Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana presents numerous challenging boss encounters, but the initial confrontation with Dularn, The Creeping Shadow, often proves a significant hurdle for players. This first boss fight represents a considerable difficulty spike.
He's the first true test of skill, and multiple attempts are common before victory. However, understanding his attack patterns simplifies the battle considerably.
The fight begins with Dularn encased in a protective barrier. Attacks are ineffective during this phase; focus on evading his attacks until the barrier dissipates. Once the barrier drops, unleash a flurry of attacks. Dularn's health varies based on the chosen difficulty. While you can retreat to gain strength, defeating Dularn is mandatory to progress.
Avoid proximity to Dularn while his barrier is active, as contact inflicts damage. Rushing in during this phase guarantees defeat.
Dularn summons multiple swords to attack. Learn these patterns to effectively dodge:
These homing attacks can be frustrating. While the barrier is up, circle Dularn widely to evade the first two attacks. Jumping is crucial for additional protection. For the linear thrust, a well-timed jump is essential.
Exploit the moments when Dularn's barrier falls to inflict damage. After taking significant damage, he teleports. Maintain distance upon his reappearance, as he'll reform the barrier and inflict damage if you're too close.
Dularn employs two projectile attacks: fireballs and an arching energy slash.
Dodge the fireballs by weaving between them or jumping over them. Combining movement and jumps maximizes your chances of avoiding damage.
This large blue energy slash is unavoidable except by jumping over it. This attack often coincides with opportunities to damage Dularn, serving as a cue to attack.
Mastering the attack patterns is key; grinding for higher levels isn't necessary.
Defeating Dularn unlocks access to the Ignis Bracelet, a magical bracelet granting the ability to throw fireballs, a valuable asset throughout the game.