The Collector Strategy

[red_popsicle]

So this is probably a bug, and may get patched at some point. But I was fighting the Collector and died a few times. Out of frustration, I crystal dashed into the room, and I hit him. After that, I was free to move, where normally I would be stuck. I pulled off a bunch of free hits before the fight even started. I know it was a bug, because there was no music once the fight started. But maybe it will help someone who's struggling with this fight. Fungal Spore is a great charm for this, btw.

[kanna]

Please remove the boss name from the title of the thread.

I think what you did with the Crystal Heart is probably what's called "scream skip" in speedrunning terms. I don't think the music starts until the fight begins, from what I recall. You can use that skip if you want, but you can only do it once with this boss, unlike with certain other bosses that give multiple opportunities during the fight. I had trouble with it too at first, but the Collector is really not that difficult (except under certain conditions), once you're familiar with its patterns.

I'm glad you found a use for Spore Shroom. I suspect many people (myself included) neglect it, though it's not a bad charm really. It would be interesting to see someone develop a non-minion, AOE-supported build actually.

if you want any assistance with handling the fight, it becomes fairly easy if you just stay next to the Collector and let it jump over you while you attack it with your nail and your upward spell, then dash to the jars and break them as they drop (or use spells like your left-right or downward spells) to take out adds if you miss any as they drop. Shaman Stone makes spells both bigger and stronger for the best effect.