Medusa, also called the Prophetess, is one of the first three bosses in Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse. Defeating her provides a key needed to open the catacombs gate, along with a new arcana.
This guide covers the route to her arena and the safest way to handle each phase of the battle. If you enjoy playing classic-style games on a cabinet, explore RETROCADE’s arcade blog for more gaming features.
Note: this guide is based on a development build, so some details may change in the finished game.
Where to find the Prophetess
Medusa is located in the Holy Innocents’ Cemetery, the region to the left of Paris Streets. From the early Paris Streets area, travel left from Street of the Tomb Masons to reach the cemetery.
Continue left through Holy Innocents’ Cemetery until you reach the Fountain of the Lost. Drop into the water to enter the Serpent’s Lair below. The boss arena is the final room on the left, beyond the Mirror of Life, which is positioned on the right.
How to beat Medusa
The fight is built around recognising Medusa’s attack cycle and moving between the arena’s platforms. Her defeat awards the Prophetess’ Key and the Petrifying Gaze arcana.
Learn the three standard attacks
- Slam attack: Medusa raises an arm before striking the platform in front of her, then follows with a slash. Use the brief charge-up to land a couple of hits, then drop from the platform before the blow connects. You can return by using the whip on the purple anchor.
- Petrifying attack: Small glowing particles gather around Medusa while she prepares a beam. Turn Rose’s back towards Medusa to avoid the attack.
- Tail attack: Medusa’s tail can strike the lower platforms during the battle. Avoid lingering on those platforms whenever possible.
Once these attacks are familiar, stay on the upper platform nearest Medusa. Watch for her recovery windows and attack without becoming trapped on the lower levels.
Survive Medusa’s ultimate attack
After roughly 25% of Medusa’s health has been removed, she begins her ultimate attack. The screen shakes, her tail hits both lower platforms several times and she launches a series of slashes in front of her.
When the shaking begins, immediately move to the upper platform on the side opposite Medusa. Wait until her tail retreats into the water, then find the large rock that falls from the ceiling. It appears on the lower platform opposite Medusa. Move behind it quickly: the rock protects you from the multiple beams fired from her hair.
Medusa repeats this attack several times. The sequence remains consistent, but after the second occurrence, smaller rocks also fall from above and can cause damage. Avoid the smaller debris when practical, but always prioritise reaching the large rock for cover.
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