Ah, the Lost Kin. For many a brave soul venturing through Hallownest, this particular encounter is less about finding a treasure and more about facing a spectral echo of a past tragedy. It's a fight that truly tests your mettle, and if you're wondering where this formidable foe resides, you're not alone. The Lost Kin isn't just lurking around any old corner; it's a hidden boss, a Dream variant of the Broken Vessel, and significantly more challenging.
So, where do you go to confront this spectral adversary? The path to the Lost Kin leads you to the Ancient Basin. Specifically, you'll need to find the area where the Broken Vessel was originally encountered. It's within this very same location, a place steeped in sorrow and memory, that the Dream version of the boss awaits. Think of it as a spiritual echo, a more potent manifestation of the original's plight.
This isn't a simple boss fight, mind you. The Lost Kin is a souped-up version of the Broken Vessel, boasting increased speed and a more aggressive attack pattern. It's like the original, but on a caffeine rush and with a serious case of the jitters. You'll notice its attacks are much faster, and some of its moves, like the Aerial Slash and Leap, are executed with a dizzying swiftness. The Slam attack now unleashes six blobs of Infection instead of four, and the Balloon attack, which can be a real nuisance, happens at much quicker intervals.
Dealing with those Infected Balloons is often the trickiest part. They spawn so rapidly that healing can feel like a pipe dream. And let's not forget the risk of taking unnecessary damage just trying to dodge the Lost Kin itself while also avoiding these airborne hazards.
Now, if you're looking for some tips to make this encounter a little less… well, lost, there are a few things that can help. The Defender's Crest Charm is a lifesaver here. Its damaging aura around the Knight can clear out those pesky Infected Balloons, giving you precious moments to heal. Other area-of-effect Charms like Thorns of Agony and Spore Shroom can also be incredibly useful for dealing with groups of them. For those who prefer a more defensive approach, combining Baldur Shell with Thorns of Agony can be quite effective.
Interestingly, the Lost Kin tends to jump around a lot, and those balloons often appear in the air. Staying on the ground can sometimes be your best bet. And don't underestimate the power of spells! The Vengeful Spirit / Shade Soul Spell, especially when paired with the Shaman Stone Charm, can be great for pushing the Lost Kin back and dealing damage. Cyclone Slash is another solid choice for forcing it away while inflicting good damage. Desolate Dive / Descending Dark is a fantastic all-rounder, offering invincibility frames and the range to clear balloons. The constant stream of balloons also means you can build up SOUL quickly for aggressive spell use, which is a boon when healing opportunities are scarce.
And a little something to remember: unlike other Dream Bosses, if you fall in battle against the Lost Kin, you don't actually die. You're simply returned, a bit bruised but not broken, ready to try again. It's a tough fight, for sure, but with the right preparation and a bit of persistence, you'll eventually overcome this spectral challenge in the Ancient Basin.
