3rd Boss Trouble

[EBoyCheese]

Is there a technique that I don't know, because I am struggling alot of with the 3rd boss in both of her phases. If I try to deflect her attacks I get tripped up and killed, and if I try to dodge everything I can't. How do I get past this boss without dying 10 times?

[JAG]

Assuming you're playing on Disciple difficulty - the main reason you can't avoid (not dodge, that's a different mechanic) everything is because Kuroki most prominently features low attacks in her combos. You shouldn't forget that you have two avoid directions, each used for a specific type of attack (one for high/mid attacks, and one for low attacks). And the enemies simply haven't really encouraged you to utilise it up until now (save for some Flashkicks, maybe).

It's the same as with every other enemy/boss, though. You die to them a lot, you memorise their attack patterns, and eventually you start getting better. Kuroki's not any different in that regard, just that you might need more time getting used to her.

That said, here's a couple tips in no particular order:

Phase 1:

1. Bring a weapon with you, and play defensively. You don't even have to deflect, although that is preferable for structure damage. When blocking with a weapon in hand, your structure buildup is reduced, and you don't suffer from chip damage. A weapon's health/durability also does not get depleted - it's only spent when you're attacking someone with it. That means you can block for a pretty long while, avoid the last attack in any given combo, and then punish her. Rinse and repeat. This strategy obviously benefits from Weapon and Structure-related shrine bonuses.

2. Don't forget that you have a dedicated training mode precisely for practicing against enemies and bosses! Go to your Wuguan, interact with a wooden dummy, and spend at least a good half hour just deflecting/avoiding her attacks and getting a sense of the timings. Good practice can go a long way, and that goes for both of her phases.

Phase 2:

1. DO NOT run towards her. Be patient, stand still, let her approach you instead. Trying to rush her will just get you killed instead.

2. Weapon Catch, and Crotch Punch/Duck Strike completely trivialise the fight.

[EBoyCheese]

Thanks for these tips. I'll have to practice more, It is hard because I easily learned Sean and Fajar, I just need to spend significantly more time against her.