Like a Dragon Ishin: How to beat the Leader of the Bandits boss? Like a Dragon Ishin guide, tips
From this page of the guide to Like a Dragon Ishin, you will learn how to defeat the Leader of the Bandits boss from the Bandits Cave mission of Battle Dungeon mode. You will learn how to stop Akebonomaru's strong attacks and how to effectively weaken the dungeon boss.
Last update: 02 March 2023
Leader of the Bandits - Akebonomaru is an optional battle dungeon boss in Like a Dragon: Ishin. On this page, you will find tips on how to avoid the bandit leader's strong attacks and how to defeat Akebonomaru to complete the 10th Bandits' Cave mission.
Location of the boss fight in Battle Dungeon
Leader of the Bandits is a rather demanding boss that you have to face during one of the Battle Dungeon missions. He is the boss in the last mission of the first category of Bandits' Cave - its title is Defeat the Leader of the Bandits.
After avoiding the first traps, you will reach the lair of the boss Akebonomaru - you have to defeat the bandit leader and 2 common bandits accompanying him.
Best tactic against Akebonomaru
Start by quickly dealing with the boss's minions so that they won't be a hindrance. Try to use strong attacks and dodges to avoid getting hit by the bandit leader.
The best style to defeat the boss is Swordsman - it will allow you to block most of the boss's attacks (hold L1/LB to Guard). Use it to block melee and ranged attacks of the boss. Ryoma should be able to stop the vast majority of attacks. You can possibly take minor damage if, for example, you don't face the boss exactly.
If Ryoma's guard is broken, quickly hold the block button again. This way, you will avoid damage from possible subsequent boss attacks in the same series.
It's a good idea to have a good healing card ready. Use it if you take more damage, especially if the boss manages to land a series of strong attacks and, for example, take away more than half of your health bar.
Counterattack as soon as Leader of the Bandits finishes his attacks. Do a few katana swings, but don't overdo it. It is more important to activate each subsequent block in advance and stop the boss's next attacks.
Use the tactic of a series of several normal attacks and don't try to use up Heat. After about 2 minutes of the duel, you should defeat your opponent. Completing the mission for the first time will be rewarded with the Bandit Rustler trophy (complete all Bandits' Cave missions).
You can also encounter enemies similar to the Leader of the Bandits boss during other fights - those in Battle Dungeon and main quests. Use the same tactics, i.e. Swordsman style and blocking.