Archvale is an indie bullet-hell RPG developed by Idoz & Phops and published by Humble Games. It released Dec. 2 and is also available as a Day One release on Xbox Game Pass. Maxilla is found in the Lichen Keep and is the first boss players encounter in Archvale. Here's how to get through the fight and defeat the boss.
Before trying to finish the dungeon, which is located just north of Fairreach, players should thoroughly explore the Cradlewood and find new gear, items and badges. They should also use the money they obtain while exploring to level up weapons at the smithy in Fairreach.
Maxilla employs a variety of beam and circular projectiles, as well as summoned enemies. When minor enemies enter the field, Maxilla is protected by a shield. Players must defeat all of the enemies before the shield will drop. The red projectiles alternate between rows that shoot outward from Maxilla and sprays of curving individual shots. Players can easily step between spaces in the rows but will need to dash through the spray.
Maxilla will also shoot a singular green beam, but as the fight progresses, it will change into three beams covering a wider area. Maxilla will also shoot spinning rings that increase in number as the boss' health depletes. The fight begins at a steady pace, but it can become overwhelming near the end.
Once players backtrack within the dungeon, enemies will respawn. This repetitive nature is the backbone of Archvale's grind, but it is also an opportunity to gauge how ready players are for the final fight. Don't advance too far and continually lose money by dying. Instead, return to Fairreach and upgrade weapons or store coins in the bank.
The Pinewood Bow is particularly useful against Maxilla, along with the Bowman's Hat, which offers a damage bonus for ranged weapons. Both of these items can be found in loot chests scattered throughout Cradlewood. Players should also activate fountains while exploring. Doing so not only heals and establishes a warp point, it also increases the protagonist's defense by one point.
Recommended badges for the fight are the Blue Ribbon (which offers a protective heart container) and the Heart Clover (which increases the chance for health drops from enemies). Players can obtain badges by completing Trials in Cradlewood, signified by a pedestal with a gem on top, and defeating the mini-boss Slime north of the Lichen Keep. Defeating the Slime also awards an extra half heart of health.
When fighting Maxilla, maintain distance and use the Pinewood Bow until the green eyeballs attack. Switch to the Wooden Spear to defeat the eyeballs, then attack the stationary Maxilla until the boss starts its teleportation spree. Try to maintain distance from Maxilla, but don't forget that dashing through projectiles prevents damage.
Defeating Maxilla rewards players with a health increase of half a heart, as well as one additional vial for healing potions. Players also receive the Magic Bomb. Once the Magic Bomb's meter is fully charged, players can use the explosive to destroy obstacles or enemies.
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