How to Beat Boss: The Serpent's Maw

Defeat The Serpent's Maw in The Wolf Among Us 2. Learn strategies to counter illusions and venomous attacks in this crucial Episode 1 boss fight.

This encounter takes place at the climax of Episode 1, where Bigby confronts a powerful, magically enhanced Fable known only as 'The Serpent's Maw'. This Fable uses illusions and swift, venomous attacks, making them a tricky opponent. Your choices leading up to this fight can influence its difficulty.

Phases & Strategy:

1. Phase 1: Illusions & Distractions
   • Description: The Serpent's Maw will create multiple illusory copies of themselves, attempting to overwhelm Bigby and disorient him. They will also use quick, darting attacks.
   • Weakness: Bigby's enhanced senses. Pay close attention to visual cues (e.g., a slight shimmer, a specific sound) that indicate the real target.
   • Action: Focus on successfully completing the QTEs to dodge incoming attacks. When prompted, use Bigby's 'Sense' ability (usually a specific button press) to identify the real Serpent's Maw among the illusions. Failing to do so will result in Bigby taking damage or being momentarily stunned.
2. Phase 2: Venomous Strikes
   • Description: Once the illusions are broken, The Serpent's Maw will become more aggressive, attempting to land venomous strikes that can quickly incapacitate Bigby.
   • Weakness: Environmental hazards and Bigby's brute strength.
   • Action: This phase is heavily QTE-driven. You'll need to react quickly to dodge, block, and counter-attack. Look for opportunities to use the environment (e.g., smashing them into a wall, throwing objects). A critical QTE will involve Bigby attempting to disarm or restrain The Serpent's Maw.
3. Phase 3: Desperation & Transformation (Optional)
   • Description: If Bigby is struggling or has taken significant damage, or if you've made aggressive choices throughout the episode, The Serpent's Maw might attempt a desperate, powerful magical attack. Bigby might also be pushed to partially transform.
   • Weakness: Bigby's full Wolf form (if triggered).
   • Action: This phase is a high-stakes QTE sequence. Successfully completing it will allow Bigby to overcome the attack. If Bigby transforms, the QTEs will become more brutal and powerful, but also more difficult to control.

Rewards & Consequences:

• Victory: Capturing The Serpent's Maw provides crucial information for the main investigation and earns Bigby respect (or fear) from Fabletown.
• Failure: While outright 'game over' is rare, failing too many QTEs can lead to Bigby being severely injured, allowing The Serpent's Maw to escape, or forcing Bigby into a more destructive transformation, leading to different narrative paths and potentially negative consequences with Snow White.

Prioritize quick reflexes and observation. Don't be afraid to let Bigby get a little rough if the situation demands it, but be mindful of the consequences of unleashing the full Wolf.