The Sphinx, Devourer of the Unworthy, stands as the final boss of Chapter 4 in Valor Mortis. This formidable foe primarily relies on swift claw attacks, but understanding its patterns and exploiting its weaknesses can lead to victory. Players should aim to be around character level 20 before engaging the Sphinx, ensuring they have invested in crucial skills such as Maximum Endurance, Blocking, Parrying Impact, and Nephtoglobin Extraction.
Preparing for the Encounter
To effectively counter the Sphinx, players should focus on enhancing their parrying capabilities and managing their resources. Skills that improve blocking and parrying, along with those that aid in Nephtoglobin regeneration, are highly beneficial. Specific ambers that can provide an edge include Duellist's Focus to extend parry windows, Bottomless Well for gradual Nephtoglobin recovery, Dominatus II and Bountiful Harvest for health restoration through critical attacks or collected remains, and Potent Concoction for flask-based health and Nephtoglobin replenishment.
While the choice of transmutation damage is flexible, the sabre is recommended over the rapier due to the fight's emphasis on parrying. However, the most critical weapon for this encounter is the blunderbuss, which becomes essential in the second phase.
Phase One: Mastering the Claws
The Sphinx's primary offensive in the first phase consists of rapid claw attack combos. Most of these can be parried by timing the block just as the Sphinx's claw glows purple. Successful parries fill the enemy's posture meter, allowing for a critical head stab that deals significant damage. Players must be wary of unblockable attacks, indicated by the Sphinx glowing red.
Variations in its claw attacks include single slashes, multi-hit combos, and a pirouette attack following a slash, which can be telegraphed by the Sphinx turning away. Dodging may be a safer option for this particular move. The Sphinx also employs a high-range, unblockable jump attack. When it leaps across the arena after glowing red, it presents an opportunity to dodge and strike its flank. Alternatively, using fire transmutation can apply burn damage if Nephtoglobin is abundant.
It is important to distinguish the jump attack from its orb attack. If the Sphinx crouches without glowing red, it will summon an orb that creates a shockwave upon impact. This is best avoided by jumping over the wave rather than expending ammunition.
Phase Two: Exploiting the Weakness
Upon entering the second phase, the Sphinx will emit a cloud of purple poison, prompting players to create distance. The boss introduces new attacks, including a moving wall of purple tentacles that can be navigated by careful positioning. While its claw attack patterns may evolve, the core parrying mechanics remain consistent.
A significant new element is the Sphinx's body slam at the end of certain combos. The period when the Sphinx is recovering on the ground offers a prime window for players to attack.
The most effective strategy for the second phase involves targeting the Sphinx's newly revealed weak spot: its face. While regular pistol shots suffice, blunderbuss shots are particularly potent, capable of depleting approximately one-fifth of the Sphinx's health with each successful hit. This makes the blunderbuss the key to a swift victory in the latter half of the battle.
Defeating the Sphinx rewards players with 20,000 catalysts.