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In MyMemeCards, the meme card game, “When the boss has a second phase” is a common card of the Memes World series 76, number 22592 of the collection, and the 297th best-known meme of its 298 cards. Here is what the meme means, where it comes from, and how to get its card.
What does the “When the boss has a second phase” meme mean?
This meme describes the moment relief turns to dread: the boss’s health bar hits zero, the controller goes slack, and then the enemy rises, sometimes stronger and with new music. It stands for disappointment, exhaustion and resigned humor. Outside games, people use it for any ordeal that restarts right after it seemed finished: a task that comes back, an exam that gets added, a problem you thought was solved that reappears.
Where does the “When the boss has a second phase” meme come from?
Multi-phase boss fights have existed since the early days of video games, especially in RPGs. The joke became a staple of the Dark Souls community: one of the earliest known mentions dates to August 6, 2018 on the r/shittydarksouls subreddit. On June 26, 2019, YouTube user Erynith posted a video called “When the boss goes straight into second phase”, in which a mascot approaches children and then headbangs to Dark Souls boss music. The phrase got a fresh push in February 2022 with the release of Elden Ring, especially around Malenia, a boss famous for her second phase.
- August 6, 2018Earliest known mention of the joke on r/shittydarksouls.
- June 26, 2019Erynith posts “When the boss goes straight into second phase” on YouTube.
- February 2022The phrase takes off with Elden Ring and the boss Malenia.
How to use the “When the boss has a second phase” meme
- Reacting to a coworker who announces a list of fixes right after the project wrapped.
- Illustrating the return of chores you thought were done.
- Commenting on a match where the beaten team equalizes in the final minutes.
- Sharing the mascot video when the sequel looks harder than the start.
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The “When the boss has a second phase” card in MyMemeCards
| Number | No. 22592 |
|---|---|
| Rarity | Common |
| Collection | Memes World series 76 |
| Fame | 41/100 · #297 of 298 |
| Recycle value | 5 MemeCoins (15 in Shiny) |
How to get the “When the boss has a second phase” card
Every pack holds 5 meme cards, the first 3 of them Common; When the boss has a second phase comes out of the Memes World series 76 as a common card. The pack odds say what each rarity weighs.
Your first pack is free and needs no account. After that a new free pack lands every 10 minutes, up to 3 waiting for you. You can also buy the card with MemeCoins on the market, bid for it at auction, or trade it — and a double recycles into 5 MemeCoins.
Open your free pack
5 meme cards, one of them at least Rare. One free pack per person.
Free · no account needed
Odds per card, averaged over a pack: Common 72%, Rare 23.9%, Epic 3.2%, Legendary 0.56%, Mythic 0.3%, Full Art ≤ 0.1%, Shiny 0.2%. Cards 1 to 3 are always Common, cards 4 and 5 climb the rarities. Rates drop for cards that circulate a lot. Details
Memes like “When the boss has a second phase”
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Frequently asked questions
What does “when the boss has a second phase” mean?
It describes a player’s reaction when a boss they already beat once rises for a second phase. It conveys shock and dread, and is used for any ordeal that starts over.
Where does this meme come from?
It grew out of the Dark Souls community. The earliest known mention dates to August 6, 2018 on a subreddit about the series.
Which boss is tied to this meme?
Malenia in Elden Ring has been the boss most associated with the phrase since February 2022, because of her two-phase fight.
How do I get the When the boss has a second phase meme card?
Open a pack of MyMemeCards: “When the boss has a second phase” is a common card of the Memes World series 76. Your first pack is free, with no account, and you can also buy, trade or win the card at auction.
How rare is the When the boss has a second phase card?
It is a Common card. Rarity decides which pack slot can deal it, and what it is worth on the market.
Sources: Know Your Meme — When the Boss Has a Second Phase · checked on October 18, 2026.
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