As you navigate the floors of Tartarus in Persona 3 Reload, the Cruel Greatsword awaits as a formidable Gatekeeper on the 170th floor. This encounter is not just a test of strength but also of strategy and foresight. This guide will provide you with the tactics and knowledge necessary to defeat the Cruel Greatsword and its minions, the Serpents of Absurdity in Persona 3 Reload.
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Cruel Greatsword Affinity Chart and Skills
| Cruel Greatsword Affinities | |||||||||
| Slash | Strike | Pierce | Fire | Ice | Electric | Wind | Light | Dark | Almighty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Null | – | – | – | – | – | – | Weak | Null | – |
| Cruel Greatsword Moves | |||||||||
| Matarukaja | Increases the attack of all allies for 3 turns | ||||||||
| Charge | Charges up and the next attack deals more damage. | ||||||||
| Neuro Slash | Attacks all enemies with medium Slash damage, and has a medium chance to afflict Confuse. | ||||||||
| Tempest Slash | A single-target Slash attack that does low damage but hits multiple times | ||||||||
| Fatal End | A single-target Slash attack that does medium damage with a medium chance to Fear on hit | ||||||||
Before you engage the Cruel Greatsword in Persona 3 Reload, it’s crucial to understand its combat profile. This boss is a glass cannon with a significant weakness to Light damage, but it nullifies Dark and Slash attacks, limiting your options for direct assault.
The Cruel Greatsword’s skill set includes Charge, which powers up its next attack, and two physical moves, Neuro Slash and Fatal End, designed to inflict status ailments and deal heavy damage.
Serpent of Absurdity Overview
| Serpent of Absurdity Affinities | |||||||||
| Slash | Strike | Pierce | Fire | Ice | Elec. | Wind | Light | Dark | Almighty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| – | – | – | Drain | Weak | – | – | – | – | – |
| Serpent of Absurdity Moves | |||||||||
| Spirit Drain | A single-target skill that deals light Almighty damage, and drains 100 SP. | ||||||||
| Maragion | Deals medium Fire damage to all foes | ||||||||
| Marin Karin | A single target skill that has a high chance of inflicting Charm | ||||||||
| Poisma | This is a single-target skill with a high chance of inflicting Poison | ||||||||
Accompanying the Cruel Greatsword in Persona 3 Reload are the Serpents of Absurdity, two shadows that can disrupt your party with status ailments while draining your resources. Their weakness to Ice attacks provides a tactical advantage, but be wary of their Fire-draining ability.
With skills like Spirit Drain, Marin Karin, and Poisma, these serpents aim to create chaos, making it essential to eliminate them quickly to focus on the main threat.
Best Party Setup for Battle
Party Setup: MC, Yukari, Junpei, Aigis
Choosing the right allies is crucial when facing the Cruel Greatsword and its Serpents of Absurdity. Yukari’s healing abilities and immunity to Wind damage make her an indispensable support member.
Junpei’s proficiency with Slash attacks is key to exploiting the serpents’ weakness, while Aigis’s durability allows her to absorb and deal significant physical damage. Avoid bringing Koromaru due to his nullified Dark attacks and Mitsuru, who is vulnerable to Fire.
Cruel Greatsword Battle Guide Persona 3 Reload

The battle against the Cruel Greatsword in Persona 3 Reload demands a focused approach. Prioritize defeating the Serpents of Absurdity first to prevent them from using their debilitating buffs.
Use Theurgy attacks to chip away at the Cruel Greatsword’s HP. When it uses Charge, make sure to guard to mitigate the incoming damage. Keep the protagonist’s HP high, as their defeat means the game is over. Items like Attack Mirror can reflect Physical Skills, turning the boss’s strength against it.
Conclusion
The Cruel Greatsword boss battle in Persona 3 Reload is a battle that tests your ability to adapt and overcome. By following this guide and carefully selecting your party. You can neutralize the threats posed by both the main boss and its minions.
Remember to prioritize the protagonist’s survival, as their downfall spells the end of your quest. With patience and tactical acumen, you’ll defeat the Cruel Greatsword and continue your ascent through the mysterious and perilous Tartarus.
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