Ability-gating is an integral gameplay mechanic commonly found in Metroidvanias, and Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist is no exception. Set many years after the events of its predecessor, players step into the shoes of Lilac, an exceptional Attuner tasked with healing the tortured Homunculi. As you traverse the game’s hauntingly beautiful landscapes, you’ll encounter numerous areas that remain out of reach.
Obstructed by peculiar walls or platforms just beyond your grasp, you may often feel stalled, searching for new abilities to unlock progress. One such ability is Garm’s Iron Stake, enabling Lilac to execute a Ground Slam that breaks through previously impassable floors. Given the expansive map design in Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist, players might find the way to unlock this ability rather elusive.
How to Obtain Garm’s Iron Stake (Ground Slam Ability)
Garm’s Iron Stake is obtained as a reward for defeating the formidable Garm, The Giant Gravedigger, the primary antagonist in the Magicite Mine area. Similar in challenge to the Shackled Beast, Garm delivers powerful attacks, necessitating a cautious and strategic approach to successfully bring him down.
Before confronting Garm, it’s advisable to explore the Tethered Steeple region. If you’ve successfully defeated the Shackled Beast and unlocked the parry ability, you’ll find this encounter considerably more manageable. The Floral Coven serves as the nearest Respite, providing a place to equip your Relics and choose your combat abilities before engaging the boss.
Upon defeating Garm, the Iron Stake is automatically unlocked, granting access to previously inaccessible vine-covered floors in various regions.
Strategy to Defeat Garm, the Giant Gravedigger
Garm, the Giant Gravedigger, fights in a single phase but gains an additional attack as his health decreases. Utilizing Lito’s Glacial Fist can be advantageous, as Garm can be frozen.
For Nora’s abilities, consider equipping Vanquisher for increased Break Damage or Spirit Piercer for faster attack speeds. If you have the Shackled Beast’s Counter, you can choose between Muinn or Yolvan for your last slot; while Yolvan builds Break Damage quickly, Muinn’s auto-attack feature reduces your need for manual input.
Opt for Relics that enhance your resistance, which will provide better odds of surviving Garm’s devastating attacks.
Garm, the Giant Gravedigger’s Main Attacks
- Leaping Slam: Garm leaps and slams down, generating two horizontal shockwaves.
- Kick: When players are close, Garm performs a powerful kick that inflicts significant damage and knocks Lilac backward.
- Ground Drill: Garm drills into the ground, causing lava rocks to erupt, which may harm the player.
- Flame Whirlwind: After losing 60% of his health, Garm incorporates this ability into his moveset, following the Leaping Slam with a whirlwind of flames and multiple lava rocks.
Strategic Overview for the Boss Fight
The most crucial tip for overcoming Garm is taking your time. His attacks can rapidly deplete your health, so aggressive tactics may backfire. Focus on learning his simple yet predictable attack patterns to dodge effectively.
If equipped, the Shackled Beast’s Counter can be powerful when used right after the Leaping Slam’s shockwave. The Benumbed Howl Ability also assists in inflicting damage while potentially triggering the Frost status effect.
When utilizing Yolvan, maintain distance to build Break Damage rapidly, but with Muinn, close combat will be necessary to utilize Lito and Nora’s abilities to break through Garm’s defenses.
When Garm performs a Leaping Slam, it’s your best opportunity to counterattack. Dash sideways during his jump, then move in to strike immediately after his shockwave. Note that after 40% health is lost, he may follow this with the Flame Whirlwind, requiring a shift in strategy. Aim to bait Garm into using his Kick attack and respond with the Shackled Beast’s Counter to deal damage. Continue this cycle until you defeat him.
Successfully conquering Garm, the Giant Gravedigger, will reward you with the White as Snow achievement in Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist.
Next Steps After Acquiring Garm’s Iron Stake
While Garm’s Iron Stake primarily enhances traversal by unlocking new areas, its utility extends to combat. To utilize the ability, jump and simultaneously press down and attack. Although the damage output isn’t exceptional, it does provide considerable Break Damage against enemies.
This newly acquired ability will grant access to several locations within Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist. If you haven’t yet ventured into the Crimson Forest to defeat Veol, the Crazed Wolf, that should be your next objective. Following that battle, you’re presented with two paths: the Subterranean Waterway or the Crystalline Realm.
It’s advisable to tackle the Crystalline Realm first, where you can discover another valuable traversal ability. Overall, Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist solidifies its status as one of the standout games for genre enthusiasts this year, building on the strong foundation set by its predecessor while ensuring each traversal ability enhances meaningful exploration in its captivating world.
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