Versus Cloud of Darkness

[Haruhiist]

..how?
Wrath gets everything, even up to level two.
Even if you say mindgames, how2? What mix of skills?

[Reaperfan]

If you're having a problem with Wrath, then try to be more unpredictable in your attack patterns and play more defensively, forcing CoD to become more aggressive. Wrath can't hit Retribution's return arc, so maybe try exploiting that when you feel the need to go aggressive.

In terms of builds, try anything that can gain brave passively so you can play defensive and still eventually get access to her Tier 3 spells. Generally any build that allows you to gain brave while not being aggressive can allow you access to Tier 3 spells without much risk, given you are patient and defensive enough. A build I've found that works incredibly well for Shantotto regarding this is a build that utilizes the Brave Regen ability. This allows you access to long EX modes for manafont abuse as well as gaining brave constantly while on the defensive.

[Jugil]

Overall, I deal with CoD like Exdeath. For mind-gaming, keep a Bio out and force her/it to think about it: keep her between you and Bio, use the camera against CoD.

Like Reaper said, Retribution's return gets in behind Wrath, so keep just slightly above CoD, and try to catch her from behind.

Keep a defensive mind, and force CoD to become aggressive; watch her tentacles, as her BRV attacks are quite easy to block and punish. Some of her HP attacks can be "Blood Bound." I'd have to double check, as I don't fight CoD much, but I believe O-form and Fusillade can be bound.

[Kraid]

Although CoD and ExDeath can do the same thing, actually CoD could be more dangerous since she can be far more aggressive.

Just beware the mixups in her tentacles. Although people say they can be easily blocked, it's alot easier to mindgame with her than meets the eye.

[ujhbn]

I dun think bind is a good idea even if blood bound works? cuz that doesn't solve the problem of Wrath, CoD can still do it when bound. I usually go for Water directly.

[KM Riku]

Bio is, probably, the best option against CoD. If you cast Bio and CoD try to counter it using Wrath, you have time enough to trap CoD in Bind after she counters Bio. If you trap CoD in Bind, use Bio and make it go to her back and use water [b]before/b] Bio hits. If she use Warth to counter Water, Bio will hit her back while she is doing the counter. If she just guard Water, you can link Thunder and Bio will hit her back too. While Cod is poisoned, she will not want to use Wrath and any other HP Atk or she'll break. However, CoD still has a very good BRV game and she will not be poisoned for much time.

[Wella]

I hate playing vs CoD with Shantotto, too. I guess I'll just repeat most of what's said here: play a much more defensive game, focus on slowly generating BRV rather than inflicting HP bursts. Then, when you're at third tier (or 5000+ if you're desperate), get a full EX Gauge and purposefully get hit by one of her tentacle attacks (preferably the orb-like aerial one), then just EX-cancel and finish her.

Bio will be your best friend here. Stun can also help, but I don't use Stun in mid-air - I prefer it for those on-the-edge ground moments.

Good luck!

[Jugil]

Just beware the mixups in her tentacles. Although people say they can be easily blocked, it's alot easier to mindgame with her than meets the eye.

True, her mix-up game is pretty good when she uses it; I was a bit hasty in saying they were easy to block and punish.

I dun think bind is a good idea even if blood bound works? cuz that doesn't solve the problem of Wrath, CoD can still do it when bound. I usually go for Water directly.

Bind will still stick even while Shantotto is taking damage from some HP attacks. I'm not looking to get an HP attack in after a Bind with low BRV; I'm trying for a quick Break to get the stage BRV with a ticking/tracking Bio. Sorry, for not clarifying my response. It's a risky tactic, but can pay off handsomely if done right.

[Shigunetheseraph]

Bio is, probably, the best option against CoD. If you cast Bio and CoD try to counter it using Wrath, you have time enough to trap CoD in Bind after she counters Bio. If you trap CoD in Bind, use Bio and make it go to her back and use water [b]before/b] Bio hits. If she use Warth to counter Water, Bio will hit her back while she is doing the counter. If she just guard Water, you can link Thunder and Bio will hit her back too. While Cod is poisoned, she will not want to use Wrath and any other HP Atk or she'll break. However, CoD still has a very good BRV game and she will not be poisoned for much time.

Bio is always good, and whenever she uses her tentacles, I do my best to Block then do either 2-3 staff strike or Retribution, depending if she is up in the air on on foot. She does get annoying.

[BlueSionX]

Aero can actually get inside her Wrath without being blocked. Good luck getting that to work fast enough.