Part 136

Learn the best strategies to defeat Maria and the Crystal Guardian in Chained Together. Get tips on handling their attacks, weaknesses, and unique mechanics to secure your victory and rewards.

Alright, let's break down these next couple of bosses. They've got some unique mechanics, so pay attention!

BOSS 27: MARIA (and her Valkyries)

This fight is a bit of a gimmick, so staying on top of your healing is key. Maria will act twice per round, and her attacks can be pretty hefty.

Maria's Attacks:

• Standard Attacks: When she's with her Valkyries, she hits for about 700-750 damage per hit.
• Falling Spears: This hits everyone for 400-450 damage.
• Break Arms: Inflicts the 'Inact' status and deals minor damage. She usually saves this for later when she's alone.

Strategy:

• Focus on one Valkyrie at a time.
• Try to apply POISON to them once their images are gone – it really helps!
• If you have any 'hit all' attacks, they're amazing here, especially when only three enemies are left, as they can melt an image off of every enemy.
• When Maria is alone, she'll start using 'Mirror Images', giving her FOUR images. This can be a pain, but by this point, it's usually just her left, and you might not even need to heal every round.
• Keep applying poison and hitting her with your strongest attacks.
• Don't forget to let your healer rest and recover TP when needed.

BOSS 28: CRYSTAL GUARDIAN

This flying boss is fought in the sky. It's strong against Dark attacks and weak to Wind. However, the real challenge comes from the CRYSTALS it summons, which power its attacks.

Crystal Weaknesses:

• All Crystals are weak to Dark attacks.
• All Crystals are strong to Light attacks.
• Dark Shot is going to be your MVP move here.

Crystal Roles and Strategy:

• Magic Crystal: Lets the Guardian use 'Nirvana', which hits everyone for 500-1,000 damage (usually 800-900). This should be your second target.
• Metal Crystal: Lets the Guardian use 'Otherworldly Claws', hitting everyone for around 750 damage. This is a bugged crystal, so it's recommended to take it out FIRST.
• Healing Crystal: This only heals the boss, so you can afford to take it out after the Metal and Magic Crystals.
• Broken Crystal: Leave this one for LAST. It will occasionally cause the Guardian to do nothing, which is just awesome.

Guardian's Attacks (after crystals are dealt with):

• The Guardian will act twice and primarily use claw attacks, dealing around 550-700 damage per hit.

Strategy:

• Start by destroying the Metal Crystal.
• Next, destroy the Magic Crystal.
• Then, take out the Healing Crystal.
• Finally, leave the Broken Crystal for last.
• Once the crystals are gone, focus on the Guardian itself. You can likely heal every other round or even less.

Warning: This fight can sometimes freeze the game, so be prepared!