Absolute Radiance Stage 4 Or 3? A Comprehensive Guide To Identifying Each Phase

Hey guys! Ever found yourself scratching your head, wondering if you're battling Absolute Radiance in stage 3 or 4? You're definitely not alone! This boss fight is notorious for its difficulty and the way its phases blend together, making it tough to keep track. In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive deep into each stage of the Absolute Radiance fight, breaking down the attacks, patterns, and key differences so you can confidently identify what stage you're in and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Decoding the Absolute Radiance Stages

Absolute Radiance, the ultimate boss in Hollow Knight, is a challenging encounter with multiple distinct stages. Understanding each stage is crucial for developing a winning strategy. The fight is divided into phases that shift the arena and introduce new attacks. Each phase demands a different approach, testing your platforming skills, spellcasting, and nail techniques. So, let's dissect each stage to ensure you're prepared for every challenge this formidable foe throws your way.

Stage 1: The Initial Assault

In stage 1 of the Absolute Radiance fight, you'll find yourself on a series of platforms in a vertical arena. This is where the fight truly begins, and the Radiance unleashes a barrage of attacks to test your reflexes and agility. The key to conquering this initial phase lies in recognizing the attack patterns and positioning yourself strategically to avoid damage. During this stage, Absolute Radiance will primarily use a set of core attacks that you need to master dodging. These include:

• Triple Orbs: Radiance fires three slow-moving light orbs that travel across the screen. You'll need to either jump over them, Shade Cloak through them, or carefully position yourself in the gaps between them. Recognizing the pattern is crucial, as these orbs can quickly deplete your health if you're not cautious.
• Laser Beams: Beams of light will shoot horizontally across the arena, often in pairs or waves. These lasers are fast and cover a significant portion of the platform, requiring precise jumps and dashes to avoid. Timing is everything when it comes to dodging these lasers.
• Swords Rain: Swords fall from the sky, sticking into the platforms. This attack can limit your movement options and create hazards you'll need to navigate around. Pay close attention to the shadows that appear before the swords fall, giving you a brief window to reposition yourself.
• Ground Pillars: Pillars of light erupt from the ground, forcing you to jump or move quickly to avoid them. These pillars are telegraphed by glowing spots on the platforms, giving you a warning to react.

Your main focus in stage 1 should be on learning these attack patterns and finding opportunities to strike. Nail arts like Great Slash and Dash Slash can be effective for dealing damage while maintaining mobility. Spells like Shade Soul can also be used to hit Radiance from a distance. Remember to heal when you have a safe opening, but don't get greedy. Patience and precision are your best allies in this stage.

Stage 2: Ascending the Platforms

Stage 2 is where the arena begins to shift, introducing a vertical ascent. You'll need to navigate a series of platforms as they rise upwards, all while dodging Radiance's relentless attacks. This phase tests your platforming skills and your ability to adapt to a changing environment. The key difference in this stage is the continuous upward movement, forcing you to stay ahead of the rising floor while battling the boss. Here’s what to expect:

• Rising Platforms: The platforms will continuously ascend, creating a sense of urgency. You'll need to keep moving upwards to avoid being forced into the spikes at the bottom of the arena. This constant movement adds a layer of complexity to the fight, as you'll need to think on your feet and react quickly.
• Increased Attack Frequency: Radiance's attacks become more frequent in stage 2, demanding even faster reflexes. You'll need to be able to switch between platforming and dodging seamlessly. The intensity of the attacks ramps up, making this stage a significant challenge.
• Same Core Attacks: Radiance retains the same core attacks from stage 1, but the increased frequency and the added challenge of the rising platforms make them more difficult to avoid. You'll need to apply what you learned in stage 1, but with greater precision and timing.

To succeed in stage 2, focus on maintaining your momentum and avoiding unnecessary risks. Use your mobility options, such as the Mothwing Cloak and Monarch Wings, to navigate the platforms efficiently. Look for opportunities to heal while you're in the air or between attacks. Quick reflexes and adaptability are crucial in this stage. Spells like Descending Dark can provide brief invincibility and deal damage, making them a valuable tool for survival. Also, remember to keep an eye on the platform arrangements, planning your route ahead to avoid getting trapped or cornered.

Stage 3: The Static Arena

Stage 3 brings a change of pace with a static arena consisting of only a few platforms. This phase focuses on close-quarters combat and precise movement. Unlike the previous stages, the arena remains fixed, allowing you to focus more on Radiance’s attacks and less on navigating a changing environment. However, this doesn't make it any easier. You'll need to master your dodging and striking techniques to survive. Here’s what makes stage 3 unique:

• Limited Platforms: The arena is reduced to a few static platforms, limiting your movement options. This forces you to engage Radiance in closer combat, making your positioning even more critical. You'll need to be strategic about where you stand and how you move to avoid getting cornered.
• Focus on Close Combat: With fewer platforms to retreat to, you'll need to rely on your nail skills and quick reflexes to dodge attacks and strike back. This stage is a test of your ability to fight in tight spaces. Nail arts like Quick Slash and the Mark of Pride charm can be particularly effective in this stage.
• Continued Attack Patterns: Radiance continues to use the same attack patterns from the previous stages, but the smaller arena makes them feel more intense. You'll need to be even more precise in your dodges and attacks. Expect a relentless barrage of orbs, lasers, and swords, all within the confines of the limited space.

Stage 3 requires you to be aggressive and adaptable. Use your nail to deal consistent damage while carefully dodging attacks. Spells can still be useful, but be mindful of your Soul meter. Healing opportunities may be scarce, so prioritize avoiding damage over trying to heal at risky moments. The key to success in this stage is understanding the attack patterns and reacting quickly. Use every opening to strike, and don't get discouraged if you take a few hits. Perseverance and patience are essential.

Stage 4: The Final Ascent and Laser Barrage

Stage 4 is often the stage that players confuse the most, as it marks a return to a vertical ascent but with a dramatically different attack pattern. This phase is a true test of your endurance and ability to multitask. The stage combines elements of the previous stages, requiring you to navigate rising platforms while dodging an intense laser barrage. Here’s what makes stage 4 so challenging:

• Rising Platforms Return: Like in stage 2, the platforms will once again ascend, adding a platforming challenge to the fight. You'll need to stay ahead of the rising floor while dealing with Radiance's relentless attacks. The combination of vertical movement and intense attacks makes this stage a true test of your skills.
• Intense Laser Barrage: Radiance unleashes a near-constant barrage of laser beams, covering a large portion of the arena. These lasers are fast and require precise dodging. This attack pattern is the defining characteristic of stage 4, and mastering it is essential for survival.
• Fewer Other Attacks: While the laser barrage is the primary threat, Radiance will occasionally use other attacks, such as the Triple Orbs or Sword Rain. However, the lasers are the main focus, so prioritize dodging them above all else.

To survive stage 4, you'll need to develop a rhythm for dodging the lasers while navigating the rising platforms. Use your mobility options to stay ahead of the floor and find safe spots between the lasers. Patience and focus are key here. Look for small openings to strike, but prioritize survival above all else. Spells like Shade Cloak can be invaluable for dodging through the lasers, providing brief invincibility and allowing you to reposition yourself safely. Remember, stage 4 is a marathon, not a sprint. Conserve your health and focus on consistent, calculated movements.

The True Final Stage: The Climactic Confrontation

After navigating the intense challenges of the previous stages, you'll reach what is often considered the true final stage of the Absolute Radiance fight. This phase is a climactic showdown on a single platform high in the sky, marking the final stand against this formidable foe. This stage is a dramatic conclusion to the battle, testing everything you've learned throughout the fight. Here’s what to expect in this final confrontation:

• Single Platform Arena: You'll be on a single, static platform, creating a sense of finality and intensity. This limited space demands that you utilize all your skills to dodge attacks and strike back effectively. There's no room for error in this final phase.
• All Attack Patterns Combined: Radiance will use a combination of all the attack patterns from the previous stages, making this phase incredibly unpredictable. You'll need to be ready for anything, switching between dodging lasers, orbs, swords, and pillars of light. Adaptability is crucial here.
• Increased Speed and Frequency: Radiance's attacks become even faster and more frequent in this stage, pushing your reflexes to the limit. You'll need to react quickly and make split-second decisions to survive. The intensity of the attacks is relentless, demanding your full attention.

In this final stage, there's no room for hesitation. Use everything you've learned to dodge attacks, create openings, and deal damage. Spells like Abyss Shriek can be devastating if timed correctly, providing a burst of damage that can help you finish the fight. Healing opportunities will be scarce, so prioritize avoiding damage above all else. The key to victory in this stage is to remain calm, focused, and persistent. Don't give up, and you'll eventually emerge victorious.

Distinguishing Between Stages 3 and 4: Key Differences

So, how can you definitively tell if you're in stage 3 or 4 of the Absolute Radiance fight? The key lies in recognizing the arena and the primary attack patterns. Here's a quick breakdown:

• Stage 3: Static arena with a few platforms. Radiance uses a mix of all her attacks, but there is no continuous laser barrage.
• Stage 4: Rising platforms with a near-constant barrage of laser beams. While other attacks are present, the lasers are the dominant threat.

By focusing on these key differences, you can accurately identify the stage you're in and adjust your strategy accordingly. Remember, stage 3 is about close-quarters combat and precise movement on a static arena, while stage 4 is about dodging an intense laser barrage while navigating rising platforms. Understanding these distinctions can make a significant difference in your success against Absolute Radiance.

Final Thoughts: Mastering the Radiance

Conquering Absolute Radiance is one of the most challenging feats in Hollow Knight, but with a solid understanding of each stage and the right strategy, you can emerge victorious. Remember to practice each stage, learn the attack patterns, and adapt your approach as needed. And, most importantly, don't get discouraged by failure. Every attempt is a learning opportunity. Good luck, and happy hunting, guys!