Xaldin/Gameplay

Xaldin is fought as a boss in Kingdom Hearts II. He attacks Sora on the bridge outside the Beast's Castle, and is the second Organization member Sora faces in the game.

As the battle begins, Xaldin will cloak himself in a protective whirlwind, partially shielding him from harm. He does this periodically during the rest of the battle.

Xaldin will spin and twirl his lances, doing heavy damage and knocking Sora back. However, if the player uses Guard, they can deflect Xaldin's attacks and use the Reaction Command "Learn" to use a Jump attack on Xaldin, doing damage and stunning him. Depending on how many times the player hits the Triangle button to use the command, Sora can jump multiple times consecutively. Xaldin will also use the Jump command himself, vanishing and suddenly appearing in the air to descend and strike Sora with a powerful blow. Again, Sora can counter with his own Jump attacks, but as Xaldin is teleporting they probably won't connect.

Later the battle, Xaldin attacks more quickly, and although Sora can still use the Jump command, Xaldin moves so fast that Jump is likely to miss. His attacks increase in range and power, and he will whirl his lances around to attack rapidly.

When weak, Xaldin will summon an aura, and the screen will turn dark. Xaldin will attack very quickly and do massive damage, before connecting his lances and leaping atop them. The lances take on the form of a dragon, which launches a blast of wind along the length of the bridge. The only way to avoid damage is to use Reflect, as the blast hits all of the bridge. Xaldin is invincible once the aura appears, and he may use this move several times in a row.

Xaldin is a very difficult opponent, especially late in the battle when he becomes invincible and uses his rapid combos as told above. Fortunately, King Mickey may appear when Sora is defeated, giving him a second chance. If Mickey appears, the player can use Xaldin's dragon attack to their advantage, as it gives them time to use Mickey's D-Charge without interruption. Sora should have several Potions and Cure in his shortcut menu to heal quickly, and use the Jump command whenever possible. Even though Jump may not hit Xaldin, it will still provide Sora with temporary invulnerability to Xaldin's attacks while he Jumps.

It is also highly advised that the player not attempt to use Drive Forms in this battle, as there is a high chance that Anti Form will appear, and as Anti Form cannot heal, this could easily cost the player the battle.

Battle Quotes

 * "Where’s the fun in this?"
 * "Wind, guard me!"
 * "Enough!"
 * "What?"
 * "Here!"
 * "Come on"
 * "Wind!"
 * "Take this!"
 * "Sora!"
 * "Beware the face of despair!"
 * "Is this the end?"