The Aberrant Three-Faced Puppet in Phantom Blade Zero presents a significant challenge as the game's first optional boss. Encountering this foe early with an un-upgraded weapon and no Phantom Edges makes victory improbable, as players will lack the necessary damage output. The fight becomes considerably more manageable after progressing further into the game.
Early Game Considerations
When first faced, there is no immediate need to defeat the Aberrant Three-Faced Puppet or complete the associated 'Triple Threat' quest. The rewards for an early victory are not particularly useful for the initial stages of the game, and the difficulty often necessitates a flawless execution, making it an inefficient pursuit. Returning later with improved gear and skills is the recommended approach.
Preparation and Upgrades
To better prepare for the encounter, players should focus on upgrading their weapons and enhancing accessories. Key accessories recommended for increased damage negation, HP, and Sha-Chi include the Ancient Armor Fragment, Jewel's Knot, and Resonance Talisman. Weapon upgrades can be facilitated by purchasing additional materials from vendors, and these upgrades also unlock new combat skills.
Combat Strategies
Utilizing the Livingwood Talisman, found in a chest near the Smuggler's Tunnel in the Village of Lu, can be instrumental. When polished, this talisman inflicts bleed damage on the boss with 70% effectiveness when paired with a weapon like Jagged Steel, providing a consistent damage bonus. Players should be wary of the puppet's smoky black attacks, which completely deplete stamina if blocked; dodging is the preferred defensive maneuver. While the boss has fewer red and blue attacks that require specific parries or counters, vigilance is still advised.
A key offensive strategy is to maintain consistent aggression. Regular attacks do not consume stamina and contribute to depleting the boss's Sha-Chi over time. When the boss's Sha-Chi is broken, players should expend stamina on Sha-Chi combos for substantial damage. The LT attack is also a valuable tool when the weapon is powered up.
The Triple Threat Quest Progression
Upon defeating the Aberrant Three-Faced Puppet, players receive the 'Three-Headed Doll' story item. The subsequent phase of the 'Triple Threat' quest is encountered much later, in one of the final areas of Pangzhen. This stage involves locating three quest-marked Memory Flowers, which then triggers a rematch against the puppet in the Crimson Forest.
For this rematch, players will need the 'Soul Tempered' version of the Sanguine Reach weapon, known as Blazing Edge. Obtaining this requires specific materials, including Scorching Flame fragments. The first fragment is acquired by defeating Zhu Yuan, The Searing Blade, located below the Pangzhen Sha-Chi Tower. Accessing this area involves navigating Meigu Lake, proceeding north from Pangzhen, and using an explosive enemy to clear a barrier leading to a lift.
The second fragment is obtained by completing the third Long Pillar challenge in the east of Meigu Lake. Once both fragments are secured, players can perform the Soul Tempering process at the Order's underground tavern in Pangzhen, after meeting with Myst. This transforms the Sanguine Reach into the Blazing Edge.
With the enhanced weapon, players can return to the Crimson Forest's Mirrorwood for the rematch against the boss, now identified as Yucong, No.34 Twisted Puppet. This later-game encounter is designed to be a lengthy and challenging battle.