How to Beat Inferno (Arcade Mode Final Boss)

Master Soulcalibur V's Arcade Mode Inferno. Learn strategies for each route, including mini-bosses like Aeon and Cervantes, and final bosses like Nightmare and Siegfried.

Alright, so you're trying to conquer Inferno in Soulcalibur V's Arcade Mode? It's a tough challenge, but totally doable once you know what you're getting into. This mode throws a gauntlet of opponents at you, and the final boss can be a real wall. Let's break down how to get through it.

Arcade Mode Overview:

Arcade Mode is available right from the start. You'll fight through 6 stages, with the first 4 stages featuring random characters depending on the route you pick. The last two stages are usually a mini-boss and then the final boss. You can choose from Easy, Normal, and Hard difficulties, with Normal being the default. Keep in mind, you're timed in every route and difficulty, and your best times are recorded. However, only the 'Ranking' route counts for your actual rank.

Generally, you'll face characters on their home stages, complete with their theme music.

Route Breakdown and Boss Strategies:

Route 1: Standard

• Regular Stages: You'll face any of the standard characters. Note that Elysium, Alpha Patroklos, Pyrrha Omega, Edge Master, Algol, Ezio, Devil Jin, Cervantes, and Kilik are usually excluded.
• Mini-boss: Aeon - Don't let the Lizardman appearance fool you; Aeon has some new tricks and wings. He's not too tough on Easy or Normal, but he's a step up from the earlier stages.
• Boss: Nightmare - This guy can definitely ring you out with that massive sword. Stay aware of the stage edges, especially when he's close.

Route 2: Europe

• Regular Stages: You'll only fight European characters like Siegfried, Viola, Hilde, Pyrrha, Patroklos, Tira, Raphael, Ivy, Z.W.E.I., and Cervantes. Nightmare won't appear here.
• Mini-boss: Z.W.E.I. - He's not too remarkable, but the stage is a bridge, so watch out for ring-outs on either side.
• Boss: Cervantes - He's on a pirate ship during a storm. Ring-outs are a bit harder due to the railings, but be careful if you or Cervantes get knocked overboard in mid-air.

Route 3: Asia

• Regular Stages: This route is the inverse of Europe, featuring only Asian characters: Mitsurugi, Yoshimitsu, Leixia, Xiba, Maxi, Natsu, and Kilik.
• Mini-boss: Maxi - You start on a damaged ship. There are railings on two sides and broken edges on the others. After two wins, the area gets destroyed, and you drop to a new spot with only one open edge and walls on the other sides.
• Boss: Kilik - This fight is tricky because Kilik's fighting style can change mid-battle, switching between characters like Voldo and Raphael. If you reach the final round, you'll be on a small rocky area with only one open side.

Route 4: Ranking

• Difficulty: Only Normal. Your Arcade Mode rank is determined by your time in this route.
• Mini-boss: Ezio - He's dangerous at any range, using a variety of weapons like fists, feet, hidden blades, swords, crossbows, and even a hidden gun. The stage prevents ring-outs.
• Boss: Siegfried - You'll fight him on the same bridge stage as Z.W.E.I. Be mindful of the two sides that can lead to a ring-out.

Route 5: Extra

• Unlock Condition: Reach level 17.
• Stages: Still 6 stages, but it doesn't follow the other routes' standards. You can face any character except Devil Jin (Dampierre's status is uncertain). The stages might not be the characters' usual ones, though it's still possible. The camera also behaves unusually, shifting dynamically like a cinematic.
• Mini-boss: Edge Master
• Boss: You'll face one of Alpha Patroklos, Pyrrha Omega, Ezio, or Algol on Algol's stage.