CONTROL Resonant Deserter Boss Guide

Pre-launch tactics Updated Sep 21, 2026

The Deserter is an early Resonant boss used in official and press coverage to teach Resonant combat — fire pressure, floor hazards, and a punish window when the boss is shocked/staggered.

What to expect

  • Lava floors — keep moving; do not plant in fire patches
  • Fire projectiles — dodge or Push-style tools to create space
  • Shock / stagger window — commit Aberrant finishers and high-Power abilities when the opening appears

Recommended approach (pre-launch)

  1. Use Assist Mode if dodge timing is still new
  2. Prefer a form pairing you can cancel between pressure and burst
  3. Save a burst ability for the shock window rather than dumping Power early
  4. After the win, return to The Gap and respec around the new Combat Ability

Reward loop

Resonants grant paranatural abilities that change your build options. Catalog: Abilities. Hub: All Resonant bosses.

Exact HP, phase counts, and video timestamps: Confirm in-game.

Related: Beginner · Combat · Builds