Abyss Gate Bosses - how much health do I need?

[Breoc]

I just spent a bit of time grinding health for my main character (Sarah) to over 300. My other characters are all in the high 400s/low 500s, and I seem to last maybe 3 rounds against the fire palace boss. I have zero problems fighting all the mobs in the palace, beat the mini cerberus boss, but can't put a dent in him.

Any recommendations beyond health?

[Your Mom's Oshi]

I usually start trying those bosses at about 600 hp with good techs and items.

Other than that the only advice I can give you off the top of my head is to use commander mode a lot with genbu formation. You don't really need to use Sara at all if she's your leader.

[InsanityForce]

For the Fire Boss, use ranged attacks (Sky Diver, Stardust, Yo-yo, Backstab, Bow techs...) and uncounterable techs like Evil Breaker and Bolt Pierce. His fire counterattack hurts.
Putting a fire-resistant character in front of a formation like Desert Lance makes the Firewall spell much less dangerous. Use Flurry the Snowman, the Self Burning fire spell or equipment to resist fire.
A fast character with their own Firewall can negate fire damage too.

But in this game offense is often the best defense.

[Breoc]

Thanks to you both for answers!

[Play Metaphor]

I killed Alloces with around 300-400 HP and Tiger formation (or w/e it's called) that reduces damage taken. I had some good weapons from my workshop, and a water magic user for the heal. In tiger the "front characters" are the ones in the wings so put your high MDEF characters there to soak the fire spells.

Alternatively, rush down with full LP and use Commander Mode (place your main character outside of the formation before combat).

[gaspump]

I've killed Aunus, Byunei and Forneus in that order starting at about low 400HP to low 500HP on Forneus (with MC at ~600 since of course most growth). Arakes is supposedly the easiest and somehow I left him for last.

Sharl with Firewall on Aunus and Forneus is VERY useful if he can go first, and if he can't even with formation buffs he still has the fire magic speed buff.

Worth mentioning: If you can pick up Snowman in the Ice Galaxy he will sacrifice himself during the Aunus fight if he's the last man standing. But you wouldn't do that to a friend, right?

[t]

Originally posted by gaspump:

I've killed Aunus, Byunei and Forneus in that order starting at about low 400HP to low 500HP on Forneus (with MC at ~600 since of course most growth). Arakes is supposedly the easiest and somehow I left him for last.

Sharl with Firewall on Aunus and Forneus is VERY useful if he can go first, and if he can't even with formation buffs he still has the fire magic speed buff.

Worth mentioning: If you can pick up Snowman in the Ice Galaxy he will sacrifice himself during the Aunus fight if he's the last man standing. But you wouldn't do that to a friend, right?

I strangely can't get Snowman to do the thing!! I wonder if it's because I have 6 characters instead of 5? (does the 6th character count as "still alive" ?)