When the Ethereal charges at you with its shadowy phase-like movements, repeat the step of dodging to the side. You’re going to attack as normal, only this time, you won’t do any damage because the enemy will block every attack. After the third blocked attack, it will scatter a red mist which stuns Geralt as well as slows him down. What follows is a powerful charged attack from the Ethereal that deals a lot of damage. It can even pierce Quen to inflict pain on Geralt.
After the third blocked attack, dodge to the side of the boss and wait for it to crouch and glow. If you hit it at this moment, it will be stunned into a coughing fit opening up the window for you to get as many hits in as possible. This is the only time where you can damage the the boss outside of a crossbow bolt while at a distance (which doesn’t seem to put much of a dent in its health bar). Repeat the pattern until victory.
As long as you’re careful not to hit any of the waiting forms, this fight should be a breeze. But, slip up and it proves to be the most difficult fight in Hearts of Stone. Once Iris’ Greatest Fear is defeated, you will be treated to a cutscene and can go about your business completing Olgierd’s final wish.
How did you fare against these twisted forms? Feel free to share in the comments below!
For more guides, tips, trick, features, and information on The Witcher 3: Hearts of Stone be sure to check out our wiki.
