Another game has thrown its hat into the ring of soulslikes. Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is set in an embellished version of historical China. There are rebels, demons, divine beasts, and a vast collection of weapons to fight through it all with. I’ve been playing through the game for a few days now. I’ve fought a number of bosses. I have yet to find a more challenging boss in Wo Long than the first one you fight, Zhang Liang. So here are a few tips on how I beat him that will hopefully help you on your journey.
General Tips for Zhang Liang’s Fight
Going in there are two important things to remember about Zhang Liang. The first is that he has two phases. The second is that he is absolutely merciless. Do not use your dragon’s cure pots (the estus flask equivalent) unless you have just stunned him or dodged a heavy attack that takes time for him to recover from. If you try to heal, even if you’re far from him, he will lunge attack you instantly.
The beginning of the fight
I recommend using the ring pommel sword, which is the sword you start the game with. It swings fast which is important, especially for his first phase. It’s also vital that you learn how to deflect critical strikes. Those are the attacks where he gets the red markings. When you deflect them it deals massive spirit damage. That will eventually allow you to do your own critical strike.
Critical strike opportunity
The First Phase
This may sound crazy if you haven’t seen his second phase yet, but Zhang Liang’s first phase can be easy. If you just relentlessly press the attack you can break him down pretty quickly. After your first deflection just swing. Don’t stop attacking unless you miss or he begins a critical strike.
Zhang Liang mid critical strike
You’ll notice that he begins to block. Thankfully Wo Long gives you two options to stop Zhang Liang from cowering behind his hammer. One is the spirit attack. The other is the martial arts. When he blocks throw one of them into your combo. I recommend the martial art because it’s quicker and is more likely to land. Eventually, you’ll wear down his spirit giving you access to a critical strike dealing massive damage. It only takes 2 or 3 of these to finish the first phase.
Zhang Liang blocking
The Second Phase
In this phase, Zhang’s area of attack increases significantly. He can strike from anywhere in the arena just about. He is also much more sturdy, you won’t be able to attack constantly like in the first phase. If you try to, he will just keep attacking you through it.
Zhang Liang Phase 2
Your objective is to hang back and survive. Deflect his swings and when he slams the hammer bringing up rocks, dodge to either side. You can deflect it but it’s risky.
Getting hit by the rock attack
When you deflect his critical attacks it will leave him open for you to attack him longer. It will also take fewer deflections to enable your critical attacks. Thankfully you don’t have to take out the whole health bar this time around. A little more than halfway through his health bar, the game will tell you to summon your Divine Beast. Do not wait. The moment you use it, you win.
The moment you’re able to use the Divine Beast
As mentioned, after you summon the Divine Beast you’ll have victory. Zhang Liang will be defeated and you’ll be able to continue your journey in Wo Long. If you want more information on the game here’s a link to its official site. If you’re looking for other new games to play this month KeenGamer also has a list of ten games to look out for throughout March.
