Ready to face every deadly warrior, terrifying puppet, and powerful master that Phantom Blade Zero has to offer? This Phantom Blade Zero boss guide lists all story bosses in order, along with their locations and story chapters, helping you track every major fight, collect powerful weapons and Phantom Edges, and prepare for the challenges ahead!

Boss fights can take time to master, especially when you're learning enemy attack patterns or preparing for your next encounter. If you want to continue your adventure away from your PC, OSLink lets you remotely play Phantom Blade Zero on your mobile device. This way, you can keep exploring, preparing for boss fights, and making progress even when you're away from your gaming setup.

All Phantom Blade Zero Main Story Bosses in Order

Phantom Blade Zero features numerous challenging boss encounters, but this guide focuses exclusively on the bosses players must face to progress through the main story. As you travel through different regions, from Weeping Creek Valley to Meigu Lake, you'll encounter powerful warriors, skilled masters, and dangerous puppets that stand between you and your objectives.

Below is an overview of all confirmed main story bosses in Phantom Blade Zero, arranged in story progression order.

Zuo Shang – The Order's Shadow Sovereign

Chapter: Diverging Paths
Type: Masters
Region: Prologue
Reward(s): None

Zuo Shang is the first major boss encounter in Phantom Blade Zero and serves as an introduction to the game's combat mechanics. This fight tests your ability to parry, dodge, and counterattack while learning to recognize different attack signals. Blue flashes indicate attacks that can be parried, while red flashes signal dangerous moves that require dodging. Pay attention to his ranged sword attacks and rooftop assaults, as these can catch you off guard if you focus only on his melee movements.

How to Beat Zuo Shang:

• Watch for ranged swords that can appear from behind him during his attack sequences.

• Avoid rushing into long combos while Zuo Shang is still attacking.

• Use short attack combos after successful parries to deal damage safely.

• Focus on draining his Sha-Chi and breaking his guard to create opportunities for heavier attacks.

The Hunt – Hunter of the Order (First Encounter)

Chapter: Reckless Pursuit
Type: Perfect Transcensions
Region: Weeping Creek Valley
Reward(s): None

The Hunt is encountered during the wagon pursuit sequence in Weeping Creek Valley. Unlike a typical boss fight, this encounter takes place on a moving wagon, leaving you with very limited room to manoeuvre. The Hunt primarily attacks with his sickles, making well-timed parries your best way to defend yourself and create opportunities to counterattack. Rather than relying on aggressive combos, focus on reading his attack patterns and responding with precise defensive moves.

How to Beat The Hunt:

• Stay focused on The Hunt instead of moving around unnecessarily on the wagon.

• Avoid button-mashing, as the confined arena makes it difficult to recover from mistakes.

• Prioritize clean parries over aggressive attacks, especially when dealing with his consecutive sickle strikes.

Jagged Steel – The Frenzied Brute

Chapter: Against the Flow
Type: Maskwalkers
Region: Weeping Creek Valley
Location: North of Red Thread Barrier Bell
Reward(s): Jagged Steel

Jagged Steel is an aggressive boss who relies on powerful swings and heavy attacks with considerable reach. His attacks can build up Bleed, making it dangerous to get caught in repeated hits. Although you can block many of his regular attacks, his overhead slam requires careful timing to avoid taking heavy damage. Watch for openings after his heavier moves, as his slow recovery gives you an opportunity to reposition behind him and counterattack. Defeating him also rewards you with the Jagged Steel weapon.

How to Beat Jagged Steel:

• Block his regular attack combinations and parry individual downward swings when possible.

• Dodge sideways or through his legs to avoid his powerful overhead slam.

• Watch your Bleed buildup and avoid getting caught in repeated attacks.

• Move behind him after his heavy attacks to take advantage of his slow recovery.

• Use fast weapons such as Sanguine Twin to maintain pressure and build up Bleed.

• Focus on breaking his guard before committing to your strongest abilities.

• Avoid extended attack combos, as Jagged Steel can punish you if you remain too close for too long.

Peng Meng – The Axemaster

Chapter: Against the Flow
Type: Maskwalkers
Region: Weeping Creek Valley
Location: Near Outpost Bell
Reward(s): Dread Axe

Peng Meng is a heavy weapon specialist who relies on powerful axe attacks to pressure the player. Although his swings can look intimidating, many of his regular attacks can be blocked or parried. Your best advantage in this fight is the Jagged Steel weapon obtained from the previous boss. Its Bleed buildup allows you to deal additional damage when Peng Meng becomes staggered, making it an effective choice for this encounter. Focus on defending against his axe combinations and save your strongest attacks for moments when his guard is broken.

How to Beat Peng Meng:

• Block or parry his regular axe attacks instead of trying to interrupt every swing.

• Equip Jagged Steel to build up Bleed and increase your damage potential.

• Watch for stagger opportunities and avoid wasting attacks while he is still pressuring you.

• Use Jagged Steel Rampage when Peng Meng becomes vulnerable to maximize your damage.

• Keep your combos short until his guard breaks, then take advantage of the opening.

• Stay patient and prioritize well-timed defensive moves over constant aggression.

The Hunt – Hunter of the Order (Second Encounter)

Chapter: Steel and Steam
Type: Perfect Transcensions
Region: Weeping Creek Valley
Reward(s): Hunter’s Chain Sickle

The Hunt returns in Weeping Creek Valley for a more challenging ground-based encounter featuring two phases. In his first phase, he relies on predictable combos and grab attacks, while the second phase introduces faster movements, spinning sickle attacks, and dangerous long-range attacks.

How to Beat The Hunt:

• Counter his grab attempts using the quick-time event to knock him down and deal additional damage.

• Learn the timing of his first-phase combos and attack when he runs out of stamina or becomes staggered.

• Watch out for his spinning sickle combos, as consecutive hits can deal heavy damage.

• Move closer as his stagger meter gets low to capitalize on his jumping attack and trigger a stagger.

• Run toward the opposite side of the arena when he launches his tornado attack, then hold your parry as he returns.

• Save your weapon arts for when his stagger meter is nearly depleted to help break his guard and maximize damage.

• Switch to your other weapon when your Chi runs out to avoid leaving yourself vulnerable to a guard break.

Hua Qianxiao – The Sword Fanatic

Chapter: Snake's Reflection
Type: Maskwalkers
Region: Crimson Forest
Location: Pangzhen Bridge, near the Pangzhen Bridge Overlook Bell
Reward(s): The Fanatic's Broken Blade

Hua Qianxiao is the first major boss encountered in the Crimson Forest. He fights with a controlled flying sword and uses a unique drinking mechanic that converts his Sha-Chi into a protective shield. When he finishes drinking, the resulting shockwave pushes nearby players away. However, the shield gradually drains over time, creating an opportunity to approach, break his guard, and deal damage. The bridge provides enough distance to manage this mechanic safely.

How to Beat Hua Qianxiao:

• Retreat toward the opposite end of the bridge when he starts drinking to avoid the shockwave at the end of the animation.

• Let his protective shield drain before approaching and breaking his guard.

• Use the stagger window to unleash an attack combo before creating distance again.

• Equip the Dread Axe with the Shieldbreaker Talisman to interrupt his drinking mechanic and break his shield early.

• Dodge his tracking flying sword attacks and avoid standing still when he launches them from a distance.

• Parry his blue-flash attacks and dodge red-flash attacks rather than committing to long combos while he is attacking.

Defeating Hua Qianxiao rewards you with The Fanatic's Broken Blade, which allows you to unleash flying sword attacks against distant enemies.

Jing Ye – The Outlaw

Chapter: Snake's Reflection
Type: Maskwalkers
Region: Crimson Forest
Location: Near the Outlaw Trap Bell
Reward(s): Outlaw Warblade

Jing Ye is a challenging boss who begins the encounter on horseback before transitioning into a shield-based fight on the ground. His mounted attacks include sword swings, thrown projectiles, and blood-based strikes that require precise parrying. After dismounting, his spiked shield makes him difficult to damage with regular attacks. Use the Scarlet Wraith Blade to drain his Sha-Chi, Jagged Steel to build Bleed, and a heavy axe to break through his shield.

How to Beat Jing Ye:

• Parry his mounted sword swings and blood-based attacks, and block his thrown projectiles.

• Move away from his sand attacks, which temporarily blur your vision and leave you vulnerable to follow-up strikes.

• Use the Scarlet Wraith Blade to drain his Sha-Chi, then switch to Jagged Steel to build Bleed during stagger opportunities.

• After he dismounts, use a heavy axe such as Dread Axe to damage and break his spiked shield.

• Once his shield breaks, alternate between Jagged Steel and the Scarlet Wraith Blade to maintain Bleed buildup and create further stagger opportunities.

• Use your L2 ability when his stagger ends and his Sha-Chi bar flashes yellow to interrupt his next move.

• Manage your own Sha-Chi by switching weapons when necessary, and use the final execution opportunity when his health is sufficiently low.

Defeating Jing Ye rewards you with the Outlaw Warblade.

Stone Hand Iron Fever – The Iron Fist

Chapter: Snake's Reflection
Type: Maskwalkers
Region: Crimson Forest
Reward(s): Iron Gauntlets

Stone Hand Iron Fever is an aggressive boss who uses fast, powerful attacks to overwhelm the player. The encounter has two phases, with the second becoming considerably more aggressive. Recognizing his attack animations and timing your parries and dodges are essential to surviving the fight. Weapon switching also plays an important role, as the Scarlet Wraith Blade can drain his Sha-Chi, while Bleed and Poison effects provide additional damage.

How to Beat Stone Hand Iron Fever:

• Watch his attack animations carefully and avoid dodging too early, as mistimed evasions can leave you vulnerable to follow-up attacks.

• Use the Scarlet Wraith Blade to drain his Sha-Chi and break his guard, then switch to a Bleed-focused weapon to deal additional damage during stagger windows.

• Take advantage of openings created by successful parries and dodges to attack from behind.

• Switch to poison daggers during the second phase to build Poison while managing his more aggressive attacks.

• Stay patient throughout the second phase, as his increased aggression makes reckless attacks and button-mashing particularly dangerous.

Defeating Stone Hand Iron Fever rewards you with the Iron Gauntlets.

Bai Chilian – The White Serpent and Crimson Viper

Chapter: Snake's Reflection
Type: Maskwalkers
Region: Crimson Forest
Reward(s): White Serpent & Crimson Viper, Resonance Talisman

Bai Chilian is a challenging two-phase encounter in the Crimson Forest. The first phase features fast movements, teleportation, and dangerous snake-based attacks, while the second introduces the White Serpent and Crimson Viper together, supported by summoned snakes and powerful area attacks. Focus on draining her Sha-Chi with the Scarlet Wraith Blade, then switch to Jagged Steel to build Bleed and deal damage during stagger windows.

How to Beat Bai Chilian:

• Equip the Scarlet Wraith Blade for Sha-Chi depletion and Jagged Steel for damage and Bleed buildup. Iron Gauntlets can also help create additional stagger opportunities.

• Watch for her teleportation and prepare to parry or counterattack when she reappears.

• Parry her blue and red attacks to drain her Sha-Chi, but dodge attacks that can break your Sha-Chi. Move backward to avoid her large snake attack.

• Use Jagged Steel's L2 ability to interrupt certain attacks and create additional damage opportunities.

• During stagger windows, use Jagged Steel's full Sha-Chi combo to maximize damage, followed by Iron Gauntlet attacks when possible.

• In the second phase, prioritize parrying the bosses' attack combinations to drain their Sha-Chi rather than chasing them to land attacks.

• Dodge their red-flash attacks, especially when they rise into the air, and move away immediately when they prepare their large area attack.

• Defeat summoned snakes before focusing on the bosses again. Your companion can also help during this phase.

• Continue using the Scarlet Wraith Blade and Jagged Steel combination to drain Sha-Chi and build Bleed whenever damage opportunities arise.

Defeating Bai Chilian rewards you with White Serpent & Crimson Viper and the Resonance Talisman.

Zhuo Bi – The Gatekeeper

Chapter: Heartless Remnant
Type: Perfect Transcensions
Region: Village of Lu
Reward(s): Bastion

Zhuo Bi is the Gatekeeper under Wu Xuan, stationed in the Village of Lu. He wears heavy armor and carries a massive beast-faced shield, which he uses for crushing blows, wide sweeps, ground slams, and charging attacks. His strong defenses make regular attacks less effective, so this encounter revolves around recognizing his attack animations, performing well-timed parries, and gradually depleting his stagger bar.

How to Beat Zhuo Bi:

• Equip the Dread Axe to deplete his stagger bar more effectively and the Reflex Device to improve your parry and dodge timing windows.

• Watch his heavy attack animations and dodge moves that cannot be safely parried.

• Take advantage of his shield attack combinations to perform consecutive parries and gradually deplete his stagger bar.

• Look for the yellow flash on his stagger bar to identify successful parries rather than ordinary blocks.

• Avoid extended attack combos and focus on defense until his stagger bar is depleted, then perform an execution and use the opening to deal additional damage. Be prepared to repeat this process several times due to his high health.

Defeating Zhuo Bi rewards you with the Bastion shield.

Master Bi Yuan – The Tianxuan Swordmaster

Chapter: Heartless Remnant
Type: Masters
Region: Village of Lu
Reward(s): Tianxuan Bronze Sword

Master Bi Yuan is a powerful swordmaster found within the statue grounds of the Village of Lu. He wields the Tianxuan Bronze Sword and combines fast sword techniques with waves of sword Chi to keep opponents at a distance. His attacks can quickly drain your health and posture, making direct aggression dangerous. Use the Scarlet Wraith Blade and its Red Spider Lilies to drain his Sha-Chi, then switch to Jagged Steel to build Bleed and deal heavy damage during stagger windows.

How to Beat Master Bi Yuan:

• Use the Scarlet Wraith Blade's Triangle attack to scatter Red Spider Lilies across the ground and gradually drain his Sha-Chi while he remains within their range.

• Switch to Jagged Steel when his stagger bar is depleted and use its Bleed buildup and special ability to maximize damage.

• Parry his incoming sword Chi waves to defend against his ranged attacks and create counterattack opportunities.

• Use successive dodges to escape combinations that involve consecutive attacks, rather than remaining close and risking additional hits.

• Continue using Red Spider Lilies to maintain Sha-Chi pressure, saving your strongest attacks for stagger windows.

Defeating Master Bi Yuan rewards you with the Tianxuan Bronze Sword.

Master Bi Hai – The Golden Bell Guardian

Chapter: Heartless Remnant
Type: Masters
Region: Village of Lu
Location: Beyond the Smuggler's Tunnel
Reward(s): Kuye Temple Prayer Beads

Master Bi Hai is encountered beyond the Smuggler's Tunnel, protected by a golden Qi bell and three Bronze Men who appear when the battle begins. These shielded enemies must be defeated before you can focus on the boss. Iron Gauntlets are particularly effective for breaking their shields, while the Scarlet Wraith Blade can drain Master Bi Hai's guard and create opportunities to deal heavy damage.

How to Beat Master Bi Hai:

• Equip Iron Gauntlets to break the Bronze Men's shields, and use the weapon's area attacks to damage multiple enemies when they are grouped together.

• Focus on one Bronze Man at a time and use the Shield Breaker Talisman if you need additional help breaking their shields.

• Equip Endless Renewal to potentially restore Remnant Spark through executions, and use Still Depths to increase your maximum Remnant Spark by one.

• Use the Scarlet Wraith Blade's Triangle attack to scatter Red Spider Lilies and gradually drain Master Bi Hai's guard.

• Parry his gold attacks and watch for his explosive and charging moves, prioritizing dodges when necessary.

• Switch to Jagged Steel when his guard breaks and use its L2 abilities to build Bleed and maximize damage.

• Use your strongest attacks while he is vulnerable, as allowing his guard to recover can bring additional Bronze Men into the encounter.

Defeating Master Bi Hai rewards you with the Kuye Temple Prayer Beads.

Yuzan – The Musician Puppet

Chapter: Heartless Remnant
Type: Puppets
Region: Village of Lu
Location: Puppet Testing Grounds
Reward(s): Heartend Pipa

Yuzan is a Vessel-Class Musician Puppet guarding the Puppet Testing Grounds in the Village of Lu. She uses her pipa to launch musical projectiles and sharp sound waves, keeping opponents at a distance while wearing down their defenses. Her musical attacks can also be turned against her, as parrying her blue sound blades and white projectiles reflects them back and damages her stance. Use the Scarlet Wraith Blade to drain her Sha-Chi, then switch to a damage-focused weapon when her guard breaks.

How to Beat Yuzan:

• Use the Scarlet Wraith Blade's Red Spider Lilies to gradually drain her Sha-Chi and create guard-break opportunities.

• Parry her blue sound blades and white musical projectiles to reflect them back and deal stance damage, but dodge her red projectiles.

• Watch for follow-up attacks while her white projectiles are still travelling, as she can continue attacking before they reach you.

• Switch to Jagged Steel or another damage-focused weapon during guard breaks. Equip the Living Wood Talisman if you want to build Bleed, as it makes Bleed 50% effective against puppets.

• Use Iron Gauntlets after breaking her guard for additional damage and opportunities to briefly stun her.

• Run toward the opposite end of the arena when she rises into the air and summons large orbs, continuing to move until the attack ends. Also avoid her whirlwind effects and retreat when she prepares large area attacks.

• Watch for the final execution prompt when her health is sufficiently low to finish the encounter.

Defeating Yuzan rewards you with the Heartend Pipa.

Mu Xiaokui – Queen of Iron and Jade

Chapter: Heartless Remnant
Type: Masters
Region: Village of Lu
Reward(s): Wild Oriole Sword; Fiend Saws, Fist Fragment: Core, Puppet No. 44's Eye (Third Phase)

Mu Xiaokui is a talented martial artist who fights with the slender Wild Oriole Sword. Known for her exceptional speed and graceful sword techniques, she presents a challenging encounter that develops across three phases. The first two phases focus on her fast sword attacks, ranged moves, and dangerous grab combinations, while the optional third phase introduces Iron Fiend and Jade Dancer as additional opponents. Collect five ribbons before reaching the arena to unlock the third phase.

How to Beat Mu Xiaokui:

• Prioritize parrying her fast sword combinations and dodge when necessary rather than committing to continuous attacks. Jagged Steel is useful for building Bleed during her recovery windows.

• During the second phase, let Mu Xiaokui approach instead of chasing her around the arena, as she frequently retreats before launching ranged attacks.

• Watch for the purple line on the ground that signals Iron Fiend's incoming attacks, and prepare to defend against his follow-ups.

• Dodge her repeated grab attempts rather than relying on parries. Reposition yourself when necessary to keep the attack signals clearly visible.

• During the third phase, focus on defeating Iron Fiend first, as his frequent jumping attacks make him particularly difficult to manage alongside Jade Dancer.

• Keep both opponents within view and avoid allowing them to surround you. Prioritize parries to break their guards, then attack during their recovery windows.

• Once Iron Fiend is defeated, concentrate on parrying Jade Dancer's attacks and counterattacking when she becomes vulnerable.

Defeating Mu Xiaokui rewards you with the Wild Oriole Sword. Completing the optional third phase also provides the Fiend Saws, Fist Fragment: Core, and Puppet No. 44's Eye.

Blaze – Captain of the Shadow Wardens

Chapter: Town of Death
Type: Perfect Transcensions
Region: Pangzhen
Reward(s): Fire Meteor, Soulrend Storeroom Key

Blaze is the captain of the Shadow Wardens, recognizable by his scarlet outfit and golden mask. He fights with two chain hammers filled with phosphor powder, using sweeping attacks and ground slams to spread flames across the battlefield. The encounter has two phases: the first introduces additional enemies, while the second gives Blaze access to more dangerous fire and area attacks. Managing his Sha-Chi, recognizing his attack patterns, and capitalizing on guard breaks are essential to defeating him.

How to Beat Blaze:

• Equip the Scarlet Wraith Blade to drain Blaze's Sha-Chi. Its wide attacks are also useful for dealing with groups of additional enemies during the first phase.

• Switch to Jagged Steel when Blaze is staggered to build Bleed and deal heavy damage. Its L2 ability can also help knock him down as he recovers.

• Use Iron Gauntlets to inflict additional guard damage, particularly when multiple enemies appear or when you need to capitalize on a stagger window.

• Hunter's Insight increases damage and Sha-Chi depletion against attacking enemies, helping you break Blaze's guard more quickly.

• Parry his blue attacks and carefully respond to his red attacks. Be especially cautious of his red grab, which can potentially defeat you in a single hit.

• Prioritize attacking Blaze when his guard breaks. His stagger bar can recover while you focus on other enemies, so don't waste the opportunity by switching targets too early.

• During the first phase, eliminate additional enemies one at a time. Use the Scarlet Wraith Blade's wide swings when several enemies are grouped together.

• In the second phase, watch for Blaze's large fire attacks and dodge away from areas marked as dangerous. Some circular attacks create safe zones, while others indicate areas you must escape, so pay attention to the specific attack pattern.

• Well-timed parries against certain red attacks can help deplete Blaze's guard, but avoid taking unnecessary risks against his deadly grab or attacks that are better evaded.

• When Blaze performs his flame-charged chest attack accompanied by a plea to be set free, stay back. His chest movement knocks you away, making it difficult to attack. Avoid the surrounding flames and use the opening to heal if needed.

• Dodge his dark attacks rather than attempting to parry them, and avoid staying too close when he begins these moves.

• Use Iron Gauntlets and Jagged Steel together to maximize guard damage and punish Blaze during stagger windows.

• Complete the final execution by responding to the R1 dodge prompt and following the on-screen instructions.

Defeating Blaze rewards you with Fire Meteor and the Soulrend Storeroom Key.

Cavalrybane – The Shadow Warden Elite

Chapter: Town of Death
Type: Perfect Transcensions
Region: Pangzhen
Reward(s): Armybreaker

Cavalrybane is an elite Shadow Warden who guards the streets of Pangzhen. Armed with the powerful Armybreaker saber, he uses broad swings, heavy thrusts, and sweeping attacks to keep opponents under pressure. His attacks can deal significant damage, particularly his red attacks and powerful stabbing moves. Although his guard can be depleted relatively quickly, it also recovers fast, making it essential to capitalize on every stagger opportunity.

How to Beat Cavalrybane:

• Use the Scarlet Wraith Blade to drain Cavalrybane's Sha-Chi and create stagger opportunities, then switch to a damage-focused weapon.

• Equip Fiend Saws to deal heavy damage during stagger windows. Its L2 ability allows you to charge an attack, which can be followed by another L2 input to unleash a powerful flurry of strikes.

• Iron Gauntlets are another useful option for dealing guard damage and depleting his stagger bar.

• Act quickly when Cavalrybane is staggered. His guard recovers rapidly, so switch to Fiend Saws or Iron Gauntlets immediately and make the most of the short opening.

• Dodge his red attacks rather than risking a block, as his powerful strikes can deal substantial damage.

• Watch for his forward stabbing attack, which may not have a clear red or blue signal. Dodge sideways instead of waiting for a visual indicator.

• Pay attention to his lunging attacks and react according to the move, using a dodge or parry when appropriate.

• Evade his dark attacks rather than attempting to parry them. Use other openings to apply pressure with fast weapons such as Fiend Saws.

• Finish the encounter by following the on-screen execution prompt when Cavalrybane is defeated.

Defeating Cavalrybane rewards you with Armybreaker.

Wu Xuan – The Iron Tower General

Chapter: The Heart's Trail
Type: Perfect Transcensions
Region: Pangzhen
Reward(s): Wolfjaw

Wu Xuan is a former general who once led troops against the Maskwalkers before being stationed in the backstreets of Pangzhen. Wearing heavy armor similar to Zhuo Bi's, he towers over his opponents and attacks with a powerful spiked club. When pressured, he can transform his Sha-Chi into Chaos Fire, adding another dangerous element to the encounter. His heavy armor makes weaker and faster weapons less effective, so choosing equipment that can break through his defenses is essential.

How to Beat Wu Xuan:

• Use the Scarlet Wraith Blade to apply Red Spider Lilies. Wu Xuan's large size makes it difficult for him to avoid them, allowing you to build stagger while maintaining pressure.

• Make use of the Scarlet Wraith Blade's L2 ability to deal with his heavy armor and break through his defenses more efficiently than regular attacks.

• Avoid relying on dual blades, as they are less effective against his armor. Prioritize a powerful two-handed weapon instead.

• Equip Puppeteer's Bell as a Phantom Edge to gain additional stagger support.

• Use the Shield Breaker Talisman to increase damage against shield durability and support your armor-breaking setup.

• Equip Quick Hand Might to improve two-handed weapon strength, making it a useful choice for this encounter.

• Consider Ancient Armor Fragment to increase your HP and improve survivability against Wu Xuan's powerful attacks.

• Focus on breaking his armor and creating stagger opportunities rather than wasting time with weapons that struggle against his defenses.

Defeating Wu Xuan rewards you with Wolfjaw.

Gu Wanyue – The Wailing Wraith

Chapter: The Heart's Trail
Type: Maskwalkers
Region: Pangzhen
Location: Beside the dry well
Reward(s): Fanatic's Fragment: Fixation

Gu Wanyue is a mysterious woman in white who watches over a dry well in Pangzhen, repeatedly calling out for her beloved. Unlike most bosses, she cannot be damaged reliably with ordinary weapon attacks while she remains incorporeal. You must use Ghostfire to inflict Chaotic Flame or deplete her Sha-Chi to break her guard and make her vulnerable. She also uses dangerous ranged attacks, sudden grabs, and Phantom Arts that plunge the arena into darkness, making patience and precise timing essential.

How to Beat Gu Wanyue:

• Equip Wolfjaw with Ghostfire Wreath, unlocked by Soul Tempering it with Border Poems. This Phantom Edge allows Wolfjaw's attacks to generate Ghostfire and inflict Chaotic Flame.

• Apply Ghostfire with Wolfjaw to make Gu Wanyue vulnerable to damage while she is incorporeal. Avoid wasting regular attacks while they pass through her.

• Deflect her opening energy projectile back toward her to help deplete her Sha-Chi.

• Watch for her sudden grab attacks, particularly when she disappears or moves out of reach. Avoid attacking blindly and be ready to dodge when she approaches.

• When her Phantom Arts plunge the arena into darkness, prepare for a possible grab. Wait for her to approach, dodge at the right moment, and counterattack when safe.

• Keep your distance from her ranged attacks and other Phantom Arts. Don't rush toward her; wait for a clear opening before approaching.

• When her Sha-Chi is depleted and her guard breaks, switch to your strongest damage weapon and use the stagger window for a full combo.

• Repeat the cycle by applying Ghostfire, deflecting projectiles, and avoiding grabs. Save your strongest attacks for her vulnerability windows.

Defeating Gu Wanyue rewards you with Fanatic's Fragment: Fixation.

Xie Qiudong – The Divine Healer

Chapter: The Heart's Trail
Type: Perfect Transcensions
Region: Pangzhen
Location: Pangzhen
Reward(s): Everflow

Xie Qiudong is a healer who controls the backstreets of Pangzhen, wearing a mask decorated with copper coins. Although his healing abilities have earned him the admiration of the Transcended, the encounter revolves around removing the protection provided by his bodyguards. While Xie Qiudong floats above the arena, red threads connect him to six scattered bodies, allowing him to heal his three bodyguards. Severing these connections is essential before you can finish the fight.

How to Beat Xie Qiudong:

• Locate and attack all six bodies scattered around the arena to sever their red threads. This brings Xie Qiudong down and prevents him from healing his bodyguards.

• Defeat the three bodyguards before focusing on Xie Qiudong, as they can interrupt your attacks and overwhelm you if left alive.

• Prioritize the twinblade- and dagger-wielding bodyguards, as their aggressive attacks make them particularly troublesome.

• Use the large arena to keep track of the remaining enemies and avoid being surrounded or ambushed.

• Once all three bodyguards are defeated, attack Xie Qiudong. His relatively small health pool makes him much easier to finish without his guards protecting him.

Defeating Xie Qiudong rewards you with Everflow.

Chang Hong – The Thunderous Spearmaster

Chapter: The Heart's Trail
Type: Masters
Region: Pangzhen
Location: Pangzhen
Reward(s): Thunder Spear

Chang Hong is a highly skilled spear master and respected member of the Order. Calm and guided by a strong sense of justice, he was once an old friend who fought alongside Soul. His mastery of the spear, mounted combat style, and powerful lightning attacks make this a demanding two-phase encounter. The first phase is particularly dangerous, so prioritize surviving his lightning-enhanced attacks before looking for opportunities to counterattack.

How to Beat Chang Hong:

• Equip Armybreaker for its block-plus-heavy attack, which lets you charge forward and interrupt Chang Hong. It also provides a powerful counterattack after a successful parry.

• Use Kuye Temple Prayer Beads as your Phantom Edge, particularly during the first phase. The summoned allies can distract Chang Hong, giving you room to maintain distance and wait for his lightning effects to disappear.

• When Chang Hong's spear becomes charged with lightning, prioritize evasion rather than attacking. Keep your distance until the lightning effect expires before returning to close combat.

• Watch for his spinning movement, which signals an incoming red attack. Dodge instead of attempting to parry it.

• Use Armybreaker's charging attack when Chang Hong charges toward you or pauses between attacks, provided you have a safe opening to counter.

• Take a cautious approach during the first phase. Focus on learning his attack patterns and surviving his lightning attacks rather than rushing to deal damage. After clearing this phase, failed attempts allow you to restart directly from the second phase.

• During the second phase, watch for Chang Hong raising his spear toward the sky. This signals an incoming lightning strike, so dodge backward and stay away from the marked lightning circles.

• Position yourself near his left side to make his spear attacks easier to read and parry, but remain alert for kicking attacks from his horse.

• Create distance when Chang Hong launches waves of lightning across the arena, giving yourself enough room to avoid the incoming attacks.

• Keep your attacks short and controlled. Land a few hits or successful parries before repositioning, and use Armybreaker's charging attack whenever a safe opportunity arises.

Defeating Chang Hong rewards you with the Thunder Spear.

Flame – Grandmaster of the Lion Dance

Chapter: The Heart's Trail
Type: Perfect Transcensions
Region: Pangzhen
Location: Lion Dance Hall
Reward(s): Dormant Flaming Mane

Flame is the Grandmaster of the lion dance, encountered deep within the Sha-Chi-corrupted ruins of the Lion Dance Hall. Accompanied by his second-in-command, Senior Mo, who performs as the lion's tail, Flame uses unpredictable movements, fiery attacks, and coordinated lion-dance techniques to challenge Soul. The encounter has two phases, with the second introducing wooden pole sequences, additional disciples, and a special lion dance section where collecting green pouches is essential to dealing significant Sha-Chi damage.

How to Beat Flame:

• Learn the timing of his parryable attacks. These include the fourth stomp in his circular stomping sequence, the slam following his taunt, the second swipe of his spinning cheek blades, and his front-flip slash during Phase 2.

• Dodge his whirlwind slam when he launches forward and crashes into the ground. The resulting fiery explosion cannot be blocked, so move away to avoid the blast.

• Deflect his fireballs by watching for the bright blue glint before he launches them. Time your block as the projectile reaches you to send it back and deal significant Sha-Chi damage. This also applies to variations where he spins, retreats, or raises his head before firing.

• Use water-based attacks such as You Loong's Deluge to extinguish his fire buff. This removes the explosions from his regular attacks and disables several fire-based moves, making the encounter easier to manage.

• During Phase 2, watch for the wooden poles rising from the ground as Flame leaps between them. His final jump has two variations: dodge the red-flash unblockable attack, but deflect the blue-flash attack with a well-timed block.

• When Flame summons lion-headed disciples, defeat them and weaken the final disciple until an execution becomes available. Performing the execution triggers the transition into the lion dance phase.

• During the lion dance sequence, use the directional controls to jump between the poles and collect the green pouches hanging around the pillars. Each pouch significantly increases the Sha-Chi damage you inflict on Flame.

• After collecting the pouches, focus on depleting Flame's Sha-Chi. Breaking his guard temporarily stuns him and creates an opportunity for follow-up attacks.

• Use Ghoststep counters to punish his unpredictable movements. Look for the parry and perfect-dodge opportunities created by his attack patterns to open him up for counterattacks.

Defeating Flame rewards you with Dormant Flaming Mane.

Soulclaimer – The Shadow Warden of the Docks

Chapter: The Lake
Type: Perfect Transcensions
Region: Pangzhen
Location: Pangzhen Docks
Reward(s): Parting Hooks

Soulclaimer is an elite Shadow Warden who guards the docks of Pangzhen. Wearing solemn black robes similar to those worn by Cavalrybane, he fights alongside two female disciples of the Baishan Sect. Armed with a pair of Parting Hooks, Soulclaimer uses precise techniques to switch quickly between offence and defence. His aggressive attack combinations and powerful counterattacks make this a dangerous encounter, especially if you attack carelessly before his combos are finished.

How to Beat Soulclaimer:

• Equip Bastion to block Soulclaimer's extended attack flurries, including some of his darker attacks. Use its defensive capabilities to survive his combos and create opportunities to counterattack.

• If possible, collect two Banyan Hearts and unlock Opening Strike. This ability makes weapon swapping more effective, allowing you to chain attacks and repeatedly stagger Soulclaimer when timed correctly.

• Use the Scarlet Wraith Blade to drain his Sha-Chi and create opportunities to break his posture.

• Switch to Fiend Saws during stagger windows. Their charged L2 attack followed by the whirlwind attack can deal significant damage while Soulclaimer is vulnerable.

• Time your weapon swaps toward the end of his attack combinations rather than interrupting your own attacks while he is still fighting. Successful swap attacks can stagger him and deal additional posture damage.

• Watch for his grab attacks and avoid getting caught. These moves can restore his posture, undoing much of your progress.

• Avoid committing to slow attacks, particularly with Iron Gauntlets, as Soulclaimer can recover quickly and punish you before your animation finishes.

• When he performs an extended attack sequence, use Bastion to defend yourself and look for an opening to counter with a heavy attack or weapon swap.

• Make the most of stagger windows by using your strongest attacks, then time another weapon swap as Soulclaimer begins recovering to maintain pressure without leaving yourself exposed.

Defeating Soulclaimer rewards you with Parting Hooks.

Conclusion

That's all you need to know about all bosses in Phantom Blade Zero, warriors! Learn their attack patterns, choose the right weapons, and take your time with tougher fights. Follow this Phantom Blade Zero boss guide to prepare for each encounter and make your journey through Mount Soulrend a little easier. If you want to continue your adventure away from your PC, OSLink lets you remotely play Phantom Blade Zero on your mobile device, so you can keep exploring and preparing for your next boss fight even when you're away from your gaming setup. Good luck, warriors!