This section will contain hints, tips, and techniques that can be used when taking on Short Adventure's many bosses. The bosses will be listed in order. Note that this section may contain some spoilers in regards to the content of the game so, please, read with caution if you do not want to be spoiled about anything.
Aldoria Forest:
Boss: Treant
Recommended level: 3
Once its HP gets low, the Treant will be joined by two Goblins and a Crow, monsters that you have already faced before. While the Goblins and Crow won't do anything special, and can be beaten in a single turn, the Treant has a triple attack that can add up the damage if you're not careful. It also can heal once its HP gets to a certain point. Fire and Wind moves work well on it and can possibly burn and poison the Treant. If Mishiru is level 3, Sonic Slash is a great move to use, as it will do additional damage if poison is inflicted. The Foie and Zan spells also work well.
Aldoria Forest:
Boss: Ghost Treant
Recommended level: 5
The Ghost Treant is similar to the Treant that you previously faced. The biggest difference is that it's stronger, has a double attack instead of triple, starts healing at a higher HP threshold, and it has an additional darkness weakness. It is joined by two Lake Crab enemies that you have not seen up to this point. At level 5, Amara learns Ghost Cutter, which is one of the more effective moves for this fight as it will do major damage to the Ghost Treant. Otherwise, use Sharp Slash. Amara can also take down the Lake Crabs quickly with her Lightning Attack. Mishiru can continue to use Sonic Slash, Zan and Foie on the Ghost Treant and, if she is level 6, Zonde on the Lake Crabs. Risa's Earthen Chop is resisted by the Ghost Treant, but it can still inflict stun on it, buying you a few turns.
Aldo-Rald Woods:
Hidden Boss: Knight Commander
Recommended level: 6
This fight is optional and missable but, the treasure chest rewards can be obtained later. The Knight Commander is joined by two Knight Scouts and a standard melee Knight. The Scouts and Knight can be finished off quickly by Mishiru with her Foie spell and Amara's Ghost Cutter. The Knight can be especially dangerous with his ability to heal with Recharge and inflict damage with Thrust. The Scout only attacks with Shot and it may not damage Mishiru at all depending on your level. The Knight Commander attacks with the earth element and can do nasty damage to Mishiru and Amara with his attack or the even more dangerous triple attack. He can also heal with Recharge and will occasionally attempt to blind the party by using Sandstorm. The Knight Commander is very vulnerable to wind and ice, and can be poisoned, so Zan and Sonic Slash should be used for wind damage, and Barta, learned at Mishiru level 6, for ice damage and possible stun. He is immune to lightning and resistant to fire and physical attacks, so Amara should be using Ghost Cutter whenever available. Note that the strategy listed for this fight also works on the boss that you face later in the Woods.
Aldo-Rald Woods:
Boss: Knight Elite --> Rabid Panda
Recommended level: 9
If you have fought the hidden boss listed above, the same strategies will apply here as the boss is nearly identical. If you haven't, the strategy listed above will help you fight this boss. The Knight is the same from the hidden boss, while the Knight Gunners are the same as the Knight Scouts. The Knight Elite is a stronger version of the Knight Commander and the major change in this fight is to watch for the triple attack - he will first use it on turn 3, and then use it every 4 turns after that. Also, there is an additional Knight Gunner, brining the total enemies in this fight to 5 versus the 4 you faced if you fought the hidden boss.
The Rabid Panda will appear after you have gotten the Knight Elite's HP low enough. It attacks quickly and frequently with Maul, while occasionally doing a double attack or bodyslam - the latter of which can inflict stun. Amara is highly effective in this fight with Ghost Cutter and should be used frequently. Despite the Rabid Panda resisting fire and wind, Mishiru can inflict burn and poison on it. Her best damaging attacks, however, are her Diga and Barta - with a chance to stun - spells. You have to act quickly here as the Rabid Panda is rather mobile when compared to your level - if you're around 9 - and will also begin to heal itself for a huge amount once its HP drops below a certain point.
Raldin Cave:
Boss: Waves of Goblins ---> Goblin Chief
Recommended level: 13
You will face a few waves of enemies before this fight, but they are made up of enemies you faced already up to this point. One you may not have seen is the rare enemy, the Dark Goblin. This stronger- than-usual goblin has very strong attacks - especially its spells. It is also resistant to all elements. It is very likely that the Dark Goblin will be the last goblin standing before you move on to the next part of the boss fight. After the goblins are defeated, you will begin a one-on-one against the Goblin Chief. You will also be healed before this fight. The Goblin Chief attacks with the earth element and can tear through Mishiru's HP quickly, so you will have to make sure that the Warm Winds spell or healing items are ready. Other than its dangerous double attack, the Goblin Chief will occasionally attack with Blind Club and Silence Club, inflicting the Blind and Silence status effects, respectively. Once its HP reaches a certain point, it will begin to heal itself on occasion. Wind is the best way to go, so Sonic Slash and Zan are your best moves. If you are able to inflict poison with these moves, you will stop the Goblin Chief's gradual healing. Barta is effective to deal damage and possibly inflict stun. While the Goblin Chief resists fire, it is possible to inflict burn with Foie and reduce the damage from its attacks temporarily while also dealing damage over time.
Aldo-Rald Woods:
Boss: Wild Bear
Recommended level: 17
The Wild Bear has the exact same moveset as the Rabid Panda. The weaknesses, however, are totally different. Its weaknesses are earth, wind and light while it also resists physical damage by half. The Forest Wolves that join the Wild Bear can inflict status effects but are otherwise not too threatening. Shara's Sonic Slash will do good damage and potentially inflict poison, while Dashell should be using Poison Blow to do just that before switching over to his spear techniques. Risa's Earthen Chop is a better option than Multithrust, as it will do great damage and potentially inflict stun. If you leveled to 17 before this fight, Shara will have access to the Might and Protect spells to help with increasing damage dealt and reducing damage taken.
Aldoria Forest Trail:
Boss: Mountain Wolf x 4
Recommended level: 17
This is not so much a boss as it is a preview of what will be encountered once the next area is reached. The wolves have speed but are frail. Physical attacks are the best way to go as it resists the elements the party currently has at their disposal. Be mindful that the wolves can inflict silence and darkness.
Great Aldoria Mountains:
Boss: Snow Wolf
Recommended level: 20
The Snow Wolf, and 3 mountain wolves, will likely be faster than the party, but it is vulnerable to strong physical attacks. Starting on turn 3, and every fourth turn after that, it will Howl, boosting the attack and speed of itself and allies. It frequently attacks with Fang and Maul, two standard attacks. Its element is ice, so Risa will be at a slight risk if she is targeted a lot. It will also attack with Ice Breath (AoE Ice damage), Ice Fangs, as well and Silence and Darkness Fangs. Once its HP drops below half, it may start healing itself with Wolf Cry. The Snow Wolf, while resistant, can be poisoned and stunned. If Shara is at least level 19, she can use Strength and Defense Break to lower the enemy attack and defense, respectively. Otherwise, she can support/heal and use Rapid Slash for damage and Sonic Slash if the boss is poisoned. If Risa is level 20, Battle Shout is a great way to self buff and raise her speed. Multithrust is a great way to deal damage to the Snow Wolf, otherwise use Earthen Chop. Travis should be using Speed Slash regularly and Shara buffing him with Might is suggested. Dashell should be using Poison Blow until the enemies are poisoned and then switching to spear techniques.
Great Aldoria Mountains:
Boss: Gryphon
Recommended level: 20
The Gryphon strikes hard and fast. It will normally attack with Peck, Wing Attack, and Gust (Wind magical damage to a single target). It can also buff its speed with Tailwind and its defenses with Mighty Wall. It will occasionally use Roost, a healing technique that lowers its stats temporarily. Twister, a magical wind attack that hits the whole party, does heavy damage - especially to Risa - and will get used on turn 3 and every eighth turn after that. Drill Peck, a heavy damaging single target move, will get used on turn 5 and every fourth turn after that. With this pattern, you can plan accordingly for a damaging move that the party will have to deal with. Shara is on healing and support duty as she will need to keep herself and the party upright with her abilities. When she has a free turn, she should be lowering the Gryphon's attack and defense (if she is level 19), otherwise, Sonic Slash and Ice attacks are the way to go. Travis should be using Speed Slash frequently. Risa can stun with Earthen Chop but, it will not do much damage as the Gryphon resists Earth. However, if stun is inflicted, the Gryphon will skip its turns on Twister and Drill Peck if they arrive while the Gryphon is stunned. Otherwise, her physical attacks are the way to go. She can also use Stoneskin on herself to lessen the damage taken from Drill Peck if she takes the hit. The boss is highly resistant to poison, but Dashell can poison the Gryphon with Poison Blow. Otherwise, he should be using his spear techniques.
Cocoran Bridge:
Boss: Bridge Bully
Recommended level: 18
You will face the Bridge Bully several times and will also have an encounter where you will face two of them at once. They are not anything special and weak to fire. Double Fire will make short work of them. If you don't have the TP, use Foie.
Cocoran Bridge:
Boss: Bridge Bully Leader & Bandit Panther
Recommended level: 18
These two will be joined by two Bandit Crabs and a Knight. The Knight is the same standard knight that you have seen several times before. The Bandit Crabs only attack, but attack with the water element, posing a threat to Mishiru. Zonde from Mishiru and Bolt Shock from Jessie will easily dispatch them. The Bridge Bully Leader will typically not attack unless he is attacked first or the last one standing, so it's best to leave him be until the other enemies are dealt with. He is a stronger version of the Bridge Bullies and only has a Triple Attack that is easy to deal with. Fire attacks take him out quickly. The most dangerous enemy is the Bandit Panther. It only has one attack where it counts down from 5 to do a heavy damaging non elemental magic attack to the party. If it gets this off, quickly use Mishiru's Nature's Blessing to heal the party. It resists all elements and is immune to poison and silence but is weak to physical attacks. Rapid Slash from Mishiru and Double Shot or Power Shot (learned at level 16) from Jessie are the ways to go. If you are fast enough, the Bandit Panther can be defeated before it casts the spell once. This will require you to ignore the other enemies to do so.
Raldin Shaft:
Boss: Cracked Stone x 4
Recommended level: 20
They do not have any special attacks but they will occasionally attack twice. They use the earth element so keep an eye on Mishiru's HP if she is being targeted. They are highly resistant to physical attacks so and immune to lightning so, Alexander's water abilities, Jessie's wind abilities, and Mishiru's wind or ice abilities are the best way to go.
Raldin Shaft:
Boss: Earth Eye
Recommended level: 20
It will be joined by two Cracked Stone enemies from the previous fight. The Earth Eye also attacks with the earth element and shares the same weaknesses as the Cracked Stone, but is more resistant to other elements and status effects. If you are using elemental attacks with Mishiru and Alexander, Jessie can use traps, learned at level 19, to make the fight easier. The Earth Eye can be burned, blinded, poisoned, and paralyzed. It may take several attempts to do so, however. For its attacks, the Earth Eye's standard attack is Bonk, which is the same as the Cracked Stone's. It has Big Club which does heavy damage to a character and, if you're not careful, may one shot Mishiru. Quake does damage to the entire party. Once its HP gets to around half, it may attempt to heal itself using Crunchy Rocks.
Raldin Shaft:
Boss: Cave Dragon
Recommended level: 24
The Cave Dragon has the same elemental weaknesses and status resistances as the Earth Eye. With that said, Jessie can use the same techniques from the fight against the Earth Eye. Kasai can use her ice, water, or wind spells - does even more damage if the boss is poisoned. Mishiru can buff herself and Kasai to improve their damage output. All three party members have access to healing so everyone can monitor HP. The Cave Dragon's standard attack is Tail but it will also use Tail Whip with the same amount of frequency. Breath is a fire attack that hits the whole party and can burn. Earth Power is similar to the Earth Eye's Quake, as it will hit the entire party. It will occasionally use Dragon Dance to buff its overall attack and raise its speed. Once its HP gets low, it may use Rest for a massive heal but also a massive stat reduction. If it does Rest, you will be able to take advantage of the lowered stats to inflict more damage quickly.
Muria Lake:
Boss: Wolfman Warrior & Wolfman Mage
Recommended level: 26
These two are very high speed and you may find yourself taking multiple attacks before getting a turn. They have the same HP and comparable power, however, the Mage is faster than the Warrior. It is suggested that you take out the Wolfman Mage first since Esmeralda and Varis do not have the best magic defense. The Wolfman Mage is resistant to all elements, so physical attacks work best. It attacks with a variety of elemental and non elemental magic - some single target, some party wide. On turn 4, and every fourth turn afterwards, it will Howl, increasing its magical damage and speed. Once its HP gets to about half, if will occasionally start using healing magic. The Wolfman Warrior is resistant to physical damage, so elemental attacks are better to use against it. It has a standard attack but it will also use Double Stab and Triple Stab on a single target. Unlike the Wolfman Mage, the Wolfman Warrior's Howl is done at random, but the effect is the same, boosting physical attack and speed. Its most dangerous attack is Multithrust, which will hit the party three times. Varis has the healing and support spell and will have to monitor the party's HP and otherwise use his attack techniques when he's not doing any healing or support. Esmeralda will be on the offensive, dealing damage as fast as she can before the enemy party takes its toll on her party. Her Alpha Rapid Slash works well on the Wolfman Mage while her elemental attacks, Sonic Slash Alpha, Aqua Blade, Sigma Tempest Bolt, work well on the Wolfman Warrior.
Muria-Raldin Checkpoint:
Boss: Royal Knights & Raldin Militia
Recommended level: 26
The Royal Knight Commander is similar to the Knight Commander and Knight Elite that you previously faced in the Aldo-Rald Woods. Despite the advantage he has against Varis, Esmeralda can make quick work of him with her wind and water techniques. The Knight Officer is also similar to the Knight you previously faced in the Aldo-Rald Woods. The same rules apply for him. This will be your first time facing the Raldin Militia, and he does not have anything especially noteworthy outside of his Speed Slash attack. He does occasionally attack twice, too. Using Fire Punch from Varis is a good way to hit his weakness as well as the Knight Officer's.
Raldin Shaft:
Boss: Earth Eye
Recommended level: 26
This is the exact same boss that you have faced already. While Varis will need to have caution, Esmeralda does not have to worry as much as she is resistant to the Earth Eye's and Cracked Stone's attacks. Her wind and water attacks will make short work of the Earth Eye and the Cracked Stones.
Raldin Shaft:
Boss: Cave Dragon
Recommended level: 26
Just like the previous fight, this is the exact same boss that you have faced already. Again, Varis will need to have caution while Esmeralda does not have to worry. The Cave Dragon will fall quickly to Esmeralda's wind and water attacks.
Tashir Arena:
Boss: Arena Employees
Recommended level: 30
Escarlata and Melrose will outspeed the Arena Guard and Arena Warriors, but they can damage well with their Speed Slash attack. They have no weaknesses, so using any of your techniques and magic is fine. I suggest using Escarlata's Bullet Punch technique after using her Focus technique or Melrose's Cheerful Dance magic. As for Melrose, her dagger techniques are the way to go.
Security Hall:
Boss: Bray
Recommended level: 30
Bray will be accompanied by three Arena Armor enemies. The Arena Armor can use Speed Slash and heal themselves with Recharge. While being resistant to wind and physical attacks, they are vulnerable to fire and lightning. Escarlata can damage them well with Blaze Kick and Lightning Kicks as will Melrose's Hot Dagger and Lightning Dagger. Bray is resistant to physical attacks, as well, but his only weakness is fire. He also regens HP each turn so, it may be a good idea to try and burn him with fire moves or poison him with Melrose's Breeze Dagger. He can also be stunned and paralyzed at a lower success rate. Amy can continue using her Blast or Burst magic when she is not healing. Lisa will constantly be using her thrust techniques. Bray's standard attack is a double attack. He also uses Bodyslam in an attempt to stun a party member. Dust Devil is a wind attack that hits the entire party. Shock is very dangerous, not for its damage, but for the paralysis that it can inflict. Remember, paralysis lasts 10 turns. He will occasionally use Shout, which will buff all his stats. Earthquake will deal earth damage to the entire party. Toxic Fog will deal no damage but is an attempt to poison the entire party while Sandstorm also deals no damage but will be an attempt to blind the entire party. If any party member is afflicted with a negative status effect, Amy's Cheer or Melrose's Refreshing Dance can cure it. When Bray's HP gets low, he may occasionally start casting Recover, which will heal a significant portion of his HP and remove some negative status effects - including poison and burn. If that becomes a problem, you can try and silence him with Melrose's Earth Dagger.
Alhest Alley:
Optional Boss: Shadow Brigand
Recommended level: 30
The Shadow Brigand can be skipped altogether if you wish but, if you talk to him, you will engage in battle. He only has a double attack but it can be damaging. He attacks with the dark element and is immune to dark elemental damage while being extremely weak to light. Amy will be at risk but Melrose can make short work of him with her Light Dagger.
Alhest Alley:
Optional Boss: Alley Thief
Recommended level: 30
Like the Shadow Brigand, this fight is optional and able to be skipped but you will fight him if you talk to him. He is purely physical and only has a double attack. He attacks a bit faster than the Shadow Brigand but, he is frail and vulnerable to fire.
Alhest Alley:
Optional Boss: Dark Armor
Recommended level: 30
Optional like the other two, the Dark Armor has the same resistances and weakness as the Shadow Brigand. Additionally, he is also weak to lightning while resisting physical attacks. He also does not attack with the dark element, despite his name. He is a physical attacker but, with his high strength, his Triple Attack is very dangerous.
Alhest Alley:
Optional Boss: Slasher
Recommended level: 30
Also optional, Slasher has the lowest attack, HP, and defense of the optional fights but, she is by far the fastest. She may outspeed the party depending on your level when you see her. She, like the Dark Armor, has a Triple Attack, and is purely physical. She shares the same fire weakness as the Alley Thief.
Alhest Highway:
Boss: Snyder
Recommended level: 30
Snyder is accompanied by a Knight Elite and a Knight, two enemies that you have faced several times before to this point. They have the same moves and weaknesses from before. Snyder you have also seen before, but you were meant to lose to him. ...Unless you managed to win back in Raldin. Snyder's standard attack is Rush, an attack that strikes three times but at random. He attacks with the earth element, so keep in mind that Escarlata and Melrose could take anywhere from 0 to 3 hits when he uses Rush. He otherwise uses moves that you've seen: Speed Slash, Sandstorm, Earthquake, Dust Devil, and Bodyslam. Snyder is immune to earth and lightning while being resistant to physical and fire attacks. He is vulnerable to wind, water, and ice. A good strategy is to take advantage of the boost Escarlata receives before the match and either cast Focus twice or Focus once and then have Melrose cast Cheerful Dance on Escarlata once. Afterwards, Bullet Punch is your best move while under those buffs due to the sheer damage it can deal. Melrose can attack with Breeze, Ice, or Aqua Dagger on Snyder. If you run in to trouble, Melrose can heal with Soothing Dance, Revitalizing Dance, or Regeneration Dance. Rally Dance can also bolster your defenses if you need it.
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