Peng Meng is the first real boss. He is northwest of the Mandate Outpost in Weeping Creek Valley. Block and parry his slashes, dodge the stomp grab and back off when he roars. He gives you the Dread Axe, your first Phantom Edge.
Boss profile
Health, Sha-Chi, recommended level and elemental weaknesses
Weaknesses
Phases: 1 · Region: Weeping Creek Valley
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
After upgrading your weapon with Forge at the Mandate Outpost, keep heading northwest and go through the torii gate. Next to his arena there is a crane-shaped bell, The Axemaster’s Fall.
How to beat Peng Meng
Attacks and answers
- Rising and falling slash: block the first and parry the second.
- Combo with kick and charge: parry the last hit.
- Two-handed slash: wait for the blue flash after the spin.
- Stomp grab: dodge just before he closes his hand.
- Elbow charge: dodge to the side.
- Roar with stomps: it hits an area; back away.
Tip
He has no clear phases. Upgrade your weapon at the Outpost before going in and carry Jagged Steel as your second weapon to build up bleed. The general rule works here: parry blue flashes, dodge red ones and never block the dark signal.
Strategies to beat him
Pick the one that fits your playstyle. We only recommend gear you can have when you reach Weeping Creek Valley.
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 Sanguine Twin. Punish after the two-handed slash and after the elbow charge, 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 Sanguine Reach or Scarlet Wraithblade. The Outlaw Warblade restores health on hit, ideal if you struggle to survive.
Elemental strategy (exploit his weaknesses)
He is weak to poison, bleed. Equip:
- Poison: you won’t have gear of this element yet; if you come back later, use Flying Dagger (the Edge Zhang gives you for the Crimson Forest relics).
- Bleed: Jagged Steel (one-handed weapon from the Valley mini-boss).
Defensive strategy (parries and dodges)
His most dangerous attack is the stomp grab: learn its animation and always dodge it. 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 Dread Axe to break his guard or his defenses. 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 3).
- 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
- Main weapon upgraded at the Mandate Outpost.
- Jagged Steel as your second weapon.
Rewards
- Dread Axe: a two-charge Phantom Edge that breaks chains, shields and defenses.
- Note for the tale “Four Fierce Axes”.
- The Axe’s Grudge trophy (bronze).
Looking for another boss? You have the full list in all Phantom Blade Zero bosses in order.
Frequently asked questions
Is Peng Meng the first boss?
He is the first real boss. Before him you meet the mini-boss Jagged Steel the Frenzied Brute.
What is the Dread Axe for?
It breaks chains and shields, opens paths, and its full charge stuns many bosses, like Hua or Hua Qianxiao.
