Shell-Dolente

Imaginary monsters are driven by Nihilus Seeds, which are only exposed during the Vitalized Nihilus Seed state. The Nihilus Seed must be broken before defeating the imaginary enemy.
[Strategy] Crush the Nihilus Seed before it becomes vitalized.

When Nihilus Shell's HP drops to 0 or uses a special skill, it enters Vitalized Nihilus Seed state.

Raise the shield to block frontal attacks. Defending 3 melee hits triggers Serenade and defending 3 ranged hits triggers March.
[Strategy] Use the weapon active of a Lance or Bow to trigger Break and induce Vitalized Nihilus Seed state.

Strikes back at the target when near and follows up if the counterstrike hits.

Falls back to dodge ranged attacks and then charges forward to attack.

Slashes the target 5 times in a row.

Charges at the target and sweeps.
[Strategy] Use the weapon active of a Lance or Bow to trigger Counter and induce Vitalized Nihilus Seed state.

When the boss casts certain skills, Throws from lance weapons or aimed shooting at the weakspot on the head from bow weapons can break the shield and trigger Lullaby. If Counter is never triggered when Nihilus Shell's HP is above 50%, it will be instantly triggered once the HP drops below 50%.

After Nihilus Shell triggers Counter, Vitalized Nihilus Seed is induced for a short duration, followed by sound wave attacks.
[Strategy] Move and evade smartly.

When Nihilus Shell's HP drops to 0, it enters Vitalized Nihilus Seed state for a long duration, during which Nihilus Shell attacks 3 times. The shield is restored after the state expires.