The Sphinx, Devourer of the Unworthy, serves as Valor Mortis' third boss, marking a shift in scenery as the fight transports players to a new area: the Pyramids. This agile foe bears a visual resemblance to the Great Sphinx of Giza, though its combat style is far from inanimate.
Sphinx Moveset
The battle against the Sphinx is divided into two distinct phases, each with its own set of attacks. Understanding these patterns is crucial for survival.
First Phase
- Claw Swipe Combo: The Sphinx delivers a three-hit claw combo, alternating sides. These attacks inflict Stasis damage and can be parried or dodged backward. Using a Refreshing Vial can aid in Endurance management if relying on dodges.
- AoE Projectile: An orb is launched into the air, hitting the ground after a delay to create a Stasis-inflicting shockwave. Players must jump to avoid this, or risk reduced Endurance. In the second phase, the Sphinx can deploy two of these consecutively, requiring double jumps.
- Claw Swipe Lunge: The Sphinx lunges forward before swiping with its claws. This can be parried or dodged. However, a red glow indicates an unparriable lunge that must be dodged.
- Spin Swipe: The boss spins rapidly, slashing with its claws and inflicting Stasis damage. Sprinting away or dodging is the recommended defense.
- Charging Spikes: Three spikes are conjured from the ground and propelled towards the player, inflicting Stasis. Dodging to the side is effective.
- Beam: A purple beam is fired from the Sphinx's head in a small arc, inflicting Stasis. Dodging to the side or moving behind the boss are the best ways to avoid it.
Second Phase
The second phase retains many of the first phase's attacks, with the addition of new maneuvers.
- Spin Whip: A backflip is performed, accompanied by a tail strike that inflicts Stasis. Dodging backward is advisable.
- Tail Swipe Combo: Similar to the Spin Swipe, the Sphinx performs a sweeping tail combo. This also inflicts Stasis and can be avoided by dodging backward.
- Charging Spikes AoE: The Charging Spikes attack now encircles the boss. Players should back off and dodge between the spikes as they spread out.
- Crow Curtain: The Sphinx summons a swarm of crows, acting as a temporary barrier. It continues to attack while the crows are present, so retreating until the barrier dissipates is recommended.
Tips for Defeating the Sphinx
Despite the Sphinx's Stasis-based attacks, inflicting Stasis on the boss itself is an effective strategy to slow it down. While melee attacks reset the Stasis effect and deal additional damage, it is safer to build up the Stasis effect from a distance using items like Nephtoglobin Remnants or Vials. A fully charged Stasis effect can temporarily freeze the boss, allowing for several heavy melee attacks.
The arena offers ample space and ammunition. Utilize firearms when not focusing on building Stasis. Ammunition is particularly valuable in the second phase, where a weak spot appears on the Sphinx's face, suitable for precise shooting.
Players struggling with the Sphinx's aggressive melee should prioritize ranged combat, firearms, and exploiting the Stasis buildup, resorting to melee attacks only when safe or after maxing out the Stasis effect.
Upon defeating the Sphinx, William awakens at the Abandoned Church with Louis.