Palworld Story Bosses Guide: Towers, World Tree Fights, and Hard Mode

Hard Mode: Builds

Hard Mode unlock and rules

Hard Mode rematches unlock after you defeat the Azure Covenant Tower (Auri & Shaolong) in the main story. In 1.0 that is the gate — not an older checklist of clearing every Normal tower first. Once unlocked, every tower gains a Hard variant with far higher HP and damage, faster patterns, and often extra summoned enemies mid-fight.

• Treat Hard Mode as endgame: player and Pals near max level, best armor and shield, legendary firearms, High Grade Medical Supplies, and +2 Elemental Resistance Rings for the boss type.
• Hard Mode is optional for story progression. Clear Normal to move the plot, then return when your builds are ready.
• Several Hard bosses change attack behavior instead of only inflating numbers. Learn the new tells; do not rely on Normal muscle memory.
• Most Hard rematches spawn extra allies (faction humans and/or Pals, often ~Lv 70+) at the start. They cannot be captured — clear them before tunnel-visioning the boss.
• Save rockets and Partner Skill burst for those adds. Clearing reinforcements fast matters more than dumping everything into the boss the moment the fight starts.

Zoe Hat

Armor

Dress up like Zoe using this special headpiece!

Lily Hat

Armor

Dress up like Lily using this special headpiece!

Axel Hat

Armor

Dress up like Axel using this special headpiece!

Marcus Hat

Armor

Dress up like Marcus using this special headpiece!

Victor Hat

Armor

Dress up like Victor using this special headpiece!

Saya Hat

Armor

Dress up like Saya using this special headpiece!

Bjorn Hat

Armor

Dress up like Bjorn using this special headpiece!

Auri Hat

Armor

Dress up like Auri using this special headpiece!

Hard clears also lean on Training Crystals and a chance at legendary schematics tied to each tower. Exact schematic tables shift with patches — treat hats as the guaranteed cosmetic identity and farm with eyes open for the legendary rolls.

Hard Mode builds (use these for every rematch)

Normal parties below match the level you fight each tower the first time. Hard Mode parties should all assume max level and endgame gear. Pick one of these cores, then swap only the elemental flex slots per boss.

Build A — Gobfin lifesteal (safest first clears)

Active Felbat (Life Steal) or Lovander (Heart Drain) so player hits heal. Fill the other four slots with Gobfin. Breed Vanguard and Stronghold Strategist onto the Gobfins so Angry Shark’s party Attack buff and your defense floor stay stacked. Push player Attack investment and keep shooting — the heal forgives mistakes that end other runs.

Build B — Knocklem rotation (Pal-focused)

Run multiple Knocklems and rotate Steel Guardian Mode so something is always buffed and holding aggro while you fire from range. Practice the swap rhythm once; after that Hard Mode becomes a controlled farm instead of a panic heal-check.

Build C — Solenne player-damage core (fast clears)

Community consensus for short Hard Mode fights: lock three Pals that stack weak-point and player Attack, then use the last two slots for an elemental mount that converts your weapon type plus a matching support. Keep every party member a different species so Solenne’s Untainted Maiden stays on. Aim weak points; body shots waste the Cryolinx Terra and Vanwyrm Cryst multipliers.

• 
  SolenneCore

  Player ATK

  Untainted Maiden

  Untainted Maiden: large player Attack buff if every party Pal is a different species.

• 
  Vanwyrm CrystCore

  Weak point

  Aerial Marauder

  Aerial Marauder: flying mount and big weak-point damage for the player.

• 
  Cryolinx TerraCore

  Weak point

  Explosive Strength

  Explosive Strength: next weak-point hit gains a large power spike after you land a weak-point attack.

Pal	Role	Partner skill	Status effect
Solenne	Player ATK	Untainted Maiden Untainted Maiden: large player Attack buff if every party Pal is a different species.	Core
Vanwyrm Cryst	Weak point	Aerial Marauder Aerial Marauder: flying mount and big weak-point damage for the player.	Core
Cryolinx Terra	Weak point	Explosive Strength Explosive Strength: next weak-point hit gains a large power spike after you land a weak-point attack.	Core

Fixed core — do not swap these three between towers

• 
  AnubisGrizzbolt · Orserk

  Ground mount

  Guardian of the Desert

  Guardian of the Desert converts player attacks to Ground. Pair with another Ground support if you have the slot.

• 
  WixenLyleen · Bastigor

  Fire mount

  Lord Fox

  Lord Fox converts player attacks to Fire. Excellent Hard Mode flex for Grass and Ice towers.

• 
  AzurobeFaleris

  Water mount

  Waterwing Dance

  Waterwing Dance converts player attacks to Water for the Fire tower rematch.

• 
  ChilletShadowbeak · Selyne · Shaolong

  Dragon mount

  Wriggling Weasel

  Wriggling Weasel converts player attacks to Dragon when that is the clean answer.

• 
  FrostallionOrserk · Shaolong

  Ice mount

  Icy Steed

  Icy Steed converts player attacks to Ice for Dragon/Electric or Azure answers.

• 
  RobinquillAny bow run

  Bow support

  Grounded Archer

  Grounded Archer raises player bow damage. Slot when you are running Mechanical Bow weak-point lines.

Pal	Role	Partner skill	Status effect
Anubis	Ground mount	Guardian of the Desert Guardian of the Desert converts player attacks to Ground. Pair with another Ground support if you have the slot.	Grizzbolt · Orserk
Wixen	Fire mount	Lord Fox Lord Fox converts player attacks to Fire. Excellent Hard Mode flex for Grass and Ice towers.	Lyleen · Bastigor
Azurobe	Water mount	Waterwing Dance Waterwing Dance converts player attacks to Water for the Fire tower rematch.	Faleris
Chillet	Dragon mount	Wriggling Weasel Wriggling Weasel converts player attacks to Dragon when that is the clean answer.	Shadowbeak · Selyne · Shaolong
Frostallion	Ice mount	Icy Steed Icy Steed converts player attacks to Ice for Dragon/Electric or Azure answers.	Orserk · Shaolong
Robinquill	Bow support	Grounded Archer Grounded Archer raises player bow damage. Slot when you are running Mechanical Bow weak-point lines.	Any bow run

Flex pair by boss weakness (mount converts your attack type)

Common mistakes

• Running Solenne with two of the same species so Untainted Maiden never turns on.
• Shooting the body when Cryolinx Terra and Vanwyrm Cryst are in the party.
• Swapping the whole core every tower instead of only the elemental flex.
• Attempting Hard Mode before Azure Covenant unlocks it.

After this clear

• Pick Build A for first clears, Build C when you can hit weak points consistently.
• Open each NPC tab above for the rematch flex and hat notes.
• Restock High Grade Medical Supplies and +2 resistance rings before the first rematch.

Hard Mode: Zoe

Zoe & Grizzbolt Hard Mode is a huge HP spike with two Syndicate human adds at pull. Clear the Gunner and Crusher first, then ignore pillar camping and keep strafing; several patterns punch through cover.

Grizzbolt

Zoe Hat

Armor

Dress up like Zoe using this special headpiece!

• Counter: Ground. Build A (Gobfin lifesteal) or Build C with Anubis as the Ground mount.
• Hard Mode adds (start of fight): Syndicate Gunner x1 and Syndicate Crusher x1. Clear them first; they cannot be captured.
• Hard Mode rewards: Zoe Hat on first Hard clear, Training Crystals, chance at Legendary Beam Scatter schematic.
• Do not rely on Normal tower muscle memory; patterns and HP both change.

• 
  AnubisZoe rematch

  Ground mount

  Guardian of the Desert

  Guardian of the Desert converts your attacks to Ground for the Electric rematch.

Pal	Role	Partner skill	Status effect
Anubis	Ground mount	Guardian of the Desert Guardian of the Desert converts your attacks to Ground for the Electric rematch.	Zoe rematch

Build C flex for this rematch

Common mistakes

• Pillar camping on Hard Mode when patterns already ignored cover on Normal.
• Running Build C without Anubis (or another Ground mount) in the flex slots.
• Duplicate species in the Solenne party so Untainted Maiden is off.
• Shooting the body instead of weak points with Cryolinx Terra and Vanwyrm Cryst active.

After this clear

• Bank Zoe Hat and any Training Crystal drops before the next rematch.
• Keep the Ground flex mounted for Orserk Hard later.
• Repair legendary firearms and restock High Grade Medical Supplies.

Hard Mode: Lily

Lily & Lyleen Hard Mode wants Fire answers and opens with Free Pal Alliance Believer and Judicator adds. Clear the humans first. Do not bring Ground; Lyleen resists it.

Lyleen

Lily Hat

Armor

Dress up like Lily using this special headpiece!

• Counter: Fire. Build C with Wixen (FoxMage) or Pyrin flex, or Knocklem Ignis in Build B. Do not bring Ground.
• Hard Mode adds (start of fight): Free Pal Alliance Believer x1 and Free Pal Alliance Judicator x1. Rocket or burst them before committing to Lyleen.
• Hard Mode rewards: Lily Hat on first Hard clear, Training Crystals, chance at Legendary Drone Launcher schematic.
• Grass Tornado-style patterns still punch through pillars; sprint out instead of hugging cover.

• 
  WixenLily rematch

  Fire mount

  Lord Fox

  Lord Fox converts player attacks to Fire for the Grass rematch.

Pal	Role	Partner skill	Status effect
Wixen	Fire mount	Lord Fox Lord Fox converts player attacks to Fire for the Grass rematch.	Lily rematch

Build C flex for this rematch

Common mistakes

• Bringing Ground into Hard Mode Lyleen.
• Running Knocklem without the Ignis flex when you chose Build B.
• Letting the heal window run because Fire conversion was never slotted.
• Treating Hard Lily like Normal with the same pillar habits.

After this clear

• Bank Lily Hat; note schematic rolls for launcher lines.
• Keep Wixen / Pyrin ready for Bastigor Hard next.
• Restock Burn food and meds before the next Fire rematch.

Hard Mode: Axel

Axel & Orserk Hard Mode mixes Electric and Dragon pressure and opens with Mossanda Lux and Relaxaurus Lux. Clear those Electric adds first, then keep moving through dragon telegraphs.

Orserk

Mossanda Lux

Relaxaurus Lux

Axel Hat

Armor

Dress up like Axel using this special headpiece!

• Counters: Ground or Ice. Build C with Anubis or Frostallion (IceHorse) in the flex slots.
• Hard Mode adds (start of fight): Mossanda Lux x1 and Relaxaurus Lux x1. Kill the Electric Pals first; they cannot be captured.
• Hard Mode rewards: Axel Hat on first Hard clear, Training Crystals, chance at Legendary Heat-Resistant Ancient Armor schematic.
• Keep moving through dragon telegraphs after the adds are down.

• 
  AnubisAxel rematch

  Ground mount

  Guardian of the Desert

  Guardian of the Desert is the clean Ground flex; Frostallion covers the Ice answer.

Pal	Role	Partner skill	Status effect
Anubis	Ground mount	Guardian of the Desert Guardian of the Desert is the clean Ground flex; Frostallion covers the Ice answer.	Axel rematch

Build C flex for this rematch

Common mistakes

• Standing in dragon telegraphs after Normal muscle memory.
• Forgetting the Ice flex when Ground is already committed elsewhere.
• Dumping rockets at pull instead of add waves.
• Under-gearing resistance rings for a rematch this long.

After this clear

• Bank Axel Hat and Training Crystals.
• Prep Azurobe Waterwing Dance for Marcus Hard.
• Repair mounts and restock rockets for summon-heavy rematches.

Hard Mode: Marcus

Marcus & Faleris Hard Mode is a Fire rematch that opens with four PIDF humans (two Riflemen, two Elites). Clear the adds first, then Water conversion on your gun shortens the boss phase.

Faleris

Marcus Hat

Armor

Dress up like Marcus using this special headpiece!

• Counter: Water. Build C with Azurobe (BlueDragon) Waterwing Dance in the flex slots.
• Hard Mode adds (start of fight): PIDF Rifleman x2 and PIDF Elite x2. Clear the humans first; they cannot be captured.
• Hard Mode rewards: Marcus Hat on first Hard clear, Training Crystals, chances at heat- and cold-resistant ancient armor schematics.
• Recall Water Pals during Electric skills if Faleris mixes them in.

• 
  AzurobeMarcus rematch

  Water mount

  Waterwing Dance

  Waterwing Dance converts player attacks to Water for the Fire rematch.

Pal	Role	Partner skill	Status effect
Azurobe	Water mount	Waterwing Dance Waterwing Dance converts player attacks to Water for the Fire rematch.	Marcus rematch

Build C flex for this rematch

Common mistakes

• Skipping Waterwing Dance when Build C is otherwise correct.
• Burning Partner Skill burst before the add wave.
• Running Fire vanity flexes into Faleris Hard.
• Body shots instead of weak points on the Solenne core.

After this clear

• Bank Marcus Hat.
• Slot Chillet for Victor Hard next.
• Restock Water Skill Fruits and meds.

Hard Mode: Victor

Victor & Shadowbeak Hard Mode has no extra allies. The trap is clone / decoy patterns: ignore fakes, burst the real target, and prefer Dragon/Fire dual-types into Ice coverage.

Shadowbeak

Victor Hat

Armor

Dress up like Victor using this special headpiece!

• Counter: Dragon. Prefer Dragon/Fire dual-types so Ice coverage does not delete your active Pal.
• Hard Mode adds: none. The pressure spike is clone / decoy patterns, not extra humans or Pals.
• Hard Mode rewards: Victor Hat on first Hard clear, Training Crystals, chance at Legendary Cold-Resistant Ancient Armor schematic.
• Identify the real Shadowbeak before dumping rockets into clones.

• 
  ChilletVictor rematch

  Dragon mount

  Wriggling Weasel

  Wriggling Weasel converts player attacks to Dragon for the Dark rematch.

Pal	Role	Partner skill	Status effect
Chillet	Dragon mount	Wriggling Weasel Wriggling Weasel converts player attacks to Dragon for the Dark rematch.	Victor rematch

Build C flex for this rematch

Common mistakes

• Dumping rockets into clones before identifying the real Shadowbeak.
• Missing the Dragon flex in Build C.
• Duplicate Solenne party species.
• Treating Hard Genetic like a Normal reskin.

After this clear

• Bank Victor Hat.
• Keep Chillet or Helzephyr ready for Saya Hard summons.
• Restock rockets specifically for clone and add phases.

Hard Mode: Saya

Saya & Selyne Hard Mode opens with Moonflower Genin x2 and Moonflower Jonin x1. Save rockets for those humans, clear them, then return to Selyne.

Selyne

Saya Hat

Armor

Dress up like Saya using this special headpiece!

• Counters: Dragon or Dark pressure. Solenne core with Chillet or Helzephyr flex.
• Hard Mode adds (start of fight): Moonflower Genin x2 and Moonflower Jonin x1. Clear the humans first; they cannot be captured.
• Hard Mode rewards: Saya Hat on first Hard clear, Training Crystals, chance at Legendary Plasma Rifle schematic.
• Save rockets for the Genin / Jonin wave, then return to Selyne.

• 
  ChilletSaya rematch

  Dragon mount

  Wriggling Weasel

  Wriggling Weasel is the clean Dragon flex when Selyne wants typed pressure.

Pal	Role	Partner skill	Status effect
Chillet	Dragon mount	Wriggling Weasel Wriggling Weasel is the clean Dragon flex when Selyne wants typed pressure.	Saya rematch

Build C flex for this rematch

Common mistakes

• Dumping rockets into Selyne before the summon wave dies.
• Running the Solenne core with duplicate species.
• Skipping Dragon or Dark flex pressure.
• Saving zero meds for a rematch this long.

After this clear

• Bank Saya Hat.
• Prep Fire flex and Ice rings for Bjorn Hard.
• Restock rockets before the next summon-heavy rematch.

Hard Mode: Bjorn

Bjorn & Bastigor Hard Mode is Ice and opens with two Feybreak Warriors and one Feybreak Berserker. Clear the humans first. Fire answers and Ice resistance rings are mandatory.

Bastigor

Bjorn Hat

Armor

Dress up like Bjorn using this special headpiece!

• Counter: Fire. Wixen / Pyrin / Knocklem Ignis. Equip +2 Elemental Resistance Rings for Ice.
• Hard Mode adds (start of fight): Feybreak Warrior x2 and Feybreak Berserker x1. Clear the humans first; they cannot be captured.
• Hard Mode rewards: Bjorn Hat on first Hard clear, Training Crystals, chance at Legendary Lightweight Ancient Armor schematic.
• Treat this as a gear check; under-armored runs get deleted by Bastigor patterns.

• 
  WixenBjorn rematch

  Fire mount

  Lord Fox

  Lord Fox converts player attacks to Fire for the Ice rematch.

Pal	Role	Partner skill	Status effect
Wixen	Fire mount	Lord Fox Lord Fox converts player attacks to Fire for the Ice rematch.	Bjorn rematch

Build C flex for this rematch

Common mistakes

• Skipping +2 Ice resistance rings on Bjorn Hard.
• Bringing anything but Fire into Bastigor Hard.
• Under-armoring for Feybreak rematch damage.
• Body shots on the Solenne weak-point core.

After this clear

• Bank Bjorn Hat.
• Prep Frostallion or Chillet for Auri Hard.
• Repair Plasteel / legendary armor before Azure rematch.

Hard Mode: Auri

Auri & Shaolong Hard Mode is a solo rematch (no extra adds) with flood and Celestial Vortex phases. Ice or Electric answers, weak-point aim, and the timer matter more than add management.

Shaolong

Auri Hat

Armor

Dress up like Auri using this special headpiece!

• Counters: Ice or Electric (and Dragon pressure still helps). Build C with Frostallion or Orserk-style flexes.
• Hard Mode adds: none. Pressure comes from flood / Celestial Vortex phases and the timer, not extra allies.
• Hard Mode rewards: Auri Hat on first Hard clear, Training Crystals, chance at Legendary Beam Launcher schematic.
• Aim blue weak points (Auri head / Shaolong blue parts); fur often fails to register hits.

• 
  FrostallionAuri rematch

  Ice mount

  Icy Steed

  Icy Steed converts player attacks to Ice; Chillet covers the Dragon answer.

Pal	Role	Partner skill	Status effect
Frostallion	Ice mount	Icy Steed Icy Steed converts player attacks to Ice; Chillet covers the Dragon answer.	Auri rematch

Build C flex for this rematch

Common mistakes

• Treating Auri Hard as optional fluff and skipping World Tree prep after.
• Missing Ice or Dragon flex in Build C.
• Dumping cooldowns at pull on a rematch with long phases.
• Running without endgame meds and resistance rings.

After this clear

• If Normal Azure is done, Hard Mode is already unlocked for the other towers.
• Return to Panthalus / World Tree story if those are still open.
• Farm Training Crystals here when you want a long endgame tower loop.

Towers: Zoe

First tower wall. Grizzbolt is pure Electric (Yellow Tank partner skill). Normal clears around Lv 10–15. Ground damage is the clean answer. Stay mobile — several patterns punch through pillars, so cover is less safe than it looks.

Grizzbolt

• Element: Electric. Counter: Ground.
• Map: Rayne Syndicate Tower Entrance.
• Normal rewards: Ancient Technology Points on first early-ladder clears.
• Hard Mode (separate tab): Zoe Hat on first Hard clear, Training Crystals, schematic rolls, plus Syndicate Gunner and Crusher adds.

Common mistakes

• Walking into Zoe under-leveled because the overworld felt easy.
• Hugging pillars when Grizzbolt patterns punch straight through cover.
• Bringing Fire or Water vanity Pals instead of a Ground answer.
• Skipping Condenser stars on Rushoar or Digtoise because it is early game.

After this clear

• Restock spheres and food, then route toward the Free Pal Alliance tower.
• Start fielding early Fire answers (Foxparks and friends) for Lily.
• Return under Hard Mode later for Zoe Hat once Azure Covenant is cleared.

Towers: Lily

Lyleen is Grass. Fire melts the fight; Burn DoTs help on longer attempts. Normal around Lv 20–30. Hard Mode Lyleen is a notorious sponge — Fire conversion plus weak-point focus ends the heal window before it matters. Grass Tornado-style patterns punch through cover; sprint out instead of hugging pillars.

Lyleen

• Element: Grass (Leaf). Counter: Fire.
• Map: Free Pal Alliance Tower Entrance.
• Normal rewards: story progress and Ancient Tech on first clears in this band.
• Hard Mode (separate tab): Lily Hat, Drone Launcher schematic chance, plus Free Pal Alliance Believer and Judicator adds.

Common mistakes

• Bringing Ground into Lyleen. She resists it and the fight drags.
• Pillar camping into Grass Tornado-style patterns that ignore cover.
• Showing up below the Lv 20-30 band because Zoe felt easy.
• Saving all rockets for the boss and ignoring any add pressure on Hard later.

After this clear

• Condense Fire answers and restock Burn-friendly food before Eternal Pyre.
• Scout Axel's door wildlife as a free gear check.
• Return under Hard Mode later for Lily Hat and schematic farming.

Towers: Axel

Orserk is Electric / Dragon (Ferocious Thunder Dragon). Ground and Ice both work; many players prefer Ground for the Electric half and Ice for the Dragon half. Normal around Lv 35–40. Dodge big dragon swings instead of tanking — Hard Mode punishes planted feet.

Orserk

• Element: Electric + Dragon. Counters: Ground, Ice.
• Map: Eternal Pyre Tower Entrance.
• Normal rewards: story progress through Eternal Pyre.
• Hard Mode (separate tab): Axel Hat, heat-resistant ancient armor schematic chance, plus Mossanda Lux and Relaxaurus Lux adds.

Common mistakes

• Packing only Electric answers into an Electric / Dragon fight.
• Standing still through dragon telegraphs after learning Zoe and Lily.
• Ignoring the Ice answer when Ground is not ready yet.
• Under-leveling for the ~Lv 35-40 Eternal Pyre door.

After this clear

• Prep Water answers (Azurobe line) for Marcus & Faleris next.
• Repair gear and restock meds before the PIDF tower.
• Bank Ancient Tech points if this was a first-ladder clear.

Towers: Marcus

Faleris is Fire (Scorching Predator) with strong aerial pressure. Water is the counter. Normal around Lv 40–45. Keep the camera up — diving and bombarding patterns punish players who only watch the floor.

Faleris

• Element: Fire. Counter: Water.
• Map: PIDF Tower Entrance.
• Normal rewards: story progress through PIDF.
• Hard Mode (separate tab): Marcus Hat, heat/cold ancient armor schematic chances, plus PIDF Rifleman and Elite adds.

Common mistakes

• Bringing Fire vanity Pals into Faleris instead of Water.
• Dumping Partner Skill burst at pull instead of saving it for adds.
• Skipping Water conversion mounts once you own Azurobe.
• Treating PIDF as a sightseeing stop without Condenser stars.

After this clear

• Start Dragon answers for Victor & Shadowbeak.
• Restock High Grade Medical Supplies for the Genetic tower band.
• Return under Hard Mode later for Marcus Hat farming.

Towers: Victor

Shadowbeak is Dark (Modified DNA). Dragon pressure is the usual answer; Neutral Pal Blast lines also work if your Dragon roster is thin. Normal around Lv 45–55. Hard Mode and some rematches spawn clones or avatars — identify the real boss and dump burst there instead of splitting damage.

Shadowbeak

• Element: Dark. Preferred counters: Dragon (or strong Neutral burst).
• Map: PAL Genetic Research Unit Tower Entrance.
• Normal rewards: story progress through PAL Genetic.
• Hard Mode (separate tab): Victor Hat and cold-resistant ancient armor schematic chance. No human/Pal adds; watch clone / decoy patterns.

Common mistakes

• Tunnel-visioning clones or decoys instead of the real Shadowbeak.
• Bringing Neutral legendaries with no Dragon pressure.
• Walking in without meds for the Lv 45-55 band.
• Spending all rockets before the clone phase resolves.

After this clear

• Prep Dragon or Dark pressure for Saya & Selyne.
• Condense Chillet or another Dragon mount before Moonflower.
• Bank the Genetic tower unlock before rushing Sakurajima content.

Towers: Saya

Selyne is Dark / Neutral (Celestial Darkness). Normal around Lv 55. Dragon or Dark pressure both appear in successful clears. Hard Mode adds Moonflower Genin and Jonin (see Hard Mode tab).

Selyne

• Element: Dark + Neutral. Counters: Dragon or Dark burst; prioritize adds.
• Map: Moonflower Tower Entrance.
• Normal rewards: story progress through Moonflower.
• Hard Mode (separate tab): Saya Hat, Plasma Rifle schematic chance, plus Moonflower Genin and Jonin adds.

Common mistakes

• Dumping rockets into Selyne before clearing summons.
• Running duplicate species if you already practice the Solenne Hard Mode core.
• Ignoring Dark or Dragon answers and hoping raw Attack carries.
• Skipping food and repair mats for the Lv 55 door.

After this clear

• Prep Fire answers and Ice resistance for Bjorn & Bastigor.
• Restock rockets specifically for summon-heavy rematches later.
• Return under Hard Mode later for Saya Hat cosmetic clears.

Towers: Bjorn

Bastigor is Ice (Blizzard Crash) and hits like a freight train up close. Fire is the counter. Normal around Lv 60. Stack defense and the correct resistance ring — this is a brawl, not a glass-cannon duel. Feybreak Tower also sits on the path that opens later Sunreach progression.

Bastigor

• Element: Ice. Counter: Fire.
• Map: Feybreak Tower Entrance.
• Normal rewards: story progress through Feybreak.
• Hard Mode (separate tab): Bjorn Hat, lightweight ancient armor schematic chance, plus Feybreak Warrior and Berserker adds.

Common mistakes

• Showing up without Fire answers into Bastigor.
• Skipping Ice resistance rings once you start treating Hard Mode prep seriously.
• Under-armoring for the Lv 60 Feybreak door.
• Bringing Water vanity Pals that Bastigor shrugs off.

After this clear

• Prep Ice and Dragon answers for Auri & Shaolong.
• Condense Wixen / Pyrin / Knocklem Ignis for Fire rematches later.
• Restock before Azure Covenant; that clear gates Hard Mode.

Towers: Auri

Shaolong is Dragon / Water (Azure Sovereign). Ice and Dragon answers both appear in clear reports; stay aggressive in the short openings and do not turtle through every cooldown. Normal around Lv 65–70. This clear unlocks Hard Mode for all towers and continues the story into Panthalus and the World Tree.

Shaolong

• Element: Dragon + Water. Counters: Ice and Dragon pressure.
• Map: Azure Covenant Tower Entrance.
• Normal rewards: bank the Azure Covenant unlock immediately (Hard Mode gate + Panthalus path).
• Hard Mode (separate tab): Auri Hat, Beam Launcher schematic chance, no extra adds (solo rematch with flood / vortex phases).

Common mistakes

• Treating Azure Covenant like a farm door and skipping the Panthalus follow-up.
• Bringing only Water answers into a Dragon / Water boss.
• Dumping every cooldown at pull instead of the short openings.
• Rushing out before banking the Hard Mode unlock.

After this clear

• Capture Panthalus next; a kill without capture stalls the World Tree barrier.
• Hard Mode rematches for every tower are now available when your builds are ready.
• Route Sunreach to World Tree unlock before hunting Silvance and Dandilord.

World Tree: Path

Once Panthalus opens the World Tree, The Sealed Calamity points you at three guardian clears. Defeat all three to gather the seal keys (Silvance’s Plume, Dandilord’s Petal, and the Pal’s Containment Core from the lab). Capture is optional here — unlike Panthalus, a kill still counts for the barrier. Bring the Hard Mode endgame cores; these sit around Lv 78.

Silvance

Dandilord

Astralym

Panthalus

Common mistakes

• Skipping Panthalus capture and wondering why the World Tree terminal does nothing.
• Entering guardian fights without endgame cores because tower Normal felt finished.
• Forgetting you need Plume, Petal, and Containment Core before Astralym.
• Treating capture as mandatory on guardians; a kill still counts for the seal.

After this clear

• Clear Silvance, Dandilord, and the Forbidden Laboratory in any order you can gear for.
• Own Silvance / Dandilord afterward for spore and gas zone prep.
• Return to the western barrier with all three keys before Zenara.

World Tree: Silvance

Silvance is Grass (Leaf) with Spore Stalwart. Field boss at Shinespore Root on the southwestern World Tree edge, ~Lv 78. Fire is the clean answer. Silvance also matters outside the fight: Spore Stalwart covers Explosive Spore hazard immunity for World Tree exploration once you own it.

Silvance

• Element: Grass. Counter: Fire (Wixen / Pyrin / Blazamut / Jormuntide Ignis).
• Location: Shinespore Root (southwest World Tree).
• Reward: Silvance’s Plume for the Sealed Sanctum barrier. Also a guaranteed Ancient Civilization Core on kill / capture / butcher loops.
• Party: reuse Bastigor / Lyleen Hard Mode Fire flexes. Keep moving through spore and whirlwind patterns.

Common mistakes

• Bringing non-Fire answers into a Grass field boss at Lv 78.
• Skipping Spore Stalwart capture when you plan to explore the World Tree afterward.
• Standing in spore and whirlwind patterns instead of strafing.
• Under-gearing because tower Normal was recent memory.

After this clear

• Bank Silvance's Plume for the Sealed Sanctum barrier.
• Optional capture for Explosive Spore hazard immunity on later routes.
• Route to Rotmist Root or the Forbidden Laboratory next.

World Tree: Dandilord

Dandilord is Grass / Dark with Mist Stalwart. Field boss at Rotmist Root on the northeastern World Tree edge, ~Lv 78. The arena looks poisoned; the sludge is cosmetic, not a DoT. Fire still beats the Grass half; Dragon or Dark pressure helps if you prefer that kit. Mist Stalwart is also the Poison-apply seat used in many dual-status builds once you own Dandilord.

Dandilord

• Element: Grass + Dark. Counters: Fire first; Dragon / Dark as alternate pressure.
• Location: Rotmist Root (northeast World Tree).
• Reward: Dandilord’s Petal for the Sealed Sanctum barrier. Guaranteed Ancient Civilization Core on kill / capture / butcher.
• Party: same Fire core as Silvance, or Chillet / Helzephyr if you are running Dragon / Dark Build C flexes. Dodge beams and tracking orbs rather than tanking.

Common mistakes

• Panicking at the sludge arena; it is cosmetic, not a DoT.
• Skipping Fire into the Grass half of the typing.
• Leaving without Mist Stalwart if you want dual-status Poison seats later.
• Treating Dandilord as optional fluff and losing the Petal key.

After this clear

• Bank Dandilord's Petal for the Sealed Sanctum barrier.
• Keep Mist Stalwart in mind for Poison apply builds.
• Finish the Laboratory gauntlet if the Containment Core is still missing.

World Tree: Laboratory

The third World Tree guardian clear is not a single Pal. Inside the Forbidden Laboratory (northwest World Tree) you fight four waves of remixed tower bosses. Survive all four for the Pal’s Containment Core. Treat it like a Hard Mode tower marathon: full endgame gear, medical supplies, and typed answers ready to swap between waves.

• Wave 1: Grizzbolt + Lyleen — Ground for Grizzbolt, Fire for Lyleen. Swap mid-wave if one typed answer is eating the wrong target.
• Wave 2: Faleris + Orserk — Water for Faleris, Ground / Ice for Orserk.
• Wave 3: Selyne + Shadowbeak — Dragon or Dark burst; clear adds and focus the real threat.
• Wave 4: Shaolong + Bastigor — Ice / Dragon for Shaolong, Fire for Bastigor. Bastigor’s freeze pressure is the wipe risk if ignored.
• Reward: Pal’s Containment Core. With Plume + Petal + Core, return to the western Sealed Sanctum barrier.

Grizzbolt

Lyleen

Faleris

Orserk

Selyne

Shadowbeak

Shaolong

Bastigor

Common mistakes

• Running one element through all four waves without typed swaps.
• Dumping rockets on wave one and arriving empty for later bosses.
• Ignoring the wave list and learning it mid-wipe.
• Entering without the Solenne or Gobfin endgame core.

After this clear

• Bank the Pal's Containment Core for the Sealed Sanctum barrier.
• Return west with Plume, Petal, and Core before Zenara.
• Repair and restock before Astralym; it is a phase check.

World Tree: Zenara

Astralym (World Tree Dragon in data) has no elemental typing in live extracts, which matches community reports of no clean weakness. ~Lv 80 final story fight after the three guardians and the eight tower Key Spheres. Not a capture fight — clear for the ending and Paldex entry. Our extract includes a second Astralym form portrait for the later phase. Save strongest cooldowns for late phases and the immune window instead of dumping them on pull.

Astralym

• Element: none in data. Counter: raw weak-point damage and survival builds.
• Gates: three guardian keys + all eight tower Key Spheres, then the western Sealed Sanctum door.
• Hard rematch rewards: Zenara Hat on first Hard clear (Hard Mode only, not the story clear).
• Hard Mode / rematch: full Solenne + Vanwyrm Cryst + Cryolinx Terra core; flex slots are DPS supports (Robinquill for bows) rather than elemental mounts.
• Drops / rewards: endgame cosmetic and crystal rewards; treat this as a prestige clear more than a farm loop.

Common mistakes

• Dumping strongest cooldowns on pull before the immune / late phase.
• Looking for a clean elemental weakness Astralym does not have.
• Entering without Plume, Petal, Containment Core, and tower Key Spheres done.
• Treating it like a capture fight; clear for the ending and Paldex entry.

After this clear

• Enjoy the ending; Astralym is the story finale clear.
• Optional rematch farming uses the full Solenne weak-point core.
• Use leftover Training Crystals and Hard Mode towers as the ongoing endgame loop.