Witchfire: How to Beat the Shieldbearer

As a seasoned Witchfire player with countless hours under my belt, I can confidently say that the Shieldbearer is one of the most challenging bosses you’ll encounter during your adventure. This hulking behemoth, with his impenetrable shield and acidic aura, has given me more headaches than any other foe in this magical realm.

In its current early-access phase, the Shieldbearer is one of the three companions in Witchfire. He serves as the first boss you can conquer in your mission to thwart the Witch’s wicked schemes. Additionally, defeating him is essential for unlocking new content and moving forward with the storyline, acting as a gatekeeper for progression. This is a common mechanism in rogue-lite games.

For experienced players accustomed to the game’s battle and navigation systems, defeating the Shieldbearer is likely the least challenging among the three boss battles. However, this foe may pose difficulties for novice or ill-prepared gamers due to an unclear phase in his battle where damage is sustained without apparent cause, as there’s no game instruction on this aspect.

The following is a complete walkthrough of the Shieldbearer boss fight in Witchfire, including an excellent strategy to cheese him for easy farming. By the time you are done reading, you will realize that he is not as threatening as you first thought.

How to Find the Shieldbearer

In the game ‘Witchfire’, the character known as the Shieldbearer is situated along the northern border of the Scarlet Coast. You can gain access to this location by acquiring the ‘Scarlet Coast Chart’ once you’ve entered the Wailing Tower on the Island of the Damned. Notably, there’s no Gnosis level prerequisite for encountering the Shieldbearer, so you have the freedom to challenge him at your current Gnosis level, which is 0 by default.

In the game, Witchfire, venture towards the spot indicated on your map – there you’ll discover an eerie, luminescent green chasm. To access this subterranean cavern, invest 2,500 Volatile Witchfire Crystals to shatter the barrier blocking your path. With bated breath, leap off into the swirling abyss. Remember, just before touching ground, utilize a swift double jump to maintain your health, or risk losing a significant portion of it before engaging with the formidable Shieldbearer in combat!

Leap into the radiant abyss from the most northerly crack. By doing so, you can land right on the Shieldbearer, enabling you to perform your strongest spell while airborne.

How to Beat the Shieldbearer in Witchfire

In the game Witchfire, contrary to popular belief, the Shieldbearer of the Scarlet Coast isn’t particularly challenging to defeat. He’s essentially an upgraded version of the Swordsman, retaining the same moveset, but acquiring additional skills as his health depletes.

The Shieldbearer has vulnerable spots (called Soul Sigils) that can be seen when you’ve used half of your second stamina bar. By striking these three spots with orbs, you’ll cause him to stagger and increase your damage output for a brief period. To ensure you have enough stamina for both dodging his other attacks and taking advantage of this opportunity, it’s advisable to boost your Endurance level to at least 15 prior to engaging him in combat.

Phase 1

In a swift maneuver, the Shieldbearer soars across the battlefield, then leaps towards you with a formidable strike. His charge is noticeably faster than that of regular or expert Swordsmen, so stay alert and prepare to evade at the right moment. You can either jump or dart sideways to skirt past his lunge. Importantly, the Shieldbearer remains locked in his attack animation for approximately 2 seconds. Utilize this opportunity to inflict as much harm on him as you can.

It’s best to maintain a medium distance when fighting the Shieldbearer. His melee attacks extend further compared to most, and his strike rate is quicker too.

Phase 2

As the Shieldbearer drops down to 75% health, it begins to call upon minor enemies known as Revenants. Due to the expansive nature of the battlefield, these opponents move slowly and can be easily maneuvered around. It’s advisable not to spend unnecessary time dealing with them. The summons will always materialize behind the Shieldbearer, ensuring they traverse half of the arena before reaching your position. Instead, prioritize attacking the Shieldbearer continuously.

Phase 3

During the last stage of the boss battle, things might become a tad challenging. When the Shieldbearer’s health drops to 50%, it conjures a shield to obtain two additional skills. Initially, this shield deflects all incoming gunfire. To deal damage, you can either opt for an attack that affects a wide area like explosions, or aim for vulnerable spots such as the head and unprotected body parts.

2. Crucially, the Shieldbearer erects a sizable, green-hued dome within the arena. It’s essential to stay inside this dome at all times as standing outside exposes you to persistent Decay (poison) damage.

In the challenging encounter against the Shieldbearer boss in Witchfire, space for evasion maneuvers within the enclosure is limited. Additionally, you’ll need to manage the Revenants he repeatedly summons. The best strategy seems to be swiftly eliminating the Revenants so you can move freely inside the toxic dome, all while staying alert and dodging the Shieldbearer’s jump attack to avoid harm.

If you don’t step back following an attack, the Shieldbearer can link attacks together. Avoid cornering yourself with your back against a wall. Maintain open space around you for easy escape routes when necessary.

Best Weapons to Use Against the Shieldbearer in Witchfire

In the thrilling world of Witchfire, I’ve discovered an effective tactic for taking down those pesky Shieldbearers. Upgrade your trusty Echo shotgun to the M2 version and, well, let’s call it “grilling” instead of “cheesing” the boss – its pellets detonate upon impact, igniting the boss and multiplying the damage inflicted.

You might as well opt for the Vulture’s demonic crossbow, dealing immense explosive damage. Typically, it takes approximately 10 bolts to bring him down from half health to nothing in just 15 seconds. Given that demonic ammunition is scarce, it would be wise to clear all enemy outposts and grab all the ammo crates prior to engaging in the boss battle.

In the video below, you’ll see how the Echo combined with the Vulture takes care of the Shieldbearer boss quickly. Contrary to what many players believe during leveling up in Witchfire, this boss isn’t as formidable as he seems. I managed to bypass his second phase by exploiting a little trick, or let’s just say, outsmart him!

In the heat of combat within Witchfire, I’ve found a potent duo that gives me an edge against the formidable Shieldbearer – the Hangfire and the upgraded M2 Midas. The Hangfire, with its explosive reload damage, manages to bypass the shield, making it a reliable weapon. As for the Midas, its impressive clip size makes short work of Revenants and dishes out critical damage to the Shieldbearer, thanks to its sheer power.

Rewards

As a Shieldbearer, it frequently discards assorted loot from its hoard. You might find yourself lucky with Strange Coins or Gemstones, which you can trade for Gold at the Hermitorium. Additionally, you may discover Second Mysterium Incantations and Large Witchfire Clusters to boost your Preyer’s power.

Make sure you don’t click the portal during the looting process as it might send you back to the Hermitorium before you collect your loot, which is situated directly below the portal.

2024-10-07 08:03