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Hyper Light Breakerhosts a handful of bosses, or Crowns, amidst its less difficult enemies. These Crowns are unlocked as you play through your campaign by earning Prisms, and then using those Prisms to unlock each Crown’s arena. Early on, one of the first Crowns you may come across is Exus, Crown of Flames.
Make no mistake, this is a difficult boss battle to hit right out of the gate, so you’ll want to ensure you’re properly prepared. After all, as is the case with roguelikes, defeat means possibly restarting a whole new cycle. With that in mind, here’s what you need to know to beat Exus, Crown of Flames.
Currently, Hyper Light Breaker is in Early Access. The information in this guide is subject to change as the Early Access version is patched and the full game is released.
How To Prepare For Exus
First,before diving into any Crown battle, you’ll want tomake sure you’re properly prepared. At bare minimum,here’s what you’re going to want in your inventorybefore heading to Exus.
An Upgraded Rail with a Status Effect
Make sure you have a Rail that’s been upgraded at least once that contains a status effect like Burn or Hack.
An Upgraded Blade with a Status Effect
verify you have a Blade that’s been upgraded at least once that contains a status effect like Burn or Hack.
One Medkit
Make sure you have one Medkit on you before going into the battle.
An Offensive Amp
Having an Amp like the Vulcan Drone is extremely helpful in boss battles.
Make no mistake, status effects are some of the most important boons in Hyper Light Breaker, as they can inflict extra damage even on Crowns.
Remember, in orderto unlock Exus, you must first get two Prisms. This can prove challenging, soif the fight to get two Prisms has drained you, just extractand come back in the next run for Exus.
Prisms carry over between runs, but not between cycles!
How To Dodge Exus’ Attacks
Once inside Exus’ arena, which looks like a Roman Colosseum, you’ll be treated to a brief intro cutscene before the battle begins. Be ready, asonce the cinematic ends, Exus dives right in.
Typically,the fight starts with a decent gap between you and Exus, followed by a few lesser enemies spawning.
Having an amp that attacks and fights alongside you is helpful for dealing with lesser enemies on the periphery of the battle.
As the battle starts,Exus will then begin cycling through various attacks. Here’s a breakdown of the attacks and how best to avoid them.
How To Avoid
Dash Attack
Exus will charge up a punch, and then launch across the arena straight for you, dealing a devastating blow.
Exus will crouch slightly and reel their fist back.
Time your dash just right to avoid the attack. Wait until the last second.
Ground Smash
Exus will slam their fist into the ground causing an explosive attack and knock back effects.
Dash or hoverboard away and stand outside the circle.
Flame Projectiles
Exus will shoot a small flame projectile, which then splits off into several more projectiles.
A purple square will appear around Exus' fist.
Dash or run outside of the projectile’s range, which is relatively short.
Twin Tornados
Two (or sometimes three) green tornados will launch out through the arena.
Sidestep them while firing your Rail at Exus.
How To Attack Exus
Attacking Exus can be trickyat times. Most of the time,it’s safe to take Rail shots at himwhenever you see fit.
However,depending on your reload timeand overall battery level,it may prove difficult to wear Exus downwith your rail alone.
Onlyuse your Medkitwhen you absolutely have to. Medkits heal you for almost all of your health (+75), so don’t waste it when you’re only 25% down in HP.
What you’ll want to do iscycle between Rail shots and melee attackswith your Blade. You’ll also want tocycle through your cooldownssuch as your special Blade attack and your Amp, depending on what’s equipped.
As you cycle through these attacks,wait for these specific moments to make your moveso you don’t get caught up in a follow-up attack.
Attack To Use
After Ground Smash
Dash in with your Blade to attack with your special while Exus recovers from this attack.
After Flame Projectiles
Exus typically pauses for a moment after firing this projectile, so use a Ranged attack with your Rail to wear him down.
After Dash Attack
If you’re careful, you can usually get a quick follow-up attack in after Exus' dash attack — this is best done with light Blades and not heavy ones.
After Twin Tornados
While staggering to avoid the Twin Tornados, fire off a few quick shots with your Rail.
Patience is key if you want to defeat Exus— just keep cycling through these follow up attacks, anddodge when you need toand you’ll take down this Crown in no time!
Though Exus will drop some health usually after dying, remember you still have to extract after the fight, so don’t blow through all of your resources!
