There’s something about boss battles in Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown that keeps us on edge. Whether it’s the larger-than-life characters or the intricate strategies required, every fight leaves a lasting impression. The Tiger and The Rat is no exception—it’s one of the most memorable encounters in the game. The name alone evokes a clash of cunning and strength, and once you step into the ring, you’ll find yourself part of a tense and thrilling showdown. For us, stepping into this battle felt like entering a deadly dance. With an intricate arena design, clever combat mechanics, and well-timed escalations in difficulty, The Tiger and The Rat places you face-to-face with two dangerous rivals at once. This guide, including The Tiger and the Rat walkthrough, is here to show you how to emerge victorious, highlighting strategies, tips, and secrets you won’t want to miss.
Prince of Persia Lost Crown: The Tiger and the Rat Walkthrough
In The Tiger and The Rat section, Sargon faces one of the first major tests of endurance and strategy. This encounter isn’t just about brute force. It emphasizes precision, reading attack patterns, and knowing when to strike. But fear not—with the right approach, this fight can be as rewarding as it looks intimidating.
Let’s break it down with a step-by-step guide so you can feel confident every step of the way.
Walkthrough: Step-by-Step Guide
1. The Arena of Chaos
As you approach the arena, the game teases the encounter with a cinematic shot of the environment and your opponents—a towering beast (the Tiger) and a fast, nimble foe (the Rat). The tension builds immediately.
- Preparation is Key: Before entering the arena, make sure your health is full and that you’re familiar with Sargon’s dodge, parry, and combo mechanics. There’s no room for error here!
- Understand the Terrain: The arena is circular and built with traps you can use to your advantage. Take a quick look around as the fight begins—these traps will be crucial later.
Tip: The Rat will always strike first, so stay alert as soon as the battle begins, as this The Tiger and the Rat walkthrough reminds you.
2. Phase 1 – The Rat’s Opening Dance
The Rat is quick, darting around the arena with unpredictable movements. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed if you chase it blindly, but patience is your greatest weapon.
- Focus on Dodge Timing: The Rat uses rapid swipes and lunges. Watch for its glowing charge-up animation and time your dodge to the side.
- Counterattack Sparingly: After dodging one of the Rat’s lunges, counter with a focused light-heavy combo. Its recovery window is short, so don’t get greedy.
Tip: The Rat occasionally retreats to throw projectiles. Jump or dash through them to close the gap and hit it with a fast attack.
3. Phase 2 – Enter the Tiger
Just when you’ve started to feel comfortable, the Tiger joins the fray. If the Rat was all about speed, the Tiger is raw power—heavy strikes, ground pounds, and devastating charge attacks are its specialty.
- Switch Priority: Focus on the Tiger while keeping an eye on the Rat. The Tiger’s moves are slower and easier to telegraph, but they deal massive damage if they land.
- Use Arena Traps: The Tiger is large and clumsy compared to the Rat. Lure it toward the arena’s traps, like spiked walls and fire hazards, which can stagger it after contact.
- Don’t Ignore the Rat: The Rat won’t deal as much damage, but it’s still a threat. Use environmental obstacles to temporarily block its line of sight while you deal with the Tiger.
Tip: Use jumping attacks to surprise the Tiger when it prepares for a ground slam—as detailed in this The Tiger and the Rat walkthrough, it has a longer recovery period after this move.
4. Phase 3 – The Partnership Turns Deadly
When both enemies are at half health, they combine their attacks for a devastating synergy. The Rat distracts you with rapid projectiles and lunges while the Tiger closes the gap with heavy strikes.
- Stay Mobile: Standing still is a death sentence in this phase. Use your dodge-roll liberally and keep moving to avoid being pinned down by one of their combo attacks.
- Parry Power: The game rewards calculated defense here. The Tiger’s heavy attacks are slow and clearly telegraphed, making it easier to parry. Successfully parrying its strike will stagger it briefly, giving you an opening to attack both foes.
- Split Them Up: It’s easier to fight the duo when they’re on opposite sides of the arena. Use traps and obstacles to lure one enemy away while dealing damage to the other.
Tip: Take out the Rat first if possible—it’s weaker and easier to finish off, which will make the Tiger easier to deal with in the final phase.
5. The Final Moments – Victory at Last
Once you’ve defeated one enemy, the remaining foe, as this The Tiger and the Rat walkthrough notes, enters a berserk mode. The Tiger becomes faster and more aggressive, while the Rat uses more ranged attacks.
- Tiger’s Final Phase: If the Tiger is the last one standing, expect it to use a devastating charge-and-slam attack. Avoid it by sprinting to the sides and looking for openings when it pauses.
- Rat’s Final Phase: If the Rat remains, it prioritizes speed, launching a rapid volley of attacks. Use your dodge-roll to avoid its combo and strike immediately after it misses.
When the last enemy falls, the fight concludes with a cinematic highlighting Sargon’s victory. A well-earned sense of triumph (and relief) washes over you.
Tips and Tricks for The Tiger and The Rat
- Master the Dodge Roll: Both enemies have high-damage attacks, but proper dodge timing can render them harmless. Use rolls to reposition and create openings.
- Use the Arena’s Mechanics: This fight isn’t just about Sargon’s skills—use traps and obstacles to gain the upper hand, especially against the Tiger.
- Don’t Overcommit: It’s easy to get greedy mid-combo, but overstaying your attack window often results in damage. Strike fast, then back off.
- Take Out the Rat First: Dealing with one enemy is far easier than two. Eliminating the Rat early allows you to focus solely on the Tiger’s slower attacks.
To Close Things Up
The Tiger and The Rat encounter is the perfect example of why Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown stands out as a modern Metroidvania masterpiece. It blends high-stakes combat, environmental puzzle-solving, and clever strategy into a memorable experience. For us, this encounter cemented the importance of staying calm under pressure and relying on every tool the game provides. With this The Tiger and the Rat walkthrough, you’re ready to take on the challenge headfirst. Take your time, enjoy the thrill of perfecting your timing, and don’t forget to savor the satisfaction of watching that final cinematic. You’ve got this!
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FAQs
1. How do I activate traps in the arena?
Look for glowing mechanisms around the edges of the arena. Standing near them or luring the Tiger toward these traps can trigger environmental hazards.
2. Can I fight just one enemy at a time?
Yes, with careful positioning. Lure one enemy to an arena trap or obstacle while you deal damage to the other.
3. Should I focus on parrying or dodging?
For the Tiger, parrying is especially effective during its heavy attacks. The Rat, on the other hand, is more suited to dodging due to its speed.
4. Are there collectibles in this section?
No collectibles are found in The Tiger and The Rat arena, but you are rewarded with an ability upgrade after the fight.
