The Fallen is the first major boss you will encounter in Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse, and you must learn where to find him, how to survive his attacks, and which attacks you can use to defeat him. It’s also a good idea to go prepared, and there are some items that can help you in your quest. Here is all the relevant information you will need to swiftly take down The Fallen.
Where to Find The Fallen
The Fallen is a boss that Rose finds in the sewers running underneath Paris. You encounter the boss at the Gate to the Catacombs, but you must take a specific route to reach the location. Take the main route from the sewer district and don’t deviate into the optional branches. Once you reach Ruined Market, the spirit’s first clue will lead you toward a hidden lever behind the breakable wall near the barrels.
In Central Sewer Drain, the Mirror of Life is a checkpoint where you can save before the boss encounter. Advance through the Sewer Reservoir and Path of the Rat until The Fallen’s encounter is triggered. A second spirit will provide a clue about breaking The Fallen’s cross with a well-timed attack. The boss has two phases, each of which needs to be tackled differently.
How to Beat The Fallen in Phase One
This is the first form of the boss, where The Fallen uses two different attacks against you. The first is a throwable golden cross, which extends towards the target and then returns. This attack has a boomerang-type mechanic, and you can be hit twice by the cross. To avoid being hit by the cross, jump out of the way or over it. The spirit provides you with the clue needed, and you must time your attack just right to destroy the cross and stagger The Fallen. Attacking too early will leave Rose vulnerable, and destroying the cross is crucial, as you will need to continue dodging if The Fallen can use it.
The second attack The Fallen uses is when he leaps toward Rose and deals three claw swipes. The boss faces in the same direction for the first two attacks and turns for the third. You should be able to easily slide under the swipes to reach The Fallen’s back and attack once or twice. The Fallen tracks Rose before the third swipe, so reposition yourself after landing quick blows to avoid being hit. Don’t commit to combos; instead, focus on quick attacks and dodging when the boss swipes again. It’s unlikely that you will be able to dodge every attack, so focus on surviving and attacking when you have an opening.
How to Beat The Fallen in Phase Two
The boss’ second phase introduces a whip, which can be used for two different types of attacks. First, The Fallen may use the whip as a hook, which is anchored overhead, and the boss swings through the air. You have to focus on the movement and the boss’ trajectory, as getting caught in the way will deal damage. Sliding beneath the boss is a viable method for avoiding being hit. Once the boss finishes the swing or is knocked down, you can start attacking.
The second whip attack comprises The Fallen sending it across the arena, and Rose can be grabbed by it. This can lead to more attacks and losing precious health. The best way to counter this attack is to watch The Fallen’s movement and dodge the whip as it lashes across the arena. Sliding forward can allow you to dodge the whip from under it. Keep in mind the attack has a long reach, and moving back won’t always save you.
The Fallen can also continue using the cross and claw attacks in this form, but also gains the ground slam. During this attack, The Fallen leaps toward an area, creating shockwaves, which can travel further toward Rose even if she isn’t near the area of impact. To avoid being hit by the shockwaves, you can jump over them. Wait for the boss to land before you start to attack.
Rewards for Defeating The Fallen
Defeating The Fallen counts toward progressing in the game, but you also get several nifty rewards for beating the boss. Once you beat the boss, you get its Arcana card, which unlocks the Holy Cross spell. This allows you to throw a cross similar to the one The Fallen used against you. The fight also awards you The Fallen’s Key, which is one of the three keys required to open the sealed Catacombs gate. You also get the Arcane Whip in the Abandoned Sewers after the fight, which allows you to use the same movement The Fallen used to swing during your fight.
