Game:Vanitas

The Masked Boy
Japanese	仮面の少年
Rōmaji	Kamen no Shōnen
Game	Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep
Variations • Ventus • Ventus-Vanitas • Vanitas Remnant
KHBBS tracks Battle theme - Enter the Darkness

Location		HP	EXP	Strength	Defense
Keyblade Graveyard		550	0	14	6
Physical	Fire	Blizzard	Thunder	Dark	Other
x1.0	x1.0	x1.0	x1.0	x1.0	x1.0
Stun	Freeze	Mini	Blind	Ignite	Confuse
◯	◯	X	X	◯	X
Bind	Poison	Slow	Stop	Sleep	Death
X	◯	X	X	◯	X
Zero Gravity		Magnet		Warp
◯		◯		X
Rewards
Maximum HP UP, Mickey's D-Link
World(s)
Keyblade Graveyard

Location		HP	EXP	Strength	Defense
Radiant Garden		550	0	14	6
Physical	Fire	Blizzard	Thunder	Dark	Other
x1.0	x1.0	x1.0	x1.0	x1.0	x1.0
Stun	Freeze	Mini	Blind	Ignite	Confuse
◯	◯	X	X	◯	X
Bind	Poison	Slow	Stop	Sleep	Death
X	◯	X	X	◯	X
Zero Gravity		Magnet		Warp
◯		◯		X
Rewards
Deck Capacity +1
World(s)
Radiant Garden

Vanitas
Japanese	ヴァニタス
Rōmaji	Vanitasu
Games	Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Kingdom Hearts III
Variations • Ventus • Ventus-Vanitas • Vanitas Remnant
KHBBS tracks Battle theme - Enter the Darkness Battle theme - Black Powder KHIII tracks Battle theme - Enter the Darkness (KHIII ver.) Battle theme - Dawn of Hope

Location		HP	EXP	Strength	Defense
Keyblade Graveyard		550	0	26	15
Physical	Fire	Blizzard	Thunder	Dark	Other
x1.0	x1.0	x1.0	x1.0	x1.0	x1.0
Stun	Freeze	Mini	Blind	Ignite	Confuse
◯	◯	X	X	◯	X
Bind	Poison	Slow	Stop	Sleep	Death
X	◯	X	X	◯	X
Zero Gravity		Magnet		Warp
◯		X		X
Rewards
Maximum HP UP
World(s)
Keyblade Graveyard

Location		HP	EXP	Strength	Defense
Keyblade Graveyard		600	0	26	15
Physical	Fire	Blizzard	Thunder	Dark	Other
x1.0	x1.0	x1.0	x1.0	x1.0	x1.0
Stun	Freeze	Mini	Blind	Ignite	Confuse
◯	X	X	X	X	X
Bind	Poison	Slow	Stop	Sleep	Death
X	X	X	X	X	X
Zero Gravity		Magnet		Warp
X		X		X
Rewards
Maximum HP UP
World(s)
Keyblade Graveyard

Location		HP	EXP	Strength	Defense
Neverland		550	0	23	14
Physical	Fire	Blizzard	Thunder	Dark	Other
x1.0	x1.0	x1.0	x1.0	x1.0	x1.0
Stun	Freeze	Mini	Blind	Ignite	Confuse
◯	◯	X	X	◯	X
Bind	Poison	Slow	Stop	Sleep	Death
X	◯	X	X	◯	X
Zero Gravity		Magnet		Warp
◯		X		X
Rewards
Maximum HP UP Ghost Drive, Peter Pan's D-Link, Pixie Petal
World(s)
Neverland

Location			HP		Strength			Defense			EXP
Land of Departure			2600		63			32			0
Keyblade Graveyard			2600		59			30			0
Physical	Fire		Blizzard			Thunder				Water
×1.0	×1.0		×1.0			×1.0				×1.0
Aero		Dark		Neutral					Rapid-fire
×1.0		×1.0		×1.0					×0.5
Freeze		Electrify		Stun					Hunny
✕		✕		✕					✕
Reaction Endurance		Revenge Value		Attraction Magnification					Damage Limit
0/5		6		—/×0.5					24
Rewards
Keyblade Graveyard Sora: Max MP +5 Re Mind Sora: Max MP +3
World(s)
Land of Departure, Keyblade Graveyard

Vanitas
Japanese	ヴァニタス
Rōmaji	Vanitasu
Game	Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep
Variations • Ventus • Ventus-Vanitas • Vanitas Remnant
KHBBS tracks Battle theme - Unbreakable Chains

Location		HP	EXP	Strength	Defense
Keyblade Graveyard (Battle LV 9)		700	0	26	15
Keyblade Graveyard (Battle LV 10)		700	0	27	16
Physical	Fire	Blizzard	Thunder	Dark	Other
x1.0	x1.0	x1.0	x1.0	x1.0	x1.0
Stun	Freeze	Mini	Blind	Ignite	Confuse
X	X	X	X	X	X
Bind	Poison	Slow	Stop	Sleep	Death
X	X	X	X	X	X
Zero Gravity		Magnet		Warp
X		X		X
Rewards
Xehanort's Report X
World(s)
Keyblade Graveyard

Vanitas's Recreated Data
Japanese	ヴァニタスの再現データ
Rōmaji	Vanitasu no Saigen Dēta
Translation	Vanitas's Recreated Data
Game	Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind
Variations • Ventus • Ventus-Vanitas • Vanitas Remnant
KHIII tracks Battle theme - Enter the Darkness (KHIII ver.)

Location			HP		Strength			Defense			EXP
Radiant Garden (Garden of Assemblage)			3000		110			57			0
Resistances (Not staggered)
Physical	Fire		Blizzard			Thunder				Water
×0.2	×0.1		×0.1			×0.1				×0.1
Aero		Dark		Neutral					Rapid-fire
×0.1		×0.1		×0.2					×0.5
Resistances (Staggered)
Physical	Fire		Blizzard			Thunder				Water
×1.0	×0.5		×0.5			×0.5				×0.5
Aero		Dark		Neutral					Rapid-fire
×0.5		×0.5		×1.0					×0.5
Reaction Endurance		Revenge Value		Attraction Magnification					Damage Limit
5		6.5/0		—					13
Rewards
AP Boost
World(s)
Radiant Garden

Vanitas is a boss in Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep, fought by Terra, Aqua, and Ventus. While he only faces Terra as an aid to Master Xehanort during their final battle, he battles Ventus in hopes of making him stronger and with the goal of fusing with him in the end to create the χ-blade. Should Ventus fail to serve his purpose, he wishes to use Aqua as his backup plan. Vanitas appears as a boss six times in Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep.

In Kingdom Hearts III, Vanitas also appears as a boss at the Land of Departure against Aqua in a bid to collect Ventus's body, and at the Keyblade Graveyard alongside Terra-Xehanort against Sora, Ventus, and Aqua. A data replica of him is also a optional boss in Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind.

Strategy

Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep

Terra's scenario

The only time Vanitas ever faces Terra in combat is during the final battle with Master Xehanort, during which Vanitas assists Master Xehanort in a battle against the young Keyblade wielder. During this battle, Terra has access to D-Links, Shotlocks, and Command Styles. While clearing this boss fight without the use of these special powers and abilities is quite possible, it is recommended that Terra instead make full use of them.

Master Xehanort and Vanitas battle Terra within the Keyblade Graveyard.

It is very important that Terra immediately go on the offensive against Vanitas at the start of the battle, as he has two powerful bosses attacking him simultaneously; fortunately, only Vanitas must be defeated to progress. Vanitas will not attack often and will mainly attempt to dodge the Terra's attacks, but certain abilities such as Chaos Rave will allow Terra to stay on him. When Vanitas vanishes, Slide out of the way; if Terra does not, he will fall victim to an downward strike from Vanitas with his Keyblade. When Vanitas sinks into the ground, only visible by a moving pool of darkness, immediately chain Slides together. Otherwise, Terra will be bombarded with fireballs as the boss reemerges. Vanitas may leap into the air bombarding Terra with dark lightning, or he even may shoot a single, large fireball that later splits into three homing ones. Slide can be used to dodge these attacks, as well.

Once enough HP has been depleted from Vanitas, the battle will automatically end, regardless of how much of it currently remains, but in the PS4 version, it will end when his health's completely gone. However, remember that Master Xehanort is also present during the battle, and he may strike Terra with his Keyblade or shoot a long-range, dark Blizzard spell in his direction. Master Xehanort may also combine the two attacks, assaulting Terra with a fast-paced physical combo and ending it with a Blizzard spell that can freeze Terra, leaving him open to both Vanitas and Master Xehanort's attacks.

Ventus's scenario

First battle

Vanitas battles Ventus within the Badlands.

Vanitas first fights Ventus in a two-part boss battle after luring him to the Keyblade Graveyard. The first will end once enough HP has been depleted from Vanitas, or if Vanitas depletes Ventus's HP to 0, while the second begins soon afterwards. However, in the second part of the battle, Ventus has the assistance of Mickey Mouse. He will also have access to Shotlocks, Command Styles, and D-Links, increasing the easiness of winning the battle along with Ventus's normal abilities.

Vanitas at first challenges Ventus with the goal of testing his power. During the first part of the two-part battle, Ventus should go on the offensive while also following a hit-and-run strategy, using both physical and magical attacks in a balanced manner before fleeing Vanitas's close combat attacks. Vanitas may disappear during the battle, but Ventus should immediately Dodge Roll, or he will fall victim to his downward strike if they do not dodge. The boss may also shoot a single, large fireball at Ventus that will soon separate into three smaller, homing fireballs after traveling forward in the his direction. Dodge Roll again can be used to avoid this attack. If Vanitas leaps into the air, he may strike Ventus with a dark lightning attack, which has a relatively long range. Dodge Roll is recommended in terms of avoiding it. lastly, Vanitas may perform a simple two-hit physical combo, an attack easily dodged with Dodge Roll.

In terms of offensive tactics, Mine Square and Tornado are highly recommended for use, as they will deal great damage to the boss, as well as interrupt his attacks. Other good weaknesses to exploit are the boss's vulnerabilities to Magnet, Aero, and Gravity magic. Each of these spells temporarily hoist him into the air, leaving him open to major damage, although timing is key to successfully use these attacks on him. This rule applies to all of his battles. Whatever physical attacks Ventus attempts should be the most powerful in his arsenal. Continuation to use powerful physical and magic attacks is the key to ending the first part of the two-part battle with ease and minimal damage.

Now that Mickey has joined Ventus in his battle with his darkness, Vanitas is forced to eliminate them both. His HP will be the same as what it was depleted to in the first part of the battle, and will also use the same battle tactics. Ventus can follow the same strategies as in the last battle to defeat Vanitas this time. In terms of Mickey fighting alongside Ventus, his physical attacks are strong, and there is no need to worry when his HP reaches 0. He will automatically revive himself in time. One major advantage to fighting with Mickey is that he will grant Ventus the usage of a powerful offensive ability, Burst of Faith. Again, continue using the same strategies as the first part of the battle, and take advantage of Mickey's presence.

Second battle

Ventus initiates the second battle with the embodiment of his darkness, after Vanitas had attempted to eliminate Aqua by ambushing her. His HP has not increased since the two-part battle, but Ventus no longer has Mickey to aid him. By now, Ventus should not need his presence. The only thing Ventus needs to worry about would be the new attacks added to Vanitas's arsenal.

Vanitas will begin the battle by jumping onto a vortex of flying Keyblades. As he travels around the battlefield, he will cast dark Blizzard spells in Ventus's direction. These Blizzard spells have strong homing capabilities, but they can be dodged with relative ease. Fire Glide, Shotlocks, and other magic attacks can be used to make Vanitas fall from the flying Keyblades. If Ventus doesn't knock him off the Keyblade vortex, when returning to the ground, he will imbue the Void Gear with darkness, strengthening his attack power. Vanitas also may sink into the ground once he dismounts the Keyblade storm, visible only as a mobile pool of darkness. Vanitas will travel to Ventus's location, so Dodge Roll around his position so that he resurfaces early, and to prevent being hit by several fireballs. He may perform this attack up to three times in a row.

Vanitas's other attacks are the same as those he used in the first encounter with him, save for his two-hit combo, which now adds a blue crescent-shaped wave of energy. Also, when he teleports behind Ventus, his downward strike now causes a large pillar of ice to erupt out of the ground. But they can be dodged the same way. As with the last battle, careful timing of Dodge Roll and a balanced use of physical and magic attacks are the key to winning this battle. However, this battle can be won purely with Reprisals (Reversal Slash, Counter Rush, etc.) as almost all of his attacks can be countered this way.

Third battle

Vanitas battles Ventus within Ventus's Mind.

The final battle with Vanitas has come; Vanitas has entered Ventus's heart, fusing with him and creating an incomplete version of the χ-blade. This tremendous weapon has not only increased the strength of his attacks and changed those he can use, but his HP has also increased a great deal. Ventus has access to D-Links, Shotlocks, and Command Styles during this battle, so make full use of them.

Vanitas will start with X Discharge, surrounding his weapon and himself in a damaging aura. The attack is indicated by the lines "Forge the χ-blade!", "What's yours is mine!", or "Show me anguish!" He will then proceed to lunge at Ventus with the massive weapon, slam the ground and create an X-shaped shockwave, perform another lunging slash, and even shoot a homing blast of energy in the shape of an "X" at Ventus. Dodge Roll can be used to avoid this attack. If Vanitas is attacked while charging the χ-blade, the attack is cancelled, so Reversal Slash can be used to avoid damage altogether and cancel out the attack. The boss also still favors the Dark Thundaga attack, and he still has the ability to vanish and appear behind Ventus. However, rather than performing a single, downward strike with Warp Downslash, Vanitas will perform Dark Splicer, a similar attack to Time Splicer, wherein he will slash Ventus multiple times while teleporting around him to attack from all sides. Dodge Roll until he stops or, a more preferable option, block his attack. This leaves the boss open to damage from Counter Rush.

Vanitas also may begin to utilize Dark Spiral, a charging attack akin to Riku's Dark Aura, charging at Ventus at a fast pace multiple times, while the χ-blade cloaks him in dark energy. Dodge Roll can be used to avoid this. The attack can be predicted by the quotes "There's no escape!", or "Darkness waits!" While Ventus should continue to use a hit-and-run strategy, it is advised to use Tornado and Mine Square to interrupt Vanitas's combos while still dealing great damage to him. Physical attacks should not be used as the main offense, as this will open Ventus to Vanitas's attacks. Instead, utilize magic or other long-ranged attacks to the fullest.

Once Vanitas's HP falls to 1, he will shatter the arena. The two Keyblade wielders now float in a dark realm amidst the remnants of Ventus's Mind. Ventus will then D-Link with Vanitas, copying Vanitas's Dark Splicer and Dark Spiral attacks, but cannot heal. Vanitas will gain access to a Shotlock-like attack, Dark Cannon, in which he fires a beam of darkness; Ventus's Shotlock will also change to a light version of this attack called Dark Link. The only way to fill the D-Link's Command Gauge is to counter Vanitas's attacks with the D-Link's corresponding attacks:

• If Ventus and Vanitas both use Dark Splicer at the same time, Ventus must press the right buttons when prompted to dodge Vanitas and counter.
• If Ventus uses Dark Spiral when Vanitas uses Dark Cannon or Dark Spiral, Ventus must rotate counterclockwise to win the grapple.
• If Ventus uses Dark Link when Vanitas uses Dark Cannon or Dark Spiral, Ventus must rapidly tap , in Japan, to win the grapple.

The gauge is completely filled by winning three clashes. Once filled, Ventus will gain access to the Last Word finish command, which he must use to finish Vanitas off once and for all. However, Ventus can miss when performing this attack, requiring him to face Vanitas and lock-on to him while not being too close or too far from him.

Aqua's scenario

First battle

Vanitas first challenges Aqua in the Radiant Garden. While his attacks are the same as in the early battles of Ventus's scenario, keep in mind that Aqua favors magic, which calls for a change in strategy. Aqua has access to D-Links, Command Styles, and Shotlocks in this battle, and they should be used if possible to gain the upper hand in battle.

Aqua should go on the offensive while also following a hit-and-run strategy, using magical attacks as her primary source of dealing damage. Vanitas may disappear during the battle, so Aqua should immediately Cartwheel, or fall victim to his downward strike if she does not dodge the assault. Vanitas may also shoot a single, large fireball at Aqua that will soon separate into three smaller, homing fireballs after traveling forward in the her direction. Cartwheel again can be used to avoid this attack. If Vanitas leaps into the air, he may strike Aqua with a dark lightning attack, which has a relatively long range. Cartwheel is recommended in terms of avoiding it. Lastly, Vanitas may perform a simple two-hit physical combo, an attack easily dodged with Cartwheel. In terms of offensive tactics, Seeker Mine and Raging Storm are highly recommended for use, as they will deal great damage to the boss, also interrupting his attacks. The Sleep magic command works great as it inflicts sleep status, leaving Vanitas at Aqua's mercy. Whatever physical attacks Aqua attempts should be the most powerful in her arsenal.

Second battle

Vanitas next challenges Aqua in Neverland. Aqua has access to D-Links, Command Styles, and Shotlocks in this battle, and they should be used if possible to gain the upper hand in battle.

Aqua should go on the offensive while also following a hit-and-run strategy, using magical attacks as their primary source of dealing damage. Vanitas may disappear during the battle, so Aqua should immediately Cartwheel, or instead will fall victim to his downward strike. The boss may also shoot a single, large fireball at Aqua that will soon separate into three smaller, homing fireballs after traveling forward in the Aqua's direction. Cartwheel again can be used to avoid this attack. If Vanitas leaps into the air, he may strike Aqua with a Dark Thundaga attack, which has a relatively long range and is unblockable. Cartwheel is recommended in terms of avoiding it. Vanitas may proceed to sink into the ground using Shadow Dive, visible only as a pool of darkness that will move to Aqua's location. Unless Aqua Cartwheels away, Vanitas will emerge when close and make several fireballs erupt. One way to have the move end quickly is to have Aqua keep using Cartwheel while close to the pool for Vanitas to emerge quickly while using the Cartwheel's invincibility. Lastly, Vanitas may perform a Continuous Slash, a simple two-hit physical combo which now adds a homing, blue, crescent-shaped wave of energy, an attack easily dodged with Cartwheel. It is mainly used after a Warp Downslash. In terms of offensive tactics, Seeker Mine and Raging Storm are highly recommended for use, as they will deal great damage to the boss, also interrupting his attacks. Whatever physical attacks the Aqua attempts should be the most powerful in her arsenal.

Ventus's scenario (First battle), Aqua's scenario (First battle)

Technique		Element	Status	Power	Block?
Continuous Slash (連続斬り, Renzokukiri)		Physical	—	1.5 + 2.0	◯
		Performs a rushing slash, followed by a spinning slash.
Warp Downslash (ワープ切り下ろし, Wāpu Kirioroshi)		Physical	—	1.5	◯
		Warps above the opponent, leaving an afterimage, then swings his weapon down while falling.
		Often used when taking a hit. Vanitas is invincible during this attack.
Dark Firaga (ダークファイガ, Dāku Faiga, lit. "Dark Figa")		Fire	—	Main: 2.5 Split: 1.5 x5	△
		Shoots a fireball that tracks the opponent. On the way, the fireball splits into 5 and start flying at high speed.
Dark Thundaga (ダークサンダガ, Dāku Sandaga)		Neutral	—	2.5	X
		Jumps up and shoots lightning in a fan shape diagonally downward.
When attacked by a long-range command, Vanitas may perform a side cartwheel to avoid it.
Guard/Block: △ = Can be blocked; O = Can be blocked and interrupted (melee) or deflected back (projectile); X = Cannot be blocked.

Special Commands