The fight against Sisyphus Prime in Ultrakill is one of the most intense, fast-paced, and rewarding boss battles in the game. As a secret and optional boss, Sisyphus Prime demands not only fast reflexes and precise aim but also an understanding of his attack patterns, the game’s mechanics, and strategic weapon switching. Players who take on this challenge will find themselves tested in every aspect of gameplay, from movement to aggression. To beat Sisyphus Prime, you’ll need more than brute force you’ll need skill, awareness, and patience.
How to Unlock Sisyphus Prime
Before you can fight Sisyphus Prime, you must first unlock his arena. This boss is found in P-2: Clair de Lune, a Prime Sanctum level. To access this level, you must collect all skulls (blue and red) from earlier levels and unlock the terminal that grants access to the Prime Sanctum. Only then can you enter the battle against Sisyphus Prime, a former ruler turned godlike adversary.
Understanding Sisyphus Prime’s Moveset
Phase One Attacks
During the first phase, Sisyphus Prime exhibits a mix of melee slashes, ground pounds, and ranged energy attacks. His movement is rapid, often teleporting or dashing to close the distance between him and the player. Expect the following attack patterns:
- Dash Slash: Sisyphus dashes forward and slashes with his blade, causing heavy damage if it connects.
- Shockwave Slam: He leaps and slams into the ground, sending shockwaves outward. Jump or dash to avoid.
- Projectile Barrage: He fires homing energy orbs that can be deflected or dodged with quick movement.
Phase one is all about learning how he moves and timing your dodges correctly. Use this time to build up your rhythm and become familiar with the arena’s layout.
Phase Two Attacks
Once Sisyphus Prime drops below 50% health, he enters phase two. His attack speed increases, he becomes more aggressive, and his patterns become more chaotic. Watch out for:
- Clone Summon: Sisyphus may summon shadowy clones that mirror his attacks. These are lethal distractions.
- Teleport Slashes: He teleports rapidly, slashing multiple times in sequence.
- AoE Explosion: After a short wind-up, he releases an energy explosion that deals massive area damage.
Phase two is far less forgiving, requiring mastery of dodging and countering. Staying in motion and keeping track of his location is critical for survival.
Best Weapons to Use Against Sisyphus Prime
Revolver with Marksman Variant
The Marksman Revolver allows you to bounce coins and shoot them for massive precision damage. Skilled players can time their coin shots just as Sisyphus dashes in, dealing critical hits and staggering him.
Shotgun with Core Eject
The Shotgun’s Core Eject alternate fire can deal massive burst damage. Use it mid-combo after dashing in close, especially when Sisyphus is recovering from a big move.
Railcannon
The Railcannon is perfect for long-range damage, especially when Sisyphus creates distance. The malicious variant offers high burst, but be wary of the recoil and charging time.
Nailgun with Overheat
The Overheat Nailgun variant can stack chip damage quickly. When Sisyphus pauses between attacks, you can unleash a continuous stream to wear him down.
Combat Tips and Techniques
Stay Mobile
Movement is survival in Ultrakill, and Sisyphus Prime punishes players who stand still. Use your dash, wall jumps, and slide mechanics frequently to avoid damage and reposition.
Parry When Possible
Some of Sisyphus’s melee strikes and projectiles can be parried. Mastering the timing of your melee parries allows you to interrupt his attacks and deal damage, creating breathing room.
Use Environmental Awareness
The boss arena includes obstacles and walls you can use for cover, wall jumps, or baiting attacks. Don’t just focus on Sisyphus use the terrain to your advantage.
Health Recovery Through Violence
Remember the golden rule of Ultrakill: you heal by dealing damage. Don’t be overly defensive. Even when you’re low on health, go on the offensive. Well-placed shots and combos will keep your health bar from dropping to zero.
Learning from Defeat
Fighting Sisyphus Prime may take multiple attempts. Each failure teaches you his timing, his patterns, and your own habits. Use these lessons. Record your attempts if necessary and review where you’re getting hit. Improvement comes from observation and repetition.
What to Practice
- Weapon switching for quick burst combos
- Perfect parries with your melee weapon
- Coin toss and shot timing with the Marksman Revolver
- Dodging multi-hit combos and tracking his teleport dashes
Practicing these skills outside the boss fight in normal levels will help you refine your reaction time and decision-making under pressure.
The Lore Behind Sisyphus Prime
For those who enjoy Ultrakill’s cryptic lore, Sisyphus Prime offers a deeper glimpse into the world’s fallen rulers. Once a powerful figure in the world of the damned, he now lingers in the Prime Sanctum as a test of the player’s strength. His cryptic dialogue and tragic downfall mirror the mythological figure of Sisyphus eternally cursed, endlessly fighting. Engaging with Sisyphus Prime is not just a fight, but a narrative climax within Ultrakill’s layered world.
What You Gain From Defeating Him
Conquering Sisyphus Prime is one of Ultrakill’s ultimate challenges. Besides the satisfaction of victory, players receive in-game recognition, including a Prime Soul and access to additional content within the Prime Sanctum. It also proves your mastery of the game’s movement, combat flow, and advanced mechanics.
Post-Battle Opportunities
- Unlock deeper layers of lore tied to Sisyphus
- Gain bragging rights in the Ultrakill community
- Challenge yourself further by attempting S-rank or P-rank runs of the battle
Sisyphus Prime stands as a pinnacle of Ultrakill’s design fluid, aggressive, punishing, and rewarding. Defeating him is not about overpowering an enemy, but about mastering yourself, your tools, and the flow of battle. Every slash, every dodge, and every coin shot brings you one step closer to victory. When you finally see him fall, it won’t just be a game achievement it will be a badge of honor earned through true skill.