Highland Roguelite Database & Compendium
Campaign Boss Encounters

Campaign Bosses & Strategy Compendium

Detailed phase-by-phase battle breakdowns, stagger methods, hazard triggers, and counter-loadouts.

Core Boss Combat & Stagger Rules
Rule 1: ×1000 Block Multiplier

Regular attacks drain 1-2x stamina. Dangerous boss slams carry a ×1000 block-break multiplier that instantly shatters held shields.

Rule 2: 0.066s–0.15s Parry Window

Deflecting right as an attack lands (0.066s-0.15s) negates block-break, reflects poise damage, and charges Special meter rapidly.

Rule 3: Fixed Threat 1-5 Hazards

Environmental hazards are deterministically unlocked at Threat Levels 1 through 5, unlocking catastrophic arena hazards at Threat 5.

Gilles, The Hog
Act 1 Boss80 Coins

Gilles, The Hog

Act 1 High Warlord & Fortress Destroyer
Health
5,000
Attacks
8
Brk Block
5 Moves
Vulnerable
2.0s
Stagger Engine: STAMINA
100 Stamina (Phase 1) / 150 Stamina (Phase 2)

Gilles has 8 distinct moves, 5 of which carry the ×1000 multiplier and break held guard unconditionally. Do NOT hold block against his overhead stabs or running charge — use strict 0.066s–0.15s Parries or roll laterally, and punish his 4-swing exhaustion.

Meta Build: William Wallace Combust Greatsword (Greenadder Clan)
✦ Physical / ConcussiveView Details
Iseult, The Banshee
Act 2 Boss80 Coins

Iseult, The Banshee

Act 2 Mistress of Highland Shadows & Spirits
Health
10,000
Attacks
8
Brk Block
4 Moves
Vulnerable
5.0s (Longest in Campaign)
Stagger Engine: GAUGE
2.75 Stagger Gauge (9,167 damage threshold)

Iseult alternates between phantom melee lunges and vanishing into the mist. During her 15–18s Hiding phase, hit 2 of her spawned bombs to force her out early and inflict 150 direct damage. In Phase 2, her DropBack and Slam become ×1000 block breakers.

Meta Build: Brienne Caithness Lightweaver Rapier (Caithness Clan)
✦ Doomsayer Spectral / Sonic FrostView Details
Harold, The Dragon
Act 3 Boss80 Coins

Harold, The Dragon

General of the English Army & Ancient Dragon
Health
15,000
Attacks
16
Brk Block
3 Moves
Vulnerable
3.0s
Stagger Engine: GAUGE
2.75 Stagger Gauge (9,167 damage threshold)

Harold commands 16 distinct combat actions. When you are over 25 units away, he automatically enters a 6-attack ranged sequence or closes in with Run Stab. When he inhales for Fire Breath (Range 15), dodge into his belly or flanks. In Phase 2 (50% HP), sequence delays drop from 0.6–0.9s to 0.5–0.75s.

Meta Build: Ruadh MacGregor Demolition Titan (MacGregor & Hogg Clan)
✦ Dragon Meteorite Fire / Mother Stone PlasmaView Details

Campaign Bosses Comparative Matrix

BossActBase HPMoves / BreaksStagger TypeVulnerableReinforcements (10s)
Gilles, The HogAct 15,000 HP8 Moves / 5 Breaksstamina2.0s25 Units (25 Dagger Troops)
Iseult, The BansheeAct 210,000 HP8 Moves / 4 Breaksgauge5.0s (Longest in Campaign)35 Units (20 Dagger Troops + 15 Sword and Shield Troops)
Harold, The DragonAct 315,000 HP16 Moves / 3 Breaksgauge3.0s90 Units (60 Dagger Troops + 30 Sword and Shield Troops)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many bosses are in Tears of Metal?

There are three campaign bosses: Gilles the Hog, Iseult the Banshee, and Harold the Dragon, each with unique phases and threat hazards.

What is the best strategy for bosses?

Drain their stamina or stagger gauge with heavy counters, dodge the unblockable x1000 attacks, and exploit their elemental weaknesses.

What do bosses drop?

Bosses drop legendary loot and campaign rewards; each boss guide lists the full drop table and recommended counter-build.