Mantis Ant Boss Guide: Bosses 2

Master the Mantis Ant boss fight in Visions of Mana! Learn its attacks, weaknesses, and strategies to overcome this early-game challenge. Get tips for dodging and dealing damage.

Alright, so you've made it to the Mantis Ant, the first real boss in Visions of Mana. Don't let its early-game status fool you; it's got a few tricks up its sleeve, especially as its health drops. We'll get you through this!

Stats / Weaknesses:

• Weak to Wind
• Weak point: Belly

Phases:

1. Phase 1: Standard Attacks
   The Mantis Ant uses its basic moveset. Dodge or move away from its melee attacks and watch for the ground markers on its area-of-effect attacks.
2. Phase 2: Enraged (approx. 40-50% HP)
   The boss starts chaining its attacks together, making them harder to predict. It doesn't learn new moves, but the combos can be dangerous. Keep moving and look for openings.

Strategy:

• Dodging is Key: Most of the Mantis Ant's attacks are telegraphed. For the basic Slash, just sidestep or dodge away. The Jumping Smash has a big red circle on the ground, so get out of it ASAP. The Abdomen Blast also has markers, but there are more projectiles to watch out for.
• Beware the Sickle Slicer: This is probably its trickiest attack. It shoots ring-shaped projectiles that can come back at you like boomerangs. Pay close attention to their trajectory so you don't get hit on the way back.
• Exploit the Wind Weakness: Your Sylphid Boomerang is your best friend here! Use it to hit the Mantis Ant. Even better, try to target the specific spots on its body that get hit – this will trigger mini-tornadoes that deal extra damage.
• Use the Environment: There are jars scattered around the arena. Don't hesitate to break them for healing, MP, or even CS (Class Strike) gauge.
• Full CS Gauge? Strike!: If your CS gauge is full, now's the time to unleash a Class Strike for some free, high-damage hits.
• Hinna's Support: Remember Hinna is with you and will heal you. If you're in a pinch and can't rely on her or items, just focus on dodging until you're back in a good spot.
• Enraged Combos: When the boss gets low on health (around 40-50%), it'll get enraged. It'll start stringing attacks together, like multiple Slashes followed by a Jumping Smash. The best approach is to stay mobile, dodge everything, and only attack when you see a clear opening.
• Target the Belly: Most bosses have multiple body parts you can target, and the Mantis Ant is no different. Its belly is its main weak point, so focus your attacks there when you can.
• Post-Fight: After you defeat it, you'll get the Mantis Ant Corestone. You can't use it yet, but it's a sign you're progressing! Keep heading towards the Lefeya Drifts.