Verminstein stands as the final test in the Bloody Whiskers DLC for Tales of Iron. This grotesque fusion of frog and rat is a relentless tank of a boss, and while the fight can be punishing, the right equipment and strategy can tip the odds in your favor. This guide breaks down the ideal combat approach, movement patterns, and timing strategies you’ll need to bring this beast down.

Gear and Loadout Recommendation

Your best chance at victory starts before the fight even begins. Equip the heaviest two-handed axe in your arsenal, and pair it with Thor’s Hammer as your one-handed weapon. This combo allows for a quick and damaging R2 → R1sequence that delivers serious punishment while minimizing vulnerability.

Wearing light armor is also critical. The reduced weight allows for fast dodging and faster recovery after rolls, both of which are essential when facing Verminstein’s frequent unblockables.

Phase One: Reaction-Based Combat

The fight begins when you land the first hit. Verminstein will immediately begin cycling through a variety of attacks:

• Tail Swipe (after hopping): Dodge backward or away. Don’t be caught behind him.
• Red Unblockable Attacks (Line): Dodge through or underneath to safety. These are your cue to counter.
• Wide White Attacks: Hold block to absorb these. They’re slow but will punish you if you’re mid-animation.
• Red Circle Jump Attack: Avoid by maintaining mid-to-far distance. This slam has a limited radius.
• Rush Charge (Red Line): Dodge through it and immediately return fire with R2 → R1.
• Tongue Strike (Yellow): This can be parried if you time it right. Parrying gives you a perfect chance to strike.

The core of this fight is the dodge → R2 → R1 → retreat loop. Never overextend. Only attack when you’ve successfully dodged an unblockable or parried an attack. Patience wins here. Greed gets you stomped.

Phase Two: Environmental Danger and More Pressure

After enough damage, Verminstein will leap onto the ceiling and crash down, initiating Phase Two. From this point on, keep an eye on the red circle markers that warn where he’ll land.

To survive:

• Move to the left or right screen edge immediately when the red circle appears.
• After he lands, continue using the exact same attack-dodge strategy from Phase One.

The only major change is this environmental hazard. His move pool doesn’t really expand — but the pressure increases due to the pacing.

Advanced Combos and Ammunition Strategy

Up until this point, you should be saving all of your ranged ammo. This is not a ranged fight — it’s too fast-paced for safe distance play. Instead:

• Use your gun once Verminstein is low on health to quickly finish the fight.

When you’re near him after a successful dodge or block, you can execute an extended combo:

• R2 → R1 → R1 (only if you’re extremely close and safe)

This can be devastating but must be used wisely — overcommitting can cost you everything.

Summary Strategy Loop

1. Initiate the fight, then back off.
2. Watch for red lines and dodge through.
3. Counter immediately with R2 → R1.
4. Block white line attacks and parry yellow ones.
5. Phase Two: watch for falling markers, reposition quickly.
6. Use ranged ammo at the end if needed for the final burst.
7. Always play reactive, not aggressive.

Post-Fight Reflection

Reggie defeats the hybrid abomination, pondering whether his own father was involved in this dark creation. Verminstein, dwelling deep in the crypts, may well be tied to the undead that have plagued the land. A foul secret — one of King Radish’s many — now buried once again.

This fight is challenging, even brutal at times, but with proper execution, thoughtful combos, and the right loadout, you’ll tear Verminstein down piece by piece. The axe and hammer combo doesn’t just feel satisfying — it’s a clean path to victory.

Good luck, warrior. It’s time to take back your kingdom, one monster at a time.