The first challenging boss players will encounter in Shin Megami Tensei V will be the serpent-looking Lernaean Hydra, commonly known as simply Hydra. Defeating Hydra requires a fair amount of preparation; without fusing powerful Demons, Hydra is capable of defeating every party member with powerful attacks. The Hydra boss battle encounter will start as soon as players reach Tokyo Tower.
Defeating bosses in Shin Megami Tensei 5 requires players to be aware of the demon’s weaknesses and resistances. The case remains the same for the Hydra Boss battle, as exploiting his weakness is essential for defeating him. In addition, players will also get extra turns by exploiting Hydra’s weakness and get an opportunity to strike him with critical hits.
Before going to Tokyo Tower to face the Hydra boss, Shin Megami Tensei 5 players must make sure they have the right demons in their party. Since the Hydra in Shin Megami Tensei 5 deals a lot of damage using its dark elemental moves, carrying HP and MP recovery items is recommended. In addition, it is also prudent to have the Magatsuhi gauge maxed out, as it comes in handy in dealing extra damage whenever Hydra starts gathering Magatsuhi.
How to Beat Hydra in Shin Megami Tensei 5
Here’s how players can defeat the Hydra boss in Shin Megami Tensei V:
- Hydra is a level 15 demon that is weak to ice-type attacks and resists all fire spells. Therefore, players must have a team of monsters in Shin Megami Tensei V that can cast ice-type spells to earn extra turns. Do not spam ice-based attacks to avoid running out MP during battle.
- Avoid the Magatsuhi skill initially, as it is beneficial for the battle’s later stages.
- Hydra deals heavy damage using fire-based attacks. His Fire Breath +3 attack and Magatsuhi skill can be very deadly, so use a Fire dampener item to diminish the effects.
- When Hydra signals that he is about to use his Toxic Breath attack, guard on the next move to avoid taking massive damage. Players can also use the Darkness Dampener item to mitigate damage from Dark Elemental attacks.
- Once Hydra’s HP is about 50%, start using ice-based attacks as much as possible to earn more turns. Hydra starts dealing +3 physical attacks once his health is nearly half, so it is crucial to keep getting more turns.
- When Hydra gathers Magatsuhi from the surroundings, use the “Omagatoki: Critical” with a maxed-out Magatsuhi gauge to get an offensive advantage.
- Keep the damage up and use healing items when needed. The Hydra will eventually go down.
Shin Megami Tensei V is available for the Nintendo Switch.
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