
In *Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse*, the clone fight against the doppelgänger of Trevor Belmont is notoriously challenging, but players have discovered a cheese strategy to simplify the battle. By exploiting the AI's behavior, you can position Trevor near the edge of the platform and repeatedly use the holy water sub-weapon to keep the clone at bay. The clone will often struggle to reach Trevor due to its predictable movement patterns, allowing you to safely chip away at its health. This method requires patience and precise timing but significantly reduces the fight's difficulty, making it a popular tactic for players aiming to progress through the game with minimal frustration.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Game | Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse |
| Boss Fight | Clone Fight (Grant DaNasty fight) |
| Cheese Strategy | Use Grant's dagger to exploit the boss's hitbox and attack pattern |
| Required Character | Grant DaNasty (must be rescued before the fight) |
| Weapon Used | Grant's dagger |
| Attack Pattern Exploit | Stand at the edge of the platform and throw daggers at the clone's feet |
| Distance | Maintain maximum distance to avoid the clone's attacks |
| Damage Output | Daggers deal consistent damage without putting the player at risk |
| Boss Vulnerability | The clone is vulnerable to daggers thrown at its feet |
| Difficulty Reduction | Significantly reduces the fight's difficulty compared to melee combat |
| Platform Positioning | Stay at the edge of the platform to maximize range and safety |
| Recommended Hearts | Minimal hearts needed as the strategy minimizes risk |
| Time Efficiency | Faster than traditional methods due to consistent, safe damage output |
| Player Skill Required | Low; requires basic timing and positioning |
| Compatibility with Other Strategies | Can be combined with sub-weapons like the holy water for additional damage |
| Known Limitations | Requires Grant to be in the party; not applicable without him |
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What You'll Learn
- Use Grant's Climb: Scale walls to avoid clones, attack from above, conserve hearts, and maintain distance
- Alucard's Bat Form: Transform to bypass clones, fly over them, and strike from the air safely
- Sypha's Fire Spell: Cast wide-range fire to hit multiple clones simultaneously, reducing their numbers quickly
- Trevor's Axe Toss: Throw axes to stun clones, create openings, and control the battlefield effectively
- Exploit Room Layout: Position near corners to limit clone movement, making them easier to target

Use Grant's Climb: Scale walls to avoid clones, attack from above, conserve hearts, and maintain distance
In the chaotic clone fight of *Castlevania 3*, Grant's climbing ability isn't just a mobility tool—it's a game-changer. By scaling walls, you transform the battlefield, turning a horizontal slugfest into a vertical advantage. Clones struggle to follow, giving you breathing room to strategize and strike. This method not only conserves hearts but also minimizes damage, making it an efficient, low-risk approach to a high-stress encounter.
Step 1: Positioning for Success
Begin by identifying the nearest wall at the start of the fight. As clones spawn, immediately jump and cling to the wall. Grant's climbing speed allows you to ascend quickly, putting distance between you and the clones. From this vantage point, you can observe their patterns without being cornered. Remember, the key is to stay out of their reach while staying within striking distance.
Step 2: Striking from Above
Once safely perched, time your attacks to coincide with the clones' movements below. Use Grant's knife or axe to target individual clones as they approach the wall. Aim for precision rather than rapid strikes to conserve hearts. If a clone jumps to engage you, a well-timed downward attack can knock them back, resetting their position and giving you more control over the fight.
Cautions and Adjustments
While climbing is effective, it's not foolproof. Clones may occasionally jump to reach you, so maintain awareness of their positions. If multiple clones converge, descend slightly to create space, then re-ascend. Avoid staying at the same height for too long, as clones may adapt and focus their attacks. Keep moving vertically to disrupt their rhythm and maintain your advantage.
Using Grant's climb in the clone fight is more than a cheese—it's a tactical exploit that leverages his unique abilities. By controlling the vertical space, you dictate the flow of battle, conserve resources, and minimize risk. This method requires patience and precision, but the payoff is a smoother, more manageable fight. Master this technique, and the clones will become just another obstacle on your path to victory.
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Alucard's Bat Form: Transform to bypass clones, fly over them, and strike from the air safely
One of the most frustrating encounters in *Castlevania III* is the clone fight, where enemies mirror your movements, making direct combat a tedious and risky affair. However, Alucard’s Bat Form offers a clever workaround that turns this battle into a breeze. By transforming into a bat, you can exploit the clones’ limitations and neutralize their threat entirely. This strategy hinges on the bat’s unique abilities: flight, invulnerability during transformation, and the ability to strike from above. Here’s how to execute it effectively.
Step 1: Timing the Transformation
Wait for the clones to group together or move into a predictable pattern. Press the transformation button (typically Down + Jump) to shift into bat form. This action grants you temporary invincibility during the transition, allowing you to avoid damage mid-attack. Once in bat form, you’re no longer bound by the clones’ mirroring mechanics, as they cannot replicate your flight path.
Step 2: Navigating the Airspace
Fly directly above the clones, maintaining a safe distance from their attacks. The bat’s small hitbox and aerial mobility make it nearly impossible for the clones to target you effectively. Circle the battlefield to assess their positioning and identify openings for strikes. Remember, the bat form has limited duration, so plan your movements efficiently.
Step 3: Striking from Above
Dive-bomb the clones by pressing the attack button while flying. This delivers a powerful strike that deals significant damage. Since the clones are grounded, they cannot dodge or retaliate while you’re in the air. Repeat this process, focusing on one clone at a time to avoid overwhelming yourself. If the bat form timer runs low, retreat to a safe distance, transform back into Alucard, and recharge before repeating the process.
Cautions and Optimizations
Avoid lingering too close to the clones in bat form, as some attacks may still clip you if mistimed. Additionally, conserve your bat form for critical moments, as overuse can leave you vulnerable during the cooldown period. Pair this strategy with Alucard’s other abilities, such as his sword or familiars, to maximize damage output and minimize risk.
By mastering Alucard’s Bat Form, the clone fight transforms from a trial of patience into a showcase of strategic dominance. This method not only saves time but also preserves resources, ensuring you emerge unscathed and ready for the challenges ahead.
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Sypha's Fire Spell: Cast wide-range fire to hit multiple clones simultaneously, reducing their numbers quickly
Syphas' Fire Spell is a game-changer in the clone fight of *Castlevania 3*, offering a strategic edge that can turn a chaotic battle into a manageable one. By casting this wide-range fire spell, players can target multiple clones simultaneously, drastically reducing their numbers in a single move. This approach not only conserves resources but also minimizes the risk of being overwhelmed by the clones' rapid multiplication. To maximize its effectiveness, position Syphas near the center of the arena, ensuring the spell’s area of effect covers as many clones as possible. Timing is crucial; cast the spell when the clones are clustered together to inflict maximum damage.
Analyzing the mechanics of the Fire Spell reveals its efficiency in crowd control. Unlike single-target attacks, the spell’s area damage bypasses the need to individually target each clone, which is essential given their tendency to spawn in large groups. Players should prioritize upgrading Syphas’s magic stat to increase the spell’s damage output, making it even more lethal against the clones. Additionally, combining the Fire Spell with Trevor’s sub-weapons, such as the axe or dagger, can create a synergistic effect, further thinning the clone ranks while Syphas recharges her magic.
A practical tip for executing this strategy involves managing Syphas’s positioning and magic usage. Keep her at a safe distance from the clones to avoid taking unnecessary damage while casting. If the clones begin to surround her, use Trevor or Grant to draw aggro, allowing Syphas to reposition and cast the spell again. Players should also monitor her magic meter, ensuring they have enough mana for at least two casts, as the clones’ numbers can quickly rebound if not dealt with swiftly. This methodical approach ensures the Fire Spell remains a reliable tool throughout the fight.
Comparing the Fire Spell to other strategies highlights its superiority in this specific scenario. While Trevor’s combat abilities are effective against single targets, they lack the area damage needed to handle the clones efficiently. Similarly, Grant’s agility and Alucard’s bat form offer mobility but fall short in dealing with large groups. Syphas’s Fire Spell, however, addresses the core challenge of the clone fight—their overwhelming numbers—making it the most effective choice for cheesing this encounter. By focusing on this spell, players can streamline the battle and conserve resources for tougher bosses ahead.
In conclusion, mastering Syphas’s Fire Spell is key to cheesing the clone fight in *Castlevania 3*. Its wide-range damage, combined with strategic positioning and resource management, allows players to quickly reduce the clones’ numbers and maintain control of the battle. Upgrading Syphas’s magic stat and coordinating with other characters further enhances this strategy, making it a reliable and efficient method for overcoming this challenging encounter. With practice, players can turn what seems like a daunting fight into a straightforward victory.
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Trevor's Axe Toss: Throw axes to stun clones, create openings, and control the battlefield effectively
Trevor's Axe Toss is a game-changer in the Clone Fight of *Castlevania 3*, offering both offensive and strategic advantages. By mastering this technique, you can stun clones, disrupt their patterns, and create windows of opportunity to strike without fear of retaliation. The axe’s arc and range allow you to target multiple enemies simultaneously, making it ideal for crowd control. Unlike other weapons, the axe’s stun effect buys you precious seconds to reposition or heal, turning a chaotic battle into a manageable one.
To execute this strategy effectively, timing is critical. Throw the axe just as a clone begins its attack animation to maximize stun duration. Aim for groups of clones to stagger their movements, preventing them from synchronizing their assaults. Pair this with Trevor’s agility—use the slide or backflip to dodge incoming attacks while the clones are stunned. Keep in mind that the axe has limited range, so position yourself at medium distance to hit multiple targets without overextending.
One practical tip is to prioritize stunning the faster, more aggressive clones first. These enemies often deal the most damage and close the distance quickly. By neutralizing them, you reduce the overall pressure and can focus on weaker targets. Additionally, conserve your axes for moments when clones cluster together, as this amplifies the stun effect and creates larger openings. If you’re low on axes, retreat momentarily to collect more from candles or defeated enemies.
Comparatively, other strategies like whip attacks or sub-weapons lack the axe’s ability to control the battlefield. While the whip offers consistent damage, it requires you to stay in harm’s way. Sub-weapons like the cross or holy water can deal area damage but lack the stun effect needed to disrupt clone aggression. The axe bridges this gap, combining utility with safety. Its versatility makes it the go-to choice for cheesing this fight, especially for players who struggle with the clones’ relentless pace.
In conclusion, Trevor’s Axe Toss is not just a damage tool—it’s a tactical asset. By mastering its throw, you can dictate the flow of the Clone Fight, turning a daunting encounter into a controlled, methodical victory. Practice timing, prioritize targets, and use the stun effect to your advantage. With this strategy, even the most frustrating clone battles become manageable, if not effortless.
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Exploit Room Layout: Position near corners to limit clone movement, making them easier to target
In the clone fight of *Castlevania 3*, the room layout is your silent ally. Clones mimic your movements, but their agility becomes a liability when you control the space. Positioning yourself near corners restricts their movement, turning their strength into a predictable pattern. This isn’t just about standing still—it’s about forcing them into a confined area where their attacks are easier to dodge and counter.
To execute this strategy, start by luring the clones toward a corner. Use diagonal movements to guide them, as clones mirror your direction with a slight delay. Once they’re near the corner, maintain a position that keeps them boxed in. For example, if you’re near the bottom-left corner, move slightly upward or rightward to ensure they remain trapped. This limits their ability to circle around you, reducing the chaos of the fight.
A critical detail: timing matters. Clones spawn periodically, so prioritize eliminating the first wave before more appear. Use short-range weapons like the knife or axe for precision, as their arcs are easier to aim in tight spaces. Avoid wide-range sub-weapons like the holy water, which can inadvertently push clones out of the corner. Patience is key—rushing will disrupt the layout advantage.
This method contrasts with open-room strategies, where clones have free rein to swarm you. By exploiting corners, you shift the fight’s dynamics from reactive to proactive. It’s not just about surviving; it’s about dictating the terms of engagement. Practice this approach in earlier stages to refine your positioning and movement, as precision is crucial for consistency.
In conclusion, mastering corner positioning transforms the clone fight from a frantic scramble into a controlled skirmish. It’s a tactical exploit that rewards spatial awareness and patience. While it requires practice, the payoff is a fight that feels less like a test of reflexes and more like a puzzle to solve. Use the room’s geometry to your advantage, and the clones will become predictable—and beatable.
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Frequently asked questions
The "cheese" strategy involves exploiting the AI of the clones by standing in a specific spot near the left wall, where the clones will struggle to hit you, allowing you to attack them safely.
Position yourself near the left wall, slightly above the midpoint of the screen. This spot forces the clones to jump over you, making it difficult for them to land attacks.
The Holy Water is highly effective for this strategy. Throw it diagonally upward to hit the clones as they jump, dealing consistent damage while keeping you safe.
Yes, the Cross Boomerang or the Knife can also work, but Holy Water is the most efficient due to its range and damage output.
If a clone gets close, quickly move slightly upward or downward to reposition yourself in the safe spot. Avoid moving too far right, as it may reset the clones' behavior.

























