How to Defeat Sphinx, Devourer of the Unworthy, in Valor Mortis

Conquering the Sphinx in Valor Mortis demands more than just impeccable parrying; you will need your trusty blunderbuss and a plentiful supply of ammunition. Stationed as the formidable sentinel at the conclusion of Chapter 4, this golden beast poses a stiff challenge until you master its vulnerabilities.

Equipped with the optimal loadout and a sound tactical approach, here is your comprehensive guide on how to defeat the Sphinx in Valor Mortis.

Where to Find the Sphinx Boss in Valor Mortis

The Sphinx, Devourer of the Unworthy, serves as the primary Chapter 4 boss in Valor Mortis, succeeding General Lothaire from Chapter 2 and The Iron Marshall from Chapter 3. Navigate your way through the winding Caverns, ensuring you complete the “Homesick” side quest along the route.

Emerging from the mine cart excursion, you will discover the Ancient Lair Lantern. Push through the lingering mist to step directly into the Sphinx’s domain.

Preparing for the Sphinx Encounter

By the time you confront the Sphinx, you should ideally hover around character level 20 or higher. Remember to consume any accumulated catalyst clots if you have neglected to do so. Should you find yourself lagging below level 20, we strongly advise backtracking to explore optional zones to gather additional catalysts.

This engagement hinges heavily on precise parrying, elemental transmutation damage, and exploiting precise weak points. To streamline parrying and maintain sufficient stamina for blocking, evading, and counterattacking, prioritize upgrading your Maximum Endurance, Blocking & Parrying Impact, and Melee Endurance Cost attributes. For resource management, Nephtoglobin Extraction is an indispensable perk. Allocate any leftover skill points toward Melee Damage or Ferrofluid Flask Refill.

The following ambers yield the highest efficiency against the Sphinx:

• Duellist’s Focus: Widens the parry window for close-quarters armaments.
• Bottomless Well: Steadily restores depleted Nephtoglobin over time.
• Dominatus II: Rejuvenates health upon executing critical strikes.
• Bountiful Harvest: Recovers health upon gathering residual Nephtoglobin remnants (purple orbs).
• Potent Concoction: Replenishes both health and Nephtoglobin simultaneously when using a ferrofluid flask.

While whetstones and grenades offer situational utility, specialized consumables are entirely optional for this triumph. Feel free to employ either transmutation type, as both prove equally effective against the beast. Given the defensive, parry-centric nature of the duel, equipping the sabre over the rapier is advised. However, the one indispensable tool you must bring is the blunderbuss—while largely dormant during the opening act, it guarantees swift execution in the final stretch.

Strategies to Overcome the Sphinx

The Sphinx relies primarily on a relentless barrage of swift claw combinations. While most strikes can be deflected, unblockable variations are telegraphed by a distinct red aura. Parry timing is your fastest route to victory; successfully deflecting four or five consecutive strikes will max out the posture meter nestled beneath its health bar, granting you an opening to drive your blade into its skull and shave off roughly one-sixth of its total vitality.

Bear in mind that this confrontation unfolds across two distinct phases, with the creature introducing deadlier maneuvers once its health drops.

Phase One Breakdown

In the opening stage, the Sphinx relies heavily on diversified claw attack patterns: a solitary swipe, a flurry of three rapid slashes, a swipe transitioning immediately into a tail-whipping pirouette, and aggressive lunges concluding with an unblockable aerial bound.

To successfully parry standard claw strikes, wait until the beast’s forelimb glows purple before committing to your block. If the creature spins away from you mid-combo, anticipate its pirouette maneuver; because this attack is notoriously difficult to intercept, executing a timely dodge is often the safer alternative.

Aside from minor hops, the Sphinx utilizes a long-range, unblockable diving leap. It will retreat across the arena, hunch its shoulders, and illuminate with a red glow before hurtling toward your position. This animation provides a generous window to sidestep and punish its exposed flank. Apply fire transmutation to inflict burn status if your Nephtoglobin reservoir is maxed, or rely on standard melee strikes to harvest resources.

Do not mistake this leap for its floating orb attack. When the creature crouches without the telltale red glow, it is conjuring a suspended sphere that gradually descends to trigger a ground-level shockwave. Avoid wasting ammunition on the projectile; simply clear the shockwave with a well-timed jump.

Phase Two Breakdown

As the encounter transitions into its second phase, the Sphinx spews caustic purple venom from its maw, making it wise to maintain a safe distance.

Image: One More Level/Lyrical Games

Throughout this final stretch, the beast summons sweeping barriers of purple tentacles that pose no threat provided you slip through their gaps carefully. While its claw combos gain expanded variations, the underlying defensive rhythm remains consistent. Watch closely for the culminating body slam at the conclusion of its chains; this leaves the adversary grounded and vulnerable to direct assault.

Graphic: Marloes Valentina Stella/Polygon | Source images: One More Level/Lyrical Games

By far the most efficient method to expedite the second phase is to deliver point-blank firearms fire directly into its face, where a newly exposed weak point materializes. Standard sidearms work adequately, but blunderbuss blasts pack catastrophic impact. Each successful shot strips away roughly one-fifth of the Sphinx’s remaining health, making short work of the encounter’s conclusion.

Graphic: Marloes Valentina Stella/Polygon | Source images: One More Level/Lyrical Games

Upon successfully slaying the Sphinx in Valor Mortis, you will be richly rewarded with a payout of 20,000 catalysts.

 

Source: Polygon