Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty presents a challenging Soulslike experience filled with formidable foes. Among these, the first boss, Zhang Liang, the General of Man, stands out as a significant hurdle. Many players find themselves struggling against this early encounter. If you’re wondering how long it should take to conquer this initial challenge and seeking a detailed first boss guide, you’ve come to the right place. This guide provides effective strategies to overcome Zhang Liang and progress further into the game.
Understanding the Challenge: Zhang Liang
Zhang Liang serves as a skill check early in Wo Long, testing your understanding of the game’s core mechanics. He attacks relentlessly and hits hard, demanding precise timing and strategic thinking. He appears roughly 30 minutes into the game, at the end of the Village of Calamity level. While Wo Long is considered more accessible than some Soulslikes, Liang’s aggressive nature can be overwhelming for new players.
Phase 1: Mastering Deflection and Guarding
Zhang Liang’s first phase requires patience and defensive prowess. Focus on the following tactics:
- Guard: Maintain your guard to mitigate damage from his regular attacks.
- Deflect: Practice deflecting his critical blows (indicated by a red glow). Successful deflections stagger him, creating opportunities for counter-attacks.
- Maintain Pressure: Don’t be passive; continue attacking to deplete his Spirit Gauge.
- Fatal Strikes: Once his Spirit is broken, unleash a Fatal Strike for significant damage.
- Morale Rank: Level up your morale ranking before the encounter.
By combining these strategies, you can efficiently navigate Zhang Liang’s first phase and transition to the next stage.
Phase 2: Unleashing the Divine Beast
Upon depleting Zhang Liang’s health bar, he transforms, gaining new, unpredictable attacks and increased power. This second phase requires a different approach:
- Continue Deflecting: Maintain the same defensive strategy as in phase one, focusing on deflecting critical blows.
- Reduce Health to 50%: Shave off about 50% of Zhang Liang’s health. This will trigger a callout from the Blindfolded Boy.
- Summon the Divine Beast: When the Blindfolded Boy mentions the jade talisman, and you see a glowing icon in the bottom right corner of the screen, summon your Divine Beast. Press triangle and circle on PlayStation, or B and Y on Xbox.
The Divine Beast triggers a cutscene where it devours Zhang Liang, ending the fight immediately.
How Long Does It Take?
The time it takes to defeat Zhang Liang varies depending on your skill level and familiarity with Soulslike games.
- First Attempt: Expect to spend 1-3 hours learning his attack patterns and mastering the deflection timing.
- Experienced Players: Skilled players might defeat him in 30-60 minutes.
Don’t be discouraged if you struggle initially. Persistence and learning from each attempt are key to success.
Additional Tips for Success
- Level Up: Increase your character’s level to improve your stats and survivability.
- Upgrade Equipment: Enhance your weapon and armor to increase your damage output and defense.
- Use Wizardry Spells: Incorporate spells into your strategy to gain an advantage.
- Summon Assistance: Utilize the online co-op feature to summon other players for help.
Conclusion
Zhang Liang, the General of Man, is a tough but manageable first boss in Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty. By mastering deflection, understanding his attack patterns, and utilizing the Divine Beast, you can overcome this challenge and continue your journey. Remember that persistence and learning from your mistakes are crucial for success in Wo Long and other Soulslike games. With the right strategy and a bit of patience, you’ll be able to defeat Zhang Liang and experience everything the game has to offer.
