the end of the area, go back one screen. At the fork, head southwest, and you'll find the Black Skull wandering there.