Last Updated on Aug 4, 2026 @ 22:29:01 PM.
Beast of Reincarnation, from Game Freak (yes that Game Freak) is here, and with it, a whole range of challenges. A new take from the developer, you’ll be on quite the quest with Emma and her loyal companion Koo, as she attempts to right the wrongs and rid the world of the Blight that has taken over it. But before all of that, you’ll have to work your way through some bosses. First up, and quite the skill check, is Rangifer. If you’re here, you’re struggling, but don’t worry, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to figure out exactly how to beat Rangifer in Beast of Reincarnation.
How to Find Rangifer in Beast of Reincarnation
The opening minutes of Beast of Reincarnation are something of a whirlwind, with very little actually explained to you properly. You take the reins of Emma and Koo, and after a brief opening battle, are transported five months prior as she searches for a Nushi in this region. The Nushi are little more than grotesque, giant monsters that poison the world, and it comes down to you to beat them.
As you progress through the opening mission, you’ll be tasked with finding a Subway entrance, then a Foreman, which forces you into yiur first forays of battle in Beast of Reincarnation. Once you’ve dispatched those six Golems, you’ll find the Foreman, who points you in the direction of Rangifer, and sends you on your way, shortly before dying and leaving you a bow at your disposal.
After that, head back out the way you came and then towards the marker, where Rangifer will be waiting just over the hill. However, make sure to jump up (tap R2 twice) to the rest point and camp above, the Cliff,-Facing Tower, so you have full health and a respawn point closeby. You’ll also want to unlock the Stronghold chest next to the camp and grab (and equip!) the chain mail inside, as it’s far better defensively than the opening equipment. Also ensure you’ve added any attribute points to both Emma and Koo, as you’ll want to be able to unlock whatever skills you can.
To avoid real spoilers, I won’t run you through the locations of the second and third encounters, but how to beat Rangifer all three times is explained below!
How to Beat Rangifer in Beast of Reincarnation
As opening boss battles in Soulslikes/action RPGS go, Rangifer isn’t the hardest you’ll encounter, but he still proves to be a challenge. He may well be enough of a skill check that some give up, but with this guide, hopefully we’ll be able to help you beat him. Worryingly for you, even once you beat him once, he returns again not once, but twice in the game. Thankfully, his movesets are the same throughout the three fights, albeit his second and third change weaknesses and his total health/level.
First time fighting him he’ll be a lowly level nine, then twelve, and then thirty-two really proving a challenge. In the last two, he has two health bars to contest with, and even enters a new phase where he’ll use Blight to get quicker and more aggressive.
A monstress giant of a corrupted deer, he sports massive feet and even bigger antlers, and despite his size, is pretty nimble to boot. With only yourself and Koo at your disposal, you’ll need to pay close attention and strike when the time is right.
Before you even begin any of the three fights, look down, and wait till his prowling form is directly below you. Extend your hair until you’re above, and jump down towards him. The R1 prompt should appear and you’ll be able to perform a Death From Above, and hurt him significantly before Rangifer even knows you’re there.
By far Rangifer’s most damaging attack is when they run up to you and swing their head side to side. Pay attention and block at the right time, and be prepared for a second swipe. DO NOT try to attack during this combo. It will fail and you will get hurt. As you’ll know by this point, each block will up the points for Koo, and you’ll be able to use one of the three skills he has. As mentioned above, I upgraded his attribute points and skills and unlocked a modifier that meant he was also laying landmines, which Rangifer was good enough to run into, damaging him passively.
The object of this boss fight is to be a hard target for Rangifer to hit, so keep moving. Double tap R2 regularly to use Emma’s hair as a catapult, throwing you through the air and keeping you a moving target. Use the bow when possible, as the ranged attacks does some damage, and keeps you at arms length. When you have the skill points, make sure to use Koo (any of the three skills work), and keep chipping away at Rangifer’s health.
After the above mentioned double swipe with his antlers, Rangifer will stoop a little. Either he’s taking a break or having a drink, but either way you can take a moment to use your sword and attack his head. Usung your Entanglement Gauge here also slows down time enough that you can get another hit, or even a Blade Art combo in, and gain some precious ground on his health bar.
Once he stands up fully again, back off, repeat the moving target and bow method, and wait till he swipes you. Do this a few times, whilst healing as needed, and you’ll quite easily beat Rangifer.
When that occurs, you’ll earn yourself some well-needed rewards.
First fight you learn Rangifer’s Nushi Skill, the Sakura Storm.
Second fight, the first with two health bars, you’ll obtain both Blade Art: Sakura and Sakura Javelin Bloom Art.
Third and final fight gives you the Finisher Sakura Blade Art, and Sakura Javelin 2 Bloom Art.
With each of those, remember to check them out, and equip/use as you see fit. And that’s that, now you know how to beat Rangifer, not once, not twice, but thrice!
For your next read, don’t miss our review of The Relic: First Guardian, or our review of The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu.
Luke Addison is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Thumb Wars. Having previously been a part of multiple outlets over the years, including building an entire gaming team from nothing to something, he thought it best to forge his own path and answer only to himself. As likely to be found playing the latest game as he is in the kitchen relaxing (by cooking), he always brings the same bold and brash attitude to everything he does, with a heavy leaning on sarcasm and dry wit!
