Blank Slate Battle Guide : Mastering the Echoes of Wisdom
The Blank-Slate Battle in Legends of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is one of the most intricate and challenging fights you’ll face in the game. As the first significant battle in the Slumber Dojo, this challenge not only tests your combat skills but forces you to strategize with minimal resources. You won’t have the luxury of using your own loadout no potions, no weapons from your inventory. Instead, you’ll rely solely on Echoes and environmental items within the arena to defeat waves of enemies.
But don’t worry! With the right approach, you’ll master the battlefield and crush your foes like a true hero. Here’s your detailed guide to conquering this daunting trial.
What to Expect in the Blank-Slate Battle
Before we dive into strategies, let’s cover the basics of what you’ll face during the Blank-Slate Battle:
- Time Limit: 2 Minutes
- Enemies: Keese, Ghirro, Fire Octo, Goo Specter, Buzz Blob, Torch Slug, Deku Baba Lv. 2, Giant Goponga Flower
- Recommended Echoes: Fire Octo, Keese
- Reward: 3 Golden Eggs for finishing under 2 minutes; 7 Monster Fangs for completing it under 90 seconds.
The key here is precision and efficiency. You must make every move count to beat the clock, while also using the right Echoes against the right enemies. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
Step-by-Step Guide to Mastering the Blank-Slate Battle
Step 1: Start with the Keese and Learn the Rock Echo
As you enter the battle, immediately look for the Keese bat lurking on the lower level. Your goal here is simple: throw rocks to take down the bat. If you’re struggling to find enough rocks, don’t fret. Learn the Rock Echo from nearby rocks to generate your own and avoid running out.
Once you defeat the Keese, learn its Echo. This Echo will be crucial for attacking airborne or fast-moving enemies.
Step 2: Attack the Fire Octo (Your New Best Friend)
The Fire Octo is easily the MVP of this challenge. Now that you’ve equipped the Keese Echo, use it to attack the Fire Octo directly. Timing is critical here avoid wasting time by learning unnecessary Echoes unless you truly need them for the next fight.
When the Fire Octo falls, learn its Echo immediately. This powerful Echo will help you clear out the remaining enemies efficiently.
Step 3: Take Down the Lower-Level Enemies One-by-One
Now that you’ve armed yourself with the Fire Octo Echo, it’s time to start cleaning house. Deploy Fire Octos in groups to eliminate each enemy on the lower level:
- Ghirro: Start with this one, but be mindful of the wind it generates. Only strike when its back is turned, or you risk wasting time.
- Goo Specter: After Ghirro falls, move on to this ghostly foe. Fire Octos will make quick work of it.
- Buzz Blob: Next up is the Buzz Blob, which is vulnerable to rock throws. Remember to keep replenishing your Fire Octo army to maintain your offensive strength.
As you work through the enemies, feel free to pick up rocks and hurl them at the remaining foes to speed up your takedowns.
Step 4: Neutralize the Giant Goponga Flower
The Giant Goponga Flower is one of the more irritating enemies in the battle, constantly firing projectiles at you from afar. But don’t let it stress you out. The trick here is to send Fire Octos at it from different directions to overwhelm it. Stay mobile to avoid damage, and within a few solid hits, the Flower will be neutralized.
Step 5: Finish Off the Torch Slug
Now that most of the lower-level enemies are out of the way, focus your attention on the Torch Slug. While the Fire Octos are effective here, the Buzz Blob Echo is a solid alternative if you prefer stunning the Slug for a quick takedown. Once the Torch Slug is dealt with, you’re almost home free.
Step 6: End with the Deku Baba Lv. 2
The final enemy is none other than the Deku Baba Lv. 2. Fortunately, this creature is far easier to manage than most of the others you’ve already faced. The Deku Baba can’t reach you from a distance, making it vulnerable to your long-range attacks. Use your Bind ability to latch onto the Deku Baba’s head, then pull away from a ledge to remove it cleanly.
With the Deku Baba down, you’ve officially conquered the Blank-Slate Battle!
Advanced Tactics for Beating the 90-Second Mark
The two-minute time limit isn’t easy, but beating the battle in 90 seconds or less for the Monster Fang reward is a whole other challenge. Here’s how to trim down your time:
- Prioritize Echoes: Learning Echoes pauses the timer slightly, but going out of your way to learn too many will cost you precious seconds. Only go for essential Echoes like the Keese and Fire Octo.
- Precision: Aim for headshots when throwing rocks at enemies to maximize damage and minimize time wasted. This tactic is especially effective against weaker foes like Keese and Buzz Blob.
- Multi-Target Attacks: Deploy groups of Fire Octos against multiple enemies simultaneously. This strategy is perfect for quickly clearing out waves of enemies while you focus on others.
- Use Shortcuts: Don’t hesitate to skip certain enemies if you can avoid them. If you can take a hit and still survive, prioritize finishing the battle over a flawless run.
It might take a few attempts, but mastering these techniques will get you the coveted 90-second finish.
FAQs for the Blank-Slate Battle in Echoes of Wisdom
Q1: What are Echoes, and how do they work in this challenge?
Echoes are special abilities you learn by defeating enemies and collecting their powers. In the Blank-Slate Battle, you must rely on these Echoes instead of your own items or equipment.
Q2: Can I use items from my inventory in the Blank-Slate Battle?
No, you cannot bring any outside items into the challenge. This includes potions, weapons, and special abilities. You must use Echoes and environmental resources only.
Q3: What is the best Echo to learn for this challenge?
The Fire Octo Echo is arguably the best for this battle. It can take down multiple enemies at once and is versatile enough to work against most foes.
Q4: What happens if I don’t finish the battle within 2 minutes?
If you don’t beat the challenge within the two-minute limit, you won’t receive the Golden Egg reward. You’ll need to restart and try again if you want the full rewards.
Q5: How do I unlock the Blank-Slate Battle?
You’ll unlock the Blank-Slate Battle by completing the Eldin Volcano Rift and progressing through the Slumber Dojo training challenges in Kakariko Village.