How to Beat The Fortress Commander

Learn the most effective strategies and tips to overcome the challenging Fortress Commander boss fight in Shinobi: Art of Vengeance. Master Joe Musashi's abilities to secure victory.

Stats / Weaknesses:

• The Fortress Commander is heavily armored, making direct frontal assaults difficult.
• Vulnerable to rapid, successive hits after he completes certain attack animations.
• Weak to Ninpo attacks that can stagger him, creating brief windows for damage.

Phases:

1. Phase 1: The Commander relies on wide, sweeping sword attacks and charges. Dodge these and look for opportunities to strike his flanks.
2. Phase 2: He introduces a ground-pound shockwave attack and faster lunges. Timing your jumps and dashes is crucial. Use Ninjutsu here if available to deal significant damage.
3. Phase 3: The Commander becomes more aggressive, chaining attacks and occasionally using a powerful grab. Prioritize evasion and only attack when you are certain it's safe. Shinobi Executions are highly effective if you can land them.

Strategy:

• Maintain a medium distance to better react to his attacks.
• Utilize Joe's dash and jump abilities to evade his wide swings and charges.
• Punish his recovery animations with quick combos.
• Conserve Ninjutsu for when the Commander is staggered or for critical damage phases.
• If you've acquired the Dark Katana, its increased damage can shorten the fight considerably.