In the world of Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, Commander Honglan stands out as one of the most formidable early-game bosses. She has the potential to present serious challenges for players who lack the appropriate strategies and weaponry.
While each boss in Wuchang: Fallen Feathers offers its own set of difficulties, some prove to be significantly tougher than others. During Chapter 1, most adversaries can be dealt with after a few attempts as players familiarize themselves with their unique attack patterns and learn optimal counters. However, Commander Honglan is a stark exception.
This encounter serves as an early skill assessment, hinting at the brutal battles that await in subsequent chapters. If you find yourself struggling, continue reading for effective strategies to overcome Commander Honglan.
Understanding Commander Honglan
As the primary boss of Chapter 1, Commander Honglan awaits players in the palace courtyard. Defeating her is crucial before progressing to Chapter 2. However, players can freely return to earlier areas to gather resources like Red Mercury for leveling up.
Commander Honglan employs a formidable arsenal of sword-based attacks, complemented by powerful punches and kicks, and transitions into wind-based assaults in her second phase. Though she may not be as daunting as some later-game bosses, her combat style marks a significant increase in difficulty compared to other enemies in Chapter 1, reinforcing the need for players to demonstrate skill before advancing.
Strengths and Vulnerabilities
One of the most challenging aspects of Commander Honglan is her lack of overt weaknesses, contributing to her reputation as a tough opponent.
She is proficient with her sword, and players can utilize deflection to parry certain attacks—provided they have honed their timing. Additionally, she is susceptible to long-range spells, which can be deployed with minimal risk, although opportunities to use them are somewhat limited.
Her primary advantage lies in her incredible speed. In your initial confrontations, her rapid-fire combos can feel unrelenting, making it challenging to determine the right moments for counterattacks.
Preparation: Recommended Weapons and Skills
To optimize your chances of defeating Commander Honglan, equip yourself with a Longsword and a One-Handed Sword. I found success using the Lashing Whip and the Astral Blade, but feel free to choose your preferred options.
Longswords serve as excellent all-rounders and become particularly advantageous when you unlock the Sword Counter Discipline from the Impetus Repository, allowing you to mitigate damage from her lengthy combos through timely parrying.
Moreover, acquiring the Windforce skill is essential for delivering swift, impactful attacks that can stun her, providing openings for substantial damage.
Simultaneously, your One-Handed Sword should be used to amplify spell damage, which is critical for your success. Ensure you also have the Biding Time and Sword Saint skills unlocked prior to the confrontation. These will enable you to accumulate Skybound Might every few seconds while utilizing the One-Handed Sword, or on every second hit of a light combo with the Longsword, maximizing your access to spells and weapon skills.
Strategies for Defeating Commander Honglan
Surprisingly, staying close to Commander Honglan during her attacks is often the best strategy, particularly in the first phase of the battle. This proximity maximizes your opportunities to parry, dodge, and occasionally deliver counter-strikes.
While limited chances to land a hit exist, the key moment arises during her martial combo, where she unleashes a series of fast punches and kicks. If you successfully evade these and avoid the final strike, you’ll be well-positioned to launch a devastating attack using one Skybound Might with your Longsword, stunning her and setting up a potent Obliterate Attack that deals significant damage.
In her second phase, Commander Honglan incorporates wind-based attacks that fire waves toward you. Thankfully, these are easy to dodge and serve as an excellent opportunity for farming Skybound Might. Maintain your previous strategy while sometimes retreating to invite these wind attacks, making them prime opportunities for your spells.
Once you’ve successfully evaded her wind attacks, strike back with Echos of Lu Bizang, projecting a flaming spear that traverses the battlefield. Ensure you wield your One-Handed Sword when casting, as this will significantly enhance the damage.
Repeat these tactics consistently to dwindle her health until you ultimately defeat her and progress to Chapter 2. With patience and the right strategy, you’ll find overcoming Commander Honglan far more manageable than it may first appear.
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