HFW Ultimate Arena Guide | Ultra Hard — Level 4: Rematch

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This is the first locked-loadout challenge in the Arena, and the first real test for most players. Unfortunately, the nature of these challenges is such that you need to work with the tools you're given—and in this case, that means you need to get comfortable with the shredder gauntlet. For tips about making the best use of shredders, check out the Shredder Master Class video from Arktix:    • Shredder Gauntlet Master Class | Hori...  

The Burning Shores (patch 1.19) introduced a subtle change to the locked-loadout levels of the Arena: We now have full valor before the fight begins. If you are playing on PS4 or on an earlier patch, check out my previous guide to this level:    • HFW Arena | Comprehensive Guide | Lev...  

There is no use for the Volatile Sludge that you have in your inventory, so you can feel free to use it to make Elite Purgewater Traps on the platform. You should also ensure that you have your quick swap set to toggle between Piercing Shredders and Frost Light Arrows.

As soon as you drop into the Arena, use your Elemental Fury valor surge. This will enable you to freeze the snake relatively quickly, and will dramatically prolong the amount of time it stays frozen. As soon as it's frozen, throw Piercing Shredders at the Slitherfang targeting the body—ideally near the point where it touches the ground. Don’t worry about aiming for the head. Hitting the middle third of the Slitherfang enables you to build up to a knockdown.

You should be able to get a knockdown relatively quickly so long as you are able to successfully juggle shredders. While the Slitherfang is on the ground, I like to aim for either the Earthgrinders or the Coil Blasters on the tail (removing them will stop lots of the most annoying shock attacks).

Once the brittle state expires, use a smoke bomb to escape detection. Immediately place all three Elite Purgewater Traps and run away from the machine. You should be able to lure it into the traps, which will cause it to become drenched (again, disabling the shock attacks) and earn you a significant chunk of valor.

When you have enough valor to activate your surge again, do so and re-freeze the snake. Continue to throw Piercing Shredders at the body to get knockdowns.

A few additional notes:
- Make sure you don't explode sac on the snake's neck while it is brittle—you want it to remain brittle as long as possible. Only target that weakpoint when the brittle state is about to expire.
- You have another smoke bomb if at any point you need a breather.
It’s a good idea to use the Triple Shredder weapon technique as your first throw in each cycle. However, after you have caught a shredder, make sure to complete the rest of the throws normally. Using Triple Shredder always resets your throw streak, which will prevent you from reaching the high damage that you get from the third and fourth throws.
- The only other outlet for stamina is to use the weapon technique on your warrior bow; this should help you freeze the snake slightly faster.
- On lower difficulties, you can take advantage of the Slitherfang’s weakness to plasma. Use the plasma bolts on the boltblaster and the Propelled Spike technique on the provided spike thrower to create massive plasma explosions.

As long as you are able to stay alive and consistently throw and catch your shredders without too many misses, you should have no problem completing the level within the time limit.

Tip: If you are used to playing stealth, you may want to use the Staggerbeams to help manage space in the Arena.