Xaldin, one of the toughest bosses in Kingdom Hearts II, has been made incredibly hard to beat in Critical Mode. Not only is the boss always on guard, but he also executes a constant series of attacks with a large area of effect. Xaldin, however, is difficult and scary only at the first attempts. Eventually, it will seem easy to you due to its repetitive movements.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Equipment to Use
Step 1. Empower yourself with Guardian Soul
This is the keyblade you received from Auron. His ability is Reaction +. It is perfect for this battle because you will rely on the "Jump" reaction command to overcome Xaldin's defenses.
Step 2. Employ the Pumpkin Head + (Combo + skill)
You can use this keyblade to deal more damage or the Ultima Weapon + (MP Hastega skill) to recover MP faster.
Step 3. Use the Big Bow
Offers 25% damage reduction, even from physical damage.
Step 4. Reduce the damage taken with the Ribbon
Offers damage reduction, even from physical damage.
Step 5. Add points to your stats with Bloom +
Adds 3 points to Sora's Strength and gives you MP Haste.
Part 2 of 4: Dodging Xaldin's Attacks
Step 1. Try to understand Xaldin's movements
It will not be easy. He has many attacks and defenses in his arsenal and will use them without hesitation. Being ready will help you. Learn how to use his weapons so you can block them and deal damage.
Step 2. Block his Wind Cannons
When Xaldin creates and throws a cannonball made of wind at you, block it with Guardia or Reflega.
Step 3. Use Guard against his Spear Throw
When Xaldin dashes towards you and pierces you with his spear, block it with Guardia or Reflega.
Step 4. Repel his Spear Sweep
Xaldin will spin around and slice the air with his spear. Block this attack with Guardia or Reflega.
Step 5. Jump to break his Wind Guard
This ability makes him invulnerable, so you'll need to use the Reaction (∆) "Jump" command to break his defense and deal damage to him.
- You will also be able to summon Stitch because his attack will stun Xaldin if hit at the right moment.
- Stitch can be useful in this battle, as he not only makes constant attacks (which do little damage, however), but also keeps Xaldin stuck in the air and leaves you with HP recovery orbs.
Step 6. Double jump, glide and block Spear Dive
Xaldin will continually fall from the sky, piercing you with his spear. Sooner or later he will send his spears in a circle above you and use the powerful Spear Dive. Dodge the first spears with a double jump, then glide. You can only block the last hit with Reflega.
Step 7. Anticipate damage when using Teleport
Xaldin will teleport to the arena. This ability is usually used to move, but if you are close enough, you will receive an attack. If it attacks you, block it with Guardia or Reflega.
Step 8. Overcome his Despair attack
As a last resort, Xaldin will release a barrage of spear attacks before riding his spears in the background. It will create a great whirlwind to sweep the arena. As soon as it starts attacking, press □ and wait for it to fly into the background. Run to one side of the area and throw Reflega when the vortex approaches.
Part 3 of 4: Remember the Most Important Elements of the Battle
Step 1. Study Xaldin's movements carefully
It will be scary at first. Its attacks are fast, have great range, and deal a lot of damage. It will be easier to deal with it, however, once you have learned the following scheme by heart.
Step 2. Don't dodge by rolling
Due to Xaldin's large range, this technique is not useful, particularly against the Wind Cannon. This is a homing attack that will chase Sora until it hits him.
Step 3. Block all attacks except one
You can block all of Xaldin's attacks, save the whirlwind of the Despair attack, with Guard.
Step 4. Use "Jump" as an attack command
The "Jump" reaction command is special. It is not a kinematic reaction command. Rather, it is similar to the No Lancer Reaction Command, which is retained and used as an attack command.
You can accumulate a maximum of 9 "Jump" commands
Part 4 of 4: The Clash with Xaldin
Step 1. Use the guard as soon as the battle begins
Xaldin will use Wind Cannon three times in a row. If you can get close, do it! The Wind Cannon, if blocked at short range, will cause Xaldin to fall, and you can use the "Jump" command multiple times.
Step 2. Continue blocking Xaldin's attacks
Do this until you have some "Jump" commands. Once obtained, continue using them on Xaldin and following them with an Air Combo.
Step 3. Finish the combo after the first finishing move and glide away
This is to avoid getting hit by Xaldin. Land a few meters away from Xaldin, and await his attack. Block it with Guard, then repeat the combo.
Step 4. Don't attack Xaldin
Remember that Xaldin always has his Wind Guard active, so don't try to attack him. Just block and accumulate "Jump" commands to break his defense.
Step 5. Repeat
Keep blocking and using Jump until the boss is deprived of 10 or 11 health bars. At this point he will move on to his strongest and most furious attacks.
Step 6. Double jump and glide
Do this as soon as Xaldin leaps into the air and disappears to use Lance's All. Keep gliding around the arena until you see his spears circling Sora. Land immediately when you see them. Don't worry, these spears won't hit you.
Step 7. Launch Reflega as soon as you land
Xaldin will perform a final Spear Dive on you. If you use the magic correctly, you will have a chance to attack him with a full combo.
Step 8. Jump and glide if Xaldin uses his Despair Attack
Depending on the damage you have dealt, Xaldin may enter despair mode. If he uses that attack, jump and glide into the arena to avoid his ground combo, then land on one side when you see him in the background. You will have three ways to avoid being hit by the Wind Cannon:
- Double jump and glide to the opposite side of the bridge. This means that if it is on the right side, stay on the left side and glide to the other side.
- Stand on one side and take advantage of the invincibility moments of the Fast Race.
- Use Reflega three times as the wind approaches.
Step 9. Continue to accumulate "Jump" commands
Keep doing this until Xaldin is defeated. You don't have to worry about delivering the killing blow to Xaldin; the "Jump" command counts as a finishing move and can be used to defeat him.
Advice
- Remembering Xaldin's movements will help you keep your head in the battle.
- Expect to have to retry many times.
- Gliding and guarding are techniques you need to master for this fight.
- You won't be able to beat Xaldin by just wielding your keyblade hoping to inflict damage on him.
