Preparing for the Fight
Raven, an Alpha Naytiba, presents a formidable challenge in Stellar Blade, particularly if aiming for a no-damage clear. This boss fight occurs at the conclusion of the Burning Xion quest, just before reaching the Nest and the final mission. Raven’s combat style is characterized by extreme agility and a diverse move set, often compared to fighting another version of Eve herself.
To maximize your chances of a no-damage run, strategic equipment choices are crucial. The Reflex-Type Exospine is highly recommended, as it specializes in enhancing dodging and parrying abilities, which will be central to avoiding all incoming damage. Additionally, ensure you have unlocked the Focus Boost skill, as it will contribute to making the encounter more manageable. While the sources suggest that ranged attacks are generally ineffective against Raven, and Beta Skills become harder to land effectively after 60% HP, utilizing Beta Energy for Counter skills after successful Perfect Parries or Dodges is advised. Specifically, after a Perfect Parry, immediately perform a Counter, and after a Perfect Dodge, use Reflection.
Mastering Raven’s Attack Patterns
Raven’s movements are deceptive and erratic, making her unpredictable. She can close distances and disable defenses with ease. Understanding her attack patterns is paramount for a no-damage victory.
In her initial phase, Raven employs several regular attacks:
- Sword Drag Combo: If she drags her sword on the ground, she will perform a quick two-hit sequence, rising from the ground and then striking from the air.
- Three-Hit Combo: A common combo involves two quick strikes followed by a short pause before a final hit.
- Filler Strikes: She may deliver one or two strikes to fill gaps between other moves.
- Clash Sequence: When parrying or attacking Raven, she might initiate a clash where you must rapidly press Square to avoid a blow.
- Blue Grab: A blue-indicated grab attack. Be cautious when using Blink after this, as Raven can deflect your counter and attempt a second blue grab. You will need to Blink twice to successfully counter.
- Initial Red Moves:
- Teleport to the side, perform a two-hit combo, then a long jump back.
- Teleport directly in front of you with two slow attacks.
- Teleport behind you, ending with two fast blows.
- A distant combo starting with a jump, followed by four consecutive strikes.
- Yellow Air Attack: She teleports into the air and attacks the floor in a short sequence. This should be dodged with the O button, not blocked.
After Raven’s health drops to approximately 60%, a cutscene plays, signaling the start of her second phase. Her skillset expands with new attacks:
- New Red Combos:
- Running forward, jumping, attacking once, pausing, striking three times quickly, then a final pause before the last hit.
- Charging her sword, performing a two-hit combo, a quick pause, another two-hit combo, and concluding with a yellow slash.
- New Yellow Projectiles: If far away, she can send out two short wave projectiles, pause, and then a larger one. These cannot be blocked; jump or dodge them with O.
- Large Area-of-Effect Yellow: She charges her sword, which glows, and the floor becomes marked in a circular pattern. Run away as far as possible as she strikes the air in multiple directions, finishing with a ground slam. Tachy Mode can be used here for invulnerability.
- Air Grab: A grab attack that strikes you in the air, dealing significant damage. This is distinguishable from the large AoE yellow by the absence of floor markings.
- Jumping Back Slashes: She jumps back and sends two sword slashes. After the second, she strikes the floor, sending a wave of energy that requires a jump to avoid.
- Teleportation Increase: Her regular attacks remain similar but with more frequent teleportation to confuse you.
- Counter Move: She will randomly counter your attacks, including Beta Skills, leading to a non-damaging kick and grab sequence that interrupts your flow.
No-Damage Strategy: Phase One
The core of a no-damage strategy against Raven relies heavily on perfect parries and dodges, especially with the Reflex-Type Exospine equipped.
For the first phase, before Raven’s HP falls below 60%:
- Maintain Distance: A proven strategy is to create distance from Raven. She has two specific attacks she performs when Eve is far away (four after 60% HP). These moments are ideal for executing Perfect Parries and landing counter hits. Repeat this cycle for consistent damage without taking hits.
- Cautious Parrying in Close Combat: When engaged in close quarters, be extremely cautious with your parries. The mini Quick Time Event during parries requires precise Square button presses to avoid damage.
- Observe and React: Pay close attention to her tells. For instance, the sword drag indicates a specific two-hit combo. The blue grab requires two Blinks to counter safely if she deflects.
- Yellow Attack Evasion: Always dodge yellow attacks with O. Do not attempt to block them.
- Healing: Raven offers little downtime between moves for healing. If you need to use a Tumbler or other healing item, wait until she is stunned to avoid being hit.
No-Damage Strategy: Phase Two
Once Raven’s HP is below 60%, her attack patterns become more aggressive and complex. This phase demands even greater precision and awareness.
- Beta Skill Management: Beta Skills become harder to hit effectively as Raven will counterattack after their use. It’s best to reserve Beta Skills for when Raven is downed and defenseless. Instead, prioritize using Beta Energy for Counter skills after Perfect Parries (Counter) or Perfect Dodges (Reflection).
- New Red Attack Evasion: For the new red combos, maintain your parry and dodge discipline. The rapid sequences require quick reflexes. While Beta Skills like L1 + Square can briefly stun her, remember the risk of a counterattack if she’s not downed.
- Yellow Projectile Evasion: When Raven sends out wave projectiles from a distance, jump or dodge with O. These cannot be blocked.
- Large AoE Yellow Avoidance: The most critical new yellow attack is the large area-of-effect. When you see her charging her sword, glowing, and the floor marking circularly, immediately run as far away as possible. If you have Tachy Mode available, activating it during this attack provides invulnerability. Never stay close while she charges this move.
- Air Grab Identification: Distinguish the air grab from the large AoE by the absence of floor markings. This grab deals significant damage, so react quickly to avoid it.
- Jumping Back Slashes: Jump over the energy wave she sends after her jumping back slashes.
- Teleportation Confusion: Raven’s increased teleportation aims to disorient you. Maintain focus on her position and anticipate her next move, relying on sound cues and visual tells.
- Counter Interruptions: Be prepared for her new counter move that interrupts your attacks, even Beta Skills. While it deals no damage, it breaks your flow. Adapt by waiting for clear openings.
By meticulously observing Raven’s movements, mastering perfect parries and dodges, and judiciously using your skills, a no-damage clear of this challenging boss fight is achievable.
FAQ
Where is Raven found? Raven is found in the Wastelands.
What is Raven’s class? Raven is an Alpha Naytiba.
What Exospine is recommended for the Raven fight? The Reflex-Type Exospine is recommended.
When do new attacks get added to Raven’s skillset? New attacks are added when Raven’s HP falls below 60%.
Are Beta Skills effective against Raven when her HP is low? Beta Skills are harder to hit effectively below 60% HP, as Raven will counterattack. It’s best to use them when she is downed or defenseless.
What should I do if Raven uses a yellow attack? You should dodge yellow attacks with the O button instead of blocking them.
Can I block Raven’s wave projectiles? No, you cannot block her wave projectiles; you must jump or dodge them with O.
What rewards do you get for defeating Raven? Rewards include a Weapon Core, the Shield Penetration Gear 3, the Burst Expansion Gear, gold, EXP, Extreme Nano Elements, Extreme Polymer Materials, and other minor items.