Drakengard/Enemies

Empire Soldier
The Empire soldier is the first enemy that you will encounter in Drakengard. They always are very weak, although they can harass in packs, but if you find a couple on their own then they are easy to take down.

There is also a Black Soldier. If he stays alive then he will keep his squad strong, so always knock the white ones flying and go in for the kill. The Black Soldier can protect against hits, so always try and use combo-attacks against these guys.

After you upgrade your weapons, they can take down loads of enemies in one or two hits and it will help you a lot.

Empire Elite Soldiers
You will meet these guys at the gateway to the castle on the first level. They carry huge shields and swords, employ a defensive strategy until they block an attack, and they will counter-attack.

The worst is the black elite, because he is very powerful and will help all troops in his squad. They are usually close to Empire Commanders and will always be at the top of their game near commanders.

Empire Axeman
The Empire axeman is a short, strong soldier. Be careful with these ones, especially when they are wearing Black or Red armor because then they are really strong.

These little soldiers harass in packs and will seek and destroy Cain if on the ground, although they will also be stationed near ballistas and catapults.

Again, like the Standard soldier, upgrade your weapons and dragon powers because then it will make it a lot easier. In the last level, because there are a lot of Soldiers, Axemen, Empire Commanders, Mages and a couple of Ghoul-Armors (the ones with the dark, eerie feel to them), you'll want to find as many weapons as you can as well.

Empire Archers
The Imperial archers are very weak in melee combat, but are very dangerous when far away. On Angelus they can be killed in a couple of hits, but be careful – they are always near a bunch of melee-class enemies.

They are also near catapults and ballistas, or on the far sides of maps.

The best tactic to stun them for a bit, is to cast fire or rock element powers at them. Still, be aware of the Crimson archers, as they have to be dodged very quickly.

If in a conflict full of standard troops and archers, always take out the archers first because they can be a big pain while fighting the troops.

Empire Cavalry
Cavalry are very good at fast attacks. Always use ranged magic attacks on them and be ready to dodge – if you get your dodge wrong then you will go flying.

The Cavalry will retreat after a certain amount of chain-hits, so always try and get as many hits as possible.

Try to gain speed to unleash a devastating stab-attack, because a couple of hacks and a couple of stabs will easily take down cavalry.

Empire Catapult and Ballista Operator
Catapult operators need to be taken out quickly if you have dragon-based missions. They are heavily defended, so be careful and don't rush into main combat. Just take out the operators, then jump onto your dragon and burn them up.

Empire Black Soldier
The Imperial Sergeants. In a squad, always eliminate the Black soldiers first. Whilst they are alive and strong, their squad will have a chance of killing you

Empire Crimson Soldier
Crimson armored soldiers have automatic projectiles that fire after being hit by magic. Note that this doesn't apply to combo special attacks.

Empire Pikesman
The Pikesman is a very sneaky soldier which can take a beating and also be very hard to hit. The use of magic is a good way to defeat pikesman. The Pikesman will always go in groups, which are easy to hit whilst using a speed-attack. The only thing to be cautious about is the Crimson suits (remember the anti-magic).

Living Forest
These living trees are very irritating, because they take ages to take down if your weapons haven't been recently upgraded and they also attract any unwanted visitors whilst still in a battle.

They are fiendishly strong at the start, but then they get easier as the game progresses. They will act like the Black Soldiers and will keep other creatures' strengths high.

Ground Turret
Ground turrets are the standard anti-air warheads, they are not on land/air assault levels. They work alongside the airships, blocks. etc. They are very easy to beat, just shoot a fireball at the tower and it should crumble into ash.

Blocks
Annoying big pieces of flying rock. The Dragon Flare will take care of the rocks easily, but get used to dodging manoeuvres, as they will fire atomic flames at you and it will start killing you quickly unless you can destroy them. Your radar is your most important tool whilst in dragon missions; use it to your benefit. Evolve your dragon and try to improve its attacks, because it is very useful against airships, turrets, etc.

Bats
Bats are annoying, high-speed pests. They don't cause much damage in groups of 3–4, but in a flock they get really annoying. Use psx: T and Dragon Flare to take down most of the bats.

Ravens
Large griffin-like beasts, ravens circle around you while firing sonic blasts like their miniature bat allies. These are basically the same as bats, except an even more annoying Imperial experiment. They mostly hunt in twos or threes, but lock onto them and use your Flame Breath and Dragon Flare to take them down quickly and effectively.

Coffins
Same as the blocks. Use the strategy as on blocks, and try to destroy as many of them as possible. Beware, the coffins emit an energy shield which makes all Dragon Flames and Dragon Flare useless. Lock onto them and try to whirl around them, and never, ever lose them.