Matador is a formidable opponent in Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, known for his challenging skills and abilities. To defeat him, it’s crucial to be well-prepared and have the right strategy in place. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you overcome Matador and emerge victorious in this intense battle.
Before facing Matador, ensure that your main character is at least level 24 for the best chances of success. If you find yourself underleveled, consider progressing further in the main story and returning to challenge Matador later. This can be particularly beneficial in the Vengeance story, where Guest characters can provide valuable assistance during the fight. Additionally, stocking up on Elec Shards from Cadaver’s Hollow can give your Nahobino and other human characters an advantage by exploiting Matador’s weakness to Electric damage.
In terms of Matador’s abilities and weaknesses, it’s important to note that he is weak to Electric (Zio) damage, immune to Force (Zan) damage, and resistant to Hama and Mudo. While Electric damage is the most effective against him, Physical attackers can also be viable, especially those with moves that have a high chance of landing critical hits. It’s crucial to be aware of Matador’s new skill, Crippling Blow, which can instantly kill a character upon hitting a weakness or scoring a critical hit. This adds an element of risk to the battle that must be managed carefully.
During the battle, Matador will use Red Capote to raise his accuracy and evasion. Using debuff moves like Sukunda can help counter this buff and improve your chances of landing successful attacks. It’s important to keep Matador comprehensively debuffed throughout the battle to neutralize his advantages. Additionally, be cautious of Matador’s ability to gather Magatsuhi, which can lead to devastating attacks if not countered effectively.
To build your Nahobino for the battle against Matador, consider imbuing their Affinities with the Sudama Essence to grant immunity to Force damage. This can protect your protagonist from critical hits and reduce the impact of Matador’s attacks. Tailor your Nahobino’s moveset based on your preferred playstyle and party composition, focusing on exploiting Matador’s weaknesses and maximizing damage output.
In terms of party members and demons to bring to the battle, consider including Shiisaa for its ability to counter Matador effectively with Zio attacks and debuffs. Kikuri-Hime can serve as a dedicated healer with Force immunity and support skills, while Oni can function as a tank to absorb Matador’s Physical attacks. Yoko Hiromine can be a valuable addition for her Zio spells and versatility as a human character.
Overall, by carefully planning your strategy, leveraging your party’s strengths, and reacting to Matador’s moves effectively, you can increase your chances of defeating this challenging boss. With the right preparation and tactics, you can emerge victorious and unlock new fusion opportunities to aid you on your journey through Da’at. Good luck in your battle against Matador and the adventures that lie ahead!