This article summarizes the recommended strategies when challenging the upgraded versions of the bosses in the 3DS version of Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King. This provides several techniques such as: Main Strategy, recommended skills, some recommended equipment, recommended characters and other tips.
Bosses
In the 3DS version of Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King, several bosses have been buffed to compensate for the buffs given to the characters as seen in the case of faster combat through Fast Mode and Metal Slime grinding.
The tables summarized will show the key changes.
Dhoulmagus
Phase 1
Attributes
| Name | HP | MP | Attack | Defense | Agility | Experience point | Gold | Item |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dhoulmagus | 1880 | ∞ | 202 | 128 | 78 | 4300 | – | – |
| Dhoulmagus Clone | 570 | ∞ | 176 | 128 | 86 | 4300 | – | – |
Contrary to its original PS2 Version which has 255 MP, the 3DS version of Dragon Quest VIII, Dhoulmagus’ first form now has infinite MP.
Strategy
Be wary of Dhoulmagus as it will create doppelgangers to confound you. It is important to take out the doppelgangers first as these have nearly the same stats barring for their lower HP. Once you have finished them off, focus on the real Dhoulmagus by using a combination of attacks while having a support character use heals. Yangus and the Hero should attack while Jessica aids them with “Oomph.” The Hero can also double as a healer to support Jessica and the team while Angelo can become the main attacker. As you progress, Dhoulmagus will start using “Wave of Ice.” By this time, the Hero is recommended as the main attacker since Angelo is efficient in healing. If someone becomes afflicted with sleep, Dhoulmagus will just wake them up when he attacks, therefore simply continue with the same strategy of attacking, healing and buffing.
Phase 2
Attributes
| Name | HP | MP | Attack | Defense | Agility | Experience point | Gold | Item |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dhoulmagus (Second Form) | 2640 | ∞ | 210 | 135 | 74 | 12000 | – | – |
Not differing much, Dhoulmagus’s 2nd form also sports infinite MP as opposed to its original PS2 stats.
Strategy
In addition to his 1st forms Wave of Ice, to make things worse, his 2nd form now attacks twice. Therefore the recommended skill is Multiheal to replenish the HP of the party. Angelo and the Hero can alternate between healing and attacking, with one using Full Heal if HP of the party has been left unchecked. It is better to focus on using one type of buffing skill due to the 2nd form’s penchant to using dispel. Jessica’s Oomph is still as useful when used on Yangus and the Hero. Although nerfed, Jessica’s Twin Dragon Lash remains useful as an alternative when she’s not needed to heal. Insulate or Magic Barrier become useful in decreasing spell damage when the 2nd form starts taking advantage of spells. Always keep an eye out for the party’s HP and eventually the team will succeed.
Empyrea
Attributes
| HP | MP | Attack | Defense | Agility | EXP | Gold | ITEM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2400 | ∞ | 386 | 308 | 101 | 10150 | – | Seed of Magic? |
Empyrea’s 3DS stats are improved to include infinite MP and higher HP. In addition, it has a newly acquired spell – Kafuddle.
Strategy
As soon as the battle starts, prioritize on using the Hero’s Lightning Thrust, Yangus’ Executioner, and Morrie’s ??.
Be wary of Empyrea as she casts Zap spell in addition to her Grab hold which can occur twice each turn.
Similar to Dhoulmagus, she has Wave of Ice which nullifies party buffs, therefore it is better to focus on using only Oomph to buff the Hero and Yangus. As mentioned above, remember to keep the team from running below 250 HP each as these would be detrimental in the long run due to Empyrea’s Zap and Grab hold attacks. Apart from Morrie, Red also joins the fray as a reliable cleric. Able to move fast, she should keep the team healthy with healing spells. By maintaining this pace, eventually Empyrea will be defeated.
Lord Rhapthorne
Phase 1
Attributes
| HP | MP | ATK | DEF | AGILITY | EXP | GOLD | ITEM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5350 | ∞ | 346 | 196 | 125 | 0 | 0 | none |
Lord Rhapthorne’s 1st form also has infinite Magic Power in the 3DS version. Apart from this its HP increased significantly, while its Defense and Agility increased by 10 increments each.
Strategy
It is recommended to battle Lord Rhapthorne with each member at around 41s. Carrying a piece or two of Yggdrasil leaf is recommended due to the boss’ high amount of damage. Allow Empyrea to heal the party before the battle commences. The objective is to destroy the Orb of Invincibility by using pray to the scepter. Yangus is suggested to psych himself up to bait the boss to switch from attacking to using Wave of Ice instead. This allows time to use “pray” to summon the sage. Angelo is efficient in using Multi-heal as Jessica possesses the Sage’s Stone. The Sage’s will patch up HP and MP lost during battle.
Phase 2
Attributes
| HP | MP | ATK | DEF | AGILITY | EXP | GOLD | ITEM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6500 | ∞ | 448 | 191 | 125 | 0 | 0 | None |
In the 3DS version, the 2nd form received similar upgrades as the first with the addition of an even higher Attack Attribute and a higher defense stat.
Strategy
Similar to the previous strategies, only use Jessica’s Oomph for buffing the Hero and Yangus. The Hero should use Miracle Slash or Falcon Slash against the 2nd form, while Yangus uses Helm Splitter to maximize more damage dealt. Jessica’s spells: Zap, etc. If desired, an alternative is to have Jessica use spells while dealing damage with the Gringham whip, while Yangus uses the Sage’s Stone. Pay attention to the boss’ behavior as it will use Meditate when its HP is running low, you can defeat him eventually by focusing on attacking and keeping HP up with up to 1.5 thousand damage per turn.
Lord of the Dragovians (Crazy form)
Attributes
| HP | MP | Attack | Defense | Speed | EXP | Gold | Item |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8300 | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? |
Strategy
In his Dragon form, The Lord of the Dragovians may attack twice each turn. The recommended spell to be used is Insulatle as it weakens the damage from the boss’ breath attacks. Conserve MP so that healing spells and reviving spells can be used when the battle goes awry due to its C-c-cold Breath.
Ultimate Dragon
Attributes
| HP | MP | EXP | GOLD | ATK | DEF | AGI | LVL | ITEM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ~7300 | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? |
The Ultimate Dragon has a slightly higher HP than its PS2 Version’s stat. However, not much is known as of now when it comes to its other stats.
Strategy
With the advent of Morrie’s ??, it is effective against the boss to dispel tension.
The Ultimate Dragon will launch powerful attacks after it increased its tension. Be wary and have MP ready as Kazing will be helpful in this battle.
Magic Burst is troublesome, therefore have at least one or two healers in the party to replenish HP. Meteorite Bracer makes this battle easier as it allows one of the members to keep the team’s HP from depleting.
New Bosses
Jahagaros
1st Phase
Attributes
| HP | MP | Attack | Defense | Speed | EXP | Gold | Item |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2400 | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? |
Strategy
A new boss in Dragon Quest VIII, Jahagaros’s first form is not much of a threat as it cannot attack twice unlike the other bosses. Having a similar HP to Empyrea’s updated form, its normal attacks doesn’t do much since it goes for only 100 damage. It shouldn’t be underestimated though since its Desperate Attack strikes for around 270-300. A volley of high damaging moves with HP recovering spells should make quick work of it.
2nd Phase
Attributes
| HP | MP | Attack | Defense | Speed | EXP | Gold | Item |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4800 | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? |
Strategy
In addition to its added HP, the second form now attacks twice per turn. Although his Kaswoosh isn’t threatening, his “Boulder Toss”? deals a significant amount at around 150-170 to each member of the party.
As mentioned above, keep each member’s HP up especially when Jahagaros uses “Powered Fist”? since this causes paralysis to one of your characters. With one or two dedicated healers, it can be nullified by casting Tingle with either the Hero or Angelo.
Estark
Attributes
| HP | MP | Attack | Defense | Speed | EXP | Gold | Item |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25600 | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? |
Strategy
Dubbed as the game’s “true” superboss, Estark is a force to be reckoned with. Apart from his capability to attack twice, it has devastating attacks in its arsenal. With a whopping 25600 HP, it will be a long battle so be sure to have your MP gauge ready for casting Omniheal.
It will use Impale’s Bang-typing in conjunction with Hell Tornado’s Wind property, therefore it is suggested to have equipment that resists several elements. Being properly geared in this match is important, one recommended equipment is the Goddess Shield which should be given to either Jessica, Angelo or Red; while Yangus is a great candidate for the Metal King Shield.
Spells wise, Snooze is effective on Estark as it doesn’t resist it. This buys time to patch up the team or revive fallen members. Don’t hesitate to deliver loads of damage, one way is to use either Timbrel or Tension. If someone is killed, have Yangus use Kerplunk.
In addition, Monster Team is advised when fighting Estark to maximize damage output.
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