How to Vanquish General Hemlock in Dead Rising 3: A Comprehensive Guide
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Beating General John Hemlock, the main antagonist and final psychopath in Dead Rising 3, is no easy feat. This final boss fight requires both strategy and skill. Unlike your average zombie horde, Hemlock presents a unique challenge, combining aerial assaults and direct combat. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to overcome him:
The Strategy: Platforming and Power
The key to defeating Hemlock lies in utilizing the environment and mastering his attack patterns. The fight is divided into phases, each requiring a slightly different approach. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Initial Setup: The battle begins in a large open area with platforms and debris scattered around. DO NOT STAY ON THE GROUND FLOOR. Hemlock’s attacks are devastating at ground level. Immediately upon starting the fight, look for items that you can use as melee weapons, like pipes, wrenches, or even traffic cones.
- Ascend to the Platforms: Quickly climb onto the nearest platform and stay there. This is crucial. Hemlock will initially bombard you with ranged attacks from his helicopter. Being on the higher level allows you to dodge them more effectively.
- Heavy Attacks are Key: Once you are on a platform, wait for Hemlock to land. When he does, rush in and unleash a powerful heavy attack (Y+B on Xbox) on him with any melee weapon you acquired. This will stagger him momentarily, giving you a window to land several additional hits.
- Exploit the Y+B Combo: After your heavy attack, the game will usually prompt a Y+B combo. Use this as much as possible, this will do substantial damage.
- Rinse and Repeat: After landing a few hits, Hemlock will take flight again. Return to higher platform and wait for his next landing, repeating steps 3 & 4. The cycle of platforming, heavy attacks, and Y+B combos will wear him down.
- Avoid his Ranged Attacks: While airborne, Hemlock will fire at you. Keep moving and avoid standing still, use the platforming to your advantage.
- Don’t Linger Below: When Hemlock lands and you’re not already on a platform, his ground attacks can wreck you. Avoid this by staying on the platforms at all times if possible.
- Be Patient: The fight isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. Don’t try to take unnecessary risks. Focus on dodging, climbing and landing your heavy attacks efficiently. This consistent approach will ultimately lead to Hemlock’s demise.
- Utilize Combo Weapons if Available: While regular melee weapons are sufficient, using powerful combo weapons like the Electrofire or the Ultimate Grim Reaper can speed up the fight considerably. If you have any in your inventory, use them wisely.
Key Tips for the Hemlock Fight:
- Stock Up: Make sure you have a full inventory of health items before starting the fight. Having extra health will allow you to recover from any mistakes made during the battle.
- Environment Awareness: Keep an eye on the surrounding environment, use platforms to your advantage.
- Practice Dodging: Perfecting your dodging skills is crucial for this fight. It will help you avoid both Hemlock’s ranged attacks and ground-based assaults.
- Save Regularly: Saving regularly will prevent you from having to repeat large sections of the game if you fail the Hemlock fight. This will help you try different tactics as well.
By following these strategies and staying patient, you’ll be able to bring down General Hemlock and complete Dead Rising 3.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is General John Hemlock in Dead Rising 3?
General John Hemlock is the main antagonist and final psychopath in Dead Rising 3. He’s a military figure deeply involved in the zombie outbreak in Los Perdidos and seeks to cover up the truth behind it. He’s also the final boss.
2. Where does the fight with Hemlock take place?
The final battle with General Hemlock occurs at the Paradise Platinum Screens in Ingleton. This is the final area before the conclusion of the game.
3. Can I use ranged weapons against Hemlock?
While ranged weapons can work to an extent, melee combat using heavy attacks and Y+B combos is the most effective method for defeating Hemlock, especially in the final phase of the fight.
4. What are Hemlock’s main attack patterns?
Hemlock attacks from his helicopter with ranged fire, then lands on the ground for close quarters combat. While on the ground he has two different attack patterns depending if you are above or below him. If you’re below him he will often perform devastating ground attacks. If you are on a platform he often leaves himself open for a melee attack.
5. Are combo weapons beneficial in the Hemlock fight?
Yes, combo weapons like the Electrofire, Ultimate Grim Reaper or any high damage melee combo are highly beneficial for dealing significant damage to Hemlock. They can shorten the fight considerably.
6. What happens if I fail to defeat Hemlock?
If you fail to defeat Hemlock, you will be given a game over screen and will need to reload from your last save point. That is why saving frequently is so important.
7. Is there any way to avoid the helicopter phase?
No, the helicopter phase is part of the scripted fight with Hemlock and cannot be skipped. You must endure his aerial attacks while using the platforms to your advantage.
8. Can you use vehicles during the Hemlock fight?
No, vehicles are not available for use during the Hemlock boss fight. The battle takes place in an area that prevents vehicles from entering. The use of platforms is essential.
9. What’s the best strategy for dealing with Hemlock’s minions?
During the initial phases, you may encounter Hemlock’s drones. These are simple to kill and are not the main concern. Focus on taking them out while positioning yourself for Hemlock’s next appearance.
10. Do health items carry over into the Hemlock battle?
Yes, health items carry over into the Hemlock battle. It’s wise to stock up before the fight to ensure you can heal if necessary.
11. How long does the Hemlock fight typically take?
The Hemlock fight can take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes depending on your skill level, weapon choices, and ability to maintain the correct strategy.
12. Is Nick Ramos immune to the zombie virus?
Yes, Nick Ramos is revealed to be immune to the virus due to an experiment that was performed on him as a child by Carlito Keyes.
13. Is it necessary to kill all the Harvester Drones before fighting Hemlock directly?
You need to eliminate a certain number of drones before chasing after Hemlock. It’s not necessary to kill every drone, but progressing the story requires you to eliminate waves of drones.
14. Is there a specific ending tied to beating Hemlock?
Yes, the successful completion of the Hemlock fight is necessary to achieve the true “S” ending of Dead Rising 3.
15. Are there any other notable bosses in Dead Rising 3?
Yes, aside from General Hemlock, Dead Rising 3 has a variety of psychopaths such as Hilde Schmittendorf, the security chief and other “sin” bosses such as Darlene.
By understanding these tactics, strategies and frequently asked questions, you are now well-equipped to take on General Hemlock and see the end of Dead Rising 3! Good luck and happy zombie hunting!