Every Nine Sols Boss, Ranked

Contrary to my exceptionally high anticipation, Nine Sols effortlessly stood out as one of the top Souls-Like games in 2024.

Despite the fact that Red Candle Games primarily focused on creating horror games, their debut venture into the metroidvania genre turned out to be absolutely splendid.

The story, plot, game mechanics, stage layouts, graphics, and soundtrack are all simply outstanding, reaching nearly unbeatable levels when compared to some of the best games in its genre.

Yet, it’s the combat that truly makes this experience stand out. We’ll highlight its excellence by compiling a ranked list featuring each of the Nine Sols bosses.

10. Kanghui

Annoying Minions

Location Prison
Reward(s) Noble Ring

In most instances, excluding some overly detailed exceptions, I’ve generally found boss battles that involve Minions to be frustrating, just like the case with Kanghui.

Engaging in hacking during a fight presents an intriguing hurdle, yet striking a motionless objective while dodging and neutralizing numerous minor adversaries fails to deliver fulfillment.

Or simply:
Hacking amidst battle is quite a challenge, but it’s not as satisfying as hitting a stationary target while avoiding multiple lesser enemies.

As a skilled gamer, I often find myself in tight spots where I can’t inflict damage on my foes for a few crucial moments due to the recovery phases. This pause disrupts the smooth, immersive rhythm of combat.

In my opinion, compared to the other Nine Sols bosses, Kanghui is not particularly interactive or interesting.

9. Fuxi and Nuwa

Infuriating and Unrewarding

Location Nobility Hall
Reward(s) Twin Tao Fruit

In comparison to Kanghui, they achieved a superior position, but let me tell you, Fuxi and Nuwa were the most exasperating bosses I encountered throughout the year of 2024.

From the collision boxes to the movement patterns, taking into account how challenging it can be to differentiate between projectiles because of their shape and color resemblance to the surroundings, this battle is an absolute nightmare.

Instead of having a demanding but fulfilling supervisor, it turns into an ongoing battle to dodge numerous assaults, all while seeking a limited opportunity to inflict damage.

Regardless of how well you understand the combat, there are numerous unpredictable factors involved that make it challenging to foresee the outcome, as these situations often contradict the core mechanics of this type of encounter.

8. Goumang

Neither Adds Nor Subtracts

Location Agricultural Zone
Reward(s) None

It isn’t necessary for a boss to be hard to be effective, but frequently the ones that leave the deepest impression are those that present the toughest challenges, which is why Goumang doesn’t make a lasting impact.

Beyond its standard approach, it lacks the unique qualities that set it apart from typical encounters with common opponents, making it less extraordinary overall.

This boss doesn’t measure up in terms of ambiance, tactics, and functionality compared to other bosses. Its striking visuals and rich backstory are commendable, but they don’t elevate the battle beyond its current rating.

Although it performs admirably, it lacks the feeling of a traditional boss battle, more akin to an intense skirmish with formidable foes. This discrepancy slightly diminishes the overall experience.

7. Yanlao

A Fun Laser Show

Location Warehouse Zone
Reward(s) Greater Tao Fruit

Enjoyment perfectly encapsulates the battle against Yanlao, as his concept and execution were consistently effective all along.

Without being a significant hurdle and not requiring extensive use of the famous parry, it’s still enjoyable to learn proficiency in.

The game’s focus on a boss fight that involves platforming elements is quite impressive, since navigating jumps and distances successfully can be quite rewarding.

As a devoted player, I may not have fully mastered the intricacies of Nine Sols yet, but its unique battle system certainly offers a refreshing change from other fights within the game, serving as an engaging and exciting introduction to the combat mechanics.

6. Xingtian

Exciting Difficulties

Location Boundless Repository
Reward(s) None

Xingtian stands out as an underestimated leader who effectively leverages the abilities of each character in Nine Sols, offering engaging gameplay experiences and compelling storylines for all.

Due to him being located in a compact workspace, he requires absolute accuracy from each move – be it an attack, jump, dash, or parry. This significantly boosts the difficulty level, yet it remains fair.

Additionally, the anticipation leading up to encountering him is particularly captivating, since the game subtly fosters a connection with Chiyou and his tale, and eventually places you in the role of avenging his long-lost sibling.

Although he may not have the flair or visual storytelling of others, remarkably, he effectively utilizes limited resources to emerge as an exceptional leader.

5. General: Yingzhao

Wonderful Tutorial

Location Radiant Pagoda
Reward(s) Herb Catalyst

Moving forward, each of the boss characters from “Nine Sols” can be described as extraordinary, with General: Yingzhao standing out particularly well as an exceptional guide.

To master the intricacies of the game and emerge victorious against the initial major adversary known as Nine Sols, it’s crucial to fully grasp its mechanics, focusing on precise timing, skill usage, and spatial awareness in your actions.

Yingzhao’s two-step process offers a comprehensive learning experience on all aspects of the game; mastering it equips you with the skills to conquer any obstacle that comes your way.

Beyond that, it’s also worth noting that the music and the scenery, though presented right from the start of the campaign, are among the finest in the entire game of Nine Sols.

4. Jiequan

The First Big Challenge

Location Transmutation Zone
Reward(s) Greater Tao Fruit

From my perspective, the challenge level of Nine Sols is generally moderate, with a few exceptions such as Jiequan, which can be quite frustratingly tough.

In this game, there’s one particular battle that, despite being situated in an irritating part of the map, gives an exceptional blend of difficulty and fulfillment, akin to what I’ve experienced in some of the finest games within the genre.

In the tradition of General Yingzhao, its two phases present an awe-inspiring confrontation, requiring divine-like knowledge to emerge victorious.

Or simply:
Following in the footsteps of General Yingzhao, his two stages offer a grand showdown that demands godlike knowledge to succeed.

All things considered, Jiequan effectively highlights what draws Souls and Metroidvania game enthusiasts to these types of titles. Despite its challenges, it’s truly remarkable.

3. Ji

Perfect Construction and Rhythm

Location Ancient Stone Pillar
Reward(s) Ji’s Hair

Ji excels as a boss who demonstrates that excellence isn’t solely tied to complexity; rather, he shows that even when tasks aren’t overly difficult, they can still be impressive.

He might not be straightforward, yet there’s a captivating quality about how he integrates his background into his battles, mirroring the essence of the persona he embodies.

His connection with fate, mystical abilities, and psychic insight is skillfully portrayed through his diverse combat moves, epic music, and stunning aesthetics.

His bond with destiny, esoteric powers, and foresight are expertly depicted in his wide range of attacks, magnificent soundtrack, and exceptional visual style.

He’s less challenging than some of the highly-acclaimed managers on the roster and this has made him fly under the radar, yet I feel compelled to assert that Ji is indisputably among the top-notch bosses in the often overlooked series “Nine Sols“.

Despite being less demanding than many renowned managers, he’s gone unnoticed. However, I firmly believe that Ji deserves recognition as one of the finest bosses within the undervalued “Nine Sols” series.

2. Lady Ethereal

A Test of Resilience

Location Cortex Center
Reward(s) Greater Tao Fruit

The feeling of being up against a superior opponent who seems impossible to defeat is rather uncomfortable, and honestly, I experienced this sentiment towards Lady Ethereal for quite some time.

Reflecting on it now, I can’t help but feel shattered when I recall that three-part experiences have consistently been disastrous. However, it wasn’t until after the initial two phases that I fully understood this truth, and it was only then, following numerous attempts, that I truly felt crushed by the realization.

Beyond that, it’s the kind of battle that instantly becomes a cherished one as soon as it resonates with you, immersing you in a skillful, fluid mindset.

When I finally mastered my Nine Sols combat skills almost completely, it was Lady Ethereal who left me floating on air – a clear demonstration of her unparalleled excellence, as seen from my perspective.

1. Eigong

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Would Be Proud

Location Research Institute
Reward(s) None

It’s not usual for the most challenging leader to also be the exceptional one, but Eigong stands out as a significant reason why I believe Nine Sols is one of the top indie games of 2024.

Eigong is notably responsible for my belief that Nine Sols is among the best indie games of 2024, even though it’s not typical for the toughest boss to also be outstanding.

scarcely have I encountered a boss as often defeated by me since the character Isshin, The Sword Saint, in the game “Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice,” without once feeling irritated or frustrated.

Her stride, actions, dance sequences, environment, soundtrack, challenge level, color schemes, and storyline are all flawless, deserving to be ranked among the greatest boss battles ever conceived.

I spent significantly longer than I care to disclose, and I was convinced that I would have to accept the unfavorable conclusion and instead view the hidden one online.

Regardless, I ultimately reached my destination, and it’s hard to express the joy I feel from realizing that I bested Eigong in every one of her stages.

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2025-02-07 18:10