Among the many breathtaking encounters in Shadow of the Colossus, the battle against the Quinto Coloso commonly referred to as Avion stands out for its aerial elegance and unique mechanics. As the fifth colossus in the game, Avion provides a major shift in gameplay dynamics, introducing players to mid-air combat and fast-paced movement never seen in earlier colossi. This fight pushes your understanding of timing, grip strength, and environmental interaction. Mastering how to confront Avion not only enhances your journey through the Forbidden Lands but also delivers one of the most memorable battles in the entire game.
Understanding the Quinto Coloso
Name and Design
The fifth colossus is known as Avion, a name derived from the Spanish word for airplane, which is fitting given its graceful gliding through the air. Avion resembles a massive, winged creature with a long, narrow body, bird-like wings, and a tail that helps it soar through the sky. Its arena a ruined, flooded temple is perfectly designed to highlight its airborne behavior and the challenge of reaching it.
Location and Arena
To reach the fifth colossus, players must travel southwest from the central Shrine of Worship. Avion resides in a vast lake filled with ancient ruins and tall stone towers. This location is called the Lake Shrine, and it requires players to swim across the water to reach the main platform where the battle begins. The setting is serene, yet ominous perfect for the intense confrontation that follows.
How to Find the Fifth Colossus
Navigating the Forbidden Lands
From the central temple, mount Agro and head southwest past the rocky canyons and plains. Use your sword’s beam of light to guide you. You’ll eventually find yourself at a cliff edge overlooking a massive lake. Dismount and swim toward the ruins at the center of the lake. Climb up the central platform using ladders and ledges, then proceed to the open arena. The fight begins once you’ve reached the end of the walkway and stand near the central columns.
Preparing for the Battle
Before confronting Avion, make sure your grip gauge is healthy and that you are familiar with swimming and climbing mechanics. This battle will test your stamina and timing more than brute strength. It’s also helpful to practice jumping onto moving platforms, as this skill is essential during the confrontation.
Battle Strategy and Mechanics
Triggering the Fight
To initiate the encounter, you must shoot arrows at Avion while standing on the central platform. It will react by swooping down toward you in an aggressive yet elegant dive. This moment presents your first opportunity to grab onto it mid-flight.
Mounting the Colossus
As Avion swoops down low over the water, time your jump to grab onto its wings or tail. Missing this chance will require you to wait for another pass. Once you’re on its body, the real challenge begins: maintaining your grip while Avion performs loops, barrel rolls, and sudden turns in the air. The colossus’s swift movements can fling you off easily if you’re not cautious.
Weak Spots and Damage Strategy
Avion has three main weak spots:
- One on each wing
- One at the base of its tail
To reach these points, carefully crawl across its back and limbs while holding on during flight maneuvers. Stab only when Avion stabilizes briefly trying to attack during aerial acrobatics will likely result in being thrown off. It is recommended to take down one wing, then the tail, and finally the other wing for best balance and timing.
Tips for Success
Conserving Grip Stamina
Grip management is crucial in this fight. You’ll spend most of the battle hanging onto Avion’s body as it spins and dives through the air. If you run out of grip stamina mid-flight, you will fall and need to restart the mounting process. Watch for moments of calm flight to rest and recover stamina when possible.
Timing Your Attacks
Each time Avion performs a maneuver, it becomes temporarily stable before the next. Use these windows to stand up and stab. Do not rush. It is better to land fewer, more effective attacks than risk falling. Be patient and wait for the right opportunity to strike.
Using the Arena to Your Advantage
The central pillars and ruined walkways give you multiple positions to bait Avion’s dive. If you fall into the water, swim quickly to one of these platforms and shoot arrows to re-engage the colossus. Use high points to improve your jumping angle and decrease the chances of missing your grab.
The Symbolism Behind Avion
Freedom and Flight
Avion represents the theme of freedom and isolation. Unlike earlier colossi that walk on land, Avion glides through the sky with grace and peace, only attacking when provoked. Its reluctance to engage in violence can evoke sympathy in players, adding emotional weight to its defeat.
The Ethical Conflict
Many players feel a sense of guilt after taking down the fifth colossus. Unlike aggressive or monstrous enemies, Avion behaves like a wild animal simply defending itself. This adds depth to the narrative and highlights the moral ambiguity at the heart of Shadow of the Colossus.
Post-Battle Events
Return to the Shrine
Once Avion is defeated, a familiar cutscene plays. Black tendrils rise from the colossus’s body and strike Wander, rendering him unconscious. You awaken back at the Shrine of Worship, and a new statue shatters, indicating your progress. Dormin then gives clues about the next colossus, continuing the cycle of battles and sacrifice.
Visual and Sound Design
The music during the Avion fight is especially memorable, combining soaring orchestral arrangements with a sense of wonder and tragedy. The visual spectacle of fighting in the air above shimmering water is one of the most iconic moments in the game. The combination of design, music, and gameplay creates a truly unforgettable experience.
Legacy of the Fifth Colossus
Fan Appreciation
Avion is frequently cited by fans as one of their favorite colossi. The fluid motion, unique battle mechanics, and emotional depth set it apart from many other boss fights in video games. It stands as a testament to Team Ico’s dedication to creating battles that are not just difficult, but also meaningful.
Remake Enhancements
In the PlayStation 4 remake, Avion’s design received visual enhancements that made the feathers, wings, and water effects even more realistic. However, the core mechanics of the fight remained true to the original, showing respect to the classic encounter while embracing modern graphics.
The Quinto Coloso, Avion, is a defining moment in Shadow of the Colossus. Its airborne battle requires players to rethink everything they’ve learned so far, relying on precision, timing, and grip control rather than brute force. The emotional and symbolic layers of this fight, combined with its mechanical uniqueness, make it one of the most powerful moments in the game. Whether you’re a first-time player or a returning fan, facing Avion is an experience that leaves a lasting impression and perfectly embodies the beauty and tragedy of the Forbidden Lands.