In WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers, players might find the initial battles relatively manageable. While these early encounters present a sufficient challenge and offer players a chance to acclimate to the game’s complex mechanics, they do not pose significant obstacles. However, this perception drastically shifts when you face Commander Honglan in the Tang Emperor Palace, a noteworthy turning point in the game.
Commander Honglan marks the first genuinely demanding boss encounter. Her agility surpasses that of earlier bosses, and she combines swift, brutal combos with devastating ranged attacks that come forth during her second phase. This fight will test your patience and stamina, so if you find yourself struggling, our comprehensive WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers Commander Honglan boss guide will assist you in overcoming her.
Commander Honglan Boss Guide
To initiate the battle with Commander Honglan, it’s essential to place the Buddha Statue on the pedestal located to the right of the Palace Hill Shrine.
If you haven’t yet acquired the Buddha Statue, turn around while facing the Palace Hill Shrine and proceed straight ahead along the path. You will encounter the statue guarded by a few minor enemies. Once you’ve placed the Buddha Statue, the water in the palace courtyard will drain, granting you access to the area where Commander Honglan awaits.
It’s essential to note that Commander Honglan is a formidable opponent. The game gives a hint regarding the Clashing and Deflecting tactics just before the fight starts, emphasizing the importance of mastering these techniques against her. For seasoned players familiar with parrying, this may not be overly difficult; however, if your strategy typically revolves around relentless attacking and dodging, you might encounter more hurdles during this battle. Fortunately, several strategic approaches can simplify the fight.
Understanding Commander Honglan’s Moveset
When you step into the arena, Commander Honglan kicks off with a Dash Strike, an attack that is easily evaded due to its relatively lengthy wind-up time. She frequently employs this move when you stay at range.
Following her initial strike, Honglan can launch various follow-up attacks. She may try to kick you and follow up with a punch or sweep the area with her sword. Most of her combos typically consist of three or four blows before she either retreats or executes an Area of Effect (AoE) stomp, which, while it can catch you off-guard, has limited range and can usually be avoided.
Additionally, she occasionally leaps back and launches a flurry of projectile daggers in a wide arc. This attack can be more challenging to dodge due to its quick execution, but the damage inflicted is minimal.
When her health dips below 50%, Honglan’s fighting style becomes significantly more chaotic as she takes up two swords. She starts to unleash damaging water projectiles at varying vertical and diagonal angles that can knock you back, making sidestepping your best option for avoidance. The multiplication of her sword attacks increases her aggression, making her melee strikes more relentless.
Strategizing Against Commander Honglan
Several tactics can be employed to effectively combat Commander Honglan. The prime approach involves utilizing the Clash and Deflect system, which is introduced just before this boss encounter.
Clash and Deflect
Every weapon possesses Clash and/or Deflect Skills that can be unlocked using Red Mercury Essence at the Impetus Repository, with Dual Blades being the ideal choice for this encounter. Mastering the timing required for Clashing and Deflecting attacks is crucial. Perfectly synchronizing your attacks with Honglan’s will allow you to turn the tide in your favor swiftly.
Obliterate
This technique is particularly effective for Strength-based builds or characters capable of executing rapid successive strikes. Every foe in WUCHANG features an Obliterate value, indicated by a small circle at their center, which fills as you continue your assault. Once filled, you can unleash an Obliterate Strike against Honglan, dealing substantial damage and potentially granting you a healing opportunity.
While engaging in this tactic requires caution, as one mistimed hit could cost you dearly. Consider combining this with Clash and Deflect attacks; within the Axe branch of the Impetus Repository, you can unlock Nodes that enable attacks to clash if timed correctly. If timed skillfully, you’ll create many openings to build Honglan’s Obliterate value.
Additionally, remember to temper your weapon to introduce specific properties, such as status ailments like Corruption, Burn, or Poise Break, which can facilitate your success in this battle.
Magic and Evasive Maneuver
If the previous strategies don’t yield results, there’s another approach that might be deemed a bit unorthodox, yet effective.
Using the Darkfrost Edge One-Handed Sword, invest your levels into your Magic stat through the Impetus Repository, then equip the Burning Flames Spell, obtained after defeating a plague doctor-type enemy at Doomwillow Beach. The objective here is to maintain distance from Honglan, evade her attacks and continuously cast Burning Flames as your Skyborn Might allows.
This ranged spell-casting strategy is particularly advantageous since Burning Flames forces you to dodge back while casting, activating Alacrity if you take damage during the escape.
Furthermore, utilize the Darkfrost Edge’s Weapon Skill, Evasive Maneuver, between casting Burning Flames. This Skill inherently provides a secondary dodge upon activation, enhancing your chances of evasion against Honglan’s follow-up attacks while stacking your Skyborn Might. Use this tactic strategically to maintain a safe distance, allowing you to cast spells without prolonged waiting periods. While this method may require some time, it offers an efficient way to defeat Honglan for those struggling with her aggressive arsenal.
Rewards for Conquering Honglan
Upon successfully vanquishing Commander Honglan, you will receive Benediction Wei – Combo Force along with the Reverent Temple Key, leading to your respawn at Reverent Temple.
For further insights into WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers, don’t miss our additional guides detailing the Madness mechanic and the most effective early-game weapons.
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