The Approach
To complete this stage and unlock the next island, you must defeat Fugu, the Frightening. Select your preferred partner from the provided Buddy Barrel, then head into the water to face this giant puffer fish.
Phase 1
When the battle starts, Fugu, the Frightening draws in a large amount of water. Fight against the current to avoid being pulled into him as he inflates. When he releases the water, the current pushes you in the opposite direction. The surrounding walls are covered by hermit crabs—don’t allow the currents to push you into these spiked hazards.
After inflating, Fugu often utilizes a somersault attack. Most of his body is covered with spikes, but the patch of pale skin surrounding his tail is vulnerable. Move back and watch Fugu, the Frightening spin until you get a sense of his timing. As his tail moves into range, Corkscrew into the pale flesh to deal a damaging blow.
Throughout the battle, Fugu, the Frightening uses smaller enemies as projectiles. During the first phase, this attack involves three green fish. Corkscrew through one of these enemies to bounce it back toward Fugu, the Frightening. If you land a direct hit, the impact deals damage and leaves Fugu, the Frightening vulnerable to a follow-up attack.
If you’re unable to Corkscrew into one of the green fish—or if your counterattack misses its mark—Fugu, the Frightening propels himself through the area. Corkscrew into his tail to deal damage and leave him vulnerable to a follow-up attack.
Fugu, the Frightening’s spikes vanish when he’s fully deflated. Whenever he reverts to this vulnerable state, Corkscrew into him to deal some quick damage. When you land three successful hits, Fugu becomes enraged and the battle’s next phase begins.
Phase 2
During the battle’s second phase, Fugu, the Frightening utilizes powerful new versions of his attacks. His log roll, for example, is a fast-moving variant of his somersault attack. His tail is tucked out of sight for the duration of the attack, so don’t bother trying to counter. Simply dodge this attack and wait for him to change tactics.
The giant puffer fish also creates much stronger currents. Whenever he inhales or exhales, Corkscrew against the current to avoid drifting into danger. These currents often contain air bubbles and small enemies. Dodge any sea urchins that appear, and use any available bubbles to replenish your air supply.
When the green fish appear, try to knock at least one of them back into Fugu, the Frightening. If you move quickly, you can Corkscrew into multiple green fish to land additional attacks. Otherwise, evade the smaller enemies and Corkscrew into Fugu’s tail when you find an opening.
Evade his attacks and damage Fugu, the Frightening at every opportunity. Land three successful hits to trigger the battle’s final phase. When Fugu, the Frightening throws his second temper tantrum, swim to the opposite side of the area to prepare for his next attack.
Phase 3
When the battle’s final phase begins, Fugu, the Frightening grows large enough to take up nearly half the area. Stay at the far edge of the area, halfway between the floor and the ceiling.
When he reaches the center of the area, Fugu pauses for just a moment. During this time, there’s a chance he’ll adjust his position. If he had been rolling along the floor, for example, he may float up to the ceiling before he continues. When he chooses a path and resumes the attack, head through the available gap to slip past him. Repeat the process to avoid his spikes when he rolls back through the area.
As in the battle’s earlier phases, Fugu, the Frightening occasionally turns his back and propels himself through the area. As this point, however, this attack also draws new enemies into the area. Dodge any hermit crabs that come loose, and try to counter the attack before it ends. Knock a green fish into Fugu or Corkscrew into his tail to attack him directly.
During his current attacks, Fugu, the Frightening is able to summon many minions. As you fight against each current, slip past the approaching enemies. The giant puffer fish produces a single green fish at the end of the attack. Corkscrew into this enemy to bounce it back into Fugu as he prepares for his next attack.
Stay healthy and take every opportunity to counter his attacks. Land three successful hits during this phase to trigger the encounter’s finale. Follow the on-screen prompts to end the battle with a punishing melee combo. After you complete stage 4-Boss: Fugu Face-Off, you automatically travel to stage 5-1: Harvest Hazards.