Malevolent Crucible is a set of challenges in Tales of Zestiria. Each area of the crucibles is restricted to one and one character only (later on two of your choice), which means that none of your party members is there to help you. You are forced to fight an entire 5 to 6 waves of monsters ganging up on you with what you have. Manage to survive that and you get yourself awarded with a good number of XP and excellent loot.
The first time I came upon a malevolent crucible I didn't know what is happening and found myself unprepared for what is to come. After many attempts and takes on every single crucible, I found myself some tips and trick that could help your Malevolent eradication journey.
1. Equip Title that gives you attack % or defense % with stun % Chances are everything. In most situation, you will find yourself placed in the position of channeling long arts, casting them which often ends up backfiring towards the situation. Stun works wondrous in these situations, I found out that being able to stun the monster and then move forward to the casting procedure does give you the upper hand advantages (especially if your Mikleo or Lailah).
2. A good defense is a better offense Enemies will most likely try to gank you up and kill you as fast as they can, which makes spamming the attack button the worst idea ever. When you are rushed or surrounded, make sure to just block and wait until the attack has finished. Most enemies have a pattern of running away after they attack, this should give you the time to cast a quick art and finish them one by one. An important note is that dodge does count towards your combo string so you can do a simple dodge followed by an attack. PS: using mystic arts is a good way to get enemies of your edge. Gank them up and use it to clear all of them at once.
3. Auto strategies are your best friend No matter how good you are or strong you are in this game there will always be a window where you will mess up. Equipping an auto strategy that allow you to duck automatically, block or quickstep yourself out of danger is the best way for you to get out of sticky situation. Not only does this save you from dying, but they also provide a large number of SP. Basically a win-win situation!
4. Watch those weak points Every enemy has a weakness. Compromise those weaknesses. Remember focus on the use of quick arts as your prime damage dealing before other arts.
5. Finally, Be Patience Many time I find myself failing the crucible due to lack of patience. Patience is really important in this game mode and has proven wonderous towards the outcome. Always look around your surrounding, you never know if a new enemy is abounded to be summoned. Keep your guard up when you are unsure of what to do, wait for your Stamina Point to go back up and counter them.
​Those are the tips and tricks that have allowed me to pass all crucible so far. If you happen to stumble on more tips or trick, feel free to contact me or notify me. HAPPY HUNTING!