How to Defeat Medusa in Castlevania: Dracula’s Curse

Medusa, frequently referred to as the Prophetess, stands as one of the initial three formidable adversaries you encounter in Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse. Overcoming her is mandatory to secure the keys required to unlock the subterranean catacomb gates. Because the game provides no direct markers for these encounters, you must thoroughly investigate every chamber within the opening maps to uncover the subtle clues pointing toward her lair.

Detailed below is a comprehensive walkthrough on locating and conquering Medusa in Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse.

Where to Locate the Prophetess in Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse

You can track down the Prophetess within the Holy Innocents’ Cemetery district, situated directly west of the Paris Streets. In the early stages of your journey, the most direct route is to travel westward from the Street of the Tomb Masons zone.

While exploring the Holy Innocents’ Cemetery, press onward to the left until you arrive at the Fountain of the Lost. Plunge into the pool to drop down into the Serpent’s Lair sector. The arena housing the Prophetess rests in the farthest room on the left, situated just past the Mirror of Life on the right flank.

How to Defeat Medusa in Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse

Succeeding against Medusa relies heavily on learning her offensive patterns and mastering the layout of the arena’s elevated platforms. Triumping over her rewards you with the Prophetess’ Key alongside the Petrifying Gaze arcana. Her offensive arsenal comprises three distinct strikes:

• Slam strike: Medusa initiates this by driving her arm forcefully onto the platform ahead of her, immediately transitioning into a sweeping slash. She invariably lifts one of her arms for a brief moment before executing this maneuver. This gives you a narrow window to land a few hits before you must safely evacuate the platform. Perfect your timing by dropping down to evade the blow, then utilize your whip on the purple anchor point to hoist yourself right back up.

Image: Evil Empire/Konami via Polygon

• Petrification beam: Medusa can channel a debilitating gaze attack, signaled by gathering energy and swirling luminescent particles converging on her form. To completely nullify this effect, simply turn Rose’s back toward the boss.

Image: Evil Empire/Konami via Polygon

• Tail sweep: Throughout the engagement, Medusa will lash out with her tail whenever you linger on the lower ground platforms.

Image: Evil Empire/Konami via Polygon

Prioritize internalizing these core moves and defensive responses. Once dodging them becomes second nature, focus on holding the upper platform nearest to Medusa to capitalize on openings for counterattacks.

Once you chip away roughly 25% of her health pool, she will unleash her devastating signature ultimate. The environment will begin to tremble, her tail will repeatedly smash into the lower platforms, and she will let loose a barrage of forward-facing claw strikes. The moment tremors start, relocate immediately to the upper platform on the far side of the arena. Watch for her tail to retreat beneath the water, then identify the massive boulder that has plummeted from the ceiling—this debris will always rest on the lower platform opposite Medusa. Promptly take cover behind it to survive the lethal volley of serpentine beams.

Graphic: Paulo Kawanishi/Polygon | Source images: Evil Empire/Konami

Medusa will cycle through this ultimate maneuver multiple times throughout the confrontation. Though the rhythm stays consistent, secondary falling debris from the ceiling will begin to interject after the second usage. Keep an eye out for falling hazards, but always prioritize sheltering behind the large rock.

Source: Polygon