Kingdom Hearts 2: Dominate Xigbar with this Definitive Guide
Xigbar, the Freeshooter, is one of the most frustrating and challenging Organization XIII members to defeat in Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix. His constant teleportation, rapid-fire shots, and general trickery can quickly deplete your health bar and test your patience. However, with the right strategy, equipment, and a little perseverance, you can overcome this sharpshooting nemesis. This guide will provide you with a detailed, step-by-step approach to defeating Xigbar and claiming victory.
## Understanding Xigbar’s Attacks and Patterns
Before diving into the strategy, it’s crucial to understand Xigbar’s attack patterns. Knowing what’s coming will allow you to anticipate his moves and react accordingly. Xigbar primarily uses the following attacks:
* **Sniper Shots:** Xigbar teleports around the arena and fires a volley of shots from his space disruptors. These shots can be difficult to dodge, especially if you’re caught off guard. They can be fired in single bursts or rapidly in multiple volleys.
* **Laser Dome:** Xigbar creates a dome of lasers around himself. Contact with these lasers deals significant damage. He usually uses this when you are close to him.
* **Quick Teleport:** Xigbar teleports frequently, making it difficult to keep track of him and land attacks. He often uses this to reposition himself before launching an attack.
* **Transformation:** Xigbar transforms the battlefield, creating platforms that Sora can use to reach him. This is a crucial part of the fight and is integral to dealing significant damage. Failing to use this will turn the fight into an exercise in futility.
* **Forced Perspective (DMG):** During the transformation sequence, Xigbar can force Sora to look at him from a skewed angle. If the player is forced to look, this will result in damage. It’s important to prevent the forced perspective from fully taking effect by adjusting the camera.
* **Desperation Move (DMG):** When Xigbar is at low health, he uses a desperation move involving rapidly firing shots in all directions. This is one of the most dangerous attacks in the fight and can easily lead to a game over.
## Preparing for Battle: Equipment, Abilities, and Stats
Proper preparation is essential for success. Here’s a breakdown of the recommended equipment, abilities, and stats for the Xigbar fight:
### Keyblade
The best Keyblades for this fight focus on Strength and Magic. Some top choices include:
* **Ultima Weapon:** The ultimate Keyblade, offering a balanced boost to both Strength and Magic. While hard to obtain, it’s arguably the best choice.
* **Decisive Pumpkin:** Obtained after defeating the Experiment in Halloween Town. Offers a significant Strength boost and the Combo Boost ability, which increases damage dealt by combo finishers.
* **Hero’s Crest:** Found in Olympus Coliseum. Focuses on Strength and provides the Air Combo Boost ability, useful for dealing damage in the air during the transformation sequence.
Choose the Keyblade that best suits your playstyle and current stats. The Decisive Pumpkin is often the most readily accessible and powerful option for most players.
### Armor
Prioritize armor that boosts Strength and Defense. Good options include:
* **Full Bloom+:** Crafted through synthesis. Provides high Strength and Defense.
* **Grand Armor:** Found in the World That Never Was. Offers a good balance of Strength and Defense.
* **Crystal Crown:** Crafted through synthesis. Provides decent Strength and Defense, as well as resistance to various status ailments (though not particularly relevant to this fight).
### Accessories
Accessories should focus on increasing Strength, Magic, or both. Here are some recommended accessories:
* **Strength Boosts:** Power Band, Strength Bangle, Strength Belt. These accessories directly increase your Strength stat, boosting your damage output.
* **Magic Boosts:** Magic Band, Magic Bangle, Magic Belt. Increasing Magic can be helpful if you rely on magic attacks or healing.
* **Ribbon:** Provides resistance to all elements and status effects. Helpful for mitigating some of Xigbar’s damage.
### Abilities
Equipping the right abilities can significantly improve your chances of victory. Essential abilities include:
* **Guard:** Absolutely crucial for blocking Xigbar’s shots, especially the Sniper Shots. Mastering Guarding is key to survival.
* **Reflect:** Provides a window of invincibility and reflects enemy projectiles. While Guard is preferable, Reflect can be a valuable backup and is essential in managing the final Desperation Move.
* **Dodge Roll:** A versatile movement ability that allows you to quickly evade attacks. Useful for dodging Xigbar’s shots and repositioning yourself.
* **Aerial Dodge:** Essential for dodging attacks while in the air during the transformation sequence. This is vital for avoiding damage and maintaining your combo.
* **Air Combo Plus:** Increases the length of your air combos, allowing you to deal more damage during the transformation sequence.
* **Combo Plus:** Extends your ground combos, useful for dealing damage when Xigbar is vulnerable on the ground.
* **Combo Boost:** Increases the damage dealt by combo finishers. Works well with Keyblades like Decisive Pumpkin.
* **Air Combo Boost:** Increases damage dealt by air combo finishers.
* **Once More:** Allows you to survive a fatal hit with 1 HP. Essential for preventing sudden game overs.
* **Second Chance:** Similar to Once More, but works on consecutive hits. This can be a lifesaver during Xigbar’s rapid-fire attacks.
* **Cure/Cura/Curaga:** Healing spells are essential for maintaining your health. Curaga is the most effective, but use whatever you have available.
* **High Jump:** Increases your jump height. While not essential, it can be helpful for reaching platforms during the transformation sequence more quickly.
### Stats
Your stats play a crucial role in your effectiveness in battle. Focus on increasing your Strength and Defense. Leveling up is the primary way to improve your stats. Try to be at least level 40 or higher before attempting this fight. Higher levels provide more HP, MP, Strength, and Defense, making the fight significantly easier.
## Battle Strategy: Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you’re properly equipped and have a solid understanding of Xigbar’s attacks, let’s delve into the battle strategy. This guide will break down the fight into phases and provide specific instructions for each phase.
### Phase 1: Ground Combat and Sniper Shot Defense
At the start of the battle, Xigbar will primarily use his Sniper Shots and teleport around the arena. Your main objective in this phase is to survive and whittle down his health while conserving your resources.
1. **Prioritize Defense:** Guard is your best friend during this phase. When Xigbar is teleporting and preparing to fire, immediately guard. Time your guards precisely to block his shots effectively. If you’re struggling with the timing, try to anticipate his shots based on his teleportation pattern.
2. **Close the Distance:** After blocking a volley of shots, try to close the distance to Xigbar. Use Dodge Roll to quickly move towards him while he’s reloading or preparing for his next teleport. Be mindful of his Laser Dome and do NOT get too close for too long.
3. **Land a Few Hits:** Once you’re close enough, unleash a short combo. Don’t get greedy; focus on landing a few hits and then backing away to prepare for his next attack. Using abilities like Combo Plus and Combo Boost can help maximize your damage output during these brief opportunities.
4. **Manage MP:** Conserve your MP for healing. Only use Cure spells when absolutely necessary. Avoid using offensive magic, as it’s not particularly effective against Xigbar in this phase.
5. **Forced Perspective:** When Xigbar fires from a distance, he can sometimes try to force the player to look at him, which damages Sora. The player can counteract this by quickly moving the right analog stick to look away. If done quickly, no damage will be taken.
### Phase 2: Transformation and Aerial Assault
After you’ve dealt some damage, Xigbar will initiate the transformation sequence, changing the battlefield into a series of floating platforms. This is your opportunity to deal significant damage to him.
1. **Utilize the Platforms:** Jump onto the platforms and use High Jump (if equipped) to reach higher platforms quickly. Navigate the platforms strategically to position yourself for an aerial assault.
2. **Target Lock:** Lock onto Xigbar as soon as you can. This will allow you to track him as he teleports between platforms.
3. **Aerial Combos:** Jump towards Xigbar and unleash an aerial combo. Utilize abilities like Air Combo Plus and Air Combo Boost to maximize your damage output. The key here is to time your attacks to connect while he’s vulnerable after teleporting.
4. **Aerial Dodge:** Xigbar will continue to fire shots at you during this phase. Use Aerial Dodge to evade his attacks while in the air. Timing is crucial; dodge just before the shots hit you to avoid damage.
5. **Reload the Guns:** After each time Xigbar teleports you to him, he’ll give you two guns to shoot him with. Be sure to hit the X button as fast as possible to shoot him. Each time you do, he gets knocked backwards to the next platform.
6. **Timing is Key:** As the transformations continue, Xigbar will become quicker with his reloads. If you are not fast enough, you will not do any damage, and he will hit you. As you shoot, be sure to time the reloading well. If you can get him cornered into shooting him into the wall, this is the best. The more he gets slammed into the wall, the more damage you will do.
### Phase 3: Repeat and Adjust
After the transformation sequence ends, Xigbar will return to the ground, and the battle will revert to Phase 1. Repeat the strategies outlined in Phases 1 and 2, adjusting your approach as needed.
1. **Adapt to Xigbar’s Patterns:** Xigbar’s attack patterns may become slightly more aggressive as the fight progresses. Pay close attention to his movements and adjust your defensive and offensive strategies accordingly.
2. **Manage Resources:** Continue to manage your HP and MP carefully. Use Cure spells sparingly, and only when necessary. Utilize Ethers or Elixirs if you’re running low on MP.
3. **Stay Focused:** Maintaining focus is crucial throughout the fight. Don’t get discouraged if you take damage or miss an attack. Stay calm and continue to execute your strategy.
### Phase 4: The Desperation Move and Final Push
When Xigbar’s health is low, he will unleash his Desperation Move, a rapid-fire barrage of shots that can quickly deplete your health bar. This is the most dangerous part of the fight, and requires precise timing and quick reflexes.
1. **Reflect is Your Friend:** The safest way to survive this attack is to spam Reflect. The timing can be tight, but the reflected shots will also damage Xigbar. Do this as soon as he starts preparing the shots to defend yourself. If you don’t have Reflect, then Guard is your best option, but Reflect is preferred.
2. **Use Potions and Elixirs:** Now is the time to use any remaining Potions, Ethers, or Elixirs you have. Healing quickly is essential for surviving this phase.
3. **Final Assault:** After surviving the Desperation Move, Xigbar will be vulnerable. Unleash your most powerful attacks to finish him off. Use Limit Form or any other special abilities you have to maximize your damage output.
## Advanced Tips and Tricks
Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you gain an edge in the battle against Xigbar:
* **Master Guard Timing:** Practicing your Guard timing is essential. The more precisely you can block Xigbar’s shots, the less damage you’ll take and the more opportunities you’ll have to counterattack.
* **Utilize Limit Form:** Limit Form is a powerful transformation that grants Sora increased Strength, Speed, and access to special abilities. If you’re struggling to deal damage, consider using Limit Form to boost your offensive capabilities. Remember to level up Limit Form as much as possible beforehand.
* **Experiment with Different Keyblades:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different Keyblades to find the one that best suits your playstyle. Some Keyblades offer unique abilities or stat boosts that can be particularly effective against Xigbar.
* **Practice Makes Perfect:** The Xigbar fight can be challenging, but don’t give up. The more you practice, the better you’ll become at anticipating his attacks, timing your dodges and guards, and executing your offensive strategy.
* **Use Items Strategically:** Don’t hoard your items. Use Potions, Ethers, and Elixirs as needed to maintain your health and MP. Consider synthesizing items like Hi-Potions and Hi-Ethers for more effective healing and MP restoration.
* **Learn to anticipate the Sniper Shots:** Although Xigbar’s teleportation seems random, there are a few tells that indicate where he might appear. Learning these subtle cues can help you prepare your guard in advance, improving your reaction time.
* **Level Up Your Forms:** Leveling up your Drive Forms (Valor, Wisdom, Limit, etc.) not only unlocks new abilities but also increases Sora’s stats. Maxing out your forms can significantly improve your survivability and damage output.
* **Watch videos:** There are countless videos online of players defeating Xigbar. Watching these videos can provide valuable insights into different strategies, attack patterns, and optimal equipment choices.
## Conclusion
Defeating Xigbar in Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix is a challenging but rewarding experience. By understanding his attack patterns, preparing properly, and executing a well-defined strategy, you can overcome this sharpshooting menace and emerge victorious. Remember to stay patient, persistent, and adapt your approach as needed. With practice and determination, you’ll be able to add Xigbar to your list of defeated Organization XIII members. Good luck, and may your Keyblade guide you!