Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 isn’t shy about its inspiration from Souls-like titles, but the moment players face the Dualliste, that homage becomes unmistakably clear. From lengthy combos to a punishing second phase and repeated deaths, this boss encounter is an all-out test of tactical endurance and precision.
Getting Ready for Battle
Before confronting the Dualliste, players must ensure they’re properly prepared. This boss is only vulnerable to Light Magic, which makes your recent ally, Verso, an essential team member. Verso specializes in Light-based abilities, and his single-target Light skill becomes vital here. If he’s been using Radiant Slash throughout the Forgotten Battlefield, it’s time to switch to a more focused Light spell.
Lune should serve as the main healer during the encounter. Her Healing Light ability not only restores health but also builds Light Stains without introducing other elements. Once the board is filled with Light Stains, players can unleash Mayhem—an ultimate move capable of ending the fight swiftly if powered up effectively.
That leaves the rest of the team in a trickier spot. Fire-based builds and Sciel’s Twilight skills won’t be as effective here, but they’re not useless. Maelle, for example, can still apply burn effects, helping transition into Virtuose Mode for heavy damage output. Equip Luminas that reward players with additional Action Points (AP) when dodging or parrying—this investment will pay off given how frequently both mechanics are needed in this battle.
Key Strategies for the First Phase
The Dualliste’s first phase demands constant attention to timing and reaction. Verso should remain your go-to attacker, and Lune must stay in her healer role. Don’t hesitate to skip her turn if it means preserving a Light Stain setup. If needed, fire attacks can be added sparingly to support Maelle’s offensive potential through Virtuose Mode.
Expect to spend most of the fight reacting to the Dualliste’s punishing combo chains. Understanding his attack patterns is crucial for survival.
Dualliste’s Phase One Moves
- Ground Slam Explosion: The Dualliste drives his sword into the ground, creating a damaging shockwave. As soon as the sword points upward, wait for the audio cue before reacting.
- Multi-Directional Slash Combo: A rapid sequence starting with two strikes from the left, two from the right, and a vertical slash. Rely on audio cues for timing rather than visual animations.
- Sweeping Strikes: The combo begins with a horizontal swipe, followed by a jump strike and two vertical downward slashes. This is one of the easier combos to dodge or parry.
- Quick Slash Chain: Consists of a leftward slash, an overhead attack, and a jump attack. The final jump strike comes with a noticeable delay, offering a window for a perfect parry.
If you can stay alive through these patterns, there’s a chance to counterattack and wear him down—but don’t get too comfortable. This is just the beginning.
Surviving the Second Phase
Once the Dualliste’s first health bar is depleted, the real fight begins. He unsheathes a second blade and dramatically expands his arsenal of attacks.
Dualliste’s Phase Two Moves
- Enhanced Ground Slam: Now this attack hits twice—once during the initial impact and again when the sword is pulled back. Watch for the glowing cue and audio signal before the second strike.
- Extended Slash Chain: This attack evolves into a six-hit barrage: one leftward swipe, two horizontal cuts, and three overhead blows. Mastering the timing of the first slash is the hardest part; the rest are easier to anticipate.
- Eight-Hit Combo: A brutal sequence delivered in bursts with delays in between. Pattern follows something like 1-2, 1, 1-2, 1-2, 1. Surviving this chain gives a chance to parry a devastating Chromatic Attack at the end, dealing massive damage in return.
- Stormblood: This move summons cloaked allies to strike from multiple directions. Fortunately, these attacks are simpler to dodge than Dualliste’s personal combos. Expect a final lunge from him after the summoned strikes.
- Inverted: Triggered when his health drops to half, this effect causes healing skills and items to damage your party. There’s no avoiding this debuff, so be prepared to manage the consequences carefully.
Victory and Reward
Survive both phases and you’ll be treated to a dramatic cutscene—not an attack, but emotionally brutal nonetheless. Defeating the Dualliste grants players the Dualiso weapon for Verso and the Combo Attack Picto, which enhances Base Attacks by allowing them to hit twice.
This fight is as much about learning patterns and mastering defensive mechanics as it is about optimizing your team. Stick with Light-based strategies, prepare for delayed timing in the second phase, and make the most of every dodge and parry. Victory might not come easy, but it will be earned.