How to Defeat Fortinbras in Onimusha Warlords - Final Boss Strategy Guide

Fortinbras Overview

Fortinbras is the final boss of Onimusha Warlords and the Demon King behind Nobunaga's resurrection. He is the hardest boss in the game, with three distinct phases, extremely high HP (approximately 3000), and devastating attacks.

Phase 1 Strategy

Phase 1 Attack Patterns

• Claw sweep: A horizontal claw swing. Telegraphed by a wide arm windup. Issen-able.
• Overhead smash: A vertical claw slam. Creates a shockwave on impact. Dodge sideways.
• Grab attack: Reaches forward to grab you. Deals heavy damage if connected. Issen-able.
• Tail sweep: A low tail swing. Jump or dodge backward.

Strategy

Maintain medium range and bait the claw sweep or grab. When you see the windup, press attack for an Issen. If you miss the Issen window, dodge sideways and punish with 2-3 hits during his recovery animation.

Use magic attacks when he pauses between combos. Do not use Oni Mode in this phase; save it for phase 3. Chip away approximately 1000 HP to trigger the phase transition.

Phase 2 Strategy

Phase 2 New Attacks

• Laser beam: Fires a beam from his mouth. Telegraphed by a glowing charge animation. Dodge sideways immediately.
• Summon: Summons 2-3 demon minions. Kill them quickly to prevent being overwhelmed.
• Charge attack: Rushes forward with extended claws. Dodge sideways when he lowers his head.
• Area blast: Releases energy in all directions. Back away when you see him charging.

Strategy

Phase 2 is about managing space. When Fortinbras charges his laser, immediately dodge sideways. When he summons minions, use a magic attack to clear them quickly, then refocus on the boss.

Punish his charge attack recovery with 3-4 hits. Use the claw sweep Issen window when available. Continue using magic attacks during pauses. Bring his HP down by another 1000 to trigger phase 3.

Phase 3 Strategy (Hardest)

Phase 3 Changes

• Faster attacks: All attack animations are roughly 30 percent faster
• Minimal recovery: Recovery windows between attacks are significantly shorter
• Combo strings: Chains 2-3 attacks together without pause
• Desperation mode: Uses area blast and laser more frequently

Strategy

This is where you use Oni Mode. Activate it immediately at the start of phase 3. During Oni Mode (15-20 seconds), attack relentlessly for massive damage. Oni Mode also provides damage reduction, helping you survive his rapid attacks.

After Oni Mode ends, play defensively. Wait for the claw sweep (still Issen-able) and punish only that attack. Use magic attacks when he uses his laser (dodge first, then cast during his recovery). Do not get greedy with hits, as his combo strings can kill you in 2-3 hits.

Use your First-Aid Kit if your HP drops below 30 percent. Stay patient and focus on survival over speed.

Recommended Loadout for Fortinbras

Enter the fight with Oni gauge full. The boss purple soul from the previous boss (Marcellus 2) should fill your gauge if you defeated him recently.

Common Mistakes Against Fortinbras

• Using Oni Mode too early: Never use Oni Mode in phase 1 or 2. Save it exclusively for phase 3.
• Getting greedy with hits: In phase 3, do not attack more than 2 times before dodging. His recovery is too short for long combos.
• Ignoring summoned minions: In phase 2, minions can interrupt your attacks and stagger you. Clear them immediately.
• Running out of healing items: Bring more healing than you think you need. A minimum of 8 healing items total is recommended.
• Dodging backward instead of sideways: Fortinbras's attacks have forward reach. Dodge sideways to avoid the full attack range.
• Not using magic attacks: Magic attacks deal significant damage and can be used safely during his recovery animations. Do not forget to use them.