Stage 2-Boss: Mountaintop Tussle

The Approach

To complete this stage and unlock the next island, you must defeat a giant owl named Skowl, the Startling. Select your preferred partner from the Buddy Barrel near the starting point, then follow the path to the right and begin the encounter.

Phase 1

Over the course of the battle, Skowl, the Startling utilizes a variety of attacks. To increase your odds of recognizing and countering each attack, it’s generally best to keep your distance from the giant owl. When Skowl throws his feathers, for example, stand on the opposite end of the main platform until the feathers spread out, then hop through one of the gaps and wait for the next attack.

When Skowl, the Startling spins along the top of the screen, watch for the eggs he drops onto the main platform. Move out from under any incoming eggs. When each egg lands, the Hootz inside it hatches. Move quickly to bop the nearest Hootz, then grab the stunned enemy.

If you manage to grab a Hootz near the beginning of the attack, dodge any additional enemies or eggs as you move away from the giant owl. Jump up along the hinged platforms, then throw the dazed enemy at Skowl, the Startling. The hinged platforms will only hold your weight for a short time, so be quick. If Skowl isn’t moving toward you by the time you’re in position, leap toward him and attack from the air.

If you grab a Hootz toward the end of an egg attack, stay on the main platform and wait for Skowl to move toward the bottom of the screen. Shortly after he does, he attacks with his talons. Toss the dazed Hootz into Skowl as he approaches.

During the battle’s first phase, Skowl, the Startling also attacks by throwing spiked chunks of ice. During this attack, Skowl throws each chunk of ice to the far side of the room. Move to the center of the main platform, then jump over each chunk of ice as it rolls toward you.

Dodge the giant owl’s attacks and take every opportunity to throw a dazed Hootz at him. When you land three successful hits, Skowl becomes enraged and leaves the area. Hop into the Barrel Cannon that appears to follow Skowl and begin the battle’s next phase.

Phase 2

The battle’s second phase takes place on a large platform flanked by Barrel Cannons. During this phase, Skowl, the Startling utilizes some new attacks. When he uses his wings to create a powerful wind, several freshly hatched Hootzes sweep through the area. Bop the first Hootz as it approaches, then grab the dazed enemy. Jump up and bounce along the next three Hootzes, then leap into the air and throw the dazed enemy at Skowl, the Startling.

If you aren’t able to hit Skowl while he’s in the air, bop the last Hootz as it flies across the platform, then grab the dazed enemy and wait for the giant owl to fly down toward you. Throw the dazed Hootz at Skowl before he has a chance to complete his talon attack.

During this phase of the battle, Skowl, the Startling modifies his feather attack. Instead of firing off a spreading arch, he flies overhead and drops a line of feathers directly onto the platform. When this attack starts, run away from the feathers and hop into the available Barrel Cannon just before the attack ends. By the time you return to the platform, the area should be clear.

Skowl, the Startling also modifies his egg attack during the battle’s second phase. Instead of dropping the eggs straight to the platform. Skowl hovers in a single spot and lobs each egg toward you. Dodge the eggs as they fall, and try to bop each Hootz as it hatches. If a Hootz breaks completely free from its egg, a single bop will defeat it. However, if a Hootz emerges with part of the shell on its head, bopping it will simply daze it. Once you daze a Hootz, grab it and survive the rest of the attack.

When he’s done throwing eggs, Skowl, the Startling moves into position for a talon attack. Hit him with a dazed Hootz to counter his attack. Skowl spends the rest of the phase cycling through these attacks—use the established tactics to stay healthy, and attack each time the giant owl is vulnerable. When you land three successful hits, Skowl flees the area. Enter the Barrel Cannon that appears above the main platform to begin the battle’s final phase.

Phase 3

The battle’s third and final phase takes place on a platform above the clouds. Once again, Skowl, the Startling uses modified versions of his basic attacks. During each feather attack, for example, he launches his feathers in three distinct bursts. Each cluster of feathers expands as it moves through the area, so it’s important to identify safe locations as quickly as possible. Avoid any incoming feathers until Skowl switches attacks.

During this phase of the battle, Skowl also summons squadrons of specially equipped minions. This attack consists of three waves, and each wave splits into two separate groups. During the first two waves of this attack, simply move to avoid the enemies as they land on the platform.

During the attack’s final wave, two of the minions are wearing eggshells instead of horned helmets. Bop one of these enemies, then grab it and survive the rest of the attack. When Skowl, the Startling flies down toward the platform, throw the dazed Hootz at him to interrupt his talon attack.

Skowl’s egg attack is very different from the versions in the battle’s first two phases. When Skowl flies straight up and off the screen, you must dodge the giant eggs that come crashing down to the platform. A puff of tiny feathers appears just before each egg drops—if one of these puffs appears directly above you, move quickly to get clear of the incoming egg.

The first few eggs each contain three of Skowl’s minions. After one of these eggs shatters, adjust your position to avoid these smaller enemies as they bounce away from the point of impact.

Over the course of this attack, five giant eggs drop down to the platform. The first four eggs contain smaller enemies, but the fifth egg contains Skowl, the Startling. When this egg shatters, Skowl’s helmet is knocked from his head. Jump up and bop the dazed owl before he recovers.

During this phase of the battle, Skowl also utilizes his ice attack. Move to the center of the platform when Skowl initiates this attack, then jump over each chunk of ice as it approaches.

Avoid the incoming attacks and take every opportunity to damage Skowl, the Startling. Hit him three times during this phase to trigger the battle’s finale. Follow the on-screen prompts to end the encounter with a punishing melee combo. After you complete stage 2-Boss: Mountaintop Tussle, you automatically travel to stage 3-1: Grassland Groove.