How to Beat Crimson Malefact | Beast of Reincarnation

Crimson Malefact Summary

First Appearance	Chapter: 9 Wasteland Region: Inukami River Zone
Level	First Match: 45
Weakness	None

With Koo missing, Emma faces the wolf-like Nushi alone at the end of the Inukami River Zone.

Crimson Malefact Boss Guide

[1] Equip gear and items that give Water damage and/or inflict drench.

Equip Emma with Spring Storm to take advantage of the boss's weakness.
Use Lightning Arrows and Lightning Bolts on the drenched boss to cause Jolt, stunning it for a few seconds.
The boss has some varying elemental attacks. If you want to avoid getting stunned by shock, equip armor with Lightning resistance like the Ornate Robe.

Tip: Don't forget to check Koo's gear, he also has skills and items that inflict drench or shock.

List of All Equipment

[2] Learn the Crimson Malefact's attack moves.

The table below displays the attacks the boss uses during its initial phase, along with their parry and dodge timings.

First Phase
Attack	Description
Rock Fling	The beast raises its arm before flinging rocks toward the player. This attack cannot be blocked, so dodge or roll away after the red flash appears. Keeping a safe distance makes the incoming projectiles easier to evade.
Pounce	Crimson Malefact pounces at the player with a bite. The parry timing varies depending on the distance guarding once it becomes airborne is a reliable timing cue.
Bite	It briefly stands upright before lunging at the player with a bite. Guard about one second after it stands to parry the attack.
Three-Bite Combo	The boss unleashes three consecutive bites, with the final bite having a different timing. Parry each one and retaliate as soon as the combo ends.
U-turn Strike	Crimson Malefact lunges forward with a bite before leaping backwards. Guard as soon as you hear its growl finish to successfully parry the bite.
Jagged Rock Slam	The beast leaps and performs a front flip before slamming into the ground. Watch out for the red flash on its head that signals the attack. This move cannot be blocked or parried, so its best to dodge immediately when you see it perform the flip.
Bite-Swipe-Tail Barrage	Crimson Malefact glows brightly before executing a two-bite, two-swipe combo followed by a backflip. The first four attacks almost have similar timings and can be parried. However, you must dodge the flip as it cannot be blocked.

After reducing half of its health, the boss gains new moves that resemble Koo's Bloom Arts. The table below lists the attacks that can be blocked, parried, or only be dodged.

Second Phase
Attack	Description
Tail Grab	Crimson Malefact burrows its tail underground toward the player before striking and grabbing them. The attack cannot be blocked and pulls you toward the boss if it connects. Track the red flash and dodge just before the tail hits.
Higanbana: Seeds	The creature shoots several flaming seeds at you which can be parried or blocked. Avoid repositioning too early, as the boss can make slight adjustments to track your movement and still land the attack.
Sakura: Javelin	Crimson Malefact spins while flicking its tail and hurls a lightning javelin toward the player. You will see lightning travel down its tail before performing this move. Parry as soon as the tail flicks.
Higanbana: Bloom	The boss leaps and plunges its tail into the ground, creating Higanbana blossoms that burst out of the player's location. This attack cannot be blocked or parried, so follow the red flash and dodge as soon as the tail reaches your position.
Asagao: Boa	It burrows its tail into the ground in front of itself, creating Asagao flowers that erupt at the player's position. This attack cannot be blocked or parried, so watch for the red flash and dodge when it appears.

[3] Prepare for a solo battle.

This battle is purely a one-on-one fight, leaving Emma without Koo's support. Upgrade your weapons and abilities before entering the arena. It is also recommended to use Spirit Stones that enhance Emma's combat capabilities. Proper preparation will give you an edge against this enemy.

Tip: Equip the sword Purity to gain access to a unique skill: Vampiric Blade, which restores health with each attack. This helps compensate for the loss of Koo's regenerative support during combat.

[4] Use Entanglement Overdrive to lock down the boss.

Activate Entanglement Overdrive to slow down time and create a safe window to deal heavy damage. Upgrade your Entanglement Overdrive skill and expand the Entanglement Gauge to increase the move's overall duration.