Super Castlevania IV Block 1-3 walkthrough: Learn how to avoid instant death traps, defeat Medusa Heads, and beat the first boss, Rowdain.
Walkthrough
- 1Head left from the start; the first candle on the left contains the Stopwatch sub-weapon, though it is not recommended.
- 2Dodge the incoming MEDUSA HEAD enemies.
- 3Be cautious of the thin strips of wood; they will turn if you jump on them, causing INSTANT DEATH. Walk on them instead.
- 4Four candles to the right contains some MEAT.
- 5Two candles further, where the ground rises, is a candle with a KNIFE, which you should avoid.
- 6Defeat the GHOST enemies with a couple of whip strikes.
- 7You can defeat a Viper Swarm by letting your whip dangle on it.
- 8Be careful of the drop-off on the right, as a thin piece of wood is located below.
- 9Head downstairs.
- 10Kill another Viper Swarm from above.
- 11Head down and hit the very right candle to collect MEAT, which may be needed for the upcoming boss fight.
- 12Prepare to fight the boss, Rowdain.
Boss Battle - Rowdain
Rowdain is an undead horseman with two forms. His first form is him riding the horse, and his second form is when he is on foot after the horse is defeated.
Rowdain's Attacks:
- Horse Fireball: Rowdain's horse spits fireballs. Stay on the left side of the screen to easily jump over them and attack the horse's head.
- Lance Swipe: When close, Rowdain will swipe his lance. Avoid getting too close.
- Lance Jump: Rowdain jumps high into the air and moves above you, attempting to bring his lance down. Keep moving and punish him afterwards.
After defeating Rowdain, you will be taken to a world map charting your progress. The next stage is Stage II: Forest.
Tips
- The Stopwatch sub-weapon found early in the level is generally not worth the effort.
- Always walk on the thin wooden strips to avoid falling to instant death.
- Collect the MEAT from the rightmost candle downstairs before the boss fight if you need health.
- The Viper Swarm can be defeated by letting your whip dangle on it.
- Rowdain's horse is vulnerable to attacks on its head.
- For Rowdain's non-horse attacks, maintain a safe distance for the Lance Swipe and keep moving during the Lance Jump.
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