Saros: Cracking the Priestess Code (and Punching Those Bloody Tuning Forks!)
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Navigating the chaotic multi-phase Priestess boss in Saros means mastering dodging projectile barrages, strategically destroying clones, and yes, even punching oversized tuning forks. This guide offers phase-by-phase tactics and preparation tips to conquer this shape-shifting, rule-of-threes-obsessed foe.
Alright, gamers, strap yourselves in because we're diving headfirst into *Saros*, specifically to tackle the Priestess boss. Now, I've seen my fair share of digital deities and arcane antagonists, but this one's a proper whirlwind of clones, projectiles, and, wait for it... *oversized tuning forks*. Honestly, Housemarque, you legends. It’s like they accidentally summoned a musical instrument convention into a cosmic bullet-hell. Johnny Yu over at Polygon (cheers, mate!) did a cracker job laying out the tactical play-by-play, and I've had a bit of a rummage through the digital tea leaves to add some Jeff-flair to help you not just survive, but absolutely *thrive* in this bonkers encounter.
### Pre-Boss Shenanigans: Gearing Up for Chaos
Before you waltz into the Cathedral biome for a meet-and-greet with this multi-limbed marvel, let’s talk prep. Think of it like equipping yourself for an interdimensional pub brawl. You'll want those Overdrive Charger nodes maxed out in your Armor Matrix – seriously, you want that burst power available for every phase. For protection, stack on Damage Enhancement III and Armor Enhancement II. To balance the cosmic scales (and because the devs love a good challenge, bless 'em), you'll probably be rocking Halcyon Removal and Artifact Destruction trial modifiers. Fair dinkum, though, if you're just after the win, these make a massive difference. Proficiency-wise, anything above 50 is ace, but aim for at least the high 40s. Weapon choice? She's mostly stationary, so if you're a creature of habit, the smart rifle is your old reliable. But honestly, any weapon you've properly bonded with will do the trick – just make sure it feels right in your digital mitts.
### Phase 1: The Rule of Threes & The Clone Dance
Our Priestess, bless her chaotic heart, absolutely *adores* the number three. She splits into three, her arena turns into three platforms, she spawns three oversized tuning forks (we'll get to those, don't you worry), and, naturally, she's got three phases. It's almost like she's got a degree in tri-sectional design! The arena isn't just morphing a bit here; it's practically getting a full redesign between phases, so expect to adapt quicker than a wizard trying to fix a teleportation spell gone wrong.
First up, she’s invulnerable and splits into three shimmering copies (Image: Housemarque/Sony Interactive Entertainment via Polygon). Your primary objective: obliterate two of 'em. Easy peasy, right? *Narrator: It was not easy peasy.* Each clone mirrors the other's attacks, then they vanish into the wall, only to pop out elsewhere. So yeah, triple the projectiles, triple the fun. But here’s Jeff’s pro-tip (or rather, Johnny Yu’s pro-tip, but I'm echoing it with enthusiasm): **Do NOT use your Overdrive here.** It’s a complete waste of your precious cosmic juice. Save it for when the main Priestess is actually vulnerable.
You'll be dodging a digital ballet of doom: * **Red Arcs:** Ground-level arcs. A quick jump over the intersection does the trick. Simple, effective. * **Funnel of Yellow Projectiles:** Left clone glows, then middle, then right. Find your safe spot on the opposite side of the centre clone and stay put. You’ll slip through a gap at the end. Dodge if things get too cosy. * **Torrent of Yellow Projectiles:** Follows the funnels. A side-dodge is your friend here. * **Stream of Red Projectiles:** Comes from the wall holes. Just make sure you’re *not* standing in front of a hole. Solid wall = good. Hole = bad. Got it?
Once you’ve dispatched two of her unruly copies, the real Priestess (or what's left of her prime form) becomes vulnerable. *Now* you can unleash that Overdrive, mate! She'll start throwing out: * **Vertical Lines of Yellow & Expanding Red Ring:** Stay close to the edge, find the gap in the yellow lines, and jump that red ring like your life depends on it (because, well, it does). * **Torrent of Yellow (with Red underneath):** Keep your distance, run to the side. Those red ones are sneaky. * **Blue "X" & Expanding Red Ring:** Shield the blue, or slip through the gaps on the sides of the "X," then jump that red ring. * **Funnel of Yellow (with slow Blue at the end):** Position yourself for the exit and shield those slow-moving blue buggers. * **Rotating Walls (Yellow & Red):** A tall yellow wall, a short red one, both rotating. Dash through the yellow, jump the red. Easy as that.
Hit her hard enough (around a third of her HP), and she’ll revert to her three-clone trick again. Same deal, just now the torrent of yellow can happen *any old time*, not just after the funnel. Clear the clones, regroup, and rinse-and-repeat until her health bar says "bugger off."
### Phase 2: Tuning Forks Ahoy! And More Chaos
Bloody hell, the background changes! Now we’re in an open ruin area, and the Priestess is back to her three-clone invulnerable routine. A central orb appears, spewing a rotating wall of red orbs you *can't* destroy. So, yeah, keep jumping over it. Now for the star of the show: three platforms appear, each with an oversized tuning fork. Your mission, should you choose to accept it: **punch those bloody tuning forks!** Seriously, just spam that dodge and get in there for a good old digital fisticuffs. If you’re quick, you’ll barely see her attacks.
But if you’re a bit slower (no judgment, we’ve all been there), watch the clones' heads – they glow before attacking. You might see: * **Cones of Yellow & Blue Star:** Middle clone first, then outer. Stay side, then move centre for the yellows. Immediately after, a blue star – shield, dodge, or gap. * **Star-shaped Projectiles:** Right clone first, then the others. Dodge or shield. * **Torrent of Yellow (Staggered):** Similar to phase one, but staggered. Dodge through or run to the opposite side. * **Diamond-shaped Projectiles:** Groups of yellow diamonds, multiple times. Time your dodges, mate. * **Homing Projectiles:** Outer clones shoot blue (shield), middle shoots red (sidestep).
Punch all those tuning forks, and the central red orb vanishes. The Priestess reforms – *now* it’s Overdrive and power weapon time! Unleash the digital fury. She'll hit you with: * **Ring of Red Projectiles:** Closes in on you. Jump. Simple. * **Cone of Yellow Projectiles:** Covers most of the stage. Dodge *through* it towards the centre. Clever, eh? * **Slow Yellow Projectiles:** Just run around, dodge if they get too close. * **Diamond-shaped Projectiles:** Two, then two at once. Run side, dodge/shield as needed. * **Blue Ring & Yellow Star:** Blue closes in (shield), yellow star follows (find a gap).
Get her to 50% HP, and guess what? Clones again. Repeat the tuning fork punching, then unload on her. It's a proper cycle of digital mayhem.
### Phase 3: The Floor is Lava (Almost!) and Upgraded Insanity
Right, this is where things get a bit... floaty. The floor disappears! You'll fall to a platform below, and welcome to Phase 3: Phase 2.0, but with extra spicy upgrades. Now you’ve got three platforms, each with an orb spewing red projectiles. Lovely. The Priestess spawns *two* platforms with more oversized tuning forks right in front of her. You know the drill: punch 'em!
Her attacks get a bit more beefy: * **Cone of Yellow (with Red Pre-show):** Two smaller red cones first (walk to side), *then* the big yellow one (dodge into it or hop platforms). * **Star-shaped Projectiles:** More legs, so more precision needed. Dodge or jump to another platform. * **Diamond-shaped Projectiles:** Same as before, just bigger (Image: Housemarque/Sony Interactive Entertainment via Polygon). Because why not?
And then there's a shiny new toy: * **Four Groups of Homing Blue Projectiles:** These can be shielded (Image: Housemarque/Sony Interactive Entertainment via Polygon). Keep that defence button warmed up!
Once you’ve punched those forks into submission, unload everything you’ve got again. The diamond-shaped projectiles now have *red lines* behind them, so always aim for the gaps. But the absolute kicker in this phase is the floor itself. If your platform starts to shake (Image: Housemarque/Sony Interactive Entertainment via Polygon), that's your cue to bugger off to another one. Don't worry about fall damage – you’ll land on a smaller platform below and have to scramble back up. Just avoid staying put!
Get her below half health one more time, and she goes invulnerable, meaning another round of tuning fork punching. From here on out, it’s just a test of endurance and memory. Repeat, rinse, and finally, deliver the digital knockout blow to this trippy Priestess. You've earned that victory, mate!
*Original wisdom brought to you by Johnny Yu over at Polygon. I've just added a dash of Jeff's peculiar perspective to the mix.*
Tags: Saros, Boss Guide, Action RPG, Gaming Strategy, Housemarque
Original article: Polygon