Master Kurtis Trent's Combat: Ultimate Boss Fight Strategy Guide for Tomb Raider Remastered

Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered has revitalized one of the franchise's most intriguing characters by restoring Kurtis Trent's originally planned abilities. Players now have the chance to experience Kurtis as he was meant to be, wielding his signature Chirugai blade and deploying his mystical Psychic Shield beneath the Strahov facility in Prague. This comprehensive guide will equip you with expert strategies to overcome the challenging boss encounters that await him.

Kurtis Trent's Arsenal and Abilities

Kurtis brings three primary tools to battle:

• The Boran X: His custom pistol delivers rapid-fire damage, perfect for nimble combat situations requiring quick responses.
• The Chirugai: This discus-like blade deals higher damage but requires more time to deploy, making timing crucial.
• The Psychic Shield: A defensive ability that reduces incoming damage, prevents poisoning, and keeps Kurtis grounded against powerful attacks.

Mastering Combat Mechanics

The key to dominating as Kurtis lies in weapon switching efficiency. To maximize your combat potential:

1. Familiarize yourself with quick weapon switching controls (found in Menu > Options > Control > Shortcuts).
2. When activating the Psychic Shield (which requires the Chirugai to be equipped), release the Chirugai draw button after initiating the shield charge.
3. Quick switch to the Boran X once the shield is active to bypass the animation of drawing the Chirugai again.

These techniques will prove invaluable during the intense boss encounters that await.

Proto-Nephilim: Strategy Breakdown

The Proto-Nephilim presents your first major challenge as Kurtis. As a formidable half-Nephilim enemy, it can only be defeated with the Periapt Shard—but first, you must weaken it substantially.

Phase One: Initial Engagement

Begin with the Boran X for maximum agility. When you've locked onto the Proto-Nephilim:

1. Jump backward while continuously firing.
2. When you reach the end of the room, leap over the creature.
3. Turn to re-establish your lock and resume firing while continuing backward movement.
4. Repeat this pattern until the Proto-Nephilim begins its escape sequence (indicated when Kurtis can no longer lock onto it).

Phase Two: The Decisive Strike

Once the Proto-Nephilim reappears:

1. Position yourself at the opposite end of the metallic floor from the power lever.
2. Equip the Chirugai and wait for the creature to materialize.
3. Immediately activate your Psychic Shield when it appears.
4. Switch to the Chirugai and throw it as soon as the Proto-Nephilim reaches the floor and Kurtis locks on.
5. Continue the assault until the creature retreats.

If the Proto-Nephilim gets too close and continues damaging Kurtis after lock-on is lost, create distance to force it to retreat. Return to your position and repeat until victory.

Achievement Hunters: For the "You're Just a Monkey" achievement, heal completely before entering the trigger area, equip the Chirugai, and stick to the strategy above while completely avoiding the use of the Boran X.

Mutated Boaz: Multi-Phase Challenge

The Mutated Boaz encounter represents a more complex battle with four distinct attack patterns: front claw strikes, poison spit, tail swipes, and toxic projectiles from body pods. Your objective is to destroy four body pods, which only become vulnerable during specific attack animations.

First Phase: Pod Destruction

The Boran X shines in this fast-paced initial phase:

1. As soon as Boaz approaches, fire at her head to force her to open the poison-launching pods.
2. Look for the side-to-side swinging motion that indicates pod vulnerability.
3. Utilize Kurtis's consecutive jumping ability to reach the pods quickly.
4. When locked onto a pod, strafe sideways while firing rather than jumping to maintain your targeting lock.

Pro Tip: Conserve ammunition by starting with a single Chirugai throw before switching to the Boran X.

Managing Poison Effects

Boaz's poison presents a serious threat:

1. Watch for green globs both in the air and on the floor.
2. If poisoned (indicated by a green health bar), immediately use a Poison Antidote.
3. If no antidote is available, use a Large Health Pack instead.
4. Activate your Psychic Shield before using an antidote to prevent immediate re-poisoning.

Second Phase: Increased Aggression

As the battle intensifies, switch to the Chirugai for higher damage output:

1. Begin by activating your Psychic Shield, which will prevent Boaz from throwing you around the arena.
2. While shielded, throw the Chirugai repeatedly to maximize damage.
3. When the shield depletes, reactivate it and resume your attack pattern.

Final Phase: Projectile Evasion

In the final stage, Boaz will retreat with glowing blue eyes:

1. Use Kurtis's sprint ability to dodge incoming projectiles.
2. Note that the Boran X becomes ineffective during this phase.
3. The Chirugai remains usable but be aware that projectiles will deal significant damage if they connect.
4. Once Boaz stops her projectile barrage, quickly reactivate your Psychic Shield and continue throwing the Chirugai until victory.

After defeating Boaz, be patient—the level may take a moment to conclude.

TLDR;

For Proto-Nephilim: Use Boran X while strafing backward, then switch to Chirugai