Facing tough bosses in Valor Mortis can be a significant hurdle. Fortunately, understanding their attack patterns and optimal strategies can turn the tide.
The Iron Marshall
The Iron Marshall, encountered near the end of Chapter 3, is a large, cannon-wielding enemy. Unlike many foes, direct parrying is not the most effective approach; instead, focus on fire, speed, and dodging.
Preparation for this fight involves reaching at least level 15 to unlock a second amber slot. Prioritize skill points in Maximum Endurance for increased stamina. Adding points to Nephtoglobin Sufferance can help ensure you have enough nephtoglobin to apply the burn effect, while Nephtoglobin Extraction will replenish it with melee hits. Invest remaining points into Melee Damage.
Recommended ambers include Perfectionism (boosts damage at full HP), Transmuted Persistence (restores health when dealing transmutation damage), and Potent Concoction (using a ferrofluid flask restores nephtoglobin and health). Useful special items are Whetstones and Flaming Whetstones for weapon damage and fire buildup, Fire-Clad Rounds for bullet fire buildup, and Nephtoglobin Vials for quick nephtoglobin recovery.
The rapier is recommended for its effectiveness against the boss's weak spot, though an upgraded sabre can also work. The Iron Marshall has only one phase and uses slow melee attacks, including a high-range sweep and an unblockable forward slam. Early in the fight, lure the boss near the three red barrels on the battlefield and shoot them for explosive damage, being sure to maintain distance.
The primary strategy involves using fire transmutation to continuously burn the Marshall, then attacking his weak spot on his back. Dodge behind him to apply fire damage from a safe distance. It's crucial to use your entire nephtoglobin supply at once to ensure the burn buildup is maximized before it dissipates. When nephtoglobin is depleted, switch to melee attacks, dodging behind the boss and targeting his weak spot to replenish nephtoglobin, but always conserve enough stamina to dodge away from his attacks.
Defeating The Iron Marshall rewards players with 7,000 catalysts and unlocks the grappling hook.
General Lothaire, The Eagle-Bearer
General Lothaire, first encountered at the end of Chapter 1 but required for progression at the end of Chapter 2, is a formidable opponent. Success against him relies on boosting endurance, utilizing early-game ambers, and precise parrying.
At around level 8, focus skill points on Maximum Endurance and Parrying Impact to fill his posture bar quickly. Alternatively, invest in Blocking if parrying is not your strength.
For the single amber slot, Transmuted Persistence is recommended for its health recovery through transmutation damage. Dominatus offers health recovery on critical hits, and Potent Concoction aids nephtoglobin usage. Iron Grip can speed up flask usage.
Essential special items include Flaming Whetstones and Fire-Clad Rounds for fire buildup, Nephtoglobin Vials for quick recovery, Refreshing Vials for stamina regeneration, and hand grenades for added damage.
Lothaire begins with either a shoulder cannon triple shot or a jump attack. Dodge these openers and counterattack, ideally with fire transmutation to inflict burn damage. The fight consists of two phases.
During phase one, a full nephtoglobin bar is sufficient to burn Lothaire. Replenish nephtoglobin by shooting his weak spots on his shoulder, thigh, and knee, or through melee hits. Ensure the fire buildup meter is completely filled before applying the transmutation to maximize damage over time.
Parrying Lothaire's attacks is key to depleting his posture meter. Successful parries, especially during his consecutive slashes, create openings for critical hits. Blocking is less effective due to high stamina cost and HP loss, but hitting Lothaire after blocking can recover lost HP.
In phase two, Lothaire gains a claw for unblockable attacks and begins throwing explosives or creating shockwave orbs. Prioritize shooting these projectiles before they detonate or unleash their effect. He also summons musketeers and common soldiers; musketeers can be dispatched by dodging their shots, and soldiers with a single melee hit.
Utilize special items like hand grenades during this phase to secure victory. Defeating General Lothaire yields 10,000 catalysts.