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Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster’s Psychopath boss battles are generally accepted to be some of its toughest sections, but there are some that are more difficult than others.
While you might instantly think of Adam the Clown in an early run or Cletus, one of the most surprisingly challenging moments in Dead Rising is the Psychopath battle against Jo Slade.
How To Find Jo Slade
Mercifully, Jo Slade is one of the Psychopaths that you’ll encounterthanks to Otis letting you know that something is going on,rather than being an unannounced Scoop like many of the other fights we’ve covered so far.Jo’s Scoop is called Above the Law, and it takes place in Wonderland Plaza from 3pm on Day 2 all the way to 3am on Day 3.
Just like with every other Scoop, you’ll need to ensure you’re not in Wonderland Plaza when Otis calls you about the event, otherwise it won’t become available.
Once Otis calls you about Above the Law,you need to make your way over to Wonderland Plaza and head to Lovely Fashion House on the mall’s second floor. It’s marked on the map, so finding it shouldn’t be all that difficult. Once you get there, you’ll see that Jo has tied up a poor survivor named Kay and is threatening to beat her. Of course, this triggers a fight against Frank.
You’re going to want to get to Jo’s Scoop as soon as you can, as when you enter Wonderland Plaza and take too long to attack her, she’ll start killing off the other survivors she has kidnapped. Only Kay will remain if you’re too slow.
How To Defeat Jo Slade
Preparation
Jo might not seem like much of a threat,but she’s one of the heaviest-hitting Psychopaths in the gamenext to Brock. She mainly focuses on close-range moves,so it’s a very good idea to stock up on gunsand use them as the best way to attack her.You’ve likely cleared Cletus' battle by now, so make a quick trip to the Huntin' Shack beforehand andstock up on Shotguns and Sniper Rifles.
You’re also, as always,going to need to carry some healing items like Orange Juice and Wine, which are handily located in the Food Court next door. It’s also good to make some Mixed Juices for this battle, since they not only heal you but grant some buffs. I’d recommend Fleetfoot since you may avoid Jo’s attacks easily that way.
Finally, melee weapons are a little less useful here unless you plan on tanking the damage and just getting through the fight that way.The Small Chainsaw, Machete, andKatana are all good options here, as they’re quick and deal great damage. The Mannequin Torso is yet another powerful tool here too, so make sure to grab one of those.
Jo’s Moves
Jo’s main moves are close-ranged and involve her whipping Frank with her pistol for some massive damageor doing a simple kick that’s a little less brutal. These moves can be deadly if Frank isn’t careful, which makes fighting her at range the best option you have available.
That’s not a sure-fire strategy all of the time, though,as Jo can use her handgun and shoot Frank if he’s at range. It doesn’t do all that much damage and can be avoided with a Dodge Roll, but it’s worth noting that you’ll need to stay on top of your game at all times and not relax if she’s far away.
By far the most devastating move that Jo has iswhen she uses a Stun Gun on Frank and causes him to fall to the ground, which she’ll thenfollow up with some groin strikes that, unsurprisingly, deal big damage. This is Jo’s deadliest move and, although it’s easily avoided since it’s quite slow, you do need to pay attention to her when she’s winding up.
Defeating Jo Slade
When the battle against Jo starts,you’re going to instantly want to attract her attention and stop her from attacking and killing Kay by hitting her as soon as possible. The best option you have is to use your long-ranged weapons as much as possible and stay out of range from Jo’s powerful close-range attacks by using the clothing stands and running circles around her. To start with, though, just give her a whack and make her notice you.
It is possible to just use the Small Chainsaw or any otherpowerful melee weapon to hit her as much as possible and just tank the damage, but I’d only recommend this if you don’t have any guns, are a high level with lots of health, or have some powerful skill moves like Somersault Kick, which can tear through most enemies.
Beyond looking out for yourself,you’re also going to need to be careful not to hurt Kay and any of the other hostages in the room, as they can’t be rescued if they die here. Be careful when aiming your ranged weapons or attacking near the survivors, as you’re just as likely to accidentally damage then and end up losing out on a lot of PP. Uh, I mean, saving innocent people, of course.
Rewards For Defeating Jo Slade
Jo is one of the game’s tougher bosses and unfortunately doesn’t have much in the way of rewards. Once she’s defeated,she’ll drop her Stun Gun, which will respawn from the same spot in Lovely Fashion Housewhenever you re-enter Wonderland Plaza. It’s not a very effective weapon, though,especially compared to things like the Small Chainsaw.
The bigger bonus for defeating Jo is thatyou can rescue Kay and three other survivors all at once. This might seem like more of a burden but not only is it great for getting PP, but it’s also one of the best chances in the game to complete the Tour Guide challenge and escort eight survivors at once. We have a separate guide for that here if you’re interested.
