Boss Battle: Thorn and Kalus

Unlike the other bosses in the game, Thorn can be fought with any Elemental Warriors. He is damaged by all their attacks, but he is so tough you’d best be prepared for a long, difficult battle. In addition, you will have to contend with a variety of Elemental Trolls summoned by Kalus to aid Thorn.

You may need to switch to various Elemental Warriors for this battle, because Kalus will summon Fire Trolls, Plant Trolls, Ice Trolls, and Rock Trolls to hinder you. Fortunately, Thorn’s attacks damage the Trolls just as much you, and as long as you maintain continuous movement, you can let Thorn’s attacks keep many of your enemies at bay.

We had the best luck defeating Thorn with Thermite. Thermite’s mortars make quick work of virtually all opposition (except Fire Trolls, of course), especially if you’ve upgraded him. The best thing to do is to put as much distance between yourself and Thorn as possible with Thermite’s Shield (LT+RT) power. Roll to a safe location, and pepper the landscape with (hopefully upgraded) Mortar attacks. Watch out for Thorn’s quake attacks—again, keep moving and strafe Thorn with mortar blasts.

Virtually every Elemental Warrior can be used in the battle with Thorn. Snare can snatch enemies and hurl them off the battle platform. Deep Blue can make quick work of Fire Trolls, and Major Ruin, Snare, and 40 Below can be effective against Thorn at short or melee range. Generally, we found Thermite’s attacks to be the most universally effective at destroying Thorn and most of his lackeys, and his Blast Shield power is perfect for getting out of sticky situations and moving to a better vantage point—just be sure to save some Spirit after a volley of attacks so you can activate the Blast Shield if necessary.

Eventually, Thorn falls, and Kalus will swoop in to revive him. Quickly switch to Chilla and hit her with five Ice Spikes to take her out, then sit back and watch the final ending sequence.