Ah, the Tiger Vanguard! A formidable opponent in Black Myth: Wukong that has tested the patience and skill of many a player. If you're looking to understand this boss better and finally put him down, you've come to the right place. While it's not a fight with strictly defined "phases" like some other games that explicitly label them, the Tiger Vanguard definitely shifts his combat approach and introduces new, dangerous moves as his health depletes. Think of it more as evolving stages of aggression and trickery!
Let's dive into a detailed, step-by-step guide to mastering the Tiger Vanguard, breaking down his evolving combat style.
The Roar Before the Storm: Understanding the Tiger Vanguard's Evolving Battle Style
The Tiger Vanguard is less about distinct, separate phases with health gates and more about an escalating level of intensity and new abilities as you whittle down his health. As he takes damage, he becomes more aggressive, introduces new attack patterns, and utilizes defensive maneuvers that require different responses. Mastering this fight is all about recognizing these shifts and adapting your strategy.
 |
| How Many Phases Does Tiger Vanguard Have |
Step 1: Are You Ready to Face the Tiger? Initial Preparation and Mindset
Before you even think about stepping into the Crouching Tiger Temple, let's make sure you're properly equipped and mentally prepared. This boss isn't a pushover, and going in unprepared will lead to frustration.
Tip: Read once for flow, once for detail.
- Gear Up! Ensure you have the best armor available to you. If you've already bested the Stone Vanguard (a recommended precursor), the Galeguard armor set is an excellent choice for its defensive properties. Don't forget to equip the Wandering Wight as your spirit for an added defense boost.
- Consumables are Key: Craft and stock up on Evil Repelling Medicaments (for damage reduction) and Tiger Subduing Pellets (for increased attack). While they might not seem like a huge boost, every little bit helps, especially when combined with perfect dodges and openings.
- Spark Allocation: Consider investing "Sparks" (your skill points) into stamina-reducing perks for dodging, and perhaps into your chosen attack stance (like Smash for heavy damage or Thrust for range). A good balance of offense and defense is crucial. Some players swear by putting points into "Immobilize" for crowd control and "Cloud Step" for quick escapes, especially in later stages.
- Patience, Young Wukong: This fight often requires patience and observation. Don't go in expecting to brute force your way through. Learn his tells, understand his rhythm, and strike when the opportunity arises.
Step 2: The Initial Pounce – Learning His Core Moveset (100% - 75% Health)
When you first engage the Tiger Vanguard, he'll likely open with a signature move. This initial "phase" is about understanding his basic, yet aggressive, martial arts style.
Sub-heading: Opening Salvo and Fist/Kick Combos
- The Jumping Smash: Often, he'll start by circling or dashing before performing a high jump and pounce. This is a highly telegraphed attack that you can either dodge or use Cloud Step to evade. Dodging forward or to the side is often better than backward, as it puts you in a position to counter.
- Fist Barrage: His most common attacks will be fierce punch and kick combinations. These can vary:
- One-Two Punches: Straight, powerful jabs.
- Uppercut to Ground Pound: An uppercut followed by a forceful fist slam into the ground.
- Sweep Kick and Retreat: He might try a low sweep kick, often followed by a backward spin kick as he creates distance.
- Somersault Kick and Punches: He might ready a stance, perform a side-somersault kick, throw two punches, and then side-spin into an aerial leg crash.
- Reading the Tells: Pay close attention to his body language. He often winds up before powerful punches. The key here is to master the dodge timing. Many of his early attacks have a slight delay that, once learned, makes perfect dodging much easier. A perfect dodge will not only keep you safe but also generate "Focus" for your powerful abilities.
- Punishment Windows: After he finishes a combo, especially one that leaves him recovering (like after the uppercut/ground pound), this is your prime opportunity for light attack strings to build Focus, or even a charged heavy attack if you have the space and time. Don't get greedy; land a few hits and be ready to dodge his next move.
Step 3: Blade Unleashed – Introducing the Sword (75% - 50% Health)
As you chip away at his health, the Tiger Vanguard will become more desperate and draw his sword. This significantly increases his range and introduces more dangerous, often delayed, attacks.
Sub-heading: Sword Swings and Projectiles
- Swift Blade Strikes: Once he draws his sword, he'll adopt a stance, often reaching for the blade with one hand and the other raised to his eyes. This is a clear tell for a very swift and deadly strike. This attack is highly damaging but has a distinct sound and visual cue, making it learnable for perfect dodges.
- Sword Combos: He'll integrate the sword into his combos, sometimes starting with a kick before drawing the blade for quick slashes. Be wary of a combo that starts with a kick, leads into two quick slashes, and has a highly delayed final slash. This delayed attack often catches players off guard. Practice dodging the first hits and then waiting for that crucial, slow final swing.
- Bloody Tornados: If you create distance, he might swirl his blade to summon cyclones of blood from the pool at your feet, firing them towards you. These tornados track you, so you need to dodge forward just as they are about to hit. He may also release slashes of blood alongside these. Stay agile!
- Leaping Charges: From a distance, he can also charge at you with a high leap, attempting to crash down from above. This is another opportunity for a well-timed dodge to create an opening.
- Staying Close: Generally, staying close to the Tiger Vanguard is advantageous in this stage. It forces him to rely more on his melee attacks, which are often easier to read and punish than his ranged sword abilities.
Step 4: Stone Heart, Shifting Tactics – Defensive and Ambush Maneuvers (50% - 25% Health)
Now the Tiger Vanguard starts to get tricky. He introduces his stone transformation abilities, designed to punish aggressive players and set up devastating ambushes.
Tip: Reread tricky sentences for clarity.
Sub-heading: The Stone Forms and Teleportation
- Counterattack Stone Form: He'll lower himself with arms wide, turning to impenetrable stone. If you attack him in this form, your weapon will bounce off (with a distinct clanging sound), and he will retaliate with a powerful counter punch. The key here is to not attack him. Instead, use this time to heal, use consumables, or charge up a heavy attack to unleash the moment he comes out of this form. Watch for the cloud emitting from him, signifying his return to normal.
- Decoy Stone Form and Ambush: This is the more dangerous variant. He will get down on all fours and turn to stone. Then, he will disappear briefly and reappear elsewhere in the arena, launching a quick, high-damage attack in your direction. This move can be disorienting as he leaves the target lock.
- How to Counter: Listen for his roar or watch for ripples in the bloody water to pinpoint his re-entry point. When you see him emerge, dodge immediately. If you have "Cloud Step," it's an excellent spell to use here to safely evade and reposition. This is often a good window for a charged attack if you time your dodge well.
- Immobilization Spell: If you have the "Immobilize" spell, this is a fantastic tool to use when he's around 50% health. It holds him in place, allowing you to get in significant damage. Avoid casting Immobilization while he's jumping around, as he'll freeze mid-air, and you won't be able to attack him properly.
Step 5: Last Stand Fury – Increased Aggression and Unpredictable Flurry (25% - 0% Health)
In his final moments, the Tiger Vanguard becomes incredibly relentless and unpredictable. His attacks are faster, and he may chain together abilities with less recovery time.
Sub-heading: High Damage Output and Final Push
- Accelerated Combos: Expect his previous combos to come out faster and with less delay between attacks. Your dodge timing needs to be even more precise.
- Frequent Stone Attacks: He'll use his stone forms and teleporting ambushes more frequently. Be prepared to react quickly to these, using your dodges and spells (like Cloud Step or Immobilize) defensively or offensively as needed.
- Desperation Moves: He might unleash his sword attacks, including the blood tornadoes, with greater frequency. Stay on the offensive when you have openings, but prioritize survival.
- Focus on Consistency: At this point, it's about consistency. Don't panic. Stick to the dodge timings you've learned. Land 1-2 hits after a successful dodge, and then be ready to disengage and prepare for his next onslaught. If you have "Focus" abilities ready (like a powerful transformation or a fully charged heavy attack), this is the time to unleash them to burst down his remaining health.
- Don't Get Baited: He might perform seemingly "finished" combos that have a hidden, delayed follow-up. Always err on the side of caution and wait for a clear opening.
By understanding these evolving "phases" or stages of the Tiger Vanguard's combat, you'll be much better equipped to anticipate his moves, exploit his weaknesses, and ultimately emerge victorious. Good luck, Destined One!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to prepare for the Tiger Vanguard fight?
To prepare, ensure you have your best armor (Galeguard is recommended), equip a defensive spirit like Wandering Wight, and craft Evil Repelling Medicaments and Tiger Subduing Pellets. Allocate skill points strategically to stamina, defense, and your preferred attack stance.
Tip: Don’t skim past key examples.
 |
How to dodge the Tiger Vanguard's initial jumping smash?
When he leaps into the air to pounce, dodge forward or to the side just as he begins his descent. This positions you well for a counter-attack.
How to avoid the Tiger Vanguard's punch and kick combos?
Learn the slight delays in his combos and perform perfect dodges to evade. Pay attention to his wind-ups. After a finished combo, you'll often have a small window for 1-2 light attacks.
How to deal with the Tiger Vanguard when he draws his sword?
When he reaches for his sword, be ready for a swift, high-damage strike. Master the perfect dodge for this specific attack, as its visual and audio cues are distinct.
QuickTip: Highlight useful points as you read.
How to counter the Tiger Vanguard's blood tornado attacks?
If he summons blood tornados, dodge forward just as they are about to hit you, as they track your movement.
How to react when the Tiger Vanguard turns into stone?
When he turns to stone with arms wide, do not attack him. This is a counterattack form. Instead, use this time to heal or charge a heavy attack for when he returns to normal.
How to avoid the Tiger Vanguard's teleporting ambush?
When he turns to stone on all fours and disappears, listen for his roar or watch for ripples in the water to predict his reappearance, then dodge immediately to avoid his high-damage ambush. Cloud Step is also very effective here.
How to maximize damage against the Tiger Vanguard?
Utilize perfect dodges to build Focus, then unleash charged heavy attacks or powerful "Focus" abilities like transformations or spells (e.g., Immobilize) when he is vulnerable or staggered.
How to recover health during the Tiger Vanguard fight?
Look for safe windows, such as when he is in his counterattack stone form or after a prolonged combo. Use your healing items strategically and consider spirits that offer healing properties.
How to know when the Tiger Vanguard is in his final stage?
As his health depletes to around 25%, he will become significantly more aggressive, chain attacks faster, and use his stone and teleporting maneuvers more frequently. This is the signal for his final, desperate push.
 |
