Wagnas is the main villain in Romancing Saga 2: Revenge of the Seven. Despite being the central antagonist, you don’t have to wait until the end to face him—it’s possible to challenge Wagnas relatively early in the game, although it may take some travel. One key point to remember: if you enter this battle without adequate preparation, you’re likely going to regret it.
Wagnas is not just any foe; he’s a powerful magician equipped with devastating magical abilities. His spells include an all-encompassing fire attack that affects your entire party, as well as a strong light magic spell that can deal significant damage to multiple characters. If you go in ill-equipped, you’re bound to have a tough time. This guide will provide you with crucial strategies for reaching Wagnas and handling the battle effectively.
The Battle of Castle Hakuro
When Castle Hakuro becomes available, you’re all set to confront Wagnas, the leader of the seven. You can access this quest after completing Sekishusai, the Loyal Retainer. After a time shift, you’ll unlock "The Battle of Castle Hakuro."
Upon entering Castle Hakuro, take a left, go through the gate, and climb the stairs. Turn right out the door and follow the path until you find a door leading to a battlement. Enter the doorway; there will be a large room on the other side. Navigate around the guards positioned on either side of this door.
Next, go down the nearby staircase and head straight to the next door. Proceed down the stairs, and you’ll find a save point, just about ready to face the boss of this dungeon: the Black Legion.
Black Legion Boss Fight
In this encounter, you’ll battle the Black Legion alongside two Mystics. The Rapier’s Marionette technique proves to be highly effective against them. While the Black Legion is mostly resistant to attacks, it can be disrupted by the Paralyze status.
Be cautious of the Mystics, as they can unleash very powerful martial arts attacks, especially after the Black Legion is defeated. Thus, it’s advisable to eliminate them first. If you consistently utilize the Marionette technique, this battle should be manageable.
Upon defeating the Black Legion, Wagnas will reveal himself and then quickly escape to his floating castle, prompting you to find a way to reach him.
Reaching the Flying Castle
To pursue Wagnas, you need to reach his Floating Castle. There are two options: use Hiraga’s flying machine or get an Iris to take you there. The Iris route is lengthy and could be complicated if you haven’t completed its quest yet. Therefore, let’s focus on the Hiraga method. Start by going to Liangshan and Yuyan and chatting with the locals marked with a quest symbol.
Afterward, head to Somon to find Hiraga. He’ll have a new invention ready for you. Just go to Castle Chonto, where you can utilize the Windwaker to reach the Floating Castle above. But ensure your party is properly configured because you won’t be able to leave once you arrive.
Note: If you haven’t paid Hiraga to build the Leon Bridge, be prepared to spend 1,000,000 Crowns.
Preparing Your Party for Wagnas
The Fire Wall spell is essential for fighting Wagnas, as it counters his Firestorm attack. Make sure your fastest character knows this spell. To obtain Fire Wall, find the Book of Fire & Earth I in the Steppe area, located near the center near two ladders. You’ll need to research the spell, so be prepared to spend some time acquiring it.
It’s crucial to bring as many water-element attacks as possible, as Wagnas will create a fire leyline during the fight. While your character using Fire Wall won’t have water magic equipped, they can still utilize water-elemental techniques. Great swords often have such techniques. Additionally, fire-immune characters, like a Salamander, and a Fire Ring can be major assets. Equip characters proficient in swords, spears, axes, and bows.
If your group includes a character with a bow, equip the Falling Phoenix technique, particularly effective since Wagnas is airborne. Multi-hit attacks are beneficial, especially against the Animas in the battle’s second phase, and Barrage is an excellent choice for taking out multiple enemies.
Battle of the Floating Castle
Once inside the Floating Castle, head straight and up the stairs, avoiding the living jelly creatures. Continue outside, dodge the dragons, and head through the door at the other end. Move along the hallway, staying clear of slimes.
You’ll find a chest on the right containing a Vorpal Sword, but beware of a mimic guarding it. Continue down the hallway, up some stairs, and exit through the next door to find yourself outside again. To your right, you’ll find a staircase. If you follow the left path outside, you can discover another chest containing Gold Ore.
Return through the doors into an expansive hall, then enter the main room and take a left to climb the spiral staircase.
When you reach the second floor, head through the doors and step outside once more. A large dragon will be waiting out there, which you can choose to engage or avoid. If you decide to fight, they can also be stunned, allowing you to take advantage of their turn. If you have the Fire Wall spell ready for Wagnas, it will negate the dragon’s powerful attacks.
After battling your way through, head back through the doors and up the stairs to find Wagnas waiting for you.
Warning: Before facing Wagnas, ensure your gear is suited for the fight. He relies exclusively on magic, meaning you should prioritize magic defense over physical armor.
The Wagnas Boss Battle
The confrontation with Wagnas unfolds in three phases:
- In the first phase, you’ll deal with Wagnas’s magical assaults.
- The second phase introduces his formidable Firestorm attack, along with Blue and Red Animas that will join the fray.
- In the third phase, Wagnas employs a potent light magic spell known as Sunray.
During the battle, focus on dealing damage to Wagnas. When he transitions into the second phase, use your Fire Wall spell to counter his Firestorm attacks. Always cast water spells while the fire leyline is active to prevent him from healing significantly at the end of the round.
Make sure to keep an eye on the turn order, as the Firewall spell expires at the end of the round when cast by your last acting character. In the later phases of the fight, Wagnas will summon Animas to assist him. Pay close attention to their sacrificial attacks, as the Red Anima will target one ally, while the Blue Anima will attack multiple characters.
Using a Unite Attack when the Animas are summoned can be highly effective, especially if you have strong multi-target attacks prepared. As the final phase progresses, Wagnas will continue using his previous strategies while introducing the Sunray spell. Prepare for this by equipping light magic defenses, like the Light Wall spell if available.
Despite the challenges, if you stay focused and apply these strategies, you’ll confirm victory against Wagnas. If you find yourself struggling with party composition, you can opt for a non-confrontational approach by telling Wagnas you were "just leaving" during the initial interaction, allowing you to regroup.