As players dive into modern video games like Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist, they often find that mastering parrying techniques can greatly enhance their combat experience. Surprisingly, however, this game initially omits such a mechanic, largely because its protagonist, Lilac, is not a conventional fighter. Instead, she plays the role of an Attuner, wielding the power of Homunculi to assist her in battles.
Just when it appears that players are relegated to dodging attacks, the game offers a lifeline with the introduction of the Shackled Beast’s Counter ability. This powerful parry mechanic is unlocked after defeating a significant boss approximately a few hours into the main storyline. This guide will help you navigate the steps needed to acquire the Shackled Beast’s Counter ability in Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist.
How to Obtain the Shackled Beast’s Counter Ability in Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist
To acquire the Shackled Beast’s Counter ability, players must defeat the Shackled Beast, a key boss located in Tethered Steeple. This encounter is critical for progressing through the game’s narrative and can either be the third or fourth major boss challenge, depending on your path following the defeat of Yolvan, the Black-Winger Huntsman in Old City – Lower Steeple.
The closest Respite point to the Shackled Beast is the Forest Barrier – Entrance. Unlike Yolvan, this boss does not possess multi-phase fights but compensates with significantly higher damage output per hit, requiring a more cautious and defensive playstyle. Players will quickly notice that the Shackled Beast employs a notably aggressive attack pattern compared to earlier enemies.
Strategies for Defeating the Shackled Beast
Although the Shackled Beast delivers powerful strikes, understanding his attack patterns makes the fight manageable. Observing closely allows players to effectively dodge most of his hits by positioning themselves behind him.
Notable Attacks of the Shackled Beast
- Chain Swing: The Shackled Beast swings a massive chain in a wide area around him, striking twice or launching it forward.
- Chain Slam: He rapidly spins his chain and slams it down, creating a shockwave on impact.
- Charge: Lowering his body, the Shackled Beast charges forward, becoming invulnerable during this move.
- Summon Chain: Upon losing one-quarter of his health, he slams down to summon diagonal chains from the ground, spreading outward.
Before facing the Shackled Beast, it’s advisable to have at least three Homunculi Abilities in hand. If you’ve ventured through the Magicite Mine beforehand, you should also have the Muninn ability unlocked.
For this encounter, equipping Nola with the Vanquisher weapon and utilizing Lito’s Glacial Fist, which can freeze the boss, proves beneficial.
The optimal strategy is to remain behind the Shackled Beast. When he initiates the Chain Swing, swiftly retreat. Use Lito’s Glacial Fist to inflict damage while dodging his chain attacks. Additionally, if he performs the Chain Slam, staying behind him nullifies its threat.
To evade his Charge attack, utilize Double Jump and Dash to maneuver out of harm’s way. When he begins to Summon Chains, retreat to the screen’s edge, then rush to him to deliver some hits as he lands.
Understanding the Shackled Beast’s Counter Mechanism
Similar to other Homunculi Abilities, players must equip the Shackled Beast’s Counter from a Respite to use it effectively. This ability features three variations:
- Chain Whip: Counter an incoming attack with a spinning chain, dealing damage within its vicinity.
- Charge: Execute a lunging counterattack directly ahead upon nullifying an enemy hit.
- Benumbed Howl: This powerful counter creates a piercing howl that does extensive area damage but does not inflict Break Damage.
The Shackled Beast’s Counter is the first parry ability available in Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist. As you progress, you will encounter Grimoires which enable you to purchase Carapace items from the Craftory. These items also nullify enemy attacks when equipped but yield less counter damage compared to the Shackled Beast’s Counter.
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