Desert Tier 3 Ultimate Challenge - Laser Master & Desert Judge
Judge Anubis brings desert-specific challenges that differ from the Forest boss while maintaining similar difficulty spikes.
Same as Bark Vader: ALL secondary weapons are disabled at fight start. You can ONLY use your starting weapon.
Healing invulnerability phases. When Anubis loses health thresholds, he becomes invulnerable and begins healing. Pylons must be destroyed quickly.
No natural cover. The desert's open layout means you can't hide behind trees or rocks. Anubis's lasers have clear line of sight. Occasional cactus obstacles provide minimal cover.
Pattern: Red laser locks onto you and slowly rotates, dealing massive continuous damage. Community reports tracking speed can be inconsistent (possible bug).
Counter: Get close and circle Anubis - the beam rotates too slowly to track tight loops. Alternatively, stay far and jump over it. Steam users confirm: "This attack alone is why Tier 3 Anubis is waayyy harder than Tier 3 Bark."
Pattern: While laser tracks you, targeted ground explosions appear under your feet.
Counter: Never stand still. Constant diagonal movement prevents being hit by overlapping laser + AoE combos.
Pattern: Wide spread attacks covering large areas with multiple parallel beams.
Counter: Jump perpendicular to the beams. Triple jump helps you clear multiple waves simultaneously.
Pattern: If you activated Boss Curse shrines, multiple Anubis spawn with overlapping attack patterns.
Counter: Avoid Boss Curses for Tier 3 Desert. Community consensus: "Overlapping lasers are nearly impossible to dodge" with multiple spawns.
Pattern: During Pylon phases and late fight stages, Anubis fires freezing projectiles that lock you in place.
Counter: Aegis shield blocks one hit. High evasion helps. Once frozen without shields, you're likely dead without massive HP pool.
Why Best for Anubis:
Why Strong for Anubis:
Why Viable for Anubis:
Blocks laser beams, prevents freeze projectiles, creates defensive breathing room. Community consensus: "Without Aegis, laser spam becomes nearly impossible to dodge consistently." MegabonkGuides rates this as "mandatory, not optional."
Critical for jumping over Blue Laser Arrays and reaching Pylons quickly during invuln phases. MegabonkGuides: "Get triple jump from shrines—this is absolutely critical, non-negotiable."
More important in Desert than Forest due to open terrain. Community targets "at least +40% movement speed before entering Tier 3." Enables circular kiting patterns around boss. Speed items matter MORE in Desert than Forest.
Reduces laser damage significantly. Even with dodging, you will take some hits in the Desert's open space. Creates survivability cushions.
Level faster and improve starting weapon projectile count through weapon upgrades. More projectiles = more damage from safe range. Community advises getting 2-3 Tomes total.
Since lifesteal doesn't work during invuln Pylon phases, regen is your only healing source during these critical moments.
Goal: Build for mobility and starting weapon damage.
Goal: Learn laser patterns while dealing consistent damage.
Goal: Destroy Pylons faster than Anubis can heal. Community reports 90% of failed runs end here.
Goal: Survive the ultimate laser barrage and finish Anubis.
Community Consensus: Active debate about which Tier 3 boss is harder. Desert has significantly lower HP (8M vs 18M) but demands superior dodging skills. Forest has more than double the HP but terrain provides defensive advantages. Community quote: "This attack alone is why Tier 3 Anubis is waayyy harder than Tier 3 Bark [Vader]." Both rated as legendary difficulty requiring mastery of their respective mechanics.
Judge Anubis represents the Desert's ultimate challenge. While it has significantly less HP than Bark Vader (8M vs 18M), the open terrain and laser spam make it equally difficult in different ways. The weapon disable mechanic and Pylon healing system remain brutal regardless of map. Only 8.8% of players globally have defeated this boss.
Best Character: Ninja (evasion + execution dominates this fight) or Fox (ranged safety)
Core Build: Starting Weapon (max level ONLY) + Aegis (mandatory) + Movement Speed (+40% minimum) + Triple Jump (non-negotiable)
Strategy: Master circular kiting, destroy Pylons immediately (90% of fails happen here), focus starting weapon exclusively
Mindset: Movement skill > raw damage. Practice laser dodge patterns in Tier 1/2 first before attempting Tier 3.
Remember: Judge Anubis is a skill check, not a gear check. Perfect movement beats perfect items. Community wisdom: "Without Aegis, laser spam becomes nearly impossible to dodge consistently." Practice your dodging in lower tiers, master the circular kiting pattern, and don't give up after first attempts. With Ninja + Aegis + maxed starting weapon + proper movement speed, this boss becomes significantly more manageable.