Key Mechanic: Steam Eruption
The Giant stacks Steam Eruption with almost every move (+3 per action). When killed, it becomes invulnerable for one turn (About To Blow) and then Explodes, dealing damage equal to its total Steam Eruption stacks. Longer fights = bigger explosion.
Attack Pattern
Pressurize (turn 1) → Stomp → Ram → Siphon → Pressure Gun → repeat from Stomp. Steam Eruption stacks continuously. On death: About To Blow → Explode.
Pressurize
Builds initial Steam Eruption stacks on turn 1.
Stomp
15 damageDeals ~15 damage while building steam.
Ram
15 damageDeals ~15 damage, applies Weak, and builds steam.
Siphon
Heals HP while continuing to build steam.
Pressure Gun
20 damageHeavy attack dealing ~20 damage plus steam buildup.
About To Blow
Triggered on death. Gains one turn of invulnerability before exploding.
Explode
Final explosion dealing damage equal to all accumulated Steam Eruption stacks.
How to Beat Waterfall Giant
Kill the Giant as fast as possible to minimize Steam Eruption buildup. The explosion on death is unavoidable, so you need enough HP or Block to survive it. Aggressive, front-loaded decks shine here — every extra turn adds more steam. Have Block or a potion ready for the final explosion turn. Scaling damage that takes time to set up is risky since it lets steam build.
Speed kills — literally. The faster you win, the smaller the explosion
Save a Block potion or defensive card for the About To Blow / Explode turn
The Siphon turn heals the Giant, extending the fight and building more steam
Front-loaded burst damage is much better than slow scaling in this fight
Other Act 1b Bosses
Lagavulin Matriarch
222 HP · Hard
Starts the fight asleep behind 12 Plating. Once awake, she debuffs your Strength and Dexterity every cycle, making the fight progressively harder.
Soul Fysh
211 HP · Hard
A rhythm-based boss that cycles between attacks, Beckon status cards, and Intangible windows on a strict 5-turn rotation.