Antaeus

Useful Info

Antaeus is a gigantic demon lord who guards the icy rune in Cocytus. He has the highest HP of all normal monsters in the game, overpowering melee attacks, and threatening cold and lightning magic. But unlike other demon lords, he cannot summon demonic aid. He is found on the bottom floor of Cocytus, usually accompanied by a gang of Ice Fiends.

Tips & Tricks

• Having rC+++ and rElec will take a lot of the lethality out of this fight.
• Antaeus is vulnerable to fire and lacks poison resistance. Curare darts are very effective, allowing you to get a "haste" of sorts in Cocytus. Alistair's Intoxication can confuse Antaeus, even through infinite willpower.
• Try to clear out his Ice Fiend allies before attempting to kill him. While Fire Storm casters can quickly accomplish both at the same time, others may want to initially flee and then take them on once they've scattered throughout the floor. Taking on that many sources of torment and high damage all at once is very unwise.
• It's not impossible to defeat him in melee, but it's certainly risky. High AC is critical, but good EV and SH are just as important. Buff yourself as much as possible, call up whatever summons you can, and make sure you've got rC+++ and rElec; you want to avoid as many of his hits as possible, and to take most of the sting out of any that get through.

Trivia

In Greek myth, Antaeus was a tireless giant who drew strength from the earth. Heracles defeated him by holding him aloft, robbing him of his powers. Forcing Antaeus to fly with Polar Vortex is a very thematically suitable way of defeating him, but does not affect him any differently than it does any other enemy. (Plus, he resists the cold-themed damage of Polar Vortex.)

In Dante's Inferno, Antaeus is found in the last circle of Hell, a frozen lake known as (surprise) Cocytus. The only unfettered giant, he agrees to help Virgil and Dante down into Cocytus; in exchange, Virgil promises that Dante, still living, will increase Antaeus' fame in the mortal world. Whether Dante ever fulfills this promise (or the many other similar promises he makes) is not revealed, although one might argue he did in fact fulfill it by writing of his travels through Hell.

Despite his description in-game, Antaeus was not in fact a titan, but simply a giant who was born of Poseidon and Rhea.

History

• In 0.28, Antaeus' realm, Cocytus, now prevents drinking potions. This has obvious effects on the fight itself.
• Prior to 0.14, Antaeus knew Bolt of Cold instead of Flash Freeze.

File:Santaeus.png

During the Christmas holiday of 2014 and 2015, Antaeus' home was changed from Cocytus to the North Pole, and he donned a festive hat, fur-lined loincloth, and sack full of (presumably) toys to celebrate. This had no effect on gameplay whatsoever.