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How to Beat the Pufferfish Boss in How to Fish (3-Step Quick Guide)

To defeat the Colossal Spiny Pufferfish in How to Fish, cast Carrot Bait (obtained from the Desert Tourist NPC) into the Sunken Pyramid Oasis on Island 3. Do not shoot during Phase 1 while its spikes deflect 85% of bullet damage; wait for the deflation hiss in Phase 2, then unload full-auto SMG fire directly into its vulnerable soft underbelly for 3x critical burst damage.

Step 1: Summon Bait

Deliver 2 Endangered Spotted Guppies (Forest waterfall) to the Tourist NPC for Carrot Bait.

Step 2: Dodge Spikes

Sprint 360° to avoid toxic needle barrages and poison clouds. Hold fire to conserve ammunition.

Step 3: Deflation Burst

When deflated for 6 seconds, empty SMG/Assault Rifle clips into the soft belly. Keep the Poison Sac trophy!

Island 3 Apex Boss • Hard

Location: Desert Island (Oasis)

Colossal Spiny Pufferfish

A rhythmic test of patience and burst DPS. Demands strict adherence to damage windows and careful avoidance of toxic ground zones.

Summon Catalyst:Carrot Bait

Health:2,400 HP

Weapon:SMG (Extended Magazine) + Tactical Assault Rifle

Official Keyframe

Critical Mistakes to Avoid & Quest Warnings

⚠️DO NOT SELL the 'Inflated Poison Sac'. Desert Alchemist Tariq requires it to craft the thermal anti-venom for Rocks Island.
⚠️Don't shoot while spikes are out — you will run out of ammunition before phase 2.
⚠️Bring at least 2 Anti-Poison Herbal Teas (bought at Desert Oasis shop).

How to Summon Colossal Spiny Pufferfish

Complete the Tourist NPC quest (deliver 2 Endangered Spotted Guppies from Forest behind waterfall) to receive Carrot Bait. Cast into the Sunken Pyramid Oasis.

Combat Phases & Tactics Breakdown

Toxic Spike Armor (Spike Shield Phase)

The Pufferfish swells to 5x its normal volume, raising massive poison quills that deflect 85% of bullet damage.

Enemy Attacks to Watch For:

Spike Barrage (Shoots 360-degree poisoned needles)
Poison Miasma (Green cloud dealing continuous tick damage)

Tactical Counter:DO NOT WASTE AMMO during inflation! Sprint away from the poison cloud and wait for the deflation hiss.

Vulnerable Deflation & Rolling Charge

Expels its air with a loud whistle, becoming unarmored and vulnerable for 6 seconds before rolling across the dunes.

Enemy Attacks to Watch For:

Dune Roll (Rolls rapidly across sand, crushing obstacles)
Acid Vomit (Spews high-velocity corrosive bile)

Tactical Counter:This is your primary DPS window! Unload your entire Assault Rifle and SMG clip into its soft belly for 3x critical damage.

Boss Drops & Trophy Use Cases

Inflated Poison Sac (Trophy)Quest Trophy

Crucial key to unlock Rocks Island navigation map.

DO NOT SELL!

Delicacy Puffer Meat ($1,400 base)

Massive sale value when cooked with lemon seasonings.

Recommended Pre-Combat Preparation Checklist

1. Weapon Ammo Buffer

Carry at least 120+ SMG rounds or 25+ Shotgun shells before casting the summon lure.

2. Stamina Food Buff

Eat a Prehistoric Pike Steak (+20% Stamina Regen for 5m) to prevent line breaks during extended boss breaches.

3. Local Save Backup

Back up your local save directory before initiating high-tier boss encounters in multiplayer lobbies.

Frequently Asked Questions (Colossal Spiny Pufferfish)

Q:Where is the Pufferfish Boss located in How to Fish?

The Colossal Spiny Pufferfish is the Apex Boss of Island 3 (Desert Island / Oasis). You can find its fishing pool at the Sunken Pyramid Oasis in the center of the desert dunes.

Q:How do you summon the Pufferfish in How to Fish?

You need Carrot Bait to summon the Pufferfish. Complete the Tourist NPC quest on Desert Island by delivering 2 Endangered Spotted Guppies (caught behind the Forest Island waterfall) to receive Carrot Bait, then cast into the Sunken Pyramid Oasis with your Pull Back Rod.

Q:How do you beat the Pufferfish boss in How to Fish?

1. Defend during Phase 1: When its spikes are inflated, do not shoot as it deflects 85% of bullet damage; avoid the poison quills and toxic clouds. 2. Burst DPS during Phase 2: When it exhales with a loud hiss and deflates, immediately unload your SMG or Assault Rifle into its soft belly for 3x critical damage.

Q:Can you damage the Pufferfish while it is inflated?

No, shooting while its quills are inflated wastes ammo due to an 85% damage shield. Always conserve ammunition and sprint to dodge poison needle barrages until it deflates.

Q:What do you do with the Inflated Poison Sac drop?

DO NOT SELL the Inflated Poison Sac! It is a mandatory quest trophy required by Desert Alchemist Tariq to craft the Thermal Anti-Venom, which allows safe navigation to Island 4 (Rocks Island).