Dalang is one of the first major skill checks in Where Winds Meet. Appearing as the second main story boss in the sub-quest “A Horse Neighs in the Forest,” this formidable warrior, accompanied by his Horse Dancer partner, can be a significant challenge for new players.
This guide will break down Dalang’s complete moveset, provide a phase-by-phase strategy, and recommend the best early-game tools to secure your victory.
Dalang Boss Fight Overview
Dalang is a two-phase boss fight characterized by his large health pool and powerful, wide-reaching attacks.
Phase 1: Dalang fights alongside the Horse Dancer, who applies pressure by throwing poison darts from your blind spot.
Phase 2: After you deplete his first health bar, the Horse Dancer retreats. However, Dalang’s attacks become more aggressive and deal significantly more damage.
Dalang’s Moveset & How to Counter
Understanding Dalang’s attack patterns is the key to survival. Here is a breakdown of his primary moves:
Body Slam: Dalang launches his body directly at you. This is a linear attack that is best dodged sideways.
Back Kick: A quick kick with his back leg. Be cautious when positioned directly behind him.
High Jumps & Shockwaves: Dalang will perform a series of high jumps. Each landing creates a shockwave. The final jump in the sequence is an arena-wide impact that requires precise timing to dodge.
Charge: A long-range charging attack from across the arena. Be ready to dodge to the side as he approaches.
Head Swing: He uses two variations:
A fast left-right swing combo.
A forward-stepping swing with an upward arc.
Stomps: Following various attacks, Dalang may perform stomps that create area-of-effect shockwaves. This becomes more frequent in Phase 2.
Recommended Early-Game Loadout
Having the right tools makes this fight much more manageable. Here are the recommended weapons and skills:
Best Weapons
Nameless Sword: A reliable and powerful main-hand weapon.
Strategic Sword: Another excellent primary weapon choice for balanced damage.
Panacea Fan (Ranged Slot): This is a crucial tool for the fight. It allows you to heal without using consumables, providing essential sustainability.
Essential Skills
Mystic Arts: Talon Strike: Obtained through the Skill Theft mechanic. Save this high-damage skill for when Dalang is staggered to maximize damage.
Threefold Skywalk: Available from the early game. This triple dodge/jump is invaluable for evading his shockwaves and stomp attacks.
Cloud Steps: Found in the Qinghe region. This skill enhances your vertical mobility, making it easier to avoid ground-based attacks and reposition.
Phase-by-Phase Strategy
Phase 1: Dalang & Horse Dancer
The core strategy here is target priority.
Ignore the Horse Dancer: While his poison darts are annoying, the Horse Dancer does not pose a significant threat on his own. Focusing on him will only prolong the fight and leave you open to Dalang’s heavy attacks.
Focus on Dalang: Dedicate all your attention to the main boss. Learn his tells and attack patterns.
Use Mobility: Threefold Skywalk is your best friend for avoiding his jump shockwaves and stomps.
Heal Smartly: When your health is low, create distance and use the Panacea Fan to recover.
Phase 2: Empowered Dalang
This phase is a pure test of your mastery of Dalang’s moveset.
Increased Aggression: Dalang’s attacks are faster and hit harder. Do not get greedy with your attacks.
Master the Parry: The series of stomps in Phase 2 is a prime opportunity. Practice parrying these attacks to open Dalang up for a powerful counterattack.
Unload Your Skills: Once you successfully parry and stagger him, use Talon Strike and your strongest attacks for a burst of damage.
Stay Mobile: Continue using your dodges and Cloud Steps to stay alive. The fight becomes a battle of attrition where avoiding damage is more important than dealing it.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Where do I find the Dalang boss fight?
A: He is the second main story boss, found in the sub-quest titled “A Horse Neighs in the Forest.”
Q: Is it possible to kill the Horse Dancer first?
A: While possible, it is not recommended. The Horse Dancer has his own health bar and focusing on him wastes time and resources, leaving you vulnerable to Dalang.
Q: What is the best tactic for avoiding his arena-wide jump?
A: Use the Threefold Skywalk to dodge at the very last moment before he lands. The i-frames (invincibility frames) will allow you to pass through the shockwave unharmed.
Q: Where can I find the Panacea Fan?
A: The Panacea Fan is an early-game ranged weapon that can be found through exploration. It is highly recommended to seek it out before this fight for its healing capability.
Conclusion
The Dalang boss fight in Where Winds Meet is designed to teach players the importance of pattern recognition, mobility, and resource management. By ignoring the Horse Dancer, mastering the use of Threefold Skywalk and Cloud Steps, and using the Panacea Fan for healing, you can overcome this early challenge. Save your Talon Strike for staggered openings, and in Phase 2, focus on parrying his stomp combos for safe counterattacks. With this strategy, you will be well-prepared to defeat Dalang and progress further into your wuxia adventure.