Persona 3 Reload: Heretic Magus & Grievous Table Weaknesses (How to Beat)

When scaling the massive Tartarus Labyrinth in Persona 3 Reload, players will encounter several large and small boss encounters that test their limits. These fights work as gatekeepers, ensuring that the party is prepared to face the increasing danger of the floors that follow. Many of these encounters provide some of Persona 3 Reload‘s toughest challenges, especially early in the game, when players are still learning the ropes.

The Heretic Magus and Grievous Table fight is a perfect example of this encounter type. If done early, this battle will be one of the last major tests of the party as a trio, and as such, is meant to push it as far as possible. As the first of P3R‘s back-to-back boss fight encounters, players must be adequately equipped before jumping in. This guide will help players do just that.

While it is not necessary, if players struggle to complete this fight, it is possible to wait until Akihiko’s return to the party on May 23rd. However, if players follow the strategy outlined in this guide, it is still possible to complete as one of the last fights as a three-member party. Waiting may be a more logical option for players utilizing

Persona 3 Reload’s

highest difficulty options
.

What is the Heretic Magus’ Weakness in Persona 3 Reload?

Heretic Magus’ Weakness is Electricity

• Heretic Magus is weak to any Electricity spell.
• In the early-game, the best option for spells will be Zio, which deals weak electric damage to 1 foe.
• Several early-game Personas include the Zio spell, including Lilim (base) and Pixie (level 4).

What is Grievous Table’s Weakness in Persona 3 Reload?

Grievous Table’s Weakness is Ice

• Grievous Table is weak to any ice-based spell. In the early-game, the Bufu spell will be the easiest to acquire.
• While none of the party have Personas that begin the game with Bufu, the player character can acquire multiple Personas that have ice-based abilities. Absaras, Silky, and Forneus will likely come up as Persona cards during Shuffle Time. Make sure to grab at least one, as many shadows in Tartarus are weak to Ice.

Another way to acquire new Personas is by using
Persona 3 Reload
‘s
Fuse
ability in the Velvet Room. The player can find an entrance to the Velvet Room under the stairs at
Paulownia Mall
. This is one of the best ways to get high-level Personas, and also helps free up space for new Personas.

How to Beat Heretic Magus and Grievous Tables in Persona 3 Reload

Players will encounter this boss duo near the end of the Arqa Region. They are the first of two back-to-back mini-boss encounters that players face while making their way up. This fight can be considerably more challenging than earlier mini-boss encounters, as only one member of the party will have a way to target enemy weaknesses.

Before starting this fight, make sure to recover as much HP and SP as possible. One option is using the
Two-Way Teleporter
to return to the entrance and use

P3R
‘s
Clock
mechanic
. This costs
seven Twilight Fragments,
and refills the entire party’s HP and SP.

Player Character General Strategy:

• The player character will be the most important tool in this fight, as they must ensure they have Personas with both Ice and Electricity attacks. Yukari and Junpei do not have the correct spells.
• Using weaknesses to trigger the ‘One More’ mechanic is incredibly important here, because the player should aim for an All-Out Attack on every one of their turns. With this in mind, the only real strategy for the player here is to attack both Grievous Tables with an Ice spell, and the Heretic Magus with an Electricity spell. If done correctly, an All-Out attack will follow every time.

Yukari General Strategy:

• Yukari should serve as support in this fight, providing healing, buffs, and debuffs. Her Persona, Io, will eventually unlock the Sukunda spell, which decreases enemy accuracy and evasion for 3 rounds. This can be hugely beneficial when it comes to ensuring the player character does not miss when aiming for a weakness.
• Yukari should also maintain the party’s HP levels, using Dia and Media when necessary.

Junpei General Strategy:

• Junpei can act as a bit of a wildcard in this fight. Using his Persona-based physical attacks like Vacuum Slash is a good option, but make sure to keep an eye on his HP, remembering that these attacks cost HP instead of SP.
• Junpei can also use Items, which the party is likely to have stockpiled at this point. He can be used for backup healing, clearing poisoning or other status ailments, etc. His role is the most fluid, as he can be used in any way. Just make sure not to waste his Fire-attack on the Grievous Tables, ​​​​​​​as they are completely immune.

For many players, the most dangerous attack they will face is the
Grievous Table’s Poison attack
. Combined with the Magus’ defense debuffs, this can take the party out incredibly quickly. A great option is to stock up on

Dis-Poison
from the

Aohige Pharmacy

at
Paulownia Mall
.