Master the Ono Puncho 9999 damage challenge with early and late-game strategies, optimal setups, and RNG management tips.
Understanding the Ono Puncho Challenge
Among the many engaging side objectives in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the Ono Puncho 9999 damage challenge stands out as a unique test of your combat optimization skills. Located in Gestral Village, this optional task involves a pink Gestral named Ono-Puncho who explicitly requests to be struck with your most powerful single attack. While the game provides some leniency in mechanics, achieving this massive damage threshold can seem daunting at first glance. The good news is that with the right knowledge of game systems, this feat is attainable relatively early in your playthrough, bypassing the need for end-game stats.
A common misconception is that you need max-level characters or legendary weapons. In reality, success hinges more on understanding synergy between Pictos, status effects, and critical hits. This guide will walk you through multiple proven approaches.
Early-Game Strategy: Maelle as Your Vanguard
For players attempting this challenge during Act I, Maelle is the most reliable character due to her high single-target damage potential. Pursuing this path requires you to complete one of two preliminary objectives: either emerge victorious in the Gestral Village tournament using Maelle to obtain the Medalum weapon, or defeat the Village Chief, Golgra, in a solo battle with her. While attempting the challenge without Medalum is technically possible, initiating the fight in Virtuose Stance significantly simplifies the process by boosting your initial damage output.
Even with Medalum, it’s highly recommended to use Gustave to cast the Powerful buff on Maelle. This damage increase is crucial for reaching the 9999 threshold. The core strategy revolves around a specific set of Pictos and a weapon with a power rating of at least 200. The Last Chance weapon, found later, serves as a superior upgrade path.
Optimal Setup and Execution for Maelle
Your setup must focus on maximizing critical strike chance and leveraging damage multipliers. The Roulette Picto is non-negotiable for this strategy, as its 50% chance to either halve or double your damage is the primary RNG-based path to 9999. You must build around this element.
- Weapon: Medalum or any weapon with 200+ power (Last Chance is the ideal late-game replacement).
- Essential Picto: Roulette – Every hit has a 50% chance to deal either 50% or 200% damage.
- Supporting Pictos: Burning Shots (20% chance to Burn on Free Aim shot), Critical Burn (25% increased Critical Chance on Burning enemies), and Marking Shots (20% chance to apply Mark on Aim Shot).
- Stat Focus: Equip any Pictos that increase Maelle’s Critical Strike rate as much as possible. Ensure another party member has higher Speed than Maelle, and/or equip First Strike Pictos to guarantee she acts first.
Execution Phase: Enter the battle with Ono-Puncho. Have Gustave use Powerful on Maelle immediately. Then, use an Energy Tint with Lune to grant Maelle maximum Action Points (AP). This RNG-dependent approach may require several attempts.
In combat, command Maelle to use Free Aim shot repeatedly until the Mark status (visualized by a red X) is applied to the target. This status increases damage taken. Once marked, if you have sufficient AP, use her Percee skill. A successful critical hit combined with a favorable Roulette roll will deliver the coveted 9999 damage. Patience is key, as the random nature of criticals and Roulette means multiple resets might be necessary.
Late-Game Simplification: The Verso Method
If you return to this challenge later in the game with access to more powerful gear, Verso offers a far more straightforward and consistent method. This approach minimizes RNG and setup time.
Simply equip Verso with your hardest-hitting weapon, such as Liteso. Slot Pictos that boost critical strike chance and ensure Roulette is included. Begin the fight, use an Energy Tint if needed to build AP, and then target Ono-Puncho with Verso’s Perfect Break skill. The raw power of late-game equipment often makes the 9999 damage threshold easily reachable with a single well-geared strike, significantly reducing the number of attempts needed compared to the early-game strategy.
Pro Tip: For players struggling with the RNG of the Maelle method, progressing the story to unlock Verso and better gear before returning is a perfectly valid and often less frustrating strategy.
Claiming Your Reward
Upon successfully dealing 9999 damage in one strike, you will be rewarded with the Sakapate Outfit for Maelle. This cosmetic item can be equipped through the Wardrobe section of the menu, just like any other character outfit in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. It serves as a visual trophy commemorating your mastery of the game’s damage mechanics.
Looking for more strategic insights? Explore our other guides to enhance your expedition.
- Does Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 have New Game+?
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 difficulty settings explained
- Best attributes available in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
No reproduction without permission：Tsp Game Club » Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – How to easily clear Ono Puncho’s 9999 damage challenge Master the Ono Puncho 9999 damage challenge with early and late-game strategies, optimal setups, and RNG management tips.