The Pufferfish is the Boss Fight of Island 3 in How to Fish, and a real wall players hit when they meet it. But worry not, I am here to help you learn how to defeat the Pufferfish in How to Fish, whether you play solo or multiplayer.
It’s worth noting that today, the Pufferfish is easier to defeat than its original form (a patch nerfed it – it was that tough!), so if you rage-quit because it seemed impossible to defeat this boss, you should try again.
Plus, you have this guide that will tell you everything you must to. So let’s jump right in!
How to Find the Pufferfish
To summon the boss, you will need a Carrot. You earn your first one by finishing the Tourist’s quest requirement. Additional carrots can be earned, but since that also requires time, it’s best to start the fight prepared.
Preparing for the Fight & Defeating Pufferfish
If there’s a single thing you must keep in mind when dealing with this boss, it’s this: avoid open ground!
Its primary charge attack is a blindingly fast straight-line rush at your position, so if you stand out in the open when it launches, you get full damage and most likely you will get one-shot and the fight’s over.
If terrain interrupts its path, the damage is reduced too. So make sure you are never on open terrain when fighting the Pufferfish in How to Fish.
Instead, find at least two pieces of cover on the island (large trees or any obstacle you can fully circle).
Next, position yourself near the outer edge of your route. Never summon the boss or engage while you are boxed in between the enemy and the water. Then start moving between your covers.
Shoot when the boss is rerouting, then move before it closes the gap and keep doing it, even though it’s not spectacular. It works and that’s all that matters!
Finally, be ready to adapt. The Pufferfish might start catching you constantly at the same turn or in a specific spot. If that happens, try adjusting your pattern, like moving around a different obstacle, trying a larger circle or a tighter one.
If you want to get better at the game overall, I recommend checking my Pufferfish tips and tricks here.
Best Weapons Against the Pufferfish
SMG-class weapons are highly effective against the boss and you should pair them with Dynamite.
Using the SMGs takes a bit of getting used to (the recoil, at least), but once you do, things should be relatively easy if you can stay alive long enough.
This means that you should preserve your ammunition for clean shots and avoid reloading while standing without cover.
Learn the Attack Patterns
Just like with any boss in this type of games, How to Fish’s Pufferfish has a ew specific mechanics that will instantly punish you if you’re not careful.
For example, the main problem is when you’re left without cover. Most of us tend to try to get one or more shots in, but that’s usually the end of the run. In this particular fight, being overly cautious is what wins it.
As for the attacks, here’s what the boss does:
- Inflate and Poison: The boss will periodically inflate and release a toxic poison effect. Do not stand still trying to shoot through this cloud. Back off immediately and wait for the boss to deflate before you re-engage.
- The Growth Spurt: As the fight progresses, the physical body of the boss actually grows larger. The massive size works in your favor because terrain that barely interrupts the smaller form can now easily disrupt the route of the bloated boss.
- Move Fast: The Pufferfish moves exceptionally fast, meaning you must move fast too. Focus on evading attacks first, then fire back.
Co-op Strategy
If you are bringing friends, you need clearly defined roles to make the fight easier. Also, don’t stack your entire squad behind the same tree.
I recommend having one targeted player handle the kiting route around cover while the rest post up at separate angles and fire inward.
Spread your shooters around the arena so the Pufferfish can’t pass through everyone on a single charge.
Call out an aggro change immediately over voice chat. The previous runner must stop crossing the new runner’s route to prevent a pileup.
The White Bar Timer System
As if the boss fight itself wasn’t difficult enough, there’s also a Timer Bar that you have to worry about: spend too long fighting the boss and you run out of time!
It’s not clear at the moment exactly how much time you have to defeat the Pufferfish (or any other boss, for that matter), so always keep an eye on the white bard. Keep the boss visible at all times so a timeout reset is not confused with a successful kill or a progression bug.
If a countdown appears near the end, it means that the current attempt is about to expire. Commit only to damage you can land without dying or losing control of the arena.
If the Boss vanishes without a kill result, it means that the encounter ended without you defeating the Pufferfish. You will need another Carrot to retry the fight.
Also read: Sludgineers Tips & Tricks to Breeze Through the Game
Wrapping Up
Beating the Island 3 boss in How to Fish requires planning, patience, a bit of luck and strict positioning (and maybe at least a few tries).
Rely on your Dynamite and SMG, keep an eye on the timer, and watch your spacing! Eventually, you will defeat the boss and it will be satisfying.
If you have additional tips and strategies for approaching this boss, let us all know in the comments down below!
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