Breath of the Glacian

Learn how to defeat the Deathclaw in Final Fantasy XV's Chapter 12. Discover its weaknesses, attack patterns, and effective strategies to claim the Mark of the Glacian and Trident of the Oracle.

Alright, so you've made it to Chapter 12, and it's time to face off against a pretty tough boss: the Deathclaw. This thing hits HARD, so your absolute top priority is keeping an eye on your buddies' health. Don't be stingy with those Potions!

Stats / Weaknesses:

• Weaknesses: Shields, Machinery, Fire
• Resistances: Ice

Phases:

1. Phase 1: Ranged and Melee Attacks

   The Deathclaw has a few nasty tricks up its sleeve. It can launch its claws at you from a distance, and these can be super quick, sometimes triggering a block prompt before you even have time to react. Keep your guard up!

2. Phase 2: Laser Barrage

   Watch out for when it sends all its appendages at you with lasers. They come down vertically and then sweep across horizontally as they retract. It also has a massive laser attack where it brings all its claws together – definitely get out of the way for that one.

3. Phase 3: Close-Quarters Carnage

   Up close, the Deathclaw has a devastating spin attack where it whirls its appendages around its body. This deals insane damage and will likely put you straight into Danger status, so try to maintain some distance when you can.

Strategy:

• Fire is Your Friend: Seriously, spam Fire magic. If you have any accessories that boost your fire damage, equip them! Getting your magic potency up to Fira level could even let you hit the 9999 damage cap.
• Warp-Strike Wisely: Use your two Point-warps to keep out of its reach and then to set up Warp-strikes. Don't just stand right next to it mashing the Circle/B button; that's a recipe for disaster and a lot of potion usage.
• Stay Mobile: Keep moving and don't get cornered. The goal is to avoid its most damaging attacks while chipping away at its health.

With some persistence, you'll eventually take down this dastardly daemon.

After that tough fight, you'll be heading back to the train. Keep an eye out, because you'll spot someone you definitely don't want to see. Sprint after Ardyn, and you'll get blasted with some arctic air. Inch forward to reach him. After all's said and done, you'll receive the Mark of the Glacian and the Trident of the Oracle. Run up to Ardyn's frozen body to attack, and then enjoy the cutscene that wraps up Chapter 12.