In Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, the Fierce Tiger and Zhang Xianzhong boss fight is a grueling two-phase test of reflexes and resource management. This deadly duo combines relentless melee pressure with devastating lightning-based attacks. To survive, you’ll need smart preparation, sharp timing, and strategic use of allies and status effects. This guide breaks down every move, counter, and setup tip to help you emerge victorious.
How to Beat Fierce Tiger & Zhang Xianzhong
What starts off as Wuchang’s personal journey to finding a cure and helping a friend soon spirals into something much bigger. By lending a hand to those suffering under rebel occupation, Wuchang finds herself dragged into the dying breaths of the Ming Dynasty… and right into the path of a dangerous plan involving resurrection and corruption. Some believe the dead hold the key to victory against the Ming. Wuchang? She’s not about to let that happen without a fight.
Pre-Battle Setup
Before you step into this long, two-part encounter, make sure you’re equipped for both speed and survival. Here are some essentials to prep:
- Boost your resistance to shock and paralysis. Most attacks in this fight aren’t just physical, they’re loaded with electrical energy that can lock you down and shred your health bar.
- Summon Nian and Huang only if you’ve completed enough of their quests. Use the Bone Whistle during the fight. Nian is your melee tank, while Huang hurls magic from a distance. These aren’t your average allies, they’ll last through both phases, so save them for the hard part.
- Weapon choice? Dealer’s choice. Quick weapons help with weaving in hits, but heavier ones like axes are still effective thanks to solid openings. Bring what you’re comfortable with.
- Don’t forget Tempering Needles, especially ones that increase Tempering bonuses. The higher your Tempering damage, the better your payoff.
Resistance, Status & Spell Strategy
In this boss encounter, you’ll be facing two unique threats: Fierce Tiger, a swift and aggressive beast, and Zhang Xianzhong, his resurrected, corrupted counterpart. Each has its own health bar and distinct attack style, so surviving requires more than just raw strength. Focus on spacing, stamina management, and animation reading to outlast both phases.
To wear them down effectively, status effects can help. Burn offers steady pressure throughout the fight, especially if you’ve unlocked the Fire Status Boost node in the Impetus Repository. Rot or Blight can chip away health during downtime in either phase. Keep your Skyborn Might active with Alacrity, and layer it with buffs that enhance damage or defense. A cautious approach won’t work here, you’ll need to stay assertive, react quickly, and strike decisively without overextending.
Attack Patterns & Counters
Phase 1
Blitz Charge
What it does: Fierce Tiger zips forward in a straight line, dealing massive damage if you’re caught.
How to react: Side-roll early—the hitbox is wider than expected and often tracks your movement.
Claw Chain Combo
What it does: A series of fast swipes, sometimes ending with a spinning tail swing that knocks you back.
How to react: Don’t stay locked in. Break away once the first few hits come out, then reposition.
Storm Arc Barrage
What it does: The boss backsteps and unleashes curved lines of lightning projectiles, up to three times in quick succession.
How to react: As soon as it backs off, create distance. Don’t let all the orbs hit at once or you’ll be toast.
Homing Static Orb
What it does: Summons a slow-moving electric orb that locks onto your position before exploding.
How to react: Let it trail you, then dodge just before it sparks—it’s a stamina trap if you panic-roll too soon.
Quake Claw Crush
What it does: Consecutive claw smashes with a final, full-body slam. May follow up with a tail flip to disengage.
How to react: Stay close and slip in counter-attacks after each swipe. The slams are slow but powerful.
Thunder Blast
What it does: At a distance, Fierce Tiger fires a wide-range lightning beam directly from its mouth.
How to react: Sidestep to avoid, then close in during its recovery animation to land a few hits.
Frenzied Pounce
What it does: After roaring, Fierce Tiger goes wild, delivering fast, aggressive swipes followed by a leaping retreat.
How to react: Keep your distance during the flurry, then chase it down once it lands.
Battle Cry
What it does: A sudden roar that stuns you if you’re too close and don’t dodge in time.
How to react: Back off the moment you hear the wind-up. The roar range is short but dangerous.
Phase 2
Zhang brings a faster, more electrified variation of Fierce Tiger’s moves in phase two. Think of this phase as a remix—with traps, streaks of lightning, and overwhelming pressure.
Swift Lightning Cannon
What it does: A refined, faster beam version of Fierce Tiger’s Thunder Blast.
How to react: Roll immediately sideways, no time to hesitate.
Spark Surge
What it does: He drives his spear into the ground and dashes, leaving electrified trails that cause Paralysis.
How to react: Steer clear of glowing water zones, they linger and zap your health.
Thunderfall Waltz
What it does: Jumps into the air, scattering orbs across the field before slamming down hard.
How to react: Lock your camera on him. Dodge the orbs calmly, then be ready for his slam location.
Shockwave Roar
What it does: A scream that summons lightning strikes in all directions.
How to react: Either rush in to avoid the AoE bolts or stay far away—middle ground is risky.
Arc Chaser Dance
What it does: Runs around the arena tossing out slow-tracking lightning orbs that explode in order.
How to react: Maintain spacing. Don’t roll unless the orb starts crackling—it’ll waste stamina otherwise.
Spear Spin Slash
What it does: Rapid spear attacks, occasionally blended into claw swipes.
How to react: Deflect if you’re confident, but dodging is safer, then close the gap for retaliation.
Chain Dash Assault
What it does: A series of fast, spear-pointing dashes, repeated multiple times.
How to react: Watch for the initial spear point—this is your cue to dodge early.
Judgement Slam
What it does: Charges a spear slam that sends a lightning shockwave in a large area.
How to react: Circle around during the animation and land a punish from behind.
Combat Strategy Recap
- Let the boss come to you, don’t burn stamina chasing it.
- Handle the first phase solo if possible to save Nian and Huang for Zhang.
- Keep your health topped up, anything below 60% can get you one-shot by heavier attacks.
- If you’re running spells, consider pairing them with a single-handed sword for bonus Spellpower and quick Skyborn Might regeneration, especially with the Biding Time node active.
Rewards
After surviving this brutal two-phase test, you’ll walk away with:
- Aurum Ancient Chisel – a key progression item
- Echo of Zhang Xianzhong – a lightning-based spell that lets you launch yourself at enemies and slam down, causing both damage and Paralysis (to enemies and slightly to you too)
- Tortoise Ingot – give this to Tao Qing to unlock new upgrades
