Part 36

Guide to defeating Xaldin and the Storm Rider in Kingdom Hearts II. Learn their attack patterns, weaknesses, and the best strategies to win.

Alright, let's get this Part 36 done! This section is all about taking down some tough Heartless and Organization XIII members. We'll cover the Storm Rider and Xaldin, and then wrap up some loose ends in the 100 Acre Wood and Beast's Castle.

Boss Fight: Storm Rider

The Storm Rider has a few nasty tricks up its sleeve. First, watch out for its lightning attacks, which can be Guarded or Reflected. Then there's 'Carpet Bombs,' where it flies across the field dropping bombs – you'll need to fly into the air to avoid these. Finally, it has 'Thundaga Cannon,' where it creates walls of electricity and fires a massive lightning attack. The best way to dodge this is by getting close to the Storm Rider's wings.

Boss Fight: Xaldin

Stats / Weaknesses:

• HP: 1155
• Strength: 34
• Defense: 19
• Experience: 0
• Drops: Dense Shard (12%), Serenity Gem (4%), Nobody Lance (1%)

Phases:

1. Opening Attacks: Xaldin wields six lances and uses lunges and slashes. These are pretty easy to dodge with Dodge Roll or Quick Run, leaving him open for a counter or his Reaction Command.
2. Aerial Assault: While in the air, Xaldin uses Wind Blast or a Lightning Zap. You can Reflect these attacks.
3. Dragon Ride: As the fight nears its end, Xaldin uses his ultimate attack, Dragon Ride. He rides around on his lances, unleashing a huge beam across the bridge. Use Jump to avoid this and start your own combo.

Strategy:

• The key to this fight is the 'Learn' Reaction Command. When Xaldin lunges with his lances, use 'Learn' to unleash Jump attacks. Mash the command a few times to accumulate up to nine uses.
• Each Jump attack deals significant damage and sets Xaldin up for a powerful aerial combo.
• Focus on using Jump whenever possible, especially during his Dragon Ride attack, to close out the battle.

After the Fights:

Once the battles are over, you have a few options. You can head to the next world, or if you fancy a visit, you can go back to see Pooh in the 100 Acre Wood. Alternatively, you can return to the Village to find [DAWN #8].

Beast's Castle II Exploration:

You'll find yourself back in Beast's Castle. After a scene, you'll have to fight some Nobodies, including a new enemy called the Dragoon. Dragoons fight similarly to Xaldin but have a major weakness: you can use the 'Learn' Reaction Command to unleash Jump on them for a lot of damage.

After that initial skirmish, head to the Ballroom, then out to the Entrance Hall, and over to the West Hall. At the steps, use High Jump Lv2 and Aerial Dodge to reach [DAWN #43].

Enter Beast's Room for another scene. After talking to Beast again, you'll receive the [RUMBLING ROSE] Keyblade and the [CASTLE WALLS MAP]. There's also an Absent Silhouette for Marluxia in this room if you want to tackle that.

Back in the Entrance Hall, you'll face more Dragoons. Head to the Courtyard for a scene, which kicks off the boss fight against Xaldin.

Items and Collectibles:

• Castle Walls Map
• Secret Ansem's Report 4
• Rumbling Rose (Keyblade)
• Dawn #43 (Puzzle Piece)
• Twilight #28 (Puzzle Piece)
• Reflect Element (Sora Ability)
• Auto Healing (Donald Ability)
• HP +5 (Sora Bonus)
• HP +5 (Goofy Bonus)
• HP +25 (Beast Bonus)

Enemies in the Area:

• Dragoon
• Dusk
• Morning Star
• Neoshadow
• Bulky Vendor
• Gargoyle Knight
• Armored Knight
• Gargoyle Warrior
• Hammer Frame
• Crimson Jazz
• Xaldin