How to defeat the Rebooted Golem boss in SAO: Hollow Realization. Core mechanics, armor phases, and weak point timing.
Rebooted Golem Overview
This massive construct has high defense, heavy AoE attacks, and a phased mechanic where armor cracks over time exposing a glowing core. Attacking armored sections deals reduced damage; only exposed/core hits deal full damage.
Core Mechanics
The Golem starts fully armored. As you deal damage, armor cracks and falls off, exposing a glowing weak point. At certain thresholds it collapses and reboots -- repairing some armor and unleashing a powerful shockwave on standing up.
Attack Patterns
• Giant fist slam -- One fist pounds ground with outward shockwave. Dodge sideways.
• Double fist pound -- Both fists smash overhead with wider shockwave; often followed by reboot.
• Arm sweep -- Horizontal arm sweep; dodge back or i-frame through.
• Stomp -- Foot stomp with radial shockwave; do not stay directly underneath.
• Core laser -- Exposed core fires sustained tracking beam. Run PERPENDICULAR (sideways), not away.
• Reboot shockwave -- When collapsing/standing after reboot, large energy blast. GET AWAY.
Player Tip: Watch damage numbers! Blue/resisted = armored (wasting SP); yellow/orange = cracked/exposed (full damage). Attack the glowing parts.
Phase Strategy
Phase 1: Full Armor
Damage is low. Focus on attacking arms when they slam down, dodging attacks, building Switch opportunities.
Phase 2: Partial Break
Focus cracked/glowing sections. Watch for core laser (keep sideways). More aggressive attacks.
Phase 3: Core Exposed
Unload everything on the glowing core: SSC chains, Switch combos, SP potions. But run for reboot shockwave when it collapses. Finish quickly after reboot.
Party Tips
• Sinon (Bow) excels here -- stays safe from slams and targets core from range.
• Bring healing support; shockwaves hit clustered parties.
• Do NOT all cluster in front of the fists.