Dungeons play a crucial role in most JRPGs, and Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana nails this aspect from the start with the Zone of Lava. It’s the first of many dungeons in the game, presenting a maze of exploration options alongside intensely challenging battles.
The challenge intensifies as you cannot exit the dungeon until you’ve completed it. This means you won’t be able to backtrack for equipment upgrades or new gear. You’ll have to rely solely on what you bring with you, which can be intimidating for new players. Fortunately, there’s always a way to move forward, even when the odds seem tough!
Boss Overview: Guilen, The Fire Eater in Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana
As the initial boss in the first dungeon, Guilen, the Fire Eater, serves as your first true test of skill. Battling a massive fire serpent over a pool of lava provides a distinct advantage to Guilen. Additionally, there are specific tactics you must learn to effectively defeat it.
Even with the limitation of not being able to exit to upgrade your gear or purchase new items, you should be ready for this battle if you’ve thoroughly explored the Zone of Lava. As long as you have the Broadsword and Small Shield (both obtainable from Illburn’s Ruins), this fight should be manageable!
Guilen, The Fire Eater: Key Information
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| HP | 1,100 |
| Recommended Level | Level 15 |
Reaching Level 15 is advisable when facing Guilen, which is easily achievable with proper exploration along the way. If you’re at Level 13 or below, consider leveling up to at least Level 14 before taking on this challenge.
Aside from that, having the Broadsword and Small Shield can significantly aid you. You can still find the Broadsword if you missed it, but you can no longer obtain the Small Shield. If you find the fight frustrating, remember that you can temporarily reduce the difficulty upon dying to a boss, allowing you to keep progressing!
Defeating Guilen, The Fire Eater in Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana
While Guilen, the Fire Eater, seems straightforward with limited attacks, the real difficulty comes from the various mechanics in play that demand your attention to defeat it successfully.
In total, Guilen has about three to four primary attacks. As the fight progresses, it becomes increasingly harder to land hits, which catches many unprepared players off guard. Here’s how to overcome this challenge!
Adol – Smothering The Flames
At the start of the encounter, Guilen rises out of the lava pit in the bottom left corner of the arena and slithers toward Adol. Now, having just acquired the Ventus Bracelet, it’s time to utilize it to deal with one of the primary mechanics of this battle.
As Guilen approaches, jump and activate the Ventus Bracelet to propel Adol higher into the air, avoiding its attack. From this vantage point, leap over Guilen and use the Ventus Bracelet to unleash a gust of wind down on it to douse its flames.
With its fire extinguished, you can start inflicting damage. You’ll notice parts of its body becoming damaged over time. Keep slashing until Guilen retreats!
Guilen – Fire Breath
After emerging from the lava, one of Guilen’s primary attacks is its Fire Breath, where it spews flames while moving smoothly around the arena. In the early stages, this attack isn’t a big issue; just stay behind its long body to avoid the fire and strike it.
Guilen – Into The Lava Pits
Once enough damage is done, Guilen will dart to one of the five lava pits in the arena. When you notice it disengaging, pay attention to where it’s going and move away to avoid the lava splash damage, which can be quite painful if you’re too close.
Guilen – Out Of The Lava Pits (Shorter)
After a moment, Guilen will reemerge from one of the lava pits. Watch for the boiling lava, and move away as soon as you see it start to bubble. Stepping back will prevent damage. This time, Guilen will be shorter than before!
Adol – Smothering The Flames, Part Two
Though Guilen is now shorter, the mechanics remain similar to the previous phase. Use your Ventus Bracelet again to put out the flames, then stay behind it to make attacks until it decides to retreat once more. Plunging attacks are effective, so aim to jump right before Adol descends to maximize damage.
Guilen – Back Into The Lava Pits
Once you inflict enough damage, Guilen will rush to the lava pits again, just like before. Keep an eye on which pit it targets and step away from it to avoid taking damage.
Guilen – Out Of The Lava Pits (Even Shorter)
Again, stand in the center of the arena and watch for which pit Guilen chooses to emerge from. Move away as soon as the lava starts bubbling, as the fire serpent is now even shorter and significantly faster, making it trickier to deal with. You’ll need to be more cautious in this phase!
Adol – Smothering The Flames, Part Three
Utilize your Ventus Bracelet once more to extinguish Guilen’s flames. After that, attack its cooled-down body, but do so carefully, as it will be moving fast. Plunging attacks remain a strong option, but don’t get too impatient, as you don’t want to find yourself caught in its fire.
Keep dealing damage until it decides to retreat.
Guilen – Back Into The Lava Pits… Again
After you successfully inflict damage, Guilen will dart towards a lava pit again. As always, pay attention to which pit it’s targeting and remove yourself from the danger zone to avoid damage.
Guilen – Out Of The Lava Pits (Head Only)
For Guilen’s final move, the head will dive into a pit of lava. You’ll need to create distance from the pit it targets to avoid damage. This is the last stretch, so focus and maintain your patience!
Adol – Smothering The Flame, Part Four
Now you’re in the final phase of the battle, which is considerably more intense. Not only is it just Guilen’s head, but it’s incredibly fast, making it challenging to keep up. Use your Ventus Bracelet to extinguish the flames again, and stick to normal attacks as you pursue it.
Keeping up with Guilen is the hardest part, so don’t rush. Avoid any desperate plunging attacks, as it will still be breathing fire. Wait for the right moments to strike, and continue this strategy until Guilen is finally defeated!
If you fail to defeat it quickly, there’s a chance that Guilen will reenter a pit of lava, forcing you to use your Ventus Bracelet one final time before you can resume your attacks. Stay on your toes!
