Plyusch in Atomic Heart: how to defeat the boss

In Atomic Heart, Ivy is one of the hardest bosses in the game, so many players are interested to know how to defeat him quickly. Luckily, there are some very effective tactics for dealing with this enemy, and we will detail them in this guide. We add that for killing this enemy they give the achievement "Splash".

Preparing for the fight with Ivy

You will encounter this enemy for the first time in a mission. "Trembling of the Earth", which takes place at VDNKh. We are talking about a creature consisting of a red polymer and possessing the brain of a fighting dog. Before heading down to find Clara's left arm, save and interact with Eleanor as you'll need certain abilities and weapons.

Ivy's Strengths and Weaknesses

Before considering the optimal equipment, let's figure out what the enemy has high resistance to and what he fears the most. It has a high resistance to firearms and electrical damage, so using Shock, as well as energy and ballistic weapons, is not practical (with a couple of exceptions described below).

At the same time, Ivy is vulnerable to melee weapons, as well as fire and explosive damage, so it makes sense to install fire cassettes on murder weapons, as well as use axes, clubs, knives or a grenade launcher (if available) in battle.

Skills and weapons

We advise you to invest neuropolymers in your movement first of all, so be sure to unlock such perks as "Morning Runs", "Second Wind" and "Slippery Type". They will speed up your movement, allow you to make two dashes in a row and make you invulnerable during such dodges. All this will greatly simplify the avoidance of enemy attacks.

Given the weaknesses of this enemy, we advise you to definitely take the Polymer Throw ability (unlock the Polymer Jet perk), which will significantly increase the elemental damage you deal (in our case, it will be fire). As for the second skill, you can take the Polymer Shield to repel attacks that you can’t dodge, or Massive Telekinesis (unlock the Power Boost perk) to stop the enemy for a while.

As for weapons, when using the first strategy with a firearm, take a pumped Kalash, and the second with cold weapons - pumped Pate or Asterisk (In their absence, an improved Fox will also do). Either way, be sure to bring fire cassettes (4-6 pieces are enough) and install them on the selected weapon.

Of course, you will also need first aid kits. Beginners are advised to take 7-9 medium capsules with a must, and veterans will need 4-5 pieces. Now you can go to the boss fight.

How to beat Ivy in Atomic Heart

Combat tactics using firearms

The safest way, as it will allow you to keep a safe distance from the mutant, most of whose attacks have a relatively short range, and still deal constant damage to him. So, pick up an improved Kalash and equip it with a fire cassette. Your inventory should look something like the image below.

After an enemy appears, immediately use the Polymer Jet on him, and then start firing fire cartridges. Thus, you will set it on fire, and you will deal increased damage. Now all you have to do is run away from the boss and keep him away from you by dashing and using Mass Telekinesis (you can lift the enemy, preventing him from running up to you).

At the same time, keep an eye on Ivy, as he moves quite quickly and can lunge in your direction, quickly reducing the distance between you. In addition, he has a very dangerous attack that can hit you even from afar - if you see a large orange circle appear on the screen, then immediately dodge to the side, otherwise the monster will grab you, after which a QTE scene will begin, where you will have to correctly press the keys to fight off the monster.

Note: On the pirated version (Dev Build), bugs quite often occur when Ivy grabs the player, because of which the keys that need to be pressed are not shown on the screen, so the grab attack often leads to the death of the character.

We add that if you fight Ivy on Polygon 9, then just climb onto the boxes on the right side of the room. Then climb onto the container and use telekinesis to lift the boss into the air. Now you can completely safely bombard him with fire cartridges.

Combat tactics using melee weapons

This strategy is more risky as you will have to stay close to the boss who has a lot of dangerous melee attacks. On the other hand, you will be able to finish the fight faster, especially if you have a high Pate or Asterisk (ideal to stay away from the monster and still deal significant damage) with a fire cassette

As in the previous tactic, first spray the enemy with polymer to deal more fire damage to them. Then take a melee weapon and hold down the charged strike button. Next, approach the enemy, wait for the start of his attack and dodge left twice to go behind the monster. Now hit him, dealing increased damage to him. Repeat these steps until the end.

If you don't want to completely abandon ranged weapons, then take the Dominator. The fact is that successful melee strikes will quickly recharge energy weapons. As a result, you will be able to shoot Ivy with electric spheres (alternate shooting mode), which will deal a lot of damage to him.

Of course, not everyone can be perfect at dodging enemy attacks, especially in the absence of the necessary perks. In this case, we advise you to simply run around the glass flasks, preventing the enemy from approaching you. This way you can safely shoot him or go behind his back and attack.

You can also try to reduce the opponent's speed using the Chill ability. Although you won't deal much damage to him, you will slow him down considerably, so it will be easier for you to attack him from the rear. True, when using the ice skill, you will most likely put out the fire.