First Battle

Vanitas first challenges Aqua in the Radiant Garden, with his goal being to test her as a back-up for his plan to fuse with a heart of light to form the -blade. While his attacks are the same as in the early battles of Ventus's scenario, keep in mind that Aqua favors magic, whereas Ventus is balanced, which calls for a change in strategy. Aqua has access to D-Links, Command Styles, and Shotlocks in this battle, and they should be used if possible to gain the upper hand in battle.

The player should go on the offensive while also following a hit-and-run strategy, using magical attacks as their primary source of dealing damage. Vanitas may disappear during the battle, but the player should immediately Wheel Roll, or fall victim to his downward strike if they do not dodge the assault. The boss may also shoot a single, large fireball at the player that will soon separate into three smaller, homing fireballs after traveling forward in the player's direction. Wheel Roll again can be used to avoid this attack. If Vanitas leaps into the air, he may strike the player with a dark lightning attack, which has a relatively long range. Wheel Roll is recommended in terms of avoiding it. The boss lastly may perform a simple two-hit physical combo, an attack easily dodged with Wheel Roll. In terms of offensive tactics for the player, Detona-Square and Tornado are highly recommended for use, as they will deal great damage to the boss, also interrupting his attacks. The Sleepel magic command works great as it inflicts sleep status, leaving Vanitas at Aqua's mercy. Whatever physical attacks the player attempts should be the most powerful in Aqua's arsenal. Continuation to use powerful physical and magic attacks is the key to ending the battle with ease and minimal damage.

Second Battle

Vanitas next challenges Aqua in Neverland, his goal to destroy her after his first battle with Ventus, seeing his strength and no longer needing a "Plan B". While his attacks are the same as in the first battle at the Radiant Garden, keep in mind that Aqua favors magic, whereas Ventus is balanced, hence the need for a difference in strategy. Aqua has access to D-Links, Command Styles, and Shotlocks in this battle, and they should be used if possible to gain the upper hand in battle.

The player should go on the offensive while also following a hit-and-run strategy, using magical attacks as their primary source of dealing damage. Vanitas may disappear during the battle,...