Shadow of the Colossus Walkthrough

Guide written by Npaniry

Shadow of the Colossus Horse Run from GamesPress
Shadow of the Colossus Horse Run from GamesPress

Introduction

There are no initial mobs to defeat prior to fighting bosses in Shadow of the Colossus. It's literally just you (Wander) and your horse (Agro) against "them." The focus of gameplay is tracking and defeating the bosses.

General Gameplay Tips

  1. Most of the important icons that you will need are on the bottom right hand side of your screen.
  2. Grip - This is the large pink circle on the bottom right hand side of you screen. You will notice that whenever you begin climbing, it starts shrinking; this represents you losing your grip. When the circle becomes all black you will lose your grip and drop. This meter will increase after each colossus you beat.
  3. Life Meter - This is a meter that will be full red when you are at full health and will decrease when your character gets hit. The way to refill health is simply by staying stationary or even faster by pressing R1 to crouch.
  4. Weapon - This represents the weapon you are currently wielding. Pressing left or right on the D-pad will cycle through them.
  5. Colossus health - The last thing on the user interface is the health meter of the colossus, which will be represented by a huge bar at the top left once you begin fighting him.
  6. Saving in the game is done in two ways. The more common is to save after each colossus. The other is to find yellow stone tablets scattered throughout the game. Walk up to one and hit circle. Your character will kneel in front of it and you can save your game.
  7. White tail lizards. Throughout your travels, you will notice a lizard with white tails every now and then. Shoot them with your arrow and pick them to increase your grip meter.
  8. Dying in this game only means you have to start the fight over, not track them down.
  9. There is no time frame unless you are in time attack mode. You can take as long as you need to figure it out.
  10. If you are having trouble taking down a colossus, the voice of Dormin will provide a tip.

Controls

  1. Left Analog stick - Wander will move in the direction you press.
  2. Right Analog stick - Moves the camera.
  3. Note: This can be used during cut scenes as well.
  4. D-pad - cycle through weapons.
  5. Triangle - Use it to make Wander jump. Also can be used to mount Agro.
  6. Square - This button attacks with your weapon. When bow is equipped, hold it down and release to shoot an arrow.
  7. Note: Arrows are unlimited so fire away.
  8. Note: The longer you press Square, the stronger the shot. This applies to your arrows and your sword stab. Watch the grip meter. When it becomes glowing white, you are at the peak of strength.
  9. Circle - Raise your sword for the beam of light to direct you to your next colossus.
  10. R2 button - Zooms the camera to the direction you're facing.
  11. L1 button - This very handy feature directs the camera to face, where you're facing. The other function of this button is to face the colossus you are fighting. This button is absolutely necessary to make sure you know what the colossus is going to do.
  12. X- Call Agro and whistles.
  13. Note: Whistles also grab the attention of colossi.
  14. Start - Map access.
  15. The Midair stab. This is a very powerful jump stab that you can use on colossi. Jump in the air with triangle, then hit Square while in mid-air.

Controlling Agro (Basics)

  1. X will call Agro to you.
  2. Get to either side of him and hit Triangle to get on him. You also use triangle to jump off him.
  3. X will kick him to get him to move faster. Hitting X three times will keep him at top speed.
  4. R1 will duck while you're on him.
  5. You can raise your sword while on him by pressing circle.

Controlling Agro (Advanced)

  1. When Agro is standing still, press down on the left analog stick and X simultaneously to get him to buck and gallop at full speed.
  2. Stop him by hitting down on the left analog stick.
  3. While Agro is running, hit down on the left analog stick and X twice to get Agro to do a complete turn and run in the opposite direction.
  4. Stand on Agro by pressing R1 and hitting X. You can even do this while he's moving.
  5. Press and hold R1 and X while moving the left analog right or left to ride sidesaddle.
  6. This one is extremely hard and based on timing but is very fun. You need to be a good distance from him. Call Agro to you so he begins running towards you at full speed. Once he gets to your exact side hit Triangle twice and you will leap onto him while he's running. Again, this takes good timing to perfect.

First Colossus: Valus

  1. You will find yourself inside the golden temple facing Mono who is lying unconscious on the altar. Your horse Agro will be nearby.
  2. Run down the steps and make your way out of the temple.
  3. Once outside, hit and hold circle to raise your sword to the sky. A light beam will emanate from the sword; you will need to focus it all over the map until you feel a vibration from your controller. Once the controller vibrates, that will be the direction you will need to go to find your colossus.
  4. NOTE: Make sure that the vibration option is turned on for your controller.
  5. Once you find the vibration point, press X to call Agro to you. Once he gets to you, hit triangle and you will hop on him.
  6. Once on Agro, press Z for him to walk, X again for him to walk faster and X a third time to run. To keep Agro's speed steady you should press X every once in awhile to maintain consistent speed. You can also continue to keep the sword up while you're running to make sure you stay in the right direction.
  7. NOTE: The sword requires you to be in the sun to reflect the direction of the beam. Otherwise it will not vibrate.
  8. Follow the vibration to a set of steps and pillars. Move up the steps and into a cutscene.
  9. NOTE: A cutscene will always pop up when you are about to approach a colossus.
  10. Get off your horse using triangle and head up the stairs.
  11. This next part will test your climbing abilities, a crucial component of this game. Move to the wall with the moss on it and jump on it with triangle.
  12. In the air, hold down R1 and you will grab the moss. Keep in mind, mossy areas can always be climbed.
  13. Push the analog up to climb up the mossy surface. You'll also notice that you can climb in every other direction as well by using the analog.
  14. Now that you know how to climb, take notice of the circle at the bottom right portion of the screen. This is your grip gauge. When the circle is completely pink your grip is fine. As the pink minimizes to black your grip is beginning to slip. Once the circle becomes completely black, you will fall.
  15. Continue climbing to the top of the wall and hit the analog 'up' to get up on the ledge.
  16. Hop up and move to the left where you will need to jump over a gap. Jump over it using the triangle button. Holding the button down will perform a longer jump, while a tap will be a short one.
  17. Move past the bridge and over the next gap. You will need to roll under the rock by hitting R1 and triangle simultaneously.
  18. Climb up the ledges to the right and head up the wall. To the left is a small ledge. Jump on it and hang onto it by holding R1. Shimmy left around it until you reach the other side.
  19. You'll now need to jump to the opposite side. Hold triangle and down on the analog. Your character will face the edge behind him. It is then safe to release triangle, as he'll jump across the gap.
  20. On the other side, hold R1 so you grab the other ledge. Then press the analog up to climb onto it.

Defeating Valus

  1. Run towards him as he lumbers in the distance and approach his feet. Be careful, as his steps will knock you off balance. Also, his foot stomp will be painful, if he lifts it up high, roll to avoid it.
  2. On the back of his left foot is some climbable hair. Right above the foot you will see a glowing spot. Move up to position yourself over it.
  3. Press and hold square to raise your sword. Releasing square will stab him in the lit up area. Keep in mind that the longer you hold Square, the stronger the stab. Also, any of his movements may interrupt your stabbing so make sure to time it properly.
  4. After you hit the glowing spot, Valus will drop to one knee. Quickly move up his fur and to the ledge at the top of his leg.
  5. Continue climbing up the ledges. When you get to a small platform where you can stand, take a few seconds to get your grip meter back to full.
  6. Climb up the fur on his back and onto his shoulders and make your way to a glowing VITAL spot on his head. These are glowing markers that when stabbed will kill the colossi you face.
  7. As you get close, Valus will try to shake you off, make sure to keep R1 handy so you don't have to start over again. Charge a stab and hit the vital, this will make the head bleed and cause a significant amount of damage.
  8. Continue stabbing at his head, making sure to recharge your grip meter by resting on his shoulders if needed. After you kill Valus, the both of you will fall to the earth and you will be absorbed by the demon essence and pass out.

Second Colossus: Quadratus

  1. You will wake up in the temple you started in. Walk outside and lift your sword in the air once again.
  2. The vibrations will point you to the north where you will need to head across a bridge over water. At the other side, a cutscene will play out.
  3. The scene will point out a flat plain of sand towards the bottom. Continue down the path on the right until you get to the bottom.
  4. On the right side, nestled into the cave is a door. Walk up to it to trigger to the next boss battle.

Defeating Quadratus

  1. Dismount Agro
  2. Equip your bow and arrow.
  3. Walk up to Quadratus until he bucks his head down like he’s about to charge.
  4. He will then lift his two front hooves up in the air. Hold Square and aim the bow at the bottom of either of his feet. See the glowing spot right under the hooves? Hit them.
  5. After hitting the hooves, he will fall to the ground where he’ll remain still for quite awhile.
  6. Move to the leg you hit with the arrow and jump and grab onto his fur. He will rise up again, at which point you’ll then need to climb to his back.
  7. His front legs have a flat ridge where you can regain your grip. Walk down to his lower back and equip your sword.
  8. Stab the vital directly over his lower spine until it vanishes. This basically means that the beast has more than one vital point.
  9. After the vital disappears, make your way to his head, making sure to stay at the center of his back for safety. As you get to the front you will notice the second vital square on top of his head; Begin stabbing away. Keep in mind Quadratus will try to shake you off so be ready with the R1 button. After a few good stabs you will have defeated Quadratus.

Third Colossus: Gaius

  1. Walk out of the temple and raise your sword again. Once again the vibration will emanate from behind the temple, in the direction of the second boss.
  2. Head back there and cross the bridge once again, except do not turn right but instead go down the left path.
  3. As the path curves around, you will get to a large pool of calm water. In the middle of the water is a walkway that you’ll need to swim to get to.
  4. Get off agro and jump in the water. The longer you hold R1 the faster you’ll swim.
  5. Get to the pathway and run up. Eventually you will get to a gap that needs to be jumped. Leap over it and grab the ledge on the other side.
  6. NOTE: If you fall here, you will land in the water and need to repeat the process.
  7. Once you grab onto the ledge, shimmy to the right and do a jump back to the ledge behind you.
  8. Lift your body onto the large platform and run to your left.
  9. You will get to a set of stairs that lead to a giant circular field. Ascend them and get a cutscene.

Defeating Gaius

  1. Gaius is a knight with a giant sword. He has a long-range sword attack and a short stabbing one if you get too close. Also, similar to your first colossus, getting too close to his feet will hurt.
  2. The first thing you will want to take notice of is the giant metal dome in the middle of the platform. You need to get the knight to hit this dome, as the hit will shatter his armor right off his body. Get yourself on that dome and face him.
  3. He is eventually going to prep up his long attack to hit you. Right before the sword lands you need to roll to the side to avoid getting hit. The impact will break off the pieces of armor you need gone to climb up his body.
  4. Get away from the dome and wait for him to do the same sword attack. When his sword hits the ground, move out of the way, run up the sword and jump on his arm.
  5. Once on the arm, try to shimmy to the back, right above the elbow where a small platform lies. You can reset your grip here.
  6. Once it’s back to normal, continue up the arm, up his shoulder and approach his head. There will be a vital right on top.
  7. Stab through the vital point until it’s gone. Be careful as he tries to shake you off, this fall can hurt. Keep in mind if you need to rest, his shoulder and neck area are fairly stable places to recharge.
  8. Time to move on to the next vital. There is a small platform on his back that you need to get to; drop on it and keep R1 pressed.
  9. Once on the platform, run around to Gaius’ stomach to see his next Vital.
  10. Get on his fur and stab away, just make sure to stay cautious of his hip shaking. After a few well-placed stabs you will take him down.

Fourth Colossus: Phaedra

  1. You know the drill, move out the temple and raise your sword. It will point into the far distance to your left. Grab Agro and make your way to the mountains.
  2. You will eventually get to a path in the mountains.
  3. As you follow it, you’ll notice that it will veer off to the right.
  4. Move down into a lush green stretch of land at the bottom. A cutscene will begin.
  5. Move down the path and turn left into the field.

Defeating Phaedra

  1. Use Agro and move away from the giant and towards the tunnel in the middle.
  2. Dismount and head down the tunnel, make sure he watches you go inside.
  3. After you’re in the tunnel, go down a few steps to make sure you’re safe. At this point you need to wait for him to come to you. You’ll know when he’s on top of you because the ground shakes and clumps of dirt and rock fall.
  4. You now have two choices; the front or the back. If you come out of the tunnel in back of him while he is crouched, you can grab a group of ridges where his tail should be and climb them to get on his back. I find the other way more fun. If he stomps at you while you’re hidden in the cave and lowers his head, his two braids will appear in front of the tunnel where you are, you can leap on them and climb the ridges to get to the top of his head.
  5. Once on his back, he’ll try to buck you, make sure to hold on to his back fur as that’s the flattest and probably most safest area on him.
  6. Whichever way you climbed up, you will need to get to his neck area where a blue vital lies.
  7. After you puncture it, he will lower his head for a little while. Use the opportunity to get on top of his head and stab away. Stay consistent and watch his flailing and you should be fine to finish him off.

Fifth Colossus: Avion

  1. Out the temple and raise the sword. This time you’ll be heading east.
  2. Take Agro all the way to the edge of the mountains, making sure to follow the vibrations. A path will come up soon that you need to follow around to the left.
  3. After getting around it, you will get to an open area with a save point shrine. Save if you need to and move on to a gap in the mountains to the right.
  4. Follow that path until you get to some ruins.
  5. You’ll have to leave Agro behind to get further into the area. Get off of him and hop into the water.
  6. There will be an archway protruding out of the water, swim under it using R1.
  7. On the other side of the archway you will reach a climbable stone wall. Get to the top and follow the path before you for a cutscene.

Defeating Avion

  1. Fall through the gap in the ruins and jump into the water.
  2. Start swimming and you’ll notice in the distance in front of you a small tower structure with three tiny platforms, just barely rising above the sea level. You’re going to want to get on top of the platform in the center.
  3. Once on top, use your trigger to find the location of the colossus and use your bow and arrow to provoke him to fly. He will probably circle around you at first to get to a decent vantage point and once he’s facing you be prepared as he will be dive bomb.
  4. Once he dives at you and he’s close enough, jump in the air and grab the fur on either shoulder. If you miss him or fall off, just get on the middle platform and repeat the process.
  5. Once you’re on him, climb up his fur to get to his back.
  6. Note: Wind is a major factor in this fight, so be careful.
  7. His back is probably the best place to get your grip back so take a few seconds. Be handy with the R1 button as Avion will flap and jerk around constantly.
  8. The first vital point you need is on his wing. There is fur on the ends of the wing but make sure that Avion stabilizes himself before braving it to there as there is no fur in the middle and you’ll be vulnerable with nothing to grab.
  9. Stab the vital and make it disappear. This stab will cause Avion to flip upside down, so be ready to hold on. Once he normalizes get moving to his back again.
  10. Time to head to the next wing to repeat the process, just make sure to reset that grip meter as he will flip once his other vital is stabbed.
  11. After dealing with the other wing, head back to his body.
  12. The last vital you need is on the far end of his tail. Make sure that he is fairly stable before making your way to the end, and keep that R1 handy.
  13. You’ll need to be quick as the far end gets windy and it’s pretty easy to get blown off. Grab the fur on his tail and stab away at the final vital.

Sixth Colossus: Barba

  1. Out the temple and raise the sword. You’re going to head southwest.
  2. Get on Agro and move towards the vibration which will lead you to a forest area.
  3. Make your way through the trees to the opposite side and veer to the right where you will find a bridge with a tunnel at the end.
  4. Make your way through the tunnel and head left, into the open desert. You can use the sword again to find out where you need to go. The beam will point to ruins that are carved into the base of a cliff. Ride over to them and dismount Agro again.
  5. You’ll run into blocks that you will need to traverse until you get to an edge that overlooks a giant room. Cutscene will trigger.
  6. You’re going to want to fall close to the wall, holding R1 to grab onto the ledge. You will then be gripping a ridge that runs horizontal down the wall with a group of other ridges.
  7. Drop and grab them to lower yourself slowly. Shimmy when you need to get to the other ridges until you make your way all the way to the bottom. Once there, the sixth colossus will appear.

Defeating Barba

  1. First things first. Run from this behemoth. He will trample you if you get too close. If you run forward you’re going to eventually come to a short scalable wall.
  2. Climb over it, jump to the other side and keep running.
  3. As soon as you do, he will bust right through it. You’ll get to another wall, repeat the process and keep running to the opposite end of the giant room.
  4. Once you get to the other side, you will see an alcove area with pillars in front of it. This is a safe spot where you will need to hide until he gets close and crouches down to see where you are.
  5. Once he does, bolt out of the room and leap on his beard.
  6. He’ll straighten up as you grab the beard. Climb up and get to his shoulder.
  7. Reset your grip once you’re up there. Now it’s time to head to the top of his head to attack the first vital. Get on and stab away until it disappears.
  8. After you get done with it, get on the shoulder and get your grip back again. The last vital point is on the left side of his lower back so start the climb down his body. There isn’t much room to reset the grip meter once you get low so make it count and take him down.

Seventh Colossus: Hydrus

  1. Exit the temple and sword in the air. Once again the vibrations are coming from behind the temple.
  2. Grab Agro and head over the bridge like before.
  3. Continue on the left path, ignoring where you fought Gauis but instead continuing straight into the open desert.
  4. You will get to an area where a path lies between two mountains of rock.
  5. Continue through them and you will get to a save spot.
  6. Head left and you will be coming to an area with pillars, move towards them.
  7. Head through the arch and get off Agro. A cutscene will start.
  8. Head down and across the gap in the bridge.
  9. Jump on the bridge and head down the spiraling ruins until you get to the lake.

Defeating Hydrus

  1. Swim into the lake, and keep your trigger targeted on where Hydrus is patrolling.
  2. If you swim close enough to him, you will eventually get his attention and he’ll start swimming towards you. When he does, you want to make sure you avoid the electric spikes on his back but are close enough to catch his tail.
  3. When he rainbows into the water, his tail will emerge, you need to be lined up so that you can grab it and hold on.
  4. Once you do, he’ll take you for a ride underwater, just continue holding on. Eventually he will come to the surface.
  5. Now you need to make your way to his head, but first, the electric spikes. Do not get too close to the spike, whenever Hydrus submerges they will go live and electrify the area near them. Stay close enough and wait for a resurface before running up to the patch of fur before the spike.
  6. Once he resurfaces, run up and stab the area right in front of the spike, this will stop it from working. You’re now safe to continue moving forward.
  7. You will need to kill the second spike the same way, and lastly the third. Keep in mind that you may be in for another long submerge so be ready to hold on.
  8. Note: Another thing to keep in mind is that you can't drown. If your oxygen meter runs out you’ll simply let go of the beast and make your way to the surface.
  9. Once the third spike is gone, it’s time to get on his head where his main vital point lies. Get past all the shaking and stab away and you’ll finish him off.

Eighth Colossus: Kuromori

  1. Exit the temple and raise your sword. This time you’ll be heading southeast. The area is left of where you fought the first colossus.
  2. Get on Agro and head towards the vibration through a path in the mountain. You will eventually get to a stretch of grass.
  3. Ride past it and through the tunnel. You will see a path next to a waterfall at which point you’ll have to dismount.
  4. Run on the path until it veers off to the right where you will see a tiny lake. Move across it into a doorway until you get to a room with pillars on the sides.
  5. Go to either one and begin climbing.
  6. At the top, shimmy to the other side and leap off.
  7. Continue downward, over the wall and get to the next colossus.

Defeating Kuromori

  1. Go down the stairs until you get to the bottom floor. Be careful, this one has heavy electric projectiles that will do some major damage if they hit you. They’ll also leave a poison mist that will do damage to you over time. Use the walls for cover to avoid these.
  2. Move up the stairs. If you shelter yourself from his blasts he’ll eventually get angry and scale the walls to come after you.
  3. Get to a windowed area where you can watch him climbing and equip your bow. You’ll notice that his legs are glowing. You’re going to need to shoot them with your arrows to make them go limp. After you shoot two of his feet, he will lose his balance and fall to the bottom of the coliseum.
  4. Jump out and land where he fell. Run to him, using his tail as a ramp and get on his stomach.
  5. Grab the fur and stab him. You’ll probably only get two or three stabs in before he flips over. If the vital is still there by the time he flips you’ll need to repeat the process of having him chase you.
  6. Once you knock him down again, go for the vital point on his front side and near his neck. Stab away as time permits and you’ll take him out.

Ninth Colossus: Basaran

  1. Exit the temple and lift your sword to reveal a vibration behind the structure.
  2. Continue north and to the west, heading across the bridge. In the distance you will see a huge plume of dark mist; this is where you want to be.
  3. You’ll start to get close to a mountain and a chasm to the left of it. If you hug the edge you will find a bridge that you should cross.
  4. You’ll soon be in an area with geysers where a cave lies to the north. Head to the cave for a cutscene.

Defeating Basaran

  1. The first thing you should be aware of is his laser attack. Get the best use out of your steed and swerve out of the way when you can.
  2. You’ll need to get to a geyser close by and get it between you two.
  3. Get some distance so he walks over to you, the goal being to get his body over that geyser.
  4. Once the geyser hits him in the midsection you’ll need to get close to him again.
  5. With his balance lost he will expose vital points on his feet. Shoot the front foot with your arrow and the adjacent back foot as well. This will cause him to topple to one side.
  6. Get to his stomach and begin climbing the fur.
  7. Hop on the ledges towards the top and make your way to the center of his shell.
  8. Note: Nestle yourself between the ridges as there wont be any fur to hold on to and you don’t want to get knocked off when he balances himself out.
  9. Run from his shell to his head and get your sword ready. You’ll see a vital directly on his head. It’s the only one, so get rid of it as fast as you can. Avoid his flailing and take him down.

Tenth Colossus: Dirge

  1. Exit the temple and lift your sword. The beam will point you to the west. Head out there until you reach the edge of the cliff.
  2. Hug the edges and continue on for some time, making sure to just follow the path of the beam.
  3. You’ll get to an open field. Stay close to the cliff edge and you’ll reach another field where a tunnel will be to your left.
  4. Go inside until you get to room of sand with rocks protruding out of the ground.
  5. Get to the middle to get a cutscene.

Defeating Dirge

  1. Get Agro moving and keep L1 down to face Dirge while you’re on the run.
  2. Dirge will start moving after you fast, so be sure that you’re running clear enough to keep your distance.
  3. Get your bow out. What you’re going to want to do is target him while he follows you. Just hit L1, aim with the analog and shoot him in the eye while he heads after you. This will activate a cutscene where Dirge hit’s a wall.
  4. Once he does, quickly get off Agro and onto Dirge’s back.
  5. Stab his vital point as many times as you can before he bucks you.
  6. Call out to Agro and repeat the process. The next vital will be higher up on his back. Get up to it and finish him off.

Eleventh Colossus: Celosia

  1. Exit the temple and lift your sword. The beam points to behind the temple, so move past the bridge and head north through the large stretch of desert.
  2. To your right will be the giant bridge from the opening scene of the game, stay close to its right side.
  3. You will eventually get to a chasm. Turn right and go around the chasm’s edge until you get to a path that will stretch to the bottom.
  4. Hop off Agro and run down the path until you reach the small lake at the bottom.
  5. Swim to the other side and take the path to your right. This will lead into ruins.
  6. Hop the wall to the right and go up the steps and over the gap.
  7. Grab the edge and pull yourself up into the room with torches. You’ll then get a cutscene.

Defeating Celosia

  1. First thing first, this guy can move so be ready to roll out of his charges.
  2. Note: This colossus has an unfair sequence where sometimes he’ll ram you to the ground, then ram you again and continue so that you can’t get up. If at all possible, try to run behind a pedestal or drop to a safe spot, but be aware that sometimes he’ll get a few good hits on you and just ram you to death. Not much you can do at that point.
  3. You’ll notice that there are torches on the opposite sides of the walls.
  4. Walk up to the ledge closest to you that has a torch at the top.
  5. Climb up and wait for him to ram your platform. Once he does a stick will drop to the floor.
  6. Jump down and grab it using R1, then head to the nearest torch platform. Once you get close enough, the fire from the torch will ignite your stick, creating a torch.
  7. Once it’s lit, jump down and approach him with the torch. He will cower and back away from you.
  8. Note: Do not get too close or he’ll take a shot at you.
  9. What you want him to do is back up towards the ledge that outlooks the lake and fall off. Continue to back him up. If your torch goes out, run to a pedestal and relight it.
  10. Once he drops, a cutscene will show him hit a rock during his tumble, shattering his armor to pieces and knocking him out. The gap in his armor reveals a vital on his back.
  11. While he’s out cold, try to jump square on his back and hold on. This guy bucks like a maniac so do the best you can to hold on and get your stabs in. If you get knocked off, run back to the ruins and hop up to the platforms or blocks. Anywhere you can grab some elevation to leap on his back again.
  12. Stab away at his only vital and take him out.

Twelfth Colossus: Pelagia

  1. Out the temple and raise the sword; it’ll point for you to go northeast.
  2. Move towards the light until you get to a chasm. Move to its right, hugging the edge until you get to a bridge.
  3. Move across the bridge and head north. After continuing down the open plain you will get to some stone pillars to your right.
  4. Move between the pillars and get to the bridge that leads to a forest.
  5. Continue through the forest until you get to a stone wall.
  6. Hug it and go around. You will get to a path that will take you to the left where you’ll reach a waterfall.
  7. Dismount Agro and climb up the stairs until you reach a pillar.
  8. Climb it and shimmy around to get to the other side.
  9. Leap off to the other side and go up the path and into the water.
  10. Swim through the archways until you reach a small island. Cutscene.

Defeating Pelagia

  1. First thing to note is his laser beam attack. Dive roll or take cover to get away from them.
  2. Note: You can't be shot when submerged in water.
  3. The best strategy I’ve found to taking him out is waiting behind a pillar as he tries shooting at you. Grab your bow and when you get a chance, shoot one of the electric spires on his head. He will lower his head, at which time you can come out of hiding and jump on the ridges of his face. Climb the ridges and get to the top.
  4. Note: You can also get to his head by swimming around him and grabbing the fur on his back, but he will turn and it may take a bit to grab on.
  5. Now that you’re on his head you’re going to have to steer this beast to where you want him to go. See the stones on his head? Hit them and they will move him in the direction they’re placed at. I.E., hitting the stone on the left will steer him left, hitting the one right in front will make him move forward.
  6. Get him close to one of the island structures in the water.
  7. Once he gets close enough, leap off his head and onto the roof of the structure.
  8. Get behind the cover on top so you can avoid projectiles.
  9. After a little while he’ll get angry and rise out of the water and put his legs on top of the structure. He’ll also reveal his vital point on his chest.
  10. Jump onto the fur where his vital lies and stab away. You won’t be able to kill him in one sitting, as he’ll throw you off his body. After he does, get on his head again and repeat the process by taking him to another structure.

Thirteenth Colossus: Phalanx

  1. Exit the temple and raise the sword. The vibration will be coming from the southwest this time. It will be in the direction of the sixth colossus (the bearded one).
  2. As you continue, you will notice some trees that will start stretching into a forest. Move through the forest and head to the left.
  3. Continue west over a bridge next to a lake. This will lead you into the open desert where you need to follow the vibrations and continue forward.
  4. After a few minutes you will get to an area where there are scattered ruins around an open plain.
  5. Continue following the vibrations to a small nest of ruins to activate a cutscene.

Defeating Phalanx

  1. Another flying colossus. This one will just fly above in circles without attacking you. First thing you want to do is get on Agro.
  2. Get your bow out and use Agro to get as close as you can, under the beast. Once you’ll get close enough, you should notice three giant white sacs on his underbelly. You’re going to need to puncture these with your arrows one by one; the order is inconsequential.
  3. Once you puncture them, they will begin shriveling up. After all three are punctured he will begin to descend, now comes the fun part.
  4. When he descends, he will lower his front fins into the sand. The fins have ridges all over them.
  5. Ride agro parallel to the moving fins (if you can, stay a bit ahead of them).
  6. Once you get close enough to the fin, leap off Agro and onto the fin, and hold on.
  7. He will then ascend into the sky. Climb up the ladder-like ridges until you get to his back.
  8. There will be three vitals under flaps on his back that you need to stab. Get the one closest to you first. You will only have a small window of time to stab the vital before the flap shuts on you and he heads back into the sand, knocking you off of him.
  9. After a little while underground he will pop out and you’ll need to get on Agro and continue the process. Stab all three vitals and you’ll down him.

Fourteenth Colossus: Cenobia

  1. Exit the temple and lift your sword. The vibration will be coming from the northwest.
  2. Head over the bridge and keep riding through the desert and towards the chasm.
  3. Head left and follow the light beam. Eventually you will come to a mountain.
  4. There will be a path through the mountain that will take you to a large plain.
  5. Continue through the plain, following the beam and an expanse of forest.
  6. You’ll then be approaching pillars in the distance. Move past them and to a passage at the end where a tiny body of water lies.
  7. Get off agro and swim across to the opposite side.
  8. Continue down the tunneled area. Get past the steps and columns and down to ground floor.
  9. Move through the small opening in front of you and drop down.
  10. Climb the ruins to your left. Move down the pathway and up the stairs where you will view a cutscene.

Defeating Cenobia

  1. This colossus is very similar to the bull, in that he’s fast and will try to ram you to death. Once the battle starts, climb the pillar on your left.
  2. Run to the end of it and hop across to the platform.
  3. Run to the far end and get to the wall on the right. Run down this column and get to the tall spire.
  4. Climb to the top and crouch, keeping R1 handy. You’re going to need him to ram the spire twice for it to topple, and that’s a good thing. Make sure to stay crouched so you don’t fall off. If he needs some more provocation hit him with a few arrows. Once it topples a cutscene will trigger.
  5. Once you’re on the fallen spire, run towards the wall and grab the platform.
  6. Drop through the hole nearby. Continue towards the next platform and climb it.
  7. Run across to the next spire and climb it. Let him ram it twice until it falls over. Once it’s down, run across it to the next pillar and climb another spire. You’ll need to knock over five in total and then head to a tower-like platform at the far end of the last spire.
  8. Jump on top of the tower and shimmy to the right until you are able to jump to the next pillar behind you.
  9. Jump to the pillar and head to the top once again. Once he rams it, it’ll fall and bust through the wall nearby.
  10. Get on the pillar and run to the end. Head left and past the wall until you can see the colossus on the bottom. Shoot arrows at him if you need his attention and he will hit the column, collapsing the floor you’re on and destroying his armor.
  11. Quickly get on top of one of the stones so you’re safe from the colossus. Be careful because he will ram it. Once he does he’ll be stunned, at which time you need to get on his back and stab at his vital.
  12. He’ll eventually get his bearings back and buck wildly. Hop on another pillar and repeat the process until you kill the beast.

Fifteenth Colossus: Argus

  1. Exit the temple and lift your sword. Get on Agro and head northeast.
  2. Head to the right of the divide and over the bridge. He is located east of the eleventh colossus so head in that direction through the desert.
  3. Travel the desert until you get to the ruins where you fought that colossus and head east.
  4. After a few minutes you’ll get to some ruins.
  5. Dismount Agro. Head left and around the ruins to find a passageway.
  6. Move through the passage and up the stairs until you reach a huge outdoor room with platforms on the sides.
  7. Run to the far end of the room to trigger a cutscene.

Defeating Argus

  1. He moves slow but hits hard. First thing you want to do is head to one of the sides of the room where the pillars are.
  2. There will be some tiles in front of them and a platform above that is just beyond your reach. Wait for Argus to get close and face you. Once he raises his foot, roll away.
  3. He will stomp on the tile, creating a ramp for you.
  4. Hop on it and jump on the platform you couldn’t reach before.
  5. Run up the stairs and down the path until you cannot continue.
  6. Once he hits you the rocks will fall.
  7. Climb on top of the fallen rocks, to the path above and up more stairs.
  8. Pull yourself up to the highest path.
  9. Once there, head to the far end towards the chasm where he first appeared.
  10. Run to the bridge area at the end and get his attention. He will walk over to you, at which point you need to leap off the bridge and onto his shoulders.
  11. Get to his head and stab the vital on top.
  12. After you’re done, regain your grip on his shoulders and head down his right arm towards the elbow where you’ll find a small glowing spot. Stab it and he will drop his sword.
  13. At this point, drop off his arm and get in front of him to aggravate him.
  14. Note: Don’t get too close or he will stomp you.
  15. He will try to smash you with his hand, roll out of the attack.
  16. Once his hand lands, run to it and grab onto the fur in his open palm.
  17. Jump on it and stab his vital point to take him down.

Sixteenth Colossus: Malus

  1. Exit the temple and raise the sword. This time it’s pointing southeast.
  2. Get on Agro and follow the light, through the canyon.
  3. Move down the trail and veer right where it will lead to green pastures.
  4. Ride down the open area, following the vibrations. Eventually you will see cliffs in the distance that you’ll need to get to, so continue riding.
  5. You will eventually get to a giant door with a beam of light coming out of an opening at the top.
  6. Shine your sword’s beam towards it.
  7. The door will open, head on through and move up the steps.
  8. Ride Agro up the steps. Dart across the bridge to the other side of the gap. A very sad cutscene triggers.
  9. Climb the wall in front of you. Head right when you get to the ledge, moving up the blocks and mossy walls.
  10. Move up more steps where you’ll get to a passage.
  11. Move up the pathway, climbing the column until a cutscene triggers.

Defeating Malus

  1. The trick to getting to this boss is moving efficiently through the obstacle course before him. At the start, move up the stairs and take cover behind the ruins on the left.
  2. After he takes a shot, quickly move right to the next broken column.
  3. Continue moving and sheltering yourself against another projectile.
  4. Once the coast is clear, jump into the tunnel to your right.
  5. Move through it until you get to blocks. Climb up the block and take cover behind the wall in front of you. Dart to the next wall before the projectile hits.
  6. Continue moving between gaps quickly to the next cover spot. After the last piece of cover, drop down into the next trench.
  7. Move through the tunnel and hop down the steps to the curved rock.
  8. Shimmy around to the right side and drop down.
  9. Move into the next accessible passage where there will be some walls that can be used for cover.
  10. Dart right between fireballs, using each wall for cover to get to the next trench.
  11. Move through the trench to his feet. A cutscene displays.
  12. Climb up the ledges on either side of his base. Use any method you want to scale his lower base.
  13. Once you scale the skirt area, you will get to his lower back fur. Stab the weak glowing point.
  14. Once you stab the back, his hand will reach over to see what’s wrong.
  15. Jump from the back fur and onto his hand.
  16. He’ll then move his arm to his front. You need to get to the back of the hand, stab it if you need to level it.
  17. Climb on top of the hand when it levels and run up the arm. Stab the glowing weak point on his arm.
  18. His other arm will approach. Jump on his palm when it hovers over you and let it take you to the other side.
  19. Get on top of it and stab the hand so it flattens for you.
  20. Get on top of the back of his hand and equip your bow. Shoot an arrow at the hairy part of his right shoulder, and hold on.
  21. He’ll move his hand to his shoulder. Leap off the hand and get to the shoulder when you’re close enough.
  22. From the shoulder, run up to the back of his neck and to the top of his head where you’ll find his Vital.
  23. He will do his best to shake you off, just stay consistent and stab away to finish him off and beat the game.

Achievements

  1. Hard mode - After beating the game, you will have the option of defeating the colossi on Hard mode. For the most part, they will have more vital points, more health and will hit harder.
  2. Time Attack mode - This will unlock once you beat the game once. You will need to beat each colossus before time runs out to unlock special items. You don’t have to find them. Simply walk up to their respective shrines and hit circle to begin the fight. You will get an item for every two you kill before the clock runs out.
  3. Hard Time Attack mode - Once you beat the game on hard you will get Hard time attack mode. This will have new even more items. To get the items, once you beat the colossi, walk up to the tepid pool at the far end of the temple and hit circle to pick them up. You can access the items by turning them on at the start menu.
  4. Note: You can’t use the items in time attack modes.

Item list: Normal Time Attack

  1. Whistling Arrow - Shoots through the air with a whistle, distracting colossi.
  2. Cloak of force - Causes more damage for your attacks.
  3. Mask of strength - Causes even more damage for your attacks.
  4. Lizard Detection Stone - Shows lizards on the map.
  5. Fruit Tree Map - Shows fruit trees on your map.
  6. Mask of Power - Gives your attacks even more power.
  7. Cloak of Deception - Makes you invisible.
  8. Flash Arrow - Explosive arrow.

Item List: Hard Time Attack

  1. Harpoon of Thunder - A Spear that when hurled at a colossus can do considerable damage.
  2. Sword of the Sun - Can reflect sun, even in the dark.
  3. Fruit tree map - Shows fruit trees on your map.
  4. Shaman’s Cloak - Mitigates damage done to you.
  5. Lizard Detection stone- Shows lizards on the map.
  6. Shaman’s Mask - Mitigates damage just like the shaman’s cloak.
  7. Cloth of Desperation - Can be used as a parachute if you fall from a colossus.
  8. Queen’s sword - (Same as in the game ICO). Shove this into a colossi Vital and kill him in one hit.

Secrets

  1. Brown Agro - Beat the colossi in normal time attack. Once you do press and hold square while starting a new game or loading an old one.
  2. White Agro - Beat the colossi in hard attack mode. Once you do press and hold circle while starting a new game or loading an old one.

Guides and Walkthroughs