Balachko Clone Guide: How to Identify Real Boss (No-Hit)

Balachko Boss Overview

Balachko is a Fatui Pyro Agent west of Sanctum of Rainbow Spirits Domain in Toyac Springs, Natlan (Version 5.0). At Level 90:

• HP: 1,291,090
• ATK: 19,031
• DEF: 950

Access requires two Keys to Somewhere to unlock the gate—one hangs on a rope, the other sits in a metal cage nearby.

Balachko has permanent stealth granting 300% RES to all damage when invisible. Attack only during vulnerability windows. Drops one Non-Elemental Orb at 66%, 33%, and 0% HP. Respawns daily at server reset (04:00). Has exploitable weak point during attack animations.

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Shadowblade Tactics Clone Mechanics

Shadowblade Tactics summons up to 6 clones simultaneously, creating visual chaos with synchronized movements. This phase is the primary challenge for Shadowblade Tactics and Shadows Like Blades Deepening achievements (Tier 2 Duelist: Series I).

Damage Values:

• Fake clones: 50% ATK Physical DMG (spinning knives)
• Real Balachko: 80% ATK Pyro DMG (spinning knives)
• Fake clone explosion: 100% ATK Pyro DMG (when defeated)

Clone Ward Protection:

• Requires 6 GU Pyro or 12 GU other elements to break
• Protects both real boss and clones
• Balance shield-breaking with identification accuracy

Phase duration varies by damage output and elemental application. Faster identification = shorter phase = less multi-directional attacks.

Identifying the Real Balachko: Visual Cues

Primary Method: Weapon Element

• Real Balachko: Pyro blade with visible flame effects
• Fake clones: Physical blades, no elemental infusion

Secondary Method: Projectiles

• Real Balachko: Flaming Shurikens with fire trails (Pyro damage)
• Fake clones: Physical damage projectiles

Behavioral Differences:

• Real Balachko: Continuous aggro tracking, adjusts facing to player movement
• Fake clones: Predetermined patterns, no dynamic targeting

Attack Damage (Real Balachko):

• Thrust: 100% ATK Pyro DMG
• Shadow Strike: 100% ATK Pyro DMG
• Blade Ablaze: 50% ATK Pyro DMG per strike + 85% ATK final strike

Advanced Identification Techniques

Camera Lock-On: Lock onto boss before Shadowblade Tactics to maintain focus on real target. Works best with pre-phase positioning awareness.

Elemental Reaction Testing:

Apply Electro to stun Balachko—creates visible reaction indicators only on real boss. Fake clones don't generate reaction particles or visual effects. Avoid Pyro attacks (minimal reaction feedback).

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Animation Frame Analysis:

• Real Balachko: Complete attack cycles (wind-up, execution, recovery)
• Fake clones: Truncated animations or looped sequences

Elemental Aura Persistence:

• Real Balachko: Consistent Pyro aura during vulnerability windows
• Fake clones: No persistent elemental indicators

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Indiscriminate Attacking: Attacking all clones triggers fake clone explosions (100% ATK Pyro DMG), ruining no-hit runs. Shadowblade Tactics achievement requires defeating no targets besides original body.

Poor Pre-Phase Positioning: Establish clear visual markers and distance before Shadowblade Tactics. Close-range engagement = lost tracking amid overlapping models.

Panic Attacking: Pause during clone phase initiation to identify real Balachko before committing to damage. Don't rely solely on damage numbers—combat log delay makes this unreliable.

Optimal Team Compositions

Electro Characters (Best):

• Provide stun effects interrupting attack chains
• Rapid Electro application = maximum stun frequency
• Pair with high burst damage dealers for quick phase transitions

Shield Characters: Offer safety margins while learning identification. Shields allow damage absorption without health loss, building confidence during practice.

Elemental Synergies:

• Overload (Electro-Pyro): Creates knockback separating real Balachko from fakes
• Avoid Anemo grouping: Increases visual clutter and explosion risks
• Single-target teams > AoE compositions

Step-by-Step No-Hit Strategy

Pre-Combat Preparation:

1. Use ATK-boosting and elemental damage foods (no defensive buffs needed)
2. Build team with precise single-target damage
3. Ensure reliable dodge mechanics (dash i-frames or burst immunity)

Phase 1 (Before Clone Phase):

• Maximize damage during initial vulnerability windows
• Delay Shadowblade Tactics activation
• Align burst rotations with stealth breaks
• Don't waste resources on invulnerable phases

Clone Phase Execution:

1. Stop all attacks when Shadowblade Tactics activates
2. Observe blade element types during first attack animation
3. Identify Pyro blade user, mark position (mentally or camera lock)
4. Resume damage exclusively on verified real Balachko
5. Ignore all fake clones regardless of proximity

Shadows Like Blades Deepening Requirement: Zero damage to fake clones throughout entire encounter. Practice identification before attempting perfect runs.

Combat Tips and Dodge Timing

Attack Telegraphs:

• Red attack line indicators show attack paths
• Thrust: Linear red line
• Shadow Strike: Radial indicators around Balachko

Invulnerability Frames:

• Dash: 0.2-0.4 seconds immunity (varies by character)
• Time dashes with attack impact frames
• Burst animations: Extended i-frames for multi-hit combos

Stamina Management:

• Maintain reserves above 50% for emergency dodges
• Use characters with stamina reduction passives
• Alternative mobility tools (teleports, special dashes) help

Pro Tip: If you lose track during chaos, disengage to maximum range. Real Balachko continues active targeting while fakes execute preset patterns—easier to spot from distance.

Rewards and Achievements

Achievements (Tier 2 Duelist: Series I):

• Shadowblade Tactics: 10 Primogems (defeat no targets besides original body)
• Shadows Like Blades Deepening: 10 Primogems (defeat only real target during clone phase)
• Total: 20 Primogems

Farming Efficiency:

• Respawns daily at 04:00 server reset
• Drops enhancement materials and ascension resources
• Incorporate into daily Natlan Local Legend routes
• Two Keys to Somewhere add minor time overhead

Strategy Priority: Perfect execution > speed. Failed no-hit attempts waste daily respawn. Conservative approaches extending fight duration beat aggressive strategies risking failure.

FAQ

What are the visual differences between real and fake Balachko clones?

Real Balachko launches Pyro blades with flame effects and throws flaming Shurikens. Fake clones use Physical blades without elemental infusion. Real boss maintains continuous aggro targeting; fakes execute preset patterns.

How many clones does Balachko summon during Shadowblade Tactics?

Up to 6 clones, creating 7 total targets (including real boss). Fake clones explode for 100% ATK Pyro DMG when attacked.

Can you damage all Balachko clones or only the real one?

You can damage both, but attacking fakes causes explosions and fails achievements. Shadowblade Tactics and Shadows Like Blades Deepening require defeating only the real target.

Which characters are best for tracking Balachko through clone phase?

Electro characters excel via stun effects. Camera lock-on compatible characters and single-target damage dealers perform best. Shields help during learning but aren't required.

What rewards do you get for defeating Balachko without taking damage?

20 Primogems total: 10 from Shadowblade Tactics + 10 from Shadows Like Blades Deepening (both Tier 2 Duelist: Series I).

How long does Balachko's clone phase last?

Varies by damage output. Faster identification and focused damage shortens phase. Attacking fakes or insufficient damage extends duration. Optimal strategies minimize time through immediate identification and burst rotations.

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