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Lies of P: Overture’s introduction means new enemies and new bosses, and as could be expected, all of them are a far greater challenge than the already imposing trial of the base game itself. Of these new bosses, Tyrannical Predator is the first real obstacle you’ll face, and it is no push-over.
As you can assume from his size and appearance, Tyrannical Predator is a beastly tank that dishes out the hurt in large servings. A single misstep could spell the end of your attempt, so learning everything you can about this monster before walking in is highly recommended. And that’s what we’re here for.
Wind-Up Tells And Attack Description
Suggested Counters
Tilted Jaws
Predator turns his head 45 degrees and begins rushing at the player. This delayed attack then closes his jaws. It can be followed-up immediately by Jaw Slam as a combo or end here.
Begin sprinting in the direction that the jaws are not tilted(e.g., if the top of the predator’s snout is on the left, run right).Dodge in the direction of your sprintat the last moment.
Jaw Slam
The predator raises his head and slams his maw onto the ground. Then, he follows up with a second body slam with his front half. This may chain into a Tail Whip (see below).
Dodge roll diagonally forward, slightly left or right to reach the predator’s side.Wait until the body slam for an attackand watch for a Tail Whip.Alternatively, parry both attacksand then make your own attack.
Tail Whip
Bracing itself for a split second with a roar and one slightly lifted front leg, the crocodile unleashes a very quick 360-degree spin attack led with its tail. With the movement, the predator spins itself across the arena a great distance. This can appear chained at the end of all other attacks or by itself, typically triggered whenever the player hits after a combo (especially from behind).
Be mindful of follow-ups to combos and hit on the crocodile’s side, abstaining from behind. If you see the predator tensing,sidestep dodge into the swiping tail.
Savage Lunge
Backing up, the predator’s whole body shakes with a roar before it suddenly lunges forward. It has two variations: one with two quick snapping bites and then a third, delayed body slam and another with only one quick snapping bite and a body slam.
Parry or dodge three times, preparing to make your own attack after the combo finishes. Watch for the Tail Swipe.
Grabbing Bite
The crocodile buries the lower half of its jaw into the snow and begins charging toward the player. As it reaches the end of its animation, it snaps its jaws shut. Players caught within are hit with a cinematic grab that deals tremendous damage.
Begin sprintingto one side. At the last second,dodge rollin the direction you are sprinting.
Standing Bite
Standing onto its back legs, the crocodile roars with its jaws agape and then lunges down onto the player.
Parryas the jaws are about to land on top of you. Attack.
Tyrannical Predator’s moveset is very short but surprisingly fluid in the way each piece of his moveset can interchange and combo off of each other.
This means thatplayers must learn each of his individual movesfor when they are inevitably chained together, ready for whatever combo may be thrown their way.
The most dangerous of the chainable moves in Tyrannical Predator’s movesets is his Tail Whip. This is becauseit is the only move that can appear at the end of any other moveon the table.
Its cue is so short and inconspicuous up close that getting struck by it is highly likely (especially when you aren’t prepared). The best way to prepare for the move is tonever linger too longin Predator’s personal space andnever use a Pulse Cell in Predator’s range.
Tilted Jaws is a nasty combination due to its extremely delayed first attack. Learning this attack can be tricky, and while parryable, trying to block more often leads to unwanted damage.
Dodging is a more consistent alternative for at least the first attack. Ideally,dodge the first and parry the last two attacks.
Finally, the most infuriating part of the Tyrannical Predator’s toolkit is the Grabbing Bite due to its slightly off and extremely precise hit-boxes.
As you cannot parry a grab, you have no other choice than to dodge. The best way to dodge is tobegin sprinting as soon as the charge beginsin one direction, circling around, andside-dodging at the last second.Unfortunately, this does not always work if the directional input is even slightly diagonal, even if the timing is correct.
As a general rule of thumb, protect yourself against wonky hit-boxes with the predator’s grab by always ensuring you have your health above the threshold where the grab could kill you. It is almost inevitable, especially when facing this boss for the first time, that you will be grabbed even with a successfully timed dodge.
42,000 (NG+, Legendary Stalker)
Fire
Recommended Amulets
Carcass Butcher’s Amulet, Dancing One’s Amulet, Extreme Modification Amulet, Iron Wall Amulet, Patience Amulet
Recommended Weapons
Black Steel Cutter, Flamberge (Legion Arm), Salamander Dagger, any faster weapon with a Fire Abrasive added
If you have ever faced theGolden Hippopotamus from Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, you have everything you need for this fight already. If you haven’t, you’re about to learn why Elden Ring players hate the Golden Hippo.
Although his moveset is short,you have to learn two thingsabout Tyrannical Predator before you can hope to win:
As a carcass enemy,Tyrannical Predator has a crippling weakness to fire. He burns easily and is dealt increased damage by fire-affinity weapons.
To deal enough damage to take out this overgrown reptile before one of his attacks manages to delete your life subscription policy, you shouldcarry a weapon that can deal fire damage.
Flamberge is great for getting some extra damage in at range and building up toward the burning condition. While Falcon Eye and Aegis are also good candidates here, Flamberge’s potential for damage and cancellation is slightly superior.
If you’re struggling with the Tyrannical Predator, that’s perfectly okay. DLC difficulty curves are real, and we’re all rusty returning after two years.
To get an extra edge,remember these five simple tips:
And remember, the grab attack is tricky. The hit-box is weird. It is okay to be frustrated with it. If you may’t survive it, leave to grind for some Ergo to get your Vitality to a level that can take the hit.
Eventually, you will be able to take down the Tyrannical Predator.Your prize will be a Full Moonstone, perfect for all the cool new weapons you have and are about to get.
Remember to go touch the Stargazer inside the cave(and past the doll) when you’re done. And when you do, sit down, pull out a hot cocoa and a cinnamon roll, and take a darn breather. You’ll need your strength for the rest of this DLC.