Demon Balthazar

***Information on this page is checked and up to date with the current version v.780.***

## Stats

### Version debuted

Version 728

A *Reaper* from the world of the dead offers you a hunting contract to subdue some of the most fearful monsters that escape the underworld. Demon Balthazar is the first on the commissioned quest during the Halloween Event 2022 that the protagonist must defeat.

To participate in this hunt, survivors must buy the contract from the *Reaper* first with Gold Coins and only then can you proceed with this quest.

Once again, the demon reappeared during the 2023 Halloween Event.

**Description:**

*" Cultists are summoning the Demon Balthazar in order to serve him. He rewards them with Gifts of such power that a human who assimilated all of them could challenge the Demon himself. "*
* x~~600~~ or 300 from Halloween Event 2023

* x100 from Halloween Event 2022

## **Encounter**

Actions: Make a robe
 I can barely call this a robe, but it will have to do-there's no time to fix it. If I stick to the shadows, hopefully nobody will notice.

 The bouncer guarding the entrance didn't let me pass: *"Stop! That's a great robe you've got there, brother, but you have to leave a donation before you can enter. I'll accept vodka or a candle."*

 *"If only we were all as brave and faithful acolytes as you are, brother. Come on through."*

 Othe cultists were already crowding inside the barn. While I was making my through them, someone tapped me on the shoulder and whispered, *"Awesome robe, brother, respect."*

 In the center was a shining pentagram with the silhouette of the Demon in it. Once everybody had arrived, the leader began his speech.

 *"The awakening of our lord requires a blood sacrifice. According to tradition, we shall sacrifice the most faithful servant among us-the one who came in the best robe. Brothers and sisters, show them to me!"* After those words, the entire crowd turned to me.

 *"It will give you the powers of the Demon. And the eye of Balthazar, chained inside it, will let you consume the souls of your enemies to get stronger."*

 *"You will come across fearsome opponents, so you will have to increase your Demon level as you progress. I already have a second contract for you, by the way."*

 *"Oh, I almost forgot. I've got something for sale. Take a peek-it'll come in handy."*

Actions: *"Got it."*

## **Enemies**

*Note that stat values for enemies are based upon player level, and the stats given are the stats when player level is 100.*

## **Strategy**

For low-level players, (this was done with level 37), it is advised to have a wolf pet, with the taunt attack. Using a B-Injector is a great substitute for other food buffs, and a PPS-43 is a suitable weapon, along with the gift of strength perks. Using Summon Witch scrolls are also useful, and having 5 or more witches will flood the battlefield with allied unkillable devils, making it so after the first ranged AOE attack, the Demon Balthazar cannot reach the player, while the player can still shoot using the PPS-43. The one downside to this is that with so many devils and witches, the more there are, the longer it takes to get to your turn, as every single devil and witch will try to hurt the Demon Balthazar, and move, but doing no damage to it.

Strategy explained below may not apply to most survivors but has been effective in completing this quest based on the collective experiences of players online. This strategy will be based on the stats of high-leveled players and may not be applicable for low-to-mid leveled players.

For this fight, it is imperative that all the *Cultists* must be defeated prior to the awakening of the demon. This boss can instantly defeat you either by a long range flame attack or melee attack.

* Firearms that provide high raw damage such Sipuha, SVD, PKM, Abakan, DP- 27, Armorpiercer are a must to have.
* Food buffs that offers *Tactic, Training*, or *Dodge Effect* such as Mushroom Soup, Pizza, Ukha, Snake Snack, etc., will be very helpful in surviving through the battle.
* Battle Perks such as *Training, Strategy, Tactic, Executioner, Lucky Devil, Jack be Nimble,* and weapon perks that are on maximum level offers you a greater chance of defeating the demon.
* Polar Armor, Ghillie Suit, and Demon Mask may also help increase chances of winning.
* Wolf Pet for distraction.
* Use of Summoning Scrolls or Snowman Balls.

The tactic here is that upon defeating each *Cultist,* their individual buffs/abilities will be transferred to the closest unit no matter if its a friend or foe. The goal is to obtain these buffs so you can increase your damage output when battling against the demon after waking up on its passive sleep state.

To obtain these buffs, the survivor MUST be at close proximity when defeating each *Cultist.* Prioritize on obtaining the  Gift of Strength first as this will enable you to swiftly eliminate other *Cultists* as your damage scales further high.

When the demon awakens, use a high-caliber firearm such as PKM to dish out the first round of damage. After your end turns, command your Wolf Pet to *Taunt* the demon to switch its aggro. Your pet companion will be sacrificed on the second round. Similarly, summoned creatures can also be a form of distraction to the boss enemy.

After that, get as close to the demon as possible and counterattack. From this point on, the demon will use melee attack after using its first AOE flame shot, an attack that guarantees instant death. With a high enough dodge chance and a perk that grants you immunity to death, you will have the chance to barrage the boss with firearms and that should enable you to win this battle.

### Alternatives

Speed Walker perk in conjunction with speed-based Food buff is also another trick to win this battle. Having more speed means you are able to better position yourself in the map while avoiding close-range fight with the demon. Avoid going into battle with injuries or health issues to maximise your chances of surviving.

Any type of sniper rifle weapons with a *Nobody Leaves* perk might not be suitable in this battle as prematurely eliminating *Cultist* will only ruin the strategy of collecting buffs. Always think ahead and be wise on your strategy as it only takes one mishap to ruin the whole game.

## **Notes**

* Survivors who has played though the story with contracts on year 2022 will have the cost of contracts significantly reduced. Instead of old rewards that survivors already had, they will receive loots of various forms.
* Demon Balthazar's damage was reduced, all modes of damage is also ineffective to the demon while sleeping on version 729.
* This event first appeared on version 728.