[04-02-01] Battlelord, Boss

Learn the best strategy to defeat the monstrous Battlelord boss in Duke Nukem 3D's L.A. Rumble. Prepare with the right gear and master the circling tactic.

Stats / Weaknesses:

• Health: 4500
• Attacks: Chaingun (Bullet), Sticky Grenades (Projectile), Squish (Melee)
• Weakness: The Battlelord can be outmaneuvered, and the RPG is highly effective.

Phases:

1. Phase 1: Preparation: Before you even enter the arena, make sure you're stocked up. You'll want a Jetpack, a Portable Medikit, an RPG with plenty of ammo, and ideally, your health and armor should be at 200%.
2. Phase 2: Aerial Assault: As soon as you engage the Battlelord in the canyon of the Abyss, immediately activate your Jetpack. Start flying in the largest circle possible around him. This is crucial for two reasons: it helps you dodge his devastating melee squish attack and makes his sticky grenades less of a threat. It also significantly reduces the accuracy of his chaingun. While circling, unload your RPG as fast as you can. Keep an eye on your health; if it drops too low, pop that Portable Medikit. If you can maintain flight for the whole fight, you're golden.
3. Phase 3: Ground Game (If Necessary): If your Jetpack runs out of fuel, you'll have to fight on the ground. The strategy remains similar – keep moving, circle him, and keep firing RPG rounds. However, you'll need to be extra vigilant about dodging the sticky grenades he lobs. If you find yourself on the ground, using Steroids can make him harder to hit you, but don't get too close to try and kick him!

Strategy:

• The Battlelord is a significant step up from previous enemies, comparable to the Cycloid Emperor. His chaingun is incredibly accurate and can melt Duke's health from any range, so staying mobile is key.
• The sticky grenades are a major hazard, especially on the ground. They can cling to surfaces and detonate when you get too close, so always be aware of where they land.
• Don't underestimate the melee squish attack; if you get too close, it's an instant kill. The jetpack is your best friend here, keeping you out of his immediate reach.
• You'll typically need around 40 RPG blasts to take him down, so make sure your RPG is fully loaded before the fight.
• Fortunately, there's a good amount of ammo and health pickups on the path leading to and within the Battlelord's arena, so running out of supplies shouldn't be a major concern if you've been collecting them.