How to Defeat All Colossi in Shadow of the Colossus

11 July 2025

Alright, so you've decided to tackle Shadow of the Colossus. First off, let me just say—respect. This game isn’t your typical hack-and-slash or "kill-everything-that-moves" kind of deal. It’s an emotional rollercoaster wrapped in one of the most beautiful landscapes gaming has ever seen. And the colossi? They’re not just bosses; they're monumental puzzles that test your patience, skill, and creativity.

But hey, you’re here because you want to know how to beat each of these towering giants, right? No worries—I’ve got your back. Let’s dive right into how to defeat all 16 colossi without pulling your hair out.

Colossus #1: Valus (The Minotaur)

This guy is your introduction to the game, and honestly, he’s the easiest. Valus is like that overly friendly dog that just wants to play—but instead of fetch, he’s got a giant club.

How to Beat Him:

1. Start by running up to Valus. Don’t worry, he’s slow as molasses.
2. Notice the furry patches on his leg—that’s your ticket to climbing him.
3. Use your bow to shoot his leg. Once he kneels, latch onto that furry patch and climb up like you’re Spider-Man with fur allergies.
4. Your goal is the glowing sigil on his head. Stab that with your sword a couple of times, and boom—down he goes.

Colossus #2: Quadratus (The Mammoth)

Quadratus is like Valus’ bigger, more aggressive cousin. It’s a massive four-legged beast that looks like it wandered out of prehistoric times.

How to Beat Him:

1. Stand in front of him and bait him into lifting one of his front legs.
2. When he does, shoot the glowing underside of his foot. Repeat for both front legs.
3. After he falls to his knees, climb up his furry leg and head toward his weak spots—there’s one on his back and another on his head.

Pro Tip: Stay patient. Quadratus is slow but can still crush you if you’re careless.

Colossus #3: Gaius (The Knight)

Now things are getting serious. Gaius wields a giant stone sword and isn’t afraid to use it. He’s like that one boss in every game that teaches you not to get cocky.

How to Beat Him:

1. Run to the circular platform in the middle of the arena and bait Gaius into smashing it with his sword.
2. Once the sword is stuck, use it as a ramp to climb onto his arm.
3. Make your way to the weak spots—one’s on his stomach and the other’s on his head.
4. Stay on your toes because Gaius likes to shake violently to toss you off.

Colossus #4: Phaedra (The Horse)

Phaedra is a towering horse-like colossus that’s all about strategy. Charging head-on at this guy is a recipe for disaster.

How to Beat Him:

1. Lead Phaedra to one of the small underground tunnels in the area.
2. Hide in the tunnels until Phaedra lowers its giant head to investigate.
3. Sneak out behind him, climb onto his long furry tail, and head for the weak spot on his back.

Colossus #5: Avion (The Bird)

Ok, now things get intense. Avion is a flying colossus, so this fight feels more like an aerial rodeo than anything else.

How to Beat Him:

1. Swim to the platform in the middle of the lake to get Avion’s attention.
2. When he swoops down, jump onto one of his wings—it’s all about timing here.
3. Climb up toward the sigils on his wings and tail. Stab those while holding on for dear life because this bird is going to try to shake you off constantly.

Colossus #6: Barba (The Beard)

Barba is a giant humanoid colossus with a beard so epic it deserves its own shampoo commercial. The challenge is figuring out how to get onto this walking fortress.

How to Beat Him:

1. Lure Barba to one of the lower platforms in the area.
2. When he leans down to peek at you, grab onto his beard and climb up.
3. Make your way to the glowing sigils on his back and head.

Colossus #7: Hydrus (The Electric Eel)

Welcome to the underwater level! Hydrus, the eel colossus, is guaranteed to make you reconsider your love for swimming.

How to Beat Him:

1. Swim toward Hydrus and grab onto the glowing tail when it surfaces.
2. Climb past the electrified spines while avoiding their shocks.
3. Stab the glowing sigils on its back and head.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on your stamina bar—Hydrus loves to dive deep, so you’ll need to hold on tight.

Colossus #8: Kuromori (The Gecko)

Kuromori is a lizard-like colossus that climbs walls and spits poisonous gas. Think of it as the game’s way of saying, “You can’t hide.”

How to Beat Him:

1. Use your bow to shoot the glowing legs, forcing Kuromori to fall.
2. Once he’s on the ground, climb onto his back and stab the sigils.

Colossus #9: Basaran (The Turtle)

Basaran is a giant turtle colossus with a lava-cannon hobby. He’s slow but deadly.

How to Beat Him:

1. Lure Basaran to one of the geysers in the area.
2. Wait for the geyser to knock him over.
3. Climb onto his exposed belly and attack the glowing sigil.

Colossus #10: Dirge (The Sand Snake)

Think fighting a snake is scary? Try doing it while it's swimming through a sea of sand. Fun times.

How to Beat Him:

1. Ride your horse, Agro, and keep your distance.
2. Use your bow to shoot Dirge in the eye when it chases you.
3. After it's stunned, climb onto its back and stab the sigils.

Colossus #11: Celosia (The Bull)

Celosia is one of the smaller colossi, but don’t let that fool you. It’s fast, aggressive, and will absolutely wreck your day if you’re not careful.

How to Beat Him:

1. Use a flame to scare Celosia toward the cliff edge.
2. When it falls, climb onto its back and attack the sigil.

Colossus #12: Pelagia (The Monk)

Pelagia is a water-based colossus with a weird glowing head that looks like a platform. Spoiler: it’s not friendly.

How to Beat Him:

1. Swim to one of the platforms and bait Pelagia to attack.
2. Climb onto its head and use its tusks to steer it toward a platform with sigils.
3. Once it’s close, stab the sigils.

Colossus #13: Phalanx (The Sand Dragon)

Phalanx is a majestic flying sand dragon that you almost feel bad for taking down. Almost.

How to Beat Him:

1. Use your bow to shoot the glowing air sacs to ground him.
2. Once he’s grounded, ride Agro and jump onto his wings.
3. Climb toward the sigils on his back and stab away.

Colossus #14: Cenobia (The Lion)

Cenobia is like Celosia’s angrier sibling. It’s small, fast, and relentless.

How to Beat Him:

1. Lead Cenobia to the broken pillars in the area.
2. Use the pillars to climb up to safety.
3. Jump onto Cenobia’s back and attack its sigil.

Colossus #15: Argus (The Warrior)

Argus is a hulking humanoid colossus that feels like fighting a skyscraper with legs.

How to Beat Him:

1. Lure Argus to the stone platforms and bait him into smashing them.
2. Use the broken pieces to climb up onto his arm.
3. Make your way to the sigils on his head and chest.

Colossus #16: Malus (The Final Boss)

This is it—the grand finale. Malus is less of a boss and more of a fortress. Getting to him is half the battle.

How to Beat Him:

1. Use cover to avoid the fireballs Malus shoots at you.
2. Climb the massive structure to reach Malus’ body.
3. Attack the glowing sigils on his arms, chest, and head.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it—how to defeat all the colossi in Shadow of the Colossus! Each one is a mix of puzzle-solving, strategy, and pure determination. Remember, the game isn’t just about conquering these giants—it’s about the journey, the atmosphere, and the bittersweet story that unfolds as you progress. So take your time, enjoy the view, and watch your stamina bar!