Defeating Deathstrike in Marvel's Wolverine presents one of the game's most significant combat challenges. The battle unfolds in two distinct phases, each requiring a nuanced approach to exploit her weaknesses and avoid her devastating attacks.
Phase One: Sword Projectiles and Special Techniques
The initial phase pits Wolverine against Deathstrike while she wields her iconic sword. Success hinges on precise parrying of her attacks, particularly her sword projectiles. Parry the purple projectiles to defend yourself, and crucially, parry the yellow projectiles to reflect them back at Deathstrike, dealing substantial damage. This parry-and-counter strategy is key to building her stagger meter.
Special Techniques are highly effective against Deathstrike during this phase. Prioritize using charged Special Techniques whenever available. The Helix Claws ability is particularly potent, inflicting significant damage and stagger, making it an excellent choice throughout the fight.
Beyond projectiles, Deathstrike employs several direct attacks:
- Sword Slice: A rapid series of sword swings that can all be parried.
- Jump and Slice: A powerful, unparryable attack where she leaps into the air and dashes down with her sword. Dodge to the side to evade.
- Jump and Mini-Projectiles: After leaping, she swings her sword quickly, releasing small projectiles. Watch for ground indicators and move out of the red zones.
Phase Two: Claws and Increased Speed
Upon entering the second phase, Deathstrike discards her sword and relies on her sharp claws, becoming considerably faster in melee combat. The core strategy remains the same: parry her attacks to build stagger and then unleash heavy damage while she is vulnerable. Continue to leverage Special Techniques and Helix Claws.
Deathstrike introduces new, faster claw-based attacks:
- Jump and Slice (Claws): She leaps and performs a somersault, attempting to catch Wolverine with her claws. Dodge this to create an opening for a counter-attack upon her landing.
- Kick: Often following the jump attack, this kick can be parried to interrupt her assault and contribute to stagger.
- Jump and Slice (Power): A red-flashing, unparryable charge attack. Continuous dodging is necessary for survival.
- Red Lightning: Another unparryable power move where she leaps, somersaults, and emits red lightning upon landing. Evade this by dodging.
- Speed Dash: Deathstrike dashes rapidly side-to-side before launching a quick attack. Wait for her to accelerate her dashes and dodge just as she commits to the final lunge.
- Melee Combos: Various punches, swipes, and kicks. Parry all non-red flashing attacks to build stagger and potentially deal bonus damage if they are yellow.
Additionally, environmental interactions can aid in staggering Deathstrike. Using abilities like Knee Breaker or Overwhelm to smash her into walls can create openings for follow-up attacks. Sustained pressure and consistent parrying will ultimately lead to her defeat.