Game:Vanitas

Vanitas makes his first appearance as 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.

Vanitas also appears as a boss in Kingdom Hearts III 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.

In Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind, a data version of Vanitas is fought.

Abilities
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 * Continuous Slash (連続斬り)
 * Warp (ワープ斬り下ろし)
 * Dark Firaga (ダークファイガ)
 * Dark Thundaga (ダークサンダガ)
 * Shadow Dive (シャドウダイブ)
 * Keyblade Ride (キーブレードーライド)
 * X-Discharge (Xディスチャージ)
 * Dark Splicer (ダークスプライサー)
 * Dark Spiral (ダークスパイラル)
 * Dark Cannon (ダークキャノン)
 * Ultimate Charge (アルティメットチャージ)
 * Grand Cross (グランドクロス)

Standard Form

 * Strike: Simultaneously dashes and slashes the player, then finishes the attack with an upwards somersault slash. In later fights, his finisher launches a crescent blade of energy that homes in on the player.
 * Afterimage: At any point when the player strikes, he will quickly teleport away leaving behind an afterimage. He immediately appears either behind or above the player to retaliate.
 * Sidestep: Jumps to the side to avoid the player's attack.
 * Flame (+ burst): Charges up and fires a fireball at the player. In later fights, the single fireball will split into three and home in on the player.
 * Jumping (+ Blizzaga): Appears above the player following his Afterimage, and slashes down. In later fights, when he makes contact with the ground, he simultaneously casts Blizzaga.
 * Dark Thundaga: Jumps high in the air, and fires a dark Thundaga spell down at the ground.
 * Eruption: Jumps, then dives into the ground, stalking the player underneath. When he is right below the player, he jumps and attacks upwards. In later fights, he will repeatedly jump in and out, and finish off with a flurry of Firaga erupting from the ground.
 * Storm of Keyblades: Rides atop the whirlwind of Keyblades conjured by Master Xehanort. If Ventus comes into contact with them, he will be knocked away. A couple of good, clean long-range hits (ideally a Shotlock) will quickly knock him off.
 * Blizzaga: While riding atop the Storm of Keyblades, he will repeatedly assault the player with Blizzaga.
 * Dark charge: If knocked back, he will charge up and release dark energy around him. It is both used as a recovery ability, and knock-back.

χ-blade Form
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 * Strike: Simultaneously dashes and slashes the player, then finishes the attack with an upwards somersault slash that launches a crescent blade of energy that homes in on the player.
 * Dark Thundaga: Jumps high in the air, and fires a dark Thundaga spell down at the ground.
 * χ-blade combo: Charges up the enormous energy found in the χ-blade, surrounding it and himself in an aura that can cause damage if close. Vanitas then performs a lunging forward slash, leaps up to slam the ground, causing an X-shaped shockwave, lunges in with another slash, then hops back and fires an X-shaped energy wave. Is incredibly damaging with extreme range—this can however be canceled out with a single good hit.
 * Dark Spiral: Spins the Keyblade, dashing multiple-times mid-air.
 * Dark Splicer: Repeatedly teleports and slashes at the player, leaving behind an Afterimage with each strike.
 * Dimension Link: When reduced to 1 HP, he shatters the Station of Awakening, forcing Ventus to D-Link with him. In this state, he can only be defeating by filling the Command Gauge and executing the finisher "Last Word", done by mimicking his three abilities, Dark Spiral, Dark Splicer and Dark Link, successfully parrying them in the process.
 * Dark Cannon: His Shotlock ability. After locking onto Ventus, he fires a giant beam of dark energy from the χ-blade. Can be parried with either Dark Spiral, or the Dark Link shotlock.

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.

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 1.5 + 2.5 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.

First battle
Vanitas first fights Ventus in a two-part boss battle after luring him to the Keyblade Graveyard. The first will end only once enough HP has been depleted from Vanitas, the second beginning soon afterwards. However, in the second part of the battle, Ventus has the assistance of King Mickey. 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 Vent 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. Note that 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 King 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 King 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 the King'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 King 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 to prevent being hit by several fireballs. Note that 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, it should be noted 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
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 first charge his weapon, surrounding it 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. Note that 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 lightning attack, and he still has the ability to vanish and appear behind Ventus. However, rather than performing a single, downward strike, Vanitas will use an attack called Dark Splicer, similar 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 an attack called Dark Spiral, similar 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.

It is impossible to fully deplete Vanitas's HP once Ventus deals an attack that should defeat him. Instead, Vanitas's HP will remain at 1, and he will then shatter the pillar on which he and Ventus are fighting on. Vanitas will then become a temporary D-Link, granting Ventus the attacks that are key to defeating him once and for all, which uses his own attacks against him. As the two Keyblade wielders float in a dark realm amidst shards of stained glass, Ventus can move to Vanitas's location and hit him with Dark Spiral or Dark Splicer. However, it is recommended to merely use Ventus's only available Shotlock, Dark Link. This will cause Vanitas to fire his own version of the attack, Dark Cannon, to counter. As the two beams of energy collide, rapidly tap a button or spin the analog stick to win the grapple. This method can also be done with the Dark Spiral and Dark Splicer attack. This must be repeated several times before the combo finisher, Last Word, can be activated. Once this is done, Ventus will surround Vanitas with three beams of crystallized light. He will then shatter them, defeating Vanitas once and for all. However, Ventus can miss when performing this attack, therefore timing is crucial. Ventus also cannot heal during this phase.

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 lightning attack, which has a relatively long range. Cartwheel is recommended in terms of avoiding it. Vanitas may proceed to sink into the ground, visible only as a pool of darkness that will move to Aqua's location. Unless Aqua Cartwheels away, she will be hit by several fireballs. Lastly, Vanitas may perform a simple two-hit physical combo which now adds a homing, blue, crescent-shaped wave of energy, 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. Whatever physical attacks the Aqua attempts should be the most powerful in her arsenal.

First battle
Aqua battles Vanitas at the Land of Departure. Unlike Sora, Aqua does not have the ability to switch Keyblades nor use Links. However, she does have access to Spellweaver, Shotlocks and Grand Magic.

Vanitas's moveset is nearly identical to how it was in Birth by Sleep. He can perform a two-hit combo, the finisher sending out a shockwave, crash down on Aqua and summon an icicle in the process, and melt into the ground before emerging under a hail of fireballs. He also has the ability to cast Dark Firaga, which is either a slow-moving orb that splits into multiple fireballs, or a fast-moving fireball.

Second battle
Vanitas's final stand occurs at the Keyblade Graveyard, where he and Terra-Xehanort team up to decimate the Guardians of Light. Sora has Aqua and Ventus as party members.

In this fight, Vanitas's attacks generally remain the same. He has a new desperation attack in which he summons a Keyblade twister and rides on it, often barreling into the party or firing Blizzard salvos, the latter of which can be guarded or even deflected back at Vanitas at the right angle. Eventually, Vanitas will guide the twister towards the center and surround himself with the Keyblades, often sending then groups at a time at Sora. He is completely vulnerable while doing this, so it is possible to get up to Vanitas and pelt him with reprisal upon reprisal. Once this is done, he continues the fight as normal, though he does occasionally continue this attack.

Keyblade Graveyard
Vanitas's first battle in Re Mind is a revisit of his and Terra-Xehanort's battle from the base game. For the first part of the fight, the player plays as Aqua with Ventus as a party member. Once Sora joins the battle, the player can choose to play as either Sora or Aqua. When playing as Aqua, she and Ven can use the Icy Slider Team Attack.

Data Rematch
Vanitas's data serves as a boss in the Limitcut Episode. His moveset has been heavily upgraded. He constantly melts into the ground and emerges with a cluster of fireballs multiple times. He will sometimes follow the fireball cluster with a teleporting downward slash that leaves an ice cluster that breaks Sora's guard. He also can fire multiple sword beams with his Keyblade which can be parried. Every slash throws a sword beam and the last slash throws a regular sword beam and a slower spiraling sword beam. He will follow by carthweeling to his left and performing another sword beam combo before backflipping. A new combo he has gained is him performing three teleporting downward strikes, with the last strike leaving an ice cluster that breaks Sora's guard. Another combo is a teleporting slash combo. Vanitas will teleport to Sora's left and slash him and teleport again to his right to slash him. Then he will follow with a teleporting upper slash that knocks Sora into the air and follow with a teleporting downward slash. Then Vanitas will teleport to the ground, cartwheel, then teleport to Sora for another upper slash and then for another teleporting downward slash. Another new attack is a combo of Dark Firaga. Vanitas will start by firing two Dark Firaga balls. One of them is fast and will hit Sora first and the second is slower and will split into multiple smaller fireballs. Vanitas will teleport and fire another duo of Dark Firaga balls that function the same as the first duo. A second after firing the second duo, Vanitas will teleport five times and fire a single fast Dark Firaga. Then he will teleport close to Sora and fire another fast Dark Firaga. Then he will teleport twice, staying close to Sora and fire a slower Dark Firaga ball. Finally, he will cartwheel to his right and fire a fast Dark Firaga ball. Like in previous fights, he will retaliate from combos with a teleporting downward strike. Unlike the story, the retaliating slash will not leave an ice cluster and break Sora's guard. Periodically, he will summon and ride of twister of Keyblades like in his ultimate attack in the story. Unlike his ultimate attack in the story, he will fire Blizzard salvos three times, the first two being three Blizzard shards and the last being six. The salvos will have a purple glow and be unblockable and he will end the attack by throwing the twister at Sora and jumping off. The twister of Keyblades is unblockable whenever they glow purple. This attack can be cancelled by attacking him as he summons the Keyblade twister.

His ultimate attack has him ride a twister of Keyblades before converging at the center, forming a shell of Keyblades and a shell of darkness and continuously firing Keyblades while using copies of himself akin to the Vanitas Remnant. This attack can also be cancelled by attacking him as he summons the Keyblade twister. Unlike in the story, Vanitas is completely invulnerable during this attack. The Keyblade twisters used in this attack are unblockable. He will start by shooting two Keyblade twisters at the ground to the left and right. Two copies of himself will ride the twisters and rebound off them and fly at Sora to slash at him. A third copy will fly from Vanitas and perform an upper slash to knock Sora into the air. Then Vanitas will fire a Keyblade twister at Sora. Afterwards, Vanitas will send seven copies to fly at and attack Sora. There is a slight pause between copies coming at Sora, so wait for the copies to come to you before blocking. Vanitas will follow with three Keyblade twisters. Then he will follow with three consecutive copies slashing followed immediately by two Keyblade twisters. Then he will fire two twisters into the ground that send two copies at Sora and then send a third copy that performs a downward slash. Vanitas will conclude with a Keyblade twister and one last copy performing a downward slash before his dark shell and Keyblades dissipate and he falls back to the ground. Dodge only when Vanitas throws a Keyblade twister at Sora to avoid getting hit by the Keyblade twisters Vanitas fires into the ground.

In his second phase after his ultimate attack, his teleporting slash combo changes and he gains a new Dark Firaga and teleporting slash combo. His teleporting slash combo starts with a slash that throws a flurry of Keyblades, than two more teleporting slashes that throw flurries of Keyblades. Then Vanitas will teleport close to Sora for an upper slash to knock him into the air, then follow with another teleporting slash that throws a Keyblade flurry and finally teleporting and rising into the air throwing keyblades like in his fireball cluster attack. His new Dark Firaga and teleporting slash combo is initiated by him teleporting twice before firing a slow Dark Firaga ball. He will follow with a teleporting upper slash and then the Dark Firaga ball will split into multiple smaller fireballs. Then he will follow with a teleporting slash, then a teleporting fast Dark Firaga ball. Then he will use another teleporting fast Dark Firaga ball, a teleporting upper slash, and finally two teleporting slashes that throw sword beams followed by a cartwheel to his left and a final sword beam.

All of his attacks are initiated by him teleporting back into the arena. Vanitas will seldom be in the arena, and such, players have to know when to punish him before he teleports away and initiates another attack. His fireball cluster attack is initiated by him diving from the air into the ground. His teleporting downward slash combo is initiated by him teleporting and then appearing above Sora. His teleporting slash combo is initiated by him teleporting but not resurfacing immediately. His sword beam combo is initated by him cartwheeling to his right after teleporting. His Dark Firaga combo is initiated by him carthweeling backwards after he teleports into the arena. He will use his sword beam combo after his teleporting slash combo and his Dark Firaga combo. He will start the fight either with his sword beam combo or his teleporting downward slash. In his second phase, he will follow his new teleporting slash combo with a sword beam combo or his teleporting downward slash combo. He will also follow his Dark Firaga and teleporting slash combo with a sword beam combo. During his sword beam combo, Vanitas is vulnerable after the first slash, during and after his second slash and when he backflips backwards. He is vulnerable after his fireball cluster attack if he doesn't follow with a downward slash and if he follows with a downward slash, he is vulnerable if Sora dodges, guards while using a FormChange or guards and uses Risk Dodge. This is the same for his teleporting downward slash combo. During his Dark Firaga combo, he is vulnerable when he fires his Dark Firaga ball after firing two duos of Dark Firaga balls. Vanitas is vulnerable after his Keyblade twister and ultimate attack.