Chang Hong fights first on foot (a lightning wave when he raises his spear) and then on horseback as the thunder lancer (kicks, charges and frontal lightning). Bring the Thunderward. He gives you the Thunder Spear Edge and the Heavy Lion Hall Gate Key of the Lion Dance Hall.
Boss profile
Health, Sha-Chi, recommended level and elemental weaknesses
Weaknesses
Phases: 2 phases · Region: Pangzhen (back alleys)
Bars relative to the boss with the most health (Mo Yuan, 186,000) and the most Sha-Chi (Huangxing, 55,860) in the game.
Where he is and how to get there
In the square of the Ancestral Shrine, in southeastern Pangzhen.
How to beat Chang Hong
Phase 1: on foot
When he raises his spear, get away from the lightning wave. Punish after his thrusts.
Phase 2: on horseback
Dodge his charges to the side and don’t stay behind the horse, because it kicks. You dodge the frontal lightning by moving diagonally.
Strategies to beat him
Pick the one that fits your playstyle. We only recommend gear you can have when you reach Pangzhen.
Strategy with fast weapons (one-handed and dual)
His hits are slow but punish hard: fast weapons let you get in and out between attacks. The best options here are the Wild Oriole Sword and Parting Hooks. Punish after his thrusts on foot and when the horse rides past, and keep your other weapon in reserve: switching restores all your Sha-Chi.
Strategy with heavy weapons (two-handed)
Trade blow for blow only when his guard is broken: Sha-Chi attacks (Triangle) empty his posture very quickly. Try the Outlaw Warblade or Armybreaker. The Outlaw Warblade restores health on hit, ideal if you struggle to survive.
Elemental strategy (exploit his weaknesses)
He is weak to lightning, frost. Equip:
- Lightning: Thunder Spear (Chang Hong’s Edge, which also paralyzes).
- Frost: you won’t have gear of this element yet; if you come back later, use Whiteshadow (two-handed weapon from the Blizzard Blademaster).
Recommended combo: soak him first with You Loong’s Deluge and finish with the Thunder Spear. The Wet status increases lightning and frost damage.
Defensive strategy (parries and dodges)
His most dangerous attacks are the lightning wave when he raises his spear and the charges on horseback: learn their animations and always dodge them. Parry every blue flash to empty his Sha-Chi without spending yours, and execute him as soon as he is stunned. If you struggle, the Counterstrike Bracers accessory (first Long Pillar) rewards parries.
Strategy with Phantom Edges
Carry the Iron Gauntlets to break his guard or his defenses, and if the summon icon glows in the arena, the Puppeteer’s Bell so someone distracts him while you heal. Remember that sparks refill when you rest at a bell: spend them freely on the boss.
If you get stuck
- Upgrade your two main weapons before coming back (the boss is level 14).
- Upgrade your medicines with the healer at the Green Serpent House once you have access.
- Drop to Wayfarer: it doesn’t affect any trophy and you can raise the difficulty again later.
Recommended gear
- Thunderward.
- Green Serpent Brew.
- Cavalrybane and Reflex Device accessories.
Rewards
- Thunder Spear (lightning Phantom Edge).
- Heavy Lion Hall Gate Key for the Lion Dance Hall.
Looking for another boss? You have the full list in all Phantom Blade Zero bosses in order.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Thunderward?
You find it in Pangzhen before the lightning bosses. Equip it against Chang Hong and Acolyte Lei Ting.
