Navigating the underwater eel segment in Gris requires a combination of timing, observation, and patience due to the eel’s unique biting patterns. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you through this challenging portion of the game without succumbing to the eel’s bites and successfully earning the “Eel” achievement.

Understanding the Eel Encounters

In the Water chapter, you will face eel encounters across two distinct stages. Your primary goal is to avoid being bitten, as doing so allows you to unlock the “Eel” achievement, which is known to be one of the most challenging and missable achievements in the game.

Stage 1: Initial Encounter

1. Types of Dodges:
– Automatic Dodges: Gris will automatically dodge smaller bites from the eel.
– Manual Dodges: Larger bites require you to dodge manually. Pay close attention to the eel’s jaw movement, which serves as your indication to prepare for a dodge.

2. Recognizing Bite Patterns:
– The sequence you will face in this stage is as follows:
– Small bite (auto-dodge),
– Big bite (manual dodge),
– Big bite,
– Small bite,
– Big bite.
– After the last big bite, the eel splits into two, leading you to a fork in the path. Each path is valid, but be ready for another big bite immediately afterward.

3. Final Bite Handling:
– When encountering the last big bite of this stage, ensure you dodge by pressing the dodge button (typically the A button) as soon as you notice the eel’s jaw preparing to strike.

Stage 2: The Chase Continues

1. Maintaining Momentum:
– Continue swimming forward rapidly as the eel chases you.
– The eel will attempt more bites, but most during this phase will be small, allowing for automatic dodging by Gris.

2. Final Sequence:
– As you approach the climax of this chase, you will again encounter a series of quick successive small bites. These, too, will be automatically dodged.
– As you near the point of being swallowed, a turtle appears to rescue you, which is when the “Eel” achievement should unlock.

Tips for Success

– Watch for Visual Cues: Keep a close eye on the eel’s jaw. Its subtle movements indicate when to prepare for a dodge.
– Timing is Key: Your timing for manual dodges is critical. Ensure you press the dodge button right after spotting the eel’s jaw movement.
– Practice Makes Perfect: If you are bitten, quickly pause the game and quit to the menu to restart from the last checkpoint without losing significant progress.
– Stay Relaxed: Despite the pressure of the situation, remember that Gris invites a calm and reflective playstyle. Don’t be discouraged if it takes a few tries to succeed, as getting accustomed to the timing is part of the gameplay experience.

By adhering to these guidelines and refining your timing through practice, you will successfully navigate the underwater eel segment in Gris and secure the “Eel” achievement. Good luck, and enjoy your journey!