Nine Sols is a hand-drawn 2D action-platformer blending Chinese mythology with sci-fi cyberpunk aesthetics. You play as Yi, a vengeful hero seeking to kill the nine ruling Sols (god-like beings) of New Kunlun. The combat centers entirely on the deflect/parry mechanic — instead of dodging, you deflect enemy attacks to charge Talisman counters for devastating ripostes. With Sekiro-level precision demands wrapped in a Metroidvania structure, Nine Sols is one of the most mechanically demanding 2D action games available.
Boss fights are where Nine Sols tests everything you've learned. This guide covers strategies for bosses across all areas, organized by progression order. For general combat techniques, see our combat guide.
Boss Difficulty Overview
| Area | Difficulty | Recommended Role | Key Weapons |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Kunlun | Easy | Talisman Build | Internal Arts |
| Apeman Facility | Moderate | Talisman Build | Internal Arts |
| Greenhouse | Hard | Parry Focus | Charged Strike |
| Factory | Very Hard | Parry Focus | Charged Strike |
| Grotto | Extreme | Parry Focus | Charged Strike |
New Kunlun Bosses
Area difficulty: Easy Recommended level: Hub (all game) Recommended role: Talisman Build with Internal Arts
Strategy
The first bosses teach core combat mechanics. Focus on learning patterns rather than dealing damage. Deflecting is the core mechanic — pressing the deflect button at the exact moment of enemy contact negates damage and charges your Talisman gauge — this is your primary tool here.
Key tips:
- Don't rush. Learn the attack patterns first.
- Use deflect parrying to create safe windows.
- Internal Arts is enough to handle everything here.
Apeman Facility Bosses
Area difficulty: Moderate Recommended level: Early game (Sol 1-2) Recommended role: Talisman Build with Internal Arts
Strategy
Early game bosses test your understanding of talisman abilities. Players who skipped learning this mechanic will hit a wall here.
Key tips:
- talisman abilities is critical for these fights.
- Farm Internal Arts upgrades if you're struggling.
- Consider switching to Talisman Build if your current setup isn't working.
Greenhouse Bosses
Area difficulty: Hard Recommended level: Early-mid game (Sol 3-4) Recommended role: Parry Focus with Charged Strike
Strategy
Mid-game bosses are the major skill check. They combine multiple mechanics and punish players who rely on a single strategy.
Key tips:
- You need both deflect parrying and Tao arts mastery.
- Charged Strike makes a significant difference — get it before attempting these.
- See our combat guide for advanced techniques.
Factory Bosses
Area difficulty: Very Hard Recommended level: Mid game (Sol 5-6) Recommended role: Parry Focus with Charged Strike
Strategy
Late-game bosses are serious challenges. Build optimization matters as much as mechanical skill.
Key tips:
- Make sure your build is fully optimized.
- Charged Strike at max upgrade is recommended.
- Study each boss's attack patterns — most have 2-3 phases.
Grotto Bosses
Area difficulty: Extreme Recommended level: Late game (Sol 7-8) Recommended role: Parry Focus with Charged Strike
Strategy
Endgame bosses are the ultimate test. They require mastery of all combat systems and an optimized build.
Key tips:
- Top-tier build with best-in-slot gear is mandatory.
- Master every mechanic — see our combat guide.
- These fights reward patience and pattern recognition above all else.
General Boss Tips
- Learn before you fight — Spend your first attempt observing attack patterns. Don't try to win on attempt one.
- Match your build — Some bosses favor certain builds over others. Don't be afraid to switch.
- Upgrade your weapons — A max-upgraded Charged Strike trivializes fights that seem impossible with weaker gear.
- Use deflect parrying — The core combat mechanic is your best defensive tool in every boss fight.
- Check the walkthrough — Our walkthrough tells you when you're ready for each boss.
More Nine Sols Guides
- Nine Sols Nine Sols Overview
- Nine Sols Best Builds
- Nine Sols Tier List
- Nine Sols Walkthrough
- Nine Sols Beginner's Guide
- Nine Sols Tips & Tricks
- Nine Sols Weapons Guide
- Nine Sols Combat Guide
- Nine Sols Maps & Locations
- Nine Sols Crafting Guide
- Nine Sols Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy Nine Sols, check out these related guides:
- Helldivers 2 Boss Guide — action game with similar mechanics
- Black Myth: Wukong Boss Guide — action game with similar mechanics
- Monster Hunter Wilds Boss Guide — action game with similar mechanics
