Rise of the Ronin: How to defeat Gonzo boss? Rise of the Ronin guide, tips

Gonzo is one of the bosses of the game Rise of the Ronin. Our guide describes the clash with Gonzo in the magistrate's mansion - this is the main quest Curtain Down, Curtain Up performed together with the Eccentric ronin.

Last update: 21 March 2024

Gonzo is one of the initial bosses in Rise of the Ronin appearing during Curtain Falls, Curtain Rises main quest. On this page, we show how to adapt your combat style to make the fight easier, how to cooperate with Eccentric Ronin, how to damage Gonzo and avoid his red attacks, and finally what are possible consequences of a major decision appearing after defeating the leader of the bandits.

• Where is Gonzo?
• How to defeat Gonzo?
• To kill or spare Gonzo - an important choice.

Where is Gonzo?

1. Gonzo is the leader of the bandits and first encounter with him happens in Magistrate's Estate. The location is visited during the course of Curtain Falls, Curtain Rises story quest. The main hero and Eccentric Ronin accompanying them infiltrate the Estate to stop the bandits and find a checkpoint pass.

1. Battle with Gonzo is mandatory, as you need his key to open a certain building and there is no other way to get it. You'll encounter the boss after reaching an arena at a viewpoint, and to get to this location you'll need to go through the main part of the estate. The arena is accessed by stairs that we show in the screenshot above.
2. Enemies you encounter along the way can either be killed or avoided. There is also a Veiled Edge Banner inside the Estate - use it to replenish supplies and save the game before the boss battle.

How to defeat Gonzo?

1. The fight with Gonzo begins with a tutorial that introduces the player to the mechanic of adjusting the combat style to counter the opponent's used weapons and skills. The game will suggest switching to Eccentric Ronin. This is because he is proficient in Hokushin-Itto-ryu style.
2. You'll know that you've chosen the right style thanks to blue arrows pointing upwards - they will appear next to the boss's health bar.

1. Gonzo mainly uses slow but powerful attacks. Deflect each of his normal attacks with Counterspark or get away from the danger with dodges, as his weapon has long reach.
2. Try to increase Gonzo's panic meter to be able to break through his defense and use a critical attack.

1. Unfortunately, Gonzo can use red attacks. it is better to dodge them, but you can try your luck with perfect Counterspark.
2. He can use red attacks in-between regular ones. For example, Gonzo may begin or end a combo with a red attack. Be prepared for this and wait for a right moment to attack.
3. Eccentric Ronin and the hero can revive themselves. Use this option if one of the heroes falls during the battle. Gonzo has a healing ability that allows him to replenish some of his health - to prevent the boss from healing, stay on the boss at all times so he doesn't have a chance to use his medicine.

Kill or spare Gonzo - important choice

After defeating Gonzo, you'll be left with the first major decision. You can:

1. Kill Gonzo - this will end the leader of bandits' participation in the story.
2. Save Gonzo - this variant unlocks a related side quest later in the game. If saved, Gonzo can eventually become one of the hero's companions, giving you an option to create a Bond with him.