How to Beat Hua, Deadly Betrothed in Phantom Blade Zero

If you have ventured into the Weeping Creek Valley below the Sha-Chi Tower, you have likely encountered Hua, Deadly Betrothed. As one of the first optional bosses in Phantom Blade Zero, she serves as a significant skill check. Defeating her is essential if you want to track down a Flesh Lily for Yu’er, and our guide will help you overcome her deadly mechanics.

Mastering the Spider Lily Mechanics

The most challenging aspect of this fight is dealing with Hua’s signature spider lilies. She utilizes them to control space and set up devastating combos. Understanding how to manage these hazards is the key to surviving the encounter:

Periodic Lilies: These bloom when she attacks or on a set timer, dealing damage upon explosion. Keep an eye on your surroundings.
Patrol Lilies: These move across the arena. Avoid the center point where they congregate, as they explode simultaneously once they meet.
Tracking White Lilies: These are the most dangerous. They track your movement and stun you upon contact. Hua often teleports immediately after firing them to land a follow-up attack.

The best strategy is to stay mobile and maintain distance when the white lilies are active. Prioritize dodging or blocking when you are certain she isn’t initiating a melee strike.

How to Counter Red Grabs and Damage Phases

Hua’s deadliest move is her red-flashing grab, which can lead to a punishing decapitating slash. If you get clipped by the tracking lilies, expect a grab attempt to follow immediately. Remember that red attacks require a right-bumper parry, while blue attacks utilize the left bumper—when in doubt, pressing both can often get you out of a tight spot.

To maximize your offensive window, utilize the Dread Axe. Once you have successfully stunned her, you can extend your damage phase by charging the Dread Axe Phantom Edge to its first level until it pings blue, which will knock her down and grant you precious extra seconds to attack.

Preparation Tips for Success

Before stepping into the arena, ensure you are properly equipped for the challenge:

Upgrade Your Gear: Aim to upgrade a weapon to at least Level 5 to unlock its secondary ability. Even if your preferred weapon type doesn’t exploit a specific weakness, the raw stat increase is vital.
Stock Up: Visit the outpost merchant to buy upgrade materials.
Healing and Medicine: Upgrade your healing art and search for the Focus Pill medicine located in a chest up the hill to the left, just past The Axemaster’s Holding Cell bell.

Stay focused, keep your distance from the lilies, and do not hesitate to parry when you see that red flash. With these tips, you will turn the Deadly Betrothed into a memory.

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