Let's talk about the infamous Tiger Vanguard, a boss that has left many a player of Black Myth: Wukong scratching their heads in frustration. If you've encountered this formidable foe in Chapter 2, you've likely asked yourself: just how hard is Tiger Vanguard? The answer, my friend, is a resounding: quite hard!
He's often cited as one of the most challenging bosses in the game, a true skill check that will push your understanding of combat mechanics and your patience to their limits. But fear not! With the right approach and a deep understanding of his moves, you can turn the tide of battle.
This isn't just about mashing buttons; it's about learning, adapting, and executing. So, are you ready to face the challenge? Let's dive in!
Conquering the Tiger Vanguard: A Step-by-Step Guide
The Tiger Vanguard is a master of martial arts and a formidable swordsman. His aggression, varied attack patterns, and ability to turn to stone make him a unique and demanding opponent. Here's how to break him down and emerge victorious.
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| How Hard Is Tiger Vanguard |
Step 1: Acknowledge the Challenge (and Your Feelings!)
Before we even talk about tactics, let's be honest: this boss is a pain. You might die. A lot. It's okay. Many players have spent dozens of attempts trying to overcome him. Don't let frustration overwhelm you. Instead, use each defeat as a learning opportunity. What attack got you? What could you have done differently? This mindset is crucial for success in any challenging action RPG.
Step 2: Preparation is Key: Gear Up and Skill Up
You wouldn't go into a tiger's den unarmed, would you? The same applies here.
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Sub-heading: Optimal Gear and Attributes
Armor: If you've already defeated the Stone Vanguard, try to craft the Galeguard armor set. This provides excellent defense. Even if not, equip the best armor available to you. Some players also swear by the Serpent armor (obtained after defeating the Whiteclad Noble from Chapter 1), as the arena's blood counts as water, granting health regeneration and increased stamina regeneration in some versions of the game.
Weapon: Ensure your weapon is fully upgraded for your current progress. A stronger weapon means shorter fight, and less room for error.
Spirit/Summon: Consider equipping the Wandering Wight for a defense boost. The Pluck of Many spell (obtainable before this fight by heading towards the Stone Vanguard area, through the small town, and down the sand slide to meet the headless guy) is also highly recommended, as it can make things considerably easier. Some players also find success with poison spirits.
Medicines: Don't hoard your consumables! Evil Repelling Medicaments (for damage reduction) and Tiger Subduing Pellets (for damage increase) can provide a crucial edge. You can replenish these in later chapters, so use them when needed.
Sub-heading: Skill Tree Focus
Stamina: This is paramount. You'll be dodging relentlessly, so investing heavily in the stamina section of your foundation skill tree is essential to ensure you have enough dodges to survive his combos.
Smash Stance: Many players find success focusing their sparks into the Smash Stance, particularly on skills that enhance heavy attacks and focus point generation. The ability to deal burst damage is valuable against the Tiger Vanguard.
Spells: Cloud Step is incredibly useful for escaping his trickier attacks, especially when he uses his "stone form" teleport. The clone spell can also provide a valuable distraction and damage output.
Step 3: Understanding the Beast: Analyzing Tiger Vanguard's Attack Patterns
The Tiger Vanguard's difficulty comes from his unpredictable yet patterned aggression. He has a wide array of moves, but once you recognize them, you can react accordingly. Patience is your best weapon. Don't get greedy!
Sub-heading: Key Attack Breakdowns and Evasion
Jumping Smash: As you enter the arena, he'll often start with this. He jumps high and crashes down. Easy to avoid: dodge just as he's about to land. This often provides an opening for a few quick light attacks.
Melee Combo (Punches & Sweeps): He has several variations.
Two Punches then Delayed Low Sweep: This is a common one. The sweep is delayed and can catch you off guard. Dodge the first two punches, then wait a beat and dodge the low sweep. Don't try to punish immediately after the sweep, as he often jumps away.
Uppercut then Downward Fist Slam: He'll pause briefly after this, shaking his fist. This is your prime opening for a solid combo.
Side-Somersault Kick, then Two Punches, then Side-Spinning Aerial Crash: A lengthy combo. Focus on perfect dodges for each hit or use Cloud Step to disengage.
Horizontal Slash (Close Range): A quick single sword swing. Easy to avoid by dodging in any direction.
Roar and Smash: He gets on all fours, roars, and follows with a linear punch. Dodging when he gets on all fours or simply moving out of the way works.
Sword Slash Combo (4-hit): A quick kick into two quick slashes, with a very delayed final slash. This delay is crucial. Dodge the first few hits, then anticipate the delayed final swing and dodge again. He might follow this with another 3-hit combo.
Stance Combo (Sword): He assumes a stance and unleashes an exceptionally quick, long-range slash. This attack is notoriously difficult to avoid if you're far away. Dodge precisely when he swings his sword, regardless of distance. Sound cues are helpful here.
Tackle into Smash: A short tackle followed by a jumping smash. Dodge the tackle, then prepare for the aerial smash.
Rock Solid (Stone Form): He gets on all fours and turns into stone. DO NOT ATTACK HIM. Your attacks will bounce off, stagger you, and leave you vulnerable to his counter. Use this time to heal, use consumables, or charge a heavy attack for when he comes out of the form. He may also use a charged punch after turning to stone, teleporting back into the arena with a powerful blow. Cloud Step is highly effective here to avoid the teleport punch.
Blood Tornadoes: When he has his sword and you create distance, he may summon multiple blood tornadoes that track you. Dodge forward just as they are about to hit you. Once they pass, they disappear. Staying close can prevent him from using this attack often.
Pouncing Rock Form: If he disappears and reappears as a "solidified body double," immediately sprint in a direction while looking backward. As soon as you see him reappear, dodge either left or right. This will help you avoid his pounce.
Step 4: Mastering the Dance: Combat Strategies
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Now that you know his moves, it's time to put it into practice.
Sub-heading: Aggression vs. Patience
Patience is a Virtue: The Tiger Vanguard is aggressive, but you don't have to be. Don't get greedy with your attacks. Focus on recognizing openings after his combos. One or two hits, then disengage.
Stay Close (Mostly): While he has long-range attacks, staying relatively close can prevent him from resorting to them as frequently. This forces him into his more predictable melee combos.
Exploiting Openings:
After his uppercut and downward fist slam, he's open.
After his jumping smash (especially at the beginning of the fight), he's open.
When he recovers from his "Rock Solid" state, hit him with a charged heavy attack.
Sub-heading: Dodging and Perfect Dodges
Prioritize Dodging: Your primary goal is to avoid damage. Dodging is your best friend.
Perfect Dodges: While not strictly necessary for every attack, learning to execute perfect dodges will provide valuable counter-attack opportunities and help build your focus points. Practice the timing for his key attacks.
Don't Spam Dodge: This can leave you vulnerable. Time your dodges precisely.
Sub-heading: Stance Management and Focus Points
Smash Stance for Burst: If you've invested in Smash Stance, use its heavy attacks when you have accumulated focus points. This is your main damage dealer.
Building Focus: Land light attacks to build your focus points. Once you have them, look for safe openings to unleash your heavy attacks.
Step 5: Practice, Adapt, and Overcome
The Tiger Vanguard is a test of attrition and adaptability.
Learn from Every Death: Re-evaluate your approach after each attempt. Did you misread an attack? Did you get greedy?
Experiment with Spells: Don't be afraid to respec your skill points and try different spells if your current setup isn't working. The clone spell can divert his attention, giving you free hits. Cloud Step is an excellent "get out of jail free" card.
Don't Give Up! The satisfaction of finally defeating the Tiger Vanguard is immense. It's a rite of passage for many players.
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10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some quick answers to common questions about the Tiger Vanguard:
How to prepare for the Tiger Vanguard fight?
Upgrade your best armor and weapon, ideally having crafted the Galeguard set if you've beaten Stone Vanguard. Maximize your stamina in the skill tree, and consider equipping the Wandering Wight spirit.
How to avoid Tiger Vanguard's jumping smash?
Dodge just as he's about to land from his jump. This attack is relatively slow and easy to time.
How to deal with Tiger Vanguard's stone form?
Do not attack him when he turns to stone. Use this time to heal, use consumables, or charge a heavy attack to unleash when he recovers. Be ready to dodge if he teleports and punches.
How to dodge Tiger Vanguard's delayed sword slash?
After his initial quick sword swings, there will be a noticeable delay before his final, powerful slash. Dodge the first few, then anticipate and dodge the delayed last hit.
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How to use spells effectively against Tiger Vanguard?
Cloud Step is excellent for evading his trickier attacks, especially his teleporting stone form punch. The clone spell can draw his aggro and create openings for you.
How to know when to attack Tiger Vanguard?
Look for openings after his longer combos, especially when he pauses to recover (e.g., after the uppercut and downward fist slam). Don't get greedy; land a few hits and prepare to dodge again.
How to avoid Tiger Vanguard's long-range sword dash?
This attack is very fast. You need to dodge precisely when he swings his sword, regardless of how far away he is. Use audio cues to help with the timing.
How to manage stamina during the Tiger Vanguard fight?
Invest heavily in stamina in your skill tree. Avoid spamming dodge; instead, time your dodges precisely. If using the Serpent armor, the arena's blood will help regenerate stamina.
How to deal with Tiger Vanguard's blood tornadoes?
When he summons blood tornadoes, dodge forward just as they are about to hit you. Staying close to him can prevent him from using this attack frequently.
How to make the Tiger Vanguard fight easier?
Practice! Learn his move set, perfect your dodges, and identify safe attack windows. Utilize all your available resources: upgraded gear, appropriate skill point allocation, and consumables. Patience is your greatest ally.
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