How to Prepare for Boss Fights in Action Games: Tips from My Personal Struggles and Triumphs
Let’s talk boss fights. If you’re an avid gamer like me, then you know boss fights can be both the most exhilarating and the most frustrating moments in any action game. They’re often the moment where the game’s difficulty spikes, your skills are truly tested, and, let’s be honest, where you’re likely to rage-quit at least once.
But hey, after years of trial and error, I’ve picked up some solid tips that will help you breeze through those tough encounters. Or at least reduce the number of times you curse at the screen.
1. Know the Boss Before You Jump In
This might seem like a no-brainer, but trust me—having knowledge about the boss’s moves and weaknesses is a game-changer. Back in the day, I used to just rush in all guns blazing, assuming I could figure things out as I went. Spoiler alert: that strategy never worked.
A good rule of thumb? If the game offers you a chance to learn about the boss before the fight—whether through lore, cutscenes, or even pre-fight dialogue—take it. It’ll save you a lot of grief later.
In some games (looking at you, Dark Souls), bosses might have specific weak spots, like certain limbs or vulnerabilities to particular elemental attacks. Some might have patterns that you can predict once you get the hang of them. I learned this the hard way with Sekiro. The first time I fought Genichiro, I had no idea he could counter my attacks with lightning, and, well… let’s just say it didn’t go well. I’ve since learned to study each boss’s fight mechanics thoroughly, and that research pays off big time.
2. Upgrade Your Gear and Skills First
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone into a boss fight underprepared, thinking I could muscle through it with my current setup. Every game has its own progression system, and knowing when to upgrade your character or weapons is crucial.
I’ve had moments in games like Bloodborne and Horizon Zero Dawn where I was stuck on a boss for hours because I was rocking the starting gear, only to later realize that upgrading my gear or investing skill points in the right abilities was the key to victory.
The thing is, a lot of action games are designed so that some bosses are meant to challenge your current skill set, but they’re also designed to be beatable once you’ve optimized your build. So take the time to farm materials, improve your weapons, and unlock those game-changing abilities.
3. Be Patient and Study the Patterns
I know, I know, patience isn’t always easy when you’re staring down a giant, menacing creature or a boss that just won’t quit. But boss fights are often all about learning the patterns and rhythms of your opponent.
Remember when I was stuck on that Sekiro fight with Genichiro? I spent HOURS trying to rush him down, thinking maybe I could just “get lucky.” Spoiler: I didn’t. But after I calmed down and focused on learning his attack patterns, I eventually nailed it. Every boss has a rhythm to it—there’s a certain flow to their attacks.
The key is to watch carefully for cues. Some bosses will telegraph their moves with telltale signs, like a wind-up before a big attack or a specific animation before they go for a combo. It’s just a matter of keeping cool and dodging at the right moment.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Die
Alright, I’ll admit it: I used to be terrified of dying during boss fights. It’s like my pride took a hit every time I had to reload or restart. But over time, I realized that failure is often a part of the process.
I know it sounds cheesy, but each time you die, you’re learning something new. That’s how I eventually managed to conquer some of the tougher bosses in The Witcher 3 and God of War. The trick is to not get discouraged. Dying doesn’t mean you suck—it just means you need to adjust.
Take Dark Souls, for example. The entire game is built around this idea of trial and error. Dying over and over is part of the experience. In fact, I’d argue that some of the most rewarding boss fights come after you’ve spent multiple attempts learning the intricacies of the fight.
5. Stock Up on Items
A common rookie mistake I’ve made—and probably you too—is forgetting to stock up on healing items, buffs, and other useful tools before a big fight. Bosses can be brutal, and I can’t count the number of times I’ve gotten to the last phase of a fight only to realize I don’t have any potions left.
It’s important to always check your inventory before a boss fight and make sure you’re fully prepared. Healing potions, bombs, buffs, and even status-curing items can be lifesavers. In games like Monster Hunter or Elden Ring, these items can make or break your success.
Also, don’t forget to manage your resources! You don’t want to waste your healing items too early in the fight. I’ve made that mistake more times than I care to admit.
6. Experiment with Your Playstyle
Sometimes, you just have to experiment. Boss fights often require different approaches based on the style of combat your character is built for. I’ve had situations where a heavy, tanky build wasn’t cutting it, so I had to go for something faster, more nimble, or vice versa.
If you’re really struggling with a particular boss, don’t be afraid to change up your strategy. Try different weapons, abilities, or even your character’s positioning. Some bosses in games like Dark Souls and Nioh are much easier if you can use the environment to your advantage (hello, climbing ladders to avoid damage or luring the boss into traps).
7. Keep Your Cool and Stay Focused
At the end of the day, boss fights are as much about mental toughness as they are about skill. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten so frustrated that I started making silly mistakes. You can’t let anger cloud your judgment.
One time, I got so worked up over a boss in Devil May Cry that I wasn’t paying attention, and I accidentally missed an important opening. After I took a breath and refocused, I was able to dodge and counter much more efficiently.
So, take a break if you need to. Walk away for a bit, have a snack, stretch your legs—whatever you need to do to stay calm. The fight will still be there when you get back, and a fresh mind makes all the difference.
Boss Fight Checklist
| Prep Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Learn Boss Patterns | Observe their attack cues and rhythms. |
| Upgrade Gear/Abilities | Make sure you’re rocking the best equipment and skills. |
| Stock Items | Bring potions, buffs, and status cures. |
| Manage Resources | Don’t waste items early in the fight. |
Boss Fight Tactics
| Tactic | When to Use |
|---|---|
| Dodge, Don’t Rush | If the boss has strong attacks, focus on dodging and learning their moves. |
| Use the Environment | Use traps, ledges, and other elements to your advantage. |
| Adjust Playstyle | Switch weapons or tactics if one approach isn’t working. |
In conclusion, beating a boss in an action game isn’t just about being the most skilled player—it’s about being the most prepared and the most patient. So, remember: take the time to learn, upgrade your gear, experiment with different strategies, and, most importantly, don’t let frustration get the best of you.
After all, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as taking down that last phase of a tough boss fight and finally getting the victory you’ve earned. Keep pushing, and happy gaming!