HP: 1500      EXP: 12000      DIFFICULTY:

The Unknown is an optional boss in Hollow Bastion that becomes available after visiting End of the World and triggering the first cutscene there. When you're ready to attempt the fight, enter the purple portal in the Castle Chapel. Winning the match will net Sora the EXP Necklace accessory and Ansem's Report 13.

Preparing for the Unknown

It is strongly recommended that Sora is level 80 or higher before attempting this match. Sora should have the Dodge Roll and Glide ability equipped and many Elixirs or Megalixirs on hand. Having the Strike Raid special ability and Leaf Bracer equipped will work to your advantage. Be sure to set Gravity, Aero and Cure in your shortcuts menu. Equip a keychain that boosts MP and with a longer reach like Ultima Weapon or Diamond Dust, and equip any and all accessories that increase defense and MP, like the Crystal Crown and Gaia Bangle.

Phase 1 Strategy

Summoning Tinker Bell at the start of the fight is recommended for constant regen (and an auto-life in case you get KO'ed). Cast Aero magic to boost Sora's defense. Unknown is relentless in its attacks, and finding an opening can be difficult. You can use Dodge Roll to avoid most attacks, including his saber swings and energy orbs.

The best opening to deal damage occurs after Unknown casts two large energy orbs and starts to teleport; cast Gravity while locked on at this moment to temporarily stagger him, allowing you to deal several hits. This timing takes practice; you'll want the gravity spell to finish casting just as he moves to vapor form. If you're low on MP, you can also dodge roll behind Unknown near the beginning of the energy orbs attack to deal a combo.

When he puts up a barrier, dodge roll through it or around it and land two or three hits (you can complete your combo as long as your party doesn't hit him as well). If you or a party member strikes the barrier (or your Aero magic hits it), he will automatically break through and strike twice with his sabers.

Phase 2 Strategy

Unknown will increase his speed and start teleporting more often at the start of the second phase. His energy orbs and barrier attacks will still be used frequently, but a new devastating attack is introduced: when Unknown teleports close to Sora, he may curse him, scrambling his command menu and quickly draining the party's HP.

You can avoid the attack with a well-timed dodge roll or cure spell (with leaf bracer). If Sora is hit by this attack, you will need to select the Release command as quickly as possible; selecting the Shock command will further damage Sora. You can pause-buffer (repeatedly press the pause button) to help time your button-press when Release becomes available. Unknown may attack Sora immediately after the curse is placed, so be sure to dodge roll while searching for the Release command.

Unknown can also summon a ring of small blue lasers that will home in on Sora; use dodge roll, high jump, or simply run to either side to avoid them. When he summons his sabers, he will launch into a flurry of spins and saber swings; keep your distance using Dodge Roll or Superglide to avoid damage. You can also use Guard to deflect the attacks (though his speed makes it difficult to escape without harm).

Phase 3 Strategy

The final phase is by far the most challenging; Unknown is relentless with his attacks and likes to cast curse frequently. He can also float and summon an array of large lasers; use Dodge Roll or Superglide to avoid them. Cast Gravity on him just after he summons two energy orbs (just like in phase 1), and dodge roll or superglide against any other attack. If you have the MP to spare, use Strike Raid during his flurry of saber swings.

The greatest threat to the party is Unknown's curse attack; always dodge roll just as he reappears to avoid it. And don't be stingy with items! Use an Elixir if Sora's low on HP/MP or a Megalixir if the party has been KO'ed.