Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria

Tide

Edit history:

Tide: 2015-03-30 07:45:19 am

2015-03-30 07:43:56 am

Insanity Prelude

Yeah, the one thing I love about the patch vs. the rib is that the patch allows you to stay healed. So getting into an encounter or having bad boss AI (Hi Ull) doesn't result in instant death. Didn't realize that Descaling Might would come into play since it seems like it was written off very early in this thread. What's the drop rate on the Thunderbreath Core and when would you learn it? Right now, you learn Fists of Iron/Beast Bludgeon on Kraken. Then from what I played yesterday, the safest time to learn Unholy Purifier is against Evolver. I assume that with Thunderbreath Core, you'll learn that instead on Evolver, then Unholy Purifier on Hydra. Then you'll get both Descaling and Purifier for Dragon Zombie to boot.

An interesting thing of note: Takeshi grabbed the Tome of Alchemy in one of his runs. I'm not sure why. I guess its faster than attacking the Stalker from behind. I've been incorporating this into my runs since it feels faster. I should probably actually time it.

EDIT: Also, I feel like the patch makes it such the Rib isn't as required anymore. You still want it, but for most of the fights, as long as you have HP to burn and don't get hit by being bad, you'll get the same damage boost. Combining both at the sweet spot gives you a lot more power though, so that's definitely worth noting.

Yeah, the one thing I love about the patch vs. the rib is that the patch allows you to stay healed. So getting into an encounter or having bad boss AI (Hi Ull) doesn't result in instant death. Didn't realize that Descaling Might would come into play since it seems like it was written off very early in this thread. What's the drop rate on the Thunderbreath Core and when would you learn it? Right now, you learn Fists of Iron/Beast Bludgeon on Kraken. Then from what I played yesterday, the safest time to learn Unholy Purifier is against Evolver. I assume that with Thunderbreath Core, you'll learn that instead on Evolver, then Unholy Purifier on Hydra. Then you'll get both Descaling and Purifier for Dragon Zombie to boot.

An interesting thing of note: Takeshi grabbed the Tome of Alchemy in one of his runs. I'm not sure why. I guess its faster than attacking the Stalker from behind. I've been incorporating this into my runs since it feels faster. I should probably actually time it.

EDIT: Also, I feel like the patch makes it such the Rib isn't as required anymore. You still want it, but for most of the fights, as long as you have HP to burn and don't get hit by being bad, you'll get the same damage boost. Combining both at the sweet spot gives you a lot more power though, so that's definitely worth noting.

Dak_Rey

2015-03-30 12:07:44 pm

Descaling Might is useless for the Zunde route since he already has Giant Killer which is the same effect on the Hydra. You don't have enough slots to equip both by then. The Dragon Zombie isn't actually scaled though, and again, you don't have enough slots to set both Unholy Purifier and Descaling Might anyway.

I'd never thought about the Tome, but it could be very useful, although I'd probably save it for the fight where you learn Solitary Struggle before Ull rather than lose a chance at a Bloody Patch.

I cling hard to safety, so I'd always get the Patch and Rib. But it is certainly possible, especially with Zunde, to skip on some of the damage boosters.

Tide

2015-03-30 11:45:35 pm

Insanity Prelude

Alright, its done: http://www.twitch.tv/tideruglia/c/6440655

First RTA run in the NA Community with the Alicia route is completed. Everything after Dragon Zombie is pretty awful. Didn't realize the 10% on Dragon Rib made that much of a difference. Really slow reactions and execution as a result. I ran the entire run without Dragon Rib and Alicia only - I highly recommend against this for future reference. Also, Patch itself costs a lot of time from menuing to heal yourself back up I find. So optimally, Rib is definitely more important of the set. Just don't make mistakes...lol.

Dak_Rey

2015-03-31 12:44:29 pm

Dragon Rib is 60% at low HP, so it is a huge difference. I'll give the run a watch tomorrow when I have the spare time.

Congratulations on your first completed run!

Rezard

2015-03-31 07:24:20 pm

Meteor Swarm

about rib+patch, this combo is only effective when your hp is form 19% to 2% HP. i allway forgot that in consideration when i run it. And avoid some healing when i could save time.

Tide

Edit history:

Tide: 2015-04-01 10:30:47 pm

2015-04-01 10:30:12 pm

Insanity Prelude

I'm not even sure the patch is really worth it sans the final boss unless you want to be safe. You can get most of the bosses with just the rib but since the rib requires critical HP, it basically means you can't make a mistake. Its faster though because patch requires you to constantly open the menu and give yourself some HP so you can proc the bonus.

Just to make sure, the Rib and the Patch have the same boost (50%), right? It's just their base increase that's different (10% Atk vs. +5 Atk only). Or is the 60% not factoring in the Rib's default +10% bonus?

Dak_Rey

2015-04-02 07:19:41 am

The 60% is the 10% base + 50% bonus.
The Rib/Patch combo is at its peak performance from 19% and below, but you still get bonuses a lot earlier than that from the Rib. I find that in the second half of the game, healing before each boss for 1500HP slaps you pretty much at 30% HP which is a fantastic range for the Rib/Patch combo.
For me, the safety the patch offers vs. not having the patch is worth the 1 minute or something that is spent healing up by the end of the run. I already fail to finish so often I just want to keep it as easy as possible.

Tide

2015-04-02 01:12:35 pm

Insanity Prelude

Thanks for the clarification on the Rib. That explains why the damage I had in my Alicia run didn't look right. And yeah, I totally agree. Farming patch is probably a good idea for a marathon type run. I'm just thinking that to push the time down, its not really needed until the end (so if you get it, great. If not, you can still make the run work).

Dak_Rey

2015-04-04 07:17:52 am

I did a run this morning; Kraad/Alicia: 2:20:59
http://www.twitch.tv/dak_rey/c/6470709

Immediately followed by another Kraad/Alicia run that was going super well until I got cheated by an enemy advantage; and it was on course for under 2:10 as well.
http://www.twitch.tv/dak_rey/c/6470785

Tide

2015-04-04 07:37:51 am

Insanity Prelude

Just watched a bit this morning since I have work. Very nice Evolver fight. I'm still bad at it, but I think what I will do in the future is adopt the safety strat if the only attack boost I have is the Ram's Horn. Should probably stop making safety saves too since I never really ever reload when I die...lol.

Rezard

2015-04-05 12:41:36 pm

Meteor Swarm

Alicia body hit the monster before the sword here. Same shit appened to me twice.

Tide

2015-04-06 08:03:06 am

Insanity Prelude

Takeshi had another practice run this morning with a very interesting series of load outs.
- Got Kraad but he had Dylan learn Beast bludgeon and Fists of Iron. This ended up not mattering cause he got Zunde from the relic and went Kraad/Zunde. However, I think he was set up to tackle Evolver with Dylan alone. Whether it is with Dak Rey's strat I don't know.
- The menu is interesting in Kalstad. Takeshi sells Alicia's robe to fund additional purchases (notably, he still gets 2x Beryl's Bracelets). Bronze Blue Mirror, Red Cherry and some consumable are par for course
- He missed getting the Pyrotechnic Ore. Not sure if this was a mistake, but would've been interesting to see what the plan was if this happens.
- Used Lezard to farm a Bloody Patch. Fire Storm -> Sweep Dive seems to work beautifully. But maybe this is just positioning
- Reset after no Dragon Rib. He actually paused the timer for a bit, so I don't know if this is because he had something else come up. However, I think this is a pretty good indication you have to get the Dragon Rib. Not that this should be news, but its good to have it confirmed by our peers in the Nico community.

Dak_Rey

2015-04-06 12:27:40 pm

I'm not sure why he would choose to use Lezard to farm the Bloody Patch. Sweep Dive hits fine without launching and I'm assuming he uses Fire Storm; which eats major AP. On the other hand, it might be worth experimenting with for Dylan since the attack arc of Absolute Strike is very difficult to get in the sweet spot and maybe launching would help.

Also, when getting Zunde I've been playing with saving the Prism Crystal for the troll in Crawsus, instead of going back and grabbing the second sealstone. Normally the fight is simple, dash to the troll, use the item and then hit it once to finish it off. It is a few seconds quicker then going back. BUT it's actually possible that the crystal will hit the weapon and do no damage to the troll since it hits a random part. This then wastes way more than a few seconds to either finish the fight or run away and resort to old strats, which happened in a recent run. So I've decided against doing that and will just use it on first form Evolver as normal.

I'm not sure why he would choose to use Lezard to farm the Bloody Patch. Sweep Dive hits fine without launching and I'm assuming he uses Fire Storm; which eats major AP. On the other hand, it might be worth experimenting with for Dylan since the attack arc of Absolute Strike is very difficult to get in the sweet spot and maybe launching would help.

Also, when getting Zunde I've been playing with saving the Prism Crystal for the troll in Crawsus, instead of going back and grabbing the second sealstone. Normally the fight is simple, dash to the troll, use the item and then hit it once to finish it off. It is a few seconds quicker then going back. BUT it's actually possible that the crystal will hit the weapon and do no damage to the troll since it hits a random part. This then wastes way more than a few seconds to either finish the fight or run away and resort to old strats, which happened in a recent run. So I've decided against doing that and will just use it on first form Evolver as normal.

Rezard

Edit history:

Rezard: 2015-04-07 01:41:15 am

Rezard: 2015-04-07 01:41:07 am

Rezard: 2015-04-07 01:40:18 am

Rezard: 2015-04-07 01:37:42 am

2015-04-07 01:37:28 am

Meteor Swarm

I don't see the point of burn storm either. Sweep dive and forcefullness rune (no weapon for safety) is the best way to farm bloody patch
Also i may one day try to do stupid route challenge.
Mage only (this one suck and doesn't work.. no forget it)
Rufus+phyress route (this one may work)
maybe i have an alt strat for the early part in alicia route, it's gona need a bit farming.

Tide

2015-04-09 08:50:48 am

Insanity Prelude

I'm not sure why he used Lezard. If you watch his other runs, he usually doesn't farm for patch as the Rib is usually enough. He only attempts the patch for Highlander and Vampire Lord. Its possible he was testing something on the fly. He's been working on a new route again based on my last correspondence with him.

Looking at Wrath Forcefulness, its a 500 Crystal restore. If you bypass Sword Blessing, you would only need about 12 additional fights. Assuming you can DA all the bosses and fights after (Kraken, both Evolver forms, Hydra, 2 Muscular Stalkers, Dragon Zombie) you would really only need to do 5 additional fights. I'm not sure its really worth it. You'll pretty much also have to assume that you have no weapon since weapon breakage stops your attack chain. Its basically a similar situation as the earlier discussions we had regarding where to grind Mithra if you roll L2 instead of L1.

Btw, Dylan level 45 is apparently possible even if you never levelled him up. But I'm not sure how to do it and if its even worth it. Maybe for Dyn? I dunno.

As for Mage only, someone on GameFAQs suggested that Khanon could be an option on a topic I posted a while back. The advantage is that he learns some of the better spells early, is a 100% materialization and starts with Solitary Struggle. No idea if this even works. Magic IIRC is pretty bad offensively. And needing to do more seal stone juggling/restoration just feels really slow. It could be worth investigating for alternative categories though?

Speaking of new routing though, Takeshi highlighted his run. It's with Dyn apparently, and has Kraad early. So I guess every load out is possible now. I would just default back to Alicia personally since it doesn't appear to be that much faster (2 mins it looks like). The most notable thing is the Evolver fight, where he deploys Dylan/Alicia. It looks like its an alternative version of Dak Rey's strategy, but keeps the second party member far away from Evolver in case of a Flame Shower. Just use Might Potion, separate the two after passing the first set of pillars, then hop behind Evolver and go for it. If he Flame Showers, get the other party member to revive. I guess this is what Crystal runners do for this fight as well, so it makes sense on some level.

I'm not sure why he used Lezard. If you watch his other runs, he usually doesn't farm for patch as the Rib is usually enough. He only attempts the patch for Highlander and Vampire Lord. Its possible he was testing something on the fly. He's been working on a new route again based on my last correspondence with him.

Looking at Wrath Forcefulness, its a 500 Crystal restore. If you bypass Sword Blessing, you would only need about 12 additional fights. Assuming you can DA all the bosses and fights after (Kraken, both Evolver forms, Hydra, 2 Muscular Stalkers, Dragon Zombie) you would really only need to do 5 additional fights. I'm not sure its really worth it. You'll pretty much also have to assume that you have no weapon since weapon breakage stops your attack chain. Its basically a similar situation as the earlier discussions we had regarding where to grind Mithra if you roll L2 instead of L1.

Btw, Dylan level 45 is apparently possible even if you never levelled him up. But I'm not sure how to do it and if its even worth it. Maybe for Dyn? I dunno.

As for Mage only, someone on GameFAQs suggested that Khanon could be an option on a topic I posted a while back. The advantage is that he learns some of the better spells early, is a 100% materialization and starts with Solitary Struggle. No idea if this even works. Magic IIRC is pretty bad offensively. And needing to do more seal stone juggling/restoration just feels really slow. It could be worth investigating for alternative categories though?

Speaking of new routing though, Takeshi highlighted his run. It's with Dyn apparently, and has Kraad early. So I guess every load out is possible now. I would just default back to Alicia personally since it doesn't appear to be that much faster (2 mins it looks like). The most notable thing is the Evolver fight, where he deploys Dylan/Alicia. It looks like its an alternative version of Dak Rey's strategy, but keeps the second party member far away from Evolver in case of a Flame Shower. Just use Might Potion, separate the two after passing the first set of pillars, then hop behind Evolver and go for it. If he Flame Showers, get the other party member to revive. I guess this is what Crystal runners do for this fight as well, so it makes sense on some level.

Dak_Rey

2015-04-09 05:23:09 pm

Wrath of Forcefulness doesn't get restored at all, you just hold it while in the Palace. Restoring it would be a segmented strategy only.

I'd be interested to know how you get Dylan to 45. Especially if you say it is possible without ever using him. Maybe there are enough expert's experience available up to that point, but it certainly wouldn't be feasible to collect them in a speedrun.

Keeping a second person alive for Evolver is super safe. Only downside is the experience split, but I believe that Taka capitalised on the opportunity to teach Alicia 'Fists of Iron' and I don't think the loss of experience would be too influential. The way I do it with just Dylan I prefer that he gets all the experience from the first form to maximise level and therefore health gain, to make Flame Shower survivable (unless you are very unlucky), but if you are happy to eat a Flame Shower and revive instead then it would be safer.

Tide

2015-04-10 06:05:02 am

Insanity Prelude

Had a RTA run that was -7:25 yesterday that died to Odin because I was a dumb ass. Oh well, maybe next time.

Tide

2015-04-10 11:06:42 pm

Insanity Prelude

Really need to review Dragon Zombie. Died to him again tonight. Should you remain poisoned in that fight? I understand its to proc. the Dragon Rib for Ull later, but I find that if he uses his AoE attack, it tends to get you killed. Especially since I can't seem to get the kill securely.

Dak_Rey

2015-04-11 02:20:19 pm

Dying in dumb ways on great runs is par for the course.

The strat I use for Dragon Zombie is:
Sweep Dive/Absolute Swing
Wrath of Forcefulness
No weapon
Unholy Purifier
Power Bangle
Bloody Patch (or use a Might Potion if you aren't going to farm for one)
You should hit the orbs for around 1000 damage.
Line up directly in line with the Dragon's head and hit away. Should do about 2000 damage per swing. You get four attacks, breaking the head. Dragon Zombie attacks and then you hit another four times. You should break the rib on the second hit and instakill on the third hit, with a fourth backup hit on the possibility you misaligned very slightly. It should never get the opportunity to use Maleficent Harm and provided you healed before the fight you can tank two hits easily.

I don't do the fight poisoned since I'm not a fan of the Black Crystal, but just eating a Apothecary's Arcanum after destroying the last orb should keep you safe.

Tide

2015-04-11 06:43:59 pm

Insanity Prelude

I reviewed the tape of my run yesterday. I had the Bangle/Unholy Purifier/Wrath of Forcefulness and Fists of Iron but my damage was way low even after the Might Potion (like only 1600). Turns out those +3% accessories are kinda important. Also I need to make a better habit of using those stat items ASAP. They probably make a big difference too.

I might start taking out the Black Crystal in non-Zunde/Aaron runs. Dunno, but Dylan just doesn't seem as destructive for some reason. Also second note: safety strat on Evolver makes Zunde unable to have the CP to equip two critical skills. So gotta make the hard choice there.

Dak_Rey

2015-04-12 07:11:24 am

Eating the stat up items makes a huge difference in damage, especially since you don't have a weapon equipped. Ideally, you'd want to eat them just before Evolver when you're set in which route you're going to use.

Ram's Horn linked with 5 other runes is 9% damage boost.
Ram's Horn linked with 4 runes is 7.5% and a Beryl Bracelet is 5%, for a total 12.5% damage boost.
For reference: when poisoned the Black Crystal adds 6% to all stats; but since we only really look at damage you can consider it a 6% damage boost.

I'd imagine you should be using one of these set ups along with the Power Bangle so I don't really see why you would be lacking in damage.

What two critical skills are you trying to set on Zunde? I don't ever give him two critical skills at once.

Tide

Edit history:

Tide: 2015-04-12 04:15:35 pm

2015-04-12 04:14:51 pm

Insanity Prelude

Having Zunde fight Solo against Evolver seems to let him get up to 20 by the time he fights Dragon Zombie, at which point you can use Unholy Purifier + Giant Killer. Zunde has it easier for that fight because of it. I miss the kill with Dylan occasionally. Never had that happen with Zunde if I go risky on Evolver. If Zunde fights with anyone else, his level will be about 18 by the time you are done with the 2 Muscular Stalkers, so you will be lacking the 2 additional CP.

To clarify, that run that died on the Dragon Zombie, I skipped all the boosts such as Ram's Horn and Beryl's Bracelet. So I had only the Power Bangle and I might not have eaten the gems since I was doing only about 1600 on Dragon Zombie.

In the future, I think my decision chart probably looks something like:

Kraad
- If no Black Crystal/GEH, and banking on Zunde, grab Ram's Horn, skip Beryl's Bracelets
- If no Black Crystal/GEH, and doing Dylan (safe strat), grab Ram's Horn, buy 1 Beryl's Bracelets. Sell Alicia's Robe for funds.
- If one of Black Crystal/GEH, then skip Ram's Horn. Sell Alicia's Robe for 1 Beryl's Bracelets.
- If both Black Crystal/GEH, then skip both the Horn and Beryl's Bracelet.

Roland
- If no Black Crystal/GEH, grab Ram's Horn, 3 x Beryl's Bracelets
- If one of Black Crystal/GEH, then skip Ram's Horn. 3 x Beryl's Bracelets.
- If both Black Crystal/GEH, skip Ram's Horn. 2 x Beryl's Bracelet.

So not using Black Crystal strats probably just means sticking with choice 1.
By the way, what's the attack range for Lezard' Animate Earth? I wasn't even aware he had it until I was FAQing some other stuff.

Having Zunde fight Solo against Evolver seems to let him get up to 20 by the time he fights Dragon Zombie, at which point you can use Unholy Purifier + Giant Killer. Zunde has it easier for that fight because of it. I miss the kill with Dylan occasionally. Never had that happen with Zunde if I go risky on Evolver. If Zunde fights with anyone else, his level will be about 18 by the time you are done with the 2 Muscular Stalkers, so you will be lacking the 2 additional CP.

To clarify, that run that died on the Dragon Zombie, I skipped all the boosts such as Ram's Horn and Beryl's Bracelet. So I had only the Power Bangle and I might not have eaten the gems since I was doing only about 1600 on Dragon Zombie.

In the future, I think my decision chart probably looks something like:

Kraad
- If no Black Crystal/GEH, and banking on Zunde, grab Ram's Horn, skip Beryl's Bracelets
- If no Black Crystal/GEH, and doing Dylan (safe strat), grab Ram's Horn, buy 1 Beryl's Bracelets. Sell Alicia's Robe for funds.
- If one of Black Crystal/GEH, then skip Ram's Horn. Sell Alicia's Robe for 1 Beryl's Bracelets. 
- If both Black Crystal/GEH, then skip both the Horn and Beryl's Bracelet.

Roland
- If no Black Crystal/GEH, grab Ram's Horn, 3 x Beryl's Bracelets
- If one of Black Crystal/GEH, then skip Ram's Horn. 3 x Beryl's Bracelets.
- If both Black Crystal/GEH, skip Ram's Horn. 2 x Beryl's Bracelet.

So not using Black Crystal strats probably just means sticking with choice 1.
By the way, what's the attack range for Lezard' Animate Earth? I wasn't even aware he had it until I was FAQing some other stuff.

Dak_Rey

2015-04-13 08:31:56 am

For some reason I've never realised that Dragon Zombie was a Giant enemy. Being able to set Giant Killer and Unholy Purifer for the fight would be a huge damage increase instead of Unholy Purifier/Fists of Iron.
Although I don't actually know that it would save any time since you still wouldn't be able to one cycle it and you can two cycle it as is.
It does make me wonder if it is even worth learning Unholy Purifier though, since Zunde has Giant Killer to start with, it'll save the 5,000 OTH from buying the rune; which is two Beryl Bracelets right there.

Either way, there is never any reason to use any safety strat on Evolver if you are using Zunde; the only time he can hit you is if he evades and counters you in his first form when you break his arm.

Form 1:
- Dash to his side, use Prism Crystal. If you aren't lucky on breaking his arm with the crystal, then attack once with Dreaded Radius to break it.
- Then move behind him and kill him.

Form 2:
- Use Overdrive.
- Use Might Potion.
- However you like, get behind him in a single dash. I do one dash to his side, run in circle to regain 100AP and then do a dash from his side to behind him.
- Hit him with Dreaded Radius -> Sweep Dive until he dies. Takes 6 hits, 84AP.

See highlight:
http://www.twitch.tv/dak_rey/c/6532568

Animate Earth is Great Magic and therefore hits the entire battlefield. If you mean what is the range of the red circle on the ground when you fight him, then its a huge circle that covers most of the arena; much like Meteor Swarm.

For some reason I've never realised that Dragon Zombie was a Giant enemy. Being able to set Giant Killer and Unholy Purifer for the fight would be a huge damage increase instead of Unholy Purifier/Fists of Iron.
Although I don't actually know that it would save any time since you still wouldn't be able to one cycle it and you can two cycle it as is. 
It does make me wonder if it is even worth learning Unholy Purifier though, since Zunde has Giant Killer to start with, it'll save the 5,000 OTH from buying the rune; which is two Beryl Bracelets right there.

Either way, there is never any reason to use any safety strat on Evolver if you are using Zunde; the only time he can hit you is if he evades and counters you in his first form when you break his arm.

Form 1:
- Dash to his side, use Prism Crystal. If you aren't lucky on breaking his arm with the crystal, then attack once with Dreaded Radius to break it.
- Then move behind him and kill him.

Form 2:
- Use Overdrive.
- Use Might Potion.
- However you like, get behind him in a single dash. I do one dash to his side, run in circle to regain 100AP and then do a dash from his side to behind him.
- Hit him with Dreaded Radius -> Sweep Dive until he dies. Takes 6 hits, 84AP.

See highlight:
http://www.twitch.tv/dak_rey/c/6532568

Animate Earth is Great Magic and therefore hits the entire battlefield. If you mean what is the range of the red circle on the ground when you fight him, then its a huge circle that covers most of the arena; much like Meteor Swarm.

Tide

2015-04-14 07:19:08 am

Insanity Prelude

2 attempts yesterday. One died to Hrist because of a really bad dash. I should have just moved a little to get a better dash angle, but the run wasn't that good (I should have saved a lot more time instead of just 20 seconds or so by that point...see next attempt). Second died because I forgot to trigger the last cutscene in the PotVD. Never made that mistake before and really sucked. I was -4:30 before getting to the second half where there were huge time saves.

Does Zunde even need the Beryl's Bracelets? I guess it can't hurt him, but I seem to recall watching both of Rezard's runs and he never buys them. I rather get Bracelets over Ram's Horn if the option is open since buying the item is faster than setting up that puzzle. I don't tend to do safety strat if I have everything I need to attempt the riskier one rounds. Evolver constantly scares me though, even with Zunde. I forgot why I had Alicia in that time. It might have something to do with messing up my menus from earlier so I needed another battle to teach her Fists of Iron.

And yeah, I meant the Red Circle. Per Tri Ace Fanboy's FAQ, he uses it when his HP drops below 50%. But I've never seen him do it as the move immediately coming out of your first attack cycle. Not sure what the deal iwith the AI is there. Maybe it can't do it immediately until a second attack? Makes that fight a little harder on Alicia route. I think the better approach in that case, is to chip him down to about the H mark (40%), Charge break, then go for the kill. If he kills Arngrim, you probably don't even need it.

2 attempts yesterday. One died to Hrist because of a really bad dash. I should have just moved a little to get a better dash angle, but the run wasn't that good (I should have saved a lot more time instead of just 20 seconds or so by that point...see next attempt). Second died because I forgot to trigger the last cutscene in the PotVD. Never made that mistake before and really sucked. I was -4:30 before getting to the second half where there were huge time saves.

Does Zunde even need the Beryl's Bracelets? I guess it can't hurt him, but I seem to recall watching both of Rezard's runs and he never buys them. I rather get Bracelets over Ram's Horn if the option is open since buying the item is faster than setting up that puzzle. I don't tend to do safety strat if I have everything I need to attempt the riskier one rounds. Evolver constantly scares me though, even with Zunde. I forgot why I had Alicia in that time. It might have something to do with messing up my menus from earlier so I needed another battle to teach her Fists of Iron.

And yeah, I meant the Red Circle. Per Tri Ace Fanboy's FAQ, he uses it when his HP drops below 50%. But I've never seen him do it as the move immediately coming out of your first attack cycle. Not sure what the deal iwith the AI is there. Maybe it can't do it immediately until a second attack? Makes that fight a little harder on Alicia route. I think the better approach in that case, is to chip him down to about the H mark (40%), Charge break, then go for the kill. If he kills Arngrim, you probably don't even need it.

Dak_Rey

2015-04-14 07:49:25 am

Zunde doesn't need Beryl Bracelets, but as you say, if you aren't going to get the Ram's Horn then it doesn't hurt to buy one. If you get the Great Eagle Heart though you don't need either.

Not sure what your Lezard start is with Alicia, but killing him in one cycle with Alicia isn't at all hard; especially since Alicia is stronger than Zunde at that point. What is your set up for the fight?

Here is what I am using:

Equipment:
Glance Reviver
Power Bangle
Power Bangle
Dragon Rib
Bloody Patch

Skills:
Fists of Iron
Solitary Struggle
Magician Slayer

Attacks:
Mirage Pierce
Spiral Pierce
Gale Winds

Experience is tight for learning Spiral Piece so the below also works:

Mirage Piece
Gale Winds
Cutting Edge

Battle Strategy:
Use a Might Potion at the start.
Dash behind him.
Run around to restore AP (75 AP is a 6 hit combo, 99 AP would get you a 7 hit combo); you can stay behind him during this.
Hit him until he dies, making sure not to cancel out Alicia's attacks early (Spiral and Gale are three hit attacks).

You don't need 6 hits, let alone 7 hits. But maybe if you are missing the Bloody Patch or got really unlucky on Magician Slayer the extra hits'll make the difference.

I also prefer to kill the Homunculi in the battle before as well. Alicia destroys them and I think it is much safer than trying to line up knocking them out. I've been screwed over by invisible walls before.

Zunde doesn't need Beryl Bracelets, but as you say, if you aren't going to get the Ram's Horn then it doesn't hurt to buy one. If you get the Great Eagle Heart though you don't need either.

Not sure what your Lezard start is with Alicia, but killing him in one cycle with Alicia isn't at all hard; especially since Alicia is stronger than Zunde at that point. What is your set up for the fight?

Here is what I am using:

[i]Equipment:[/i]
Glance Reviver
Power Bangle
Power Bangle
Dragon Rib
Bloody Patch

[i]Skills:[/i]
Fists of Iron
Solitary Struggle
Magician Slayer

[i]Attacks:[/i]
Mirage Pierce
Spiral Pierce
Gale Winds

Experience is tight for learning Spiral Piece so the below also works:

Mirage Piece
Gale Winds
Cutting Edge

[i]Battle Strategy:[/i]
Use a Might Potion at the start.
Dash behind him.
Run around to restore AP (75 AP is a 6 hit combo, 99 AP would get you a 7 hit combo); you can stay behind him during this.
Hit him until he dies, making sure not to cancel out Alicia's attacks early (Spiral and Gale are three hit attacks).

You don't need 6 hits, let alone 7 hits. But maybe if you are missing the Bloody Patch or got really unlucky on Magician Slayer the extra hits'll make the difference.

I also prefer to kill the Homunculi in the battle before as well. Alicia destroys them and I think it is much safer than trying to line up knocking them out. I've been screwed over by invisible walls before.