Clock Room

Master the Clock Room in Dead Cells! Learn the Time Keeper's attack patterns, phases, and effective strategies to overcome this challenging boss. Includes detailed tips for each stage.

The Clock Room is the home of The Time Keeper, a boss encounter that serves as the primary challenge of this level. Unlike earlier bosses, The Time Keeper presents a significant step up in difficulty, but with the right preparation and strategy, the fight can become manageable. The main risk lies in being overwhelmed by the speed and intensity of her attacks.

It is highly recommended to have at least two health potions unlocked for this fight; three will make the encounter considerably easier. While experienced players may manage with fewer potions, new players will likely benefit from the extra healing.

The fight progresses through three distinct stages, each marked by The Time Keeper summoning a ring of shurikens that spin around her before launching outwards. These stages are triggered at approximately 70% and 35% health. While her core attacks remain consistent, they become faster and more complex with each new stage.

Attacks

Melee Attack

When you are close to The Time Keeper, she will perform a sword swing. This attack escalates from one swing in Phase I to two in Phase II, and three in Phase III. Keeping mobile can help you avoid this, but be wary of the multi-hit combos, especially in later phases. In Phase I, a dodge roll through the swing can allow for free hits during the recovery. In Phases II and III, it's safer to roll away to avoid subsequent hits.

Shuriken Throw

At a distance, The Time Keeper throws a single shuriken. This is easily dodged or jumped over. In Phase II, she throws three shurikens, requiring a jump followed by a dodge roll. Phase III intensifies this to five shurikens thrown in rapid succession. A double jump followed by a well-timed dodge roll is necessary to evade them all. There's a brief window for counter-attacks, but prioritize re-establishing distance and using ranged attacks.

Hook Throw

This ranged attack involves The Time Keeper twirling and launching a hook. She can angle it upwards to catch jumping players. Dodging is the primary method of evasion. If caught, you'll be pulled towards her and temporarily immobilized, followed by a swipe that knocks you back. The wind-up time for this attack decreases as the fight progresses, making it harder to dodge. In earlier stages, it's a prime opportunity for offense if you can dodge into or over it during her recovery.

Shuriken Circle

Used between phases, The Time Keeper summons shurikens that orbit her before firing them outwards. If you're standing still, you'll need to dodge roll through the projectile heading your way. Jumping is an option, but proximity can lead to hitting other projectiles.

Dash

Introduced in Phase II, The Time Keeper dashes horizontally across the arena. A visual cue appears as a line just above the ground. In Phase III, she performs two consecutive dashes. Dodging or jumping are viable evasions, though rolling offers more generous timing. Attacks that impair movement, like freezing, can interrupt the dash, providing a safe window for damage.

Falling Blades

Exclusive to Phase III, blades fall from the ceiling simultaneously with her other attacks. Vertical indicators show where the blades will land. While individually avoidable, their presence complicates dodging The Time Keeper's other moves. Focus on moving out of the blade's path and attacking from a safe position, as the screen becomes crowded with attacks.

Strategy

The Time Keeper's most dangerous feature is her speed and the complexity of her attack patterns, especially as the fight progresses through its three stages. Maintaining awareness of her attack cues and utilizing effective dodging and positioning are key to victory. Prioritize learning the tells for each attack and practice evading them consistently. Using a combination of ranged and melee attacks, depending on the phase and your build, can be effective. Remember to utilize your health potions strategically, especially during your initial attempts.