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 II 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, Ven, and Aqua.

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. 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 Ven 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, Ven 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 Ven's normal abilities.

Vanitas at first challenges Ven with the goal of testing his power. During the first part of the two-part battle, Ven 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 Vent 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 Ven 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 Ven 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 Ven 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. Ven can follow the same strategies as in the last battle to defeat Vanitas this time. In terms of King Mickey fighting alongside Ven, 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 Ven 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
Ven 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, Ven should not need his presence. The only thing Ven 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 Ven'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 Ven 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 Ven'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 Ven, 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 Ven'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. Ven 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 Ven 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 Ven. 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 Ven. However, rather than performing a single, downward strike, Vanitas will use an attack called Dark Splicer, similar to Time Splicer, wherein he will slash Ven 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 Ven 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 Ven 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 Ven 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 Ven 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 Ven are fighting on. Vanitas will then become a temporary D-Link, granting Ven 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, Ven can move to Vanitas's location and hit him with Dark Spiral or Dark Splicer. However, it is recommended to merely use Ven'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, Ven will surround Vanitas with three beams of crystallized light. He will then shatter them, defeating Vanitas once and for all. However, Ven can miss when performing this attack, therefore timing is crucial.

First battle
Vanitas first challenges Aqua in the Radiant Garden, with his goal being to test her as a back-up for his plan to fuse with a heart of light to form the χ-blade. 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, his goal to destroy her after his first battle with Ven, seeing his strength and no longer needing a "Plan B". 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
The first battle against Vanitas occurs at the Land of Departure. With control changed to Aqua, it is important to remember that unlike Sora, she does not have the ability to switch Keyblades nor use Links. However, she does have access to Spellweaver and Grand Magic.

Second battle
Vanitas's second and final battle occurs at the Keyblade Graveyard. Sora has Aqua and Ventus as party members, but Vanitas is also aided by Terra-Xehanort.