Chang Hong in Phantom Blade Zero is a two-phase boss who starts the fight on foot as the Thunder Spear and comes back on horseback as the Thunder Lancer. The fight is based around lightning, so you need to know when to retreat rather than fight.
This guide will detail where you start the fight, what equipment to use, how to fight both phases, and what you get from defeating Chang Hong in Phantom Blade Zero.
Note: Parts of this article are subjective and based on the writer’s views.
Where to find Chang Hong in Phantom Blade Zero (Thunder Spear and Thunder Lancer)
Chang Hong is in the Pangzhen region. The nearest bell and fast travel point is Ancestral Shrine Square, so start from that location. From the bell, go down to the open area. A cutscene plays, and Chang Hong arrives, which kicks off the fight.
Also read: Best weapons and Phantom Edges to use in Phantom Blade Zero
How to beat Chang Hong in Phantom Blade Zero (Thunder Spear and Thunder Lancer)
Defeating Chang Hong in Phantom Blade Zero consists of two stages: First, as Thunder Spear on foot. Second, as Thunder Lancer on horseback. The key thing to remember is to avoid his lightning at all costs.
Loadout
This is the suggested setup:
- White Serpent & Crimson Viper
- Outlaw Warblade
- Battle Wraps
- Dread Axe
- Simmering Brew
- Healing Gourd
- Arrowward
- Kuye Temple Prayer Beads
- Mother’s Talisman
The Kuye Temple Prayer Beads matter here. When the lightning spear is about to hit, use the Kuye Temple Prayer Beads and send the summons out. They distract him, and you can outrun the lightning, since it goes away after a short period.
The main idea here is to survive the lightning, keep your distance, and be ready to block/counter his attacks. After he has used his lightning and returned to normal, you should simply block, counter, and use your heavy attack.
Blocking and following up with that heavy attack keeps a good distance and stuns him well.
Phase 1: Chang Hong, Thunder Spear
In the first phase, Chang Hong in Phantom Blade Zero fights on foot and uses rapid spear maneuvers as soon as the fight begins. He also charges his spear with electricity and throws it straight along your route, so your movement matters here.
When he charges his spear with lightning, keep your distance or use summons to distract him instead of trading blows head-on. Wait out the buff until he reverts to his standard moveset.
Watch for these tells:
- Spear Dash (parryable): He leaps into the air and dashes forward. Time your block for a clean parry, then launch into a Ghoststep counter.
- Spin to Spear Thrust (unblockable): He twirls his spear and flashes red. Get ready to dodge sideways.
- Lightning Slam (unblockable): Electricity pools around him. Sprint or dodge out of the landing zone before he slams down.
Between his combos, use block plus heavy attack to close the distance safely and stun him.
Phase 2: Chang Hong, Thunder Lancer
The second phase is widely considered the harder half of the fight. Chang Hong mounts a horse, which raises his speed and mobility across the arena. Your main goal is to drain his stamina and Sha-Chi quickly, so he stops darting around.
A few habits help:
- Watch the spear point: When he points his spear up at the sky, lightning is coming down. Dodge back and get away, because circles of lightning hit the ground and you do not want to touch them.
- Stick to his left side: He uses his right hand for the spear, so being on his left feels natural and makes his attacks easier to parry. He also hops off the horse to kick from that side, which this positioning helps you prepare for.
- Land a few hits, then back up: Get a couple of parries in, then back up a little. He sends lightning out as waves, and enough distance gives you time to avoid them.
His mounted attacks need their own answers. For Ground Electricity, he swipes his sword and sends a line of electricity across the ground, so dodge sideways.
For the Horse Charge and Rearing Slam, hold your block during standard horse charges, then dodge toward the circling horse and parry to break his posture.
When the horse rears up on its hind legs for an unblockable hoof slam and lightning call, time a clean dodge. For the Spin to Slash, which is unblockable, he twirls his weapon on horseback, so watch for the wide sweep aimed at the right side of his mount.
Expect this phase to feel tight. Fights here can come down to the wire, so stay patient and keep your distance whenever the lightning waves start.
Check out: How to defeat Blaze in Phantom Blade Zero (Shadow Warden Captain and Phosphor Consciousness)
Rewards for defeating Chang Hong in Phantom Blade Zero (Thunder Spear and Thunder Lancer)
After defeating Chang Hong in Phantom Blade Zero, he doesn’t die. A cutscene plays, and defeating both phases rewards you with:
- Thunder Spear Phantom Edge
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Edited by Rishi Pallav
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