Game:Xaldin

Xaldin is fought as a boss in Kingdom Hearts II. He attacks Sora on the bridge outside Beast's Castle, and is the second member of Organization XIII Sora faces in the game.

Kingdom Hearts II
As the battle begins, Xaldin will cloak himself in Aero magic, causing all attacks to deal minimal damage to him. He does this periodically throughout the battle.

Initially, Xaldin will either thrust his lances directly at Sora or gather them and swing it around him. However, if the player uses Guard, they can deflect Xaldin's attacks and use the Reaction Command "Learn" to replace the Attack command with Jump. Depending on how many times the player hits the Triangle button to use the command, Sora will stock that many jumps up to a limit of nine. The Jump command pierces the Aero and also allows Sora to start an aerial combo on Xaldin immediately after. Xaldin will also use the Jump command himself, jumping up out of Sora's range and striking Sora with a powerful blows with his lances a few times before striking Sora by jumping down with all of his lances. The initial shockwaves can be jumped over and the final Jump can be guarded.

Later in the battle, Xaldin begins attacking faster and teleporting short distances and although Sora can still use the Jump command, Xaldin moves so fast that Jump is likely to miss. His attacks increase in range and power, and he will whirl his lances around to attack rapidly. Since he will now smash Sora with Aero while he attacks, Guard will prove ineffective and it is better to use Reflect to deflect his lances.

When low on health, Xaldin will summon an aura and becomes invincible, while the screen turns dark. Xaldin attacks very quickly and does massive damage, before teleporting next to Sora and connecting his lances and leaping atop them. The lances take on the form of a dragon, which launches a blast of wind along the length of the bridge. Sora can Quick Run through the wind, or if Xaldin teleports next to Sora when he is on one side of the bridge, the wind will not reach the other end, or just simply cast Reflect as soon as he's about to launch the blast if there is no other alternative. Xaldin will use this attack more as he loses health.

Xaldin is a very difficult opponent, especially late in the battle when he becomes invincible and uses his rapid combos as told above. Fortunately, King Mickey may appear when Sora is defeated, giving him a second chance. If Mickey appears, Xaldin's dragon attack can be used to an advantage, as it gives time to use Mickey's D-Charge without interruption. Sora should have several Potions and the Cure spell in the shortcut menu to heal quickly, and use the Jump command whenever possible. He should also have Reflect in the shortcut menu since most of Xaldin's attacks are very difficult to dodge. Ethers should also be in the shortcut menu, as Cure uses all MP, and Reflect will be used most often in this fight.

It is also highly advised not to use Drive Forms, since there is a high chance that AntiForm will appear. AntiForm cannot heal; this could easily cost the battle.

Data Rematch
Xaldin returns as a Data Rematch battle and is much harder. His health has also greatly increased. To prepare for the fight, the player should stock up on Elixirs, have the Cure spell in their shortcuts, and possess the Ultima Weapon. The strategy for beating him remains mostly the same. One should have maximized the Abilities granted by Drive Forms, which can be put to great use during the battle. For example, whenever Xaldin starts his lance shower attack a good strategy is to Glide around the area while the pressing the Triangle button to get any possible Jump commands and then cast Reflect for the last attack to inflict great damage on Xaldin. Even if this strategy yields a rather low amount of Jump commands it is of little importance as the player will be safe from damage and from danger of being defeated before healing, furthermore so as long as the player has one Jump command available, it can be used to dispel Xaldin's Aero spell and then bash him with the Keyblade for great damage.

During this phase of the battle when Xaldin attempts to ram Sora with his Aero a good idea is to use Aerial Dodge as Xaldin approaches and land somewhere close to Xaldin. Doing so will put Sora safe from Xaldin's offensive while making Xaldin to use his spears. He will be quick so it is advised to either Jump or Dodge Roll, regardless this will yield an opportunity to learn Jump, which can be used to dispel Xaldin's Aero and repeat the Keyblade strategy. Xaldin will persist with this pursuit unless attacked, so the player can take advantage of this pattern to heal if needed by Gliding away. Once he is attacked, Xaldin will enter his dark aura mode, however by this point Sora should have learned Once More, greatly reducing the threat of this attack, or simply Gliding away will do as Xaldin remains stationary. His Tornado attack can be avoided simply by casting Reflect. The best time to attack Xaldin with Jump is when he ends his Aero rush, stops for a brief moment or when he uses his spears.