Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 features numerous Chromatic Nevrons scattered across the continent, and these formidable monsters need to be hunted down and defeated. Unlike their standard counterparts, these giants are significantly stronger, and encountering one unprepared can lead to serious trouble.
For those seeking an early win to build their confidence, the easiest target is the Chromatic Bruler, which can be found in plain sight on the Continent Map. While it is the weakest of the Chromatic Nevrons, it won’t be a walk in the park to defeat. Below is everything you need to know before taking your shot at it.
Where to Find Chromatic Bruler
In Act 1, the largest accessible area on the Continent Map lies near the red forest that conceals the Gestral Village. You’ll reach this spot after navigating through the Flying Waters. This region is rich in exploration opportunities, though much of it will be unavailable until you’ve interacted with the Gestrals.
As you move around the red forest in either direction, look for the towering Chromatic Bruler on the northern side. The monster won’t chase you if you approach it, allowing you to land a First Strike when the time comes to attack.
Strategies for Defeating Chromatic Bruler
As with many battles in Clair Obscur, success will depend on having a strong party setup and understanding the enemy’s attack patterns.
Recommended Party
Chromatic Bruler should not pose a significant challenge if your team is Level 18 or higher. Unless you’ve been grinding extensively, it’s wise to recruit Sciel and Esquie as part of the main story before attempting to take on this boss.
This monster is particularly vulnerable to Ice damage, so outfit your team with Ice-based weapons. Have Lune start the battle by alternating between Ice and Fire spells to inflict damage and apply Burn when appropriate. Don’t forget to use Healing Light if you miss a Parry.
Tip: Healing Light creates a Light Stain, which Lune can use to boost damage when casting either Ice Lance or Immolation. If Lune runs low on AP, she can use Thermal Transfer on the burning boss to replenish her energy.
Maelle can stack on more Burn while in Defensive Stance, switching to Offense or Virtuose for bigger hits when needed. Between Lune and Maelle, you should be able to force Chromatic Bruler to accumulate damage during its own turns.
Since Sciel is relatively new to your party, it may be best to keep her in reserve for emergencies. Her Harvest Skill makes her an excellent solo fighter if things turn rough, and Gustave is likely to have an Ice weapon ready, unless you’ve been exceptionally lucky with your loot drops.
Rewards for Victory
Upon defeating Chromatic Bruler, you’ll receive 21,938 XP—enough for your entire party to level up. Additionally, you’ll earn over 3000 Chroma, two Polished Chroma Catalysts for weapon enhancements, and five Colours of Lumina for use at Camp.
The most notable reward is the Powerful Revive Pictos. This accessory enables the character equipped with it to gain Powerful status for three turns post-revival. It’s highly useful for characters with low Vitality who often need resuscitating after missed Parry attempts.
Pro Tip: Don’t immediately target Chromatic Bruler’s weak point on its head. Instead, use Luminas like Marking Shot to apply Mark, then shoot the weak spot with an Ice weapon. This strategic approach can significantly reduce the boss’s health with minimal effort.
Chromatic Bruler’s Attack Patterns
Chromatic Bruler primarily utilizes a spinning anchor combo as its main attack. This assault involves four consecutive strikes targeting the same opponent in a rhythmic fashion, followed by a slower overhead strike. Successfully parrying all hits requires focus, but the reward of 5AP and a Counter makes the risk worthwhile.
If Chromatic Bruler remains stationary on its turn, it may opt for a three-strike ground pound combo. Make sure to have your team jump just before it drops its anchor to evade the shockwaves and set up Jump Counters with each strike.
