Prince of Persia is a legendary series that dates back to the 1980s, and the latest entry, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown,successfully modernizes the franchise with a unique blend of Metroidvania mechanics and a hint of Hollow Knight’s complexity. This guide is designed to help you navigate its expansive 2D world, master combat techniques, and make the most out of your abilities and resources.

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1. Mastering Memory Tokens for Efficient Backtracking

One of the standout features in The Lost Crown is the introduction of Memory Tokens. These tokens allow you to mark areas on the map where progress was previously blocked. By pressing down on the D-pad, you can capture a screenshot that drops a Memory Token at your location. This makes it easier to revisit these areas once you acquire new time powers.

Memory Tokens are a limited resource, so be sure to delete them once they’re no longer needed. Strategically placing these tokens will save you a lot of time and frustration during backtracking sessions.

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2. Choosing and Managing Amulets Effectively

Amulets are crucial to Sargon’s progression. While most amulets offer passive buffs, some require active management. For example, the Horn Viper Amulet reduces poison damage, making it essential when exploring The Depths. On the other hand, the Blade Dancer Amulet demands precise timing to maximize damage.

When selecting amulets, consider the types of enemies and environments you’ll be facing. If you’re not dealing with airborne enemies, it might be better to swap out amulets that boost aerial damage for ones that enhance ground combat capabilities.

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3. Perfecting Air Combos and Mobility

Air combos in The Lost Crown aren’t just for style—they’re a practical way to avoid damage while dealing it. Launch enemies by pressing up and the melee attack button simultaneously. To follow up, hold down the attack button to ascend with them, allowing for extended air combos.

Incorporate air combos frequently, as being airborne reduces the chances of getting hit and lets you deal more damage than standard ground combos. Learning to spike enemies down with a down attack is also a powerful tool for crowd control.

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4. Parrying vs. Dodging: When to Use Each

The Lost Crown gives players two primary defensive options: parrying and dodging.

• Dodging: Generally safer with a forgiving timing window, suitable for most attacks including red-glowing unblockables.
• Parrying: Riskier but more rewarding. A successful parry not only prevents damage but also fills the AOM meter significantly and opens enemies for devastating counterattacks.

If you’re confident with timing, parry special yellow-flashing attacks to trigger powerful execution animations. Otherwise, stick to dodging, especially when low on health.

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5. Essential Early Game Tips

Upon reaching Mount Cough, make sure to return to Haven regularly:

• Visit Caha: Upgrade your weapons and accept her side quests to gain powerful amulets like the Shield of Mithra.
• Challenge Artaban: Completing his combat challenges not only awards 100 Time Crystals per task but also unlocks AOS surges—powerful special attacks that can turn the tide in tough battles.
• Shop at the Scrapper: Right outside of Haven, you’ll find the Scrapper’s shop. Use Xerxes coins, earned through challenging platforming sequences, to buy high-risk, high-reward items.

Regularly visiting these NPCs will ensure that Sargon’s power keeps pace with the escalating difficulty of enemies.

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6. Maximizing AOS Surges in Combat

AOS Surges are Sargon’s most potent abilities. With a total of 10 surges to unlock, balancing which ones to equip based on the situation is key.

• Level 1 Surges: Ideal for frequent use as they only consume one AOM bar.
• Level 2-3 Surges: Provide massive boosts but require careful planning due to their higher AOM cost.

Experiment with different combinations to find a loadout that complements your playstyle. For tougher bosses, consider equipping surges that offer healing or invulnerability windows.

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7. Platforming Tips and Accessibility Options

Precision platforming is a core aspect of The Lost Crown. If you’re struggling, the game offers a platforming assist feature in the options menu, allowing you to bypass particularly tricky sections.

However, overcoming these challenges without assists provides valuable rewards like Prophecy Jars. Collecting these jars contributes to a mural in the Lower City, unlocking powerful items such as Soma Time Pedals and Time Crystals.

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Conclusion

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown rewards skillful play, tactical thinking, and mastery of both combat and exploration. By utilizing Memory Tokens wisely, managing amulets effectively, and mastering defensive techniques, you’ll pave your way through even the toughest challenges.

Good luck, and may Sargon’s blade always strike true!