Game:Vanitas

• Vanitas
• Gameplay
• Ventus-Vanitas
• Remnant
• Gallery
• Quotes

Oh no! The water! I'm in big trouble if I don't fetch it!
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The Masked Boy
Japanese	仮面の少年
Rōmaji	Kamen no Shōnen
Game	Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep
Variations • Ventus • Ventus-Vanitas • Vanitas Remnant
KHBBS tracks Battle theme - Enter the Darkness

Location		HP	EXP	Strength	Defense
Keyblade Graveyard		550	0	14	6
Physical	Fire	Blizzard	Thunder	Dark	Other
x1.0	x1.0	x1.0	x1.0	x1.0	x1.0
Stun	Freeze	Mini	Blind	Ignite	Confuse
x1.0	x1.0	x0	x0	x1.0	x0
Bind	Poison	Slow	Stop	Sleep	Death
x0	x1.0	x0	x0	x1.0	x0
Zero Gravity		Magnet		Warp
x1.0		x1.0		x0
Rewards
Maximum HP UP, Template:Dlink
World(s)
Keyblade Graveyard

Location		HP	EXP	Strength	Defense
Radiant Garden		550	0	14	6
Physical	Fire	Blizzard	Thunder	Dark	Other
x1.0	x1.0	x1.0	x1.0	x1.0	x1.0
Stun	Freeze	Mini	Blind	Ignite	Confuse
x1.0	x1.0	x0	x0	x1.0	x0
Bind	Poison	Slow	Stop	Sleep	Death
x0	x1.0	x0	x0	x1.0	x0
Zero Gravity		Magnet		Warp
x1.0		x1.0		x0
Rewards
Deck Capacity +1
World(s)
Radiant Garden

Vanitas
Japanese	ヴァニタス
Rōmaji	Vanitasu
Games	Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Kingdom Hearts III
Variations • Ventus • Ventus-Vanitas • Vanitas Remnant
KHBBS tracks Battle theme - Enter the Darkness Battle theme - Black Powder

Location		HP	EXP	Strength	Defense
Keyblade Graveyard		550	0	26	15
Physical	Fire	Blizzard	Thunder	Dark	Other
x1.0	x1.0	x1.0	x1.0	x1.0	x1.0
Stun	Freeze	Mini	Blind	Ignite	Confuse
x1.0	x1.0	x0	x0	x1.0	x0
Bind	Poison	Slow	Stop	Sleep	Death
x0	x1.0	x0	x0	x1.0	x0
Zero Gravity		Magnet		Warp
x1.0		x0		x0
Rewards
Maximum HP UP
World(s)
Keyblade Graveyard

Location		HP	EXP	Strength	Defense
Keyblade Graveyard		600	0	26	15
Physical	Fire	Blizzard	Thunder	Dark	Other
x1.0	x1.0	x1.0	x1.0	x1.0	x1.0
Stun	Freeze	Mini	Blind	Ignite	Confuse
x1.0	x0	x0	x0	x0	x0
Bind	Poison	Slow	Stop	Sleep	Death
x0	x0	x0	x0	x0	x0
Zero Gravity		Magnet		Warp
x0		x0		x0
Rewards
Maximum HP UP
World(s)
Keyblade Graveyard

Location		HP	EXP	Strength	Defense
Neverland		550	0	23	14
Physical	Fire	Blizzard	Thunder	Dark	Other
x1.0	x1.0	x1.0	x1.0	x1.0	x1.0
Stun	Freeze	Mini	Blind	Ignite	Confuse
x1.0	x1.0	x0	x0	x1.0	x0
Bind	Poison	Slow	Stop	Sleep	Death
x0	x1.0	x0	x0	x1.0	x0
Zero Gravity		Magnet		Warp
x1.0		x0		x0
Rewards
Maximum HP UP Ghost Drive, Template:Dlink, Pixie Petal
World(s)
Neverland

Location			HP		Strength			Defense			EXP
Land of Departure			2600		63			32			0
Keyblade Graveyard			2600		59			30			0
Physical	Fire		Blizzard			Thunder				Water
×1.0	×1.0		×1.0			×1.0				×1.0
Aero		Dark		Neutral					Rapid-fire
×1.0		×1.0		×1.0					×0.5
Freeze		Electrify		Stun					Hunny
✕		✕		✕					✕
Reaction Endurance		Revenge Value		Attraction Magnification					Damage Limit
0/5		6		—/×0.5					24
Rewards
Sora: Max MP +5 (Keyblade Graveyard)
World(s)
Land of Departure, Keyblade Graveyard

Vanitas
Japanese	ヴァニタス
Rōmaji	Vanitasu
Game	Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep
Variations • Ventus • Ventus-Vanitas • Vanitas Remnant
KHBBS tracks Battle theme - Unbreakable Chains

Location		HP	EXP	Strength	Defense
Keyblade Graveyard		700	0	26	15
Physical	Fire	Blizzard	Thunder	Dark	Other
x1.0	x1.0	x1.0	x1.0	x1.0	x1.0
Stun	Freeze	Mini	Blind	Ignite	Confuse
x0	x0	x0	x0	x0	x0
Bind	Poison	Slow	Stop	Sleep	Death
x0	x0	x0	x0	x0	x0
Zero Gravity		Magnet		Warp
x0		x0		x0
World(s)
Keyblade Graveyard

Vanitas makes his first appearance as a boss in Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep, fought by Terra, Aqua, and Ventus. While he only faces Terra as an aid to Master Xehanort during their final battle, he battles Ventus in hopes of making him stronger and with the goal of fusing with him in the end to create the χ-blade. Should Ventus fail to serve his purpose, he wishes to use Aqua as his backup plan. Vanitas appears as a boss six times in Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep.

Vanitas also appears as a boss in Kingdom Hearts III at the Land of Departure against Aqua in a bid to collect Ventus's body, and at the Keyblade Graveyard alongside Terra-Xehanort against Sora, Ventus, and Aqua.

In Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind, a data version of Vanitas is fought.

Abilities

• Continuous Slash (連続斬り, Renzokukiri)
• Warp Kirioroshi (ワープ斬り下ろし, Wāpu Kirioroshi)
• Dark Firaga (ダークファイガ, Dāku Faiga, lit. "Dark Figa")
• Dark Thundaga (ダークサンダガ, Dāku Sandaga)
• Shadow Dive (シャドウダイブ, Shadou Daibu)
• Keyblade Ride (キーブレードーライド, Kīburēdo Raidu)
• X-Discharge (Xディスチャージ, X-Disuchāji)
• Dark Splicer (ダークスプライサー, Dāku Supuraisā)
• Dark Spiral (ダークスパイラル, Dāku Supairaru)
• Dark Cannon (ダークキャノン, Dāku Kyanon)
• Ultimate Charge (アルティメットチャージ, Arutimetto Chāji)
• Grand Cross (グランドクロス , Gurando Kurosu)

Strategy

Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep

Terra's scenario

The only time Vanitas ever faces Terra in combat is during the final battle with Master Xehanort, during which Vanitas assists Master Xehanort in a battle against the young Keyblade wielder. During this battle, Terra has access to D-Links, Shotlocks, and Command Styles. While clearing this boss fight without the use of these special powers and abilities is quite possible, it is recommended that Terra instead make full use of them.

It is very important that Terra immediately go on the offensive against Vanitas at the start of the battle, as he has two powerful bosses attacking him simultaneously; fortunately, only Vanitas must be defeated to progress. Vanitas will not attack often and will mainly attempt to dodge the Terra's attacks, but certain abilities such as Chaos Rave will allow Terra to stay on him. When Vanitas vanishes, Slide out of the way; if Terra does not, he will fall victim to an downward strike from Vanitas with his Keyblade. When Vanitas sinks into the ground, only visible by a moving pool of darkness, immediately chain Slides together. Otherwise, Terra will be bombarded with fireballs as the boss reemerges. Vanitas may leap into the air bombarding Terra with dark lightning, or he even may shoot a single, large fireball that later splits into three homing ones. Slide can be used to dodge these attacks, as well.

Once enough HP has been depleted from Vanitas, the battle will automatically end, regardless of how much of it currently remains. However, remember that Master Xehanort is also present during the battle, and he may strike Terra with his Keyblade or shoot a long-range, dark Blizzard spell in his direction. Master Xehanort may also combine the two attacks, assaulting Terra with a fast-paced physical combo and ending it with a Blizzard spell that can freeze Terra, leaving him open to both Vanitas and Master Xehanort's attacks.

Ventus's scenario

First battle

Vanitas first fights Ventus in a two-part boss battle after luring him to the Keyblade Graveyard. The first will end only once enough HP has been depleted from Vanitas, the second beginning soon afterwards. However, in the second part of the battle, Ventus has the assistance of King Mickey. He will also have access to Shotlocks, Command Styles, and D-Links, increasing the easiness of winning the battle along with Ventus's normal abilities.

Vanitas at first challenges Ventus with the goal of testing his power. During the first part of the two-part battle, Ventus should go on the offensive while also following a hit-and-run strategy, using both physical and magical attacks in a balanced manner before fleeing Vanitas's close combat attacks. Vanitas may disappear during the battle, but Vent should immediately Dodge Roll, or he will fall victim to his downward strike if they do not dodge. The boss may also shoot a single, large fireball at Vent that will soon separate into three smaller, homing fireballs after traveling forward in the his direction. Dodge Roll again can be used to avoid this attack. If Vanitas leaps into the air, he may strike Ventus with a dark lightning attack, which has a relatively long range. Dodge Roll is recommended in terms of avoiding it. lastly, Vanitas may perform a simple two-hit physical combo, an attack easily dodged with Dodge Roll.

In terms of offensive tactics, Mine Square and Tornado are highly recommended for use, as they will deal great damage to the boss, as well as interrupt his attacks. Other good weaknesses to exploit are the boss's vulnerabilities to Magnet, Aero, and Gravity magic. Each of these spells temporarily hoist him into the air, leaving him open to major damage, although timing is key to successfully use these attacks on him. Note that this rule applies to all of his battles. Whatever physical attacks Ventus attempts should be the most powerful in his arsenal. Continuation to use powerful physical and magic attacks is the key to ending the first part of the two-part battle with ease and minimal damage.

Now that King Mickey has joined Ventus in his battle with his darkness, Vanitas is forced to eliminate them both. His HP will be the same as what it was depleted to in the first part of the battle, and will also use the same battle tactics. Ventus can follow the same strategies as in the last battle to defeat Vanitas this time. In terms of King Mickey fighting alongside Ventus, his physical attacks are strong, and there is no need to worry when his HP reaches 0. He will automatically revive himself in time. One major advantage to fighting with Mickey is that he will grant Ventus the usage of a powerful offensive ability, Burst of Faith. Again, continue using the same strategies as the first part of the battle, and take advantage of the King's presence.

Second battle

Ventus initiates the second battle with the embodiment of his darkness, after Vanitas had attempted to eliminate Aqua by ambushing her. His HP has not increased since the two-part battle, but Ventus no longer has King Mickey to aid him. By now, Ventus should not need his presence. The only thing Ventus needs to worry about would be the new attacks added to Vanitas's arsenal.

Vanitas will begin the battle by jumping onto a vortex of flying Keyblades. As he travels around the battlefield, he will cast dark Blizzard spells in Ventus's direction. These Blizzard spells have strong homing capabilities, but they can be dodged with relative ease. Fire Glide, Shotlocks, and other magic attacks can be used to make Vanitas fall from the flying Keyblades. If Ventus doesn't knock him off the Keyblade vortex, when returning to the ground, he will imbue the Void Gear with darkness, strengthening his attack power. Vanitas also may sink into the ground once he dismounts the Keyblade storm, visible only as a mobile pool of darkness. Vanitas will travel to Ventus's location, so Dodge Roll to prevent being hit by several fireballs. Note that he may perform this attack up to three times in a row.

Vanitas's other attacks are the same as those he used in the first encounter with him, save for his two-hit combo, which now adds a blue crescent-shaped wave of energy. Also, when he teleports behind Ventus, his downward strike now causes a large pillar of ice to erupt out of the ground. But they can be dodged the same way. As with the last battle, careful timing of Dodge Roll and a balanced use of physical and magic attacks are the key to winning this battle. However, it should be noted this battle can be won purely with Reprisals (Reversal Slash, Counter Rush, etc.) as almost all of his attacks can be countered this way.

Third battle

The final battle with Vanitas has come; Vanitas has entered Ventus's heart, fusing with him and creating an incomplete version of the χ-blade. This tremendous weapon has not only increased the strength of his attacks and changed those he can use, but his HP has also increased a great deal. Ventus has access to D-Links, Shotlocks, and Command Styles during this battle, so make full use of them.

Vanitas will first charge his weapon, surrounding it and himself in a damaging aura. The attack is indicated by the lines "Forge the χ-blade!", "What's yours is mine!", or "Show me anguish!" He will then proceed to lunge at Ventus with the massive weapon, slam the ground and create an X-shaped shockwave, perform another lunging slash, and even shoot a homing blast of energy in the shape of an "X" at Ventus. Dodge Roll can be used to avoid this attack. Note that if Vanitas is attacked while charging the χ-blade, the attack is cancelled, so Reversal Slash can be used to avoid damage altogether and cancel out the attack. The boss also still favors the dark lightning attack, and he still has the ability to vanish and appear behind Ventus. However, rather than performing a single, downward strike, Vanitas will use an attack called Dark Splicer, similar to Time Splicer, wherein he will slash Ventus multiple times while teleporting around him to attack from all sides. Dodge Roll until he stops or, a more preferable option, block his attack. This leaves the boss open to damage from Counter Rush.

Vanitas also may begin to utilize an attack called Dark Spiral, similar to Riku's Dark Aura, charging at Ventus at a fast pace multiple times, while the χ-blade cloaks him in dark energy. Dodge Roll can be used to avoid this. The attack can be predicted by the quotes "There's no escape!", or "Darkness waits!" While Ventus should continue to use a hit-and-run strategy, it is advised to use Tornado and Mine Square to interrupt Vanitas's combos while still dealing great damage to him. Physical attacks should not be used as the main offense, as this will open Ventus to Vanitas's attacks. Instead, utilize magic or other long-ranged attacks to the fullest.

It is impossible to fully deplete Vanitas's HP once Ventus deals an attack that should defeat him. Instead, Vanitas's HP will remain at 1, and he will then shatter the pillar on which he and Ventus are fighting on. Vanitas will then become a temporary D-Link, granting Ventus the attacks that are key to defeating him once and for all, which uses his own attacks against him. As the two Keyblade wielders float in a dark realm amidst shards of stained glass, Ventus can move to Vanitas's location and hit him with Dark Spiral or Dark Splicer. However, it is recommended to merely use Ventus's only available Shotlock, Dark Link. This will cause Vanitas to fire his own version of the attack, Dark Cannon, to counter. As the two beams of energy collide, rapidly tap a button or spin the analog stick to win the grapple. This method can also be done with the Dark Spiral and Dark Splicer attack. This must be repeated several times before the combo finisher, Last Word, can be activated. Once this is done, Ventus will surround Vanitas with three beams of crystallized light. He will then shatter them, defeating Vanitas once and for all. However, Ventus can miss when performing this attack, therefore timing is crucial.

Aqua's scenario

First battle

Vanitas first challenges Aqua in the Radiant Garden. While his attacks are the same as in the early battles of Ventus's scenario, keep in mind that Aqua favors magic, which calls for a change in strategy. Aqua has access to D-Links, Command Styles, and Shotlocks in this battle, and they should be used if possible to gain the upper hand in battle.

Aqua should go on the offensive while also following a hit-and-run strategy, using magical attacks as her primary source of dealing damage. Vanitas may disappear during the battle, so Aqua should immediately Cartwheel, or fall victim to his downward strike if she does not dodge the assault. Vanitas may also shoot a single, large fireball at Aqua that will soon separate into three smaller, homing fireballs after traveling forward in the her direction. Cartwheel again can be used to avoid this attack. If Vanitas leaps into the air, he may strike Aqua with a dark lightning attack, which has a relatively long range. Cartwheel is recommended in terms of avoiding it. Lastly, Vanitas may perform a simple two-hit physical combo, an attack easily dodged with Cartwheel. In terms of offensive tactics, Seeker Mine and Raging Storm are highly recommended for use, as they will deal great damage to the boss, also interrupting his attacks. The Sleep magic command works great as it inflicts sleep status, leaving Vanitas at Aqua's mercy. Whatever physical attacks Aqua attempts should be the most powerful in her arsenal.

Second battle

Vanitas next challenges Aqua in Neverland. Aqua has access to D-Links, Command Styles, and Shotlocks in this battle, and they should be used if possible to gain the upper hand in battle.

Aqua should go on the offensive while also following a hit-and-run strategy, using magical attacks as their primary source of dealing damage. Vanitas may disappear during the battle, so Aqua should immediately Cartwheel, or instead will fall victim to his downward strike. The boss may also shoot a single, large fireball at Aqua that will soon separate into three smaller, homing fireballs after traveling forward in the Aqua's direction. Cartwheel again can be used to avoid this attack. If Vanitas leaps into the air, he may strike Aqua with a dark lightning attack, which has a relatively long range. Cartwheel is recommended in terms of avoiding it. Vanitas may proceed to sink into the ground, visible only as a pool of darkness that will move to Aqua's location. Unless Aqua Cartwheels away, she will be hit by several fireballs. Lastly, Vanitas may perform a simple two-hit physical combo which now adds a homing, blue, crescent-shaped wave of energy, an attack easily dodged with Cartwheel. In terms of offensive tactics, Seeker Mine and Raging Storm are highly recommended for use, as they will deal great damage to the boss, also interrupting his attacks. Whatever physical attacks the Aqua attempts should be the most powerful in her arsenal.

Kingdom Hearts III

First battle

Aqua battles Vanitas at the Land of Departure. Unlike Sora, Aqua does not have the ability to switch Keyblades nor use Links. However, she does have access to Spellweaver, Shotlocks and Grand Magic.

Second battle

Vanitas's second and final battle occurs at the Keyblade Graveyard. Sora has Aqua and Ventus as party members, but Vanitas is also aided by Terra-Xehanort.

In this fight, Vanitas's attacks generally remain the same. He has a new desperation attack in which he summons a twister of Keyblades and rides on it, often barrelling into the party or firing blizzard shards, the latter of which can be guarded or even deflected back at Vanitas at the right angle. Eventually, Vanitas will guide the twister towards the center and surround himself with the Keyblades, often sending then groups at a time at Sora. Once this is done, he continues the fight as normal, though he does occasionally continue this attack.

Videos

Vanitas (Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep: Terra)	Vanitas I (Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep: Ventus)	Vanitas II (Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep: Ventus)
Vanitas I (Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep: Aqua)	Vanitas II (Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep: Aqua)	Vanitas I - Kingdom Hearts III
Vanitas II – Kingdom Hearts III