Professor Berkel’s bounty mission is one of the longer and more varied quests in High On Life 2. It combines infiltration, puzzle-solving, arena combat, and a two-phase boss fight inside the body of a massive creature named Gessie.
This guide breaks down the full Professor Berkel mission step by step, including how to handle the facility ambush and how to defeat Berkel in both phases of the boss fight.
Starting the Professor Berkel Bounty
After accepting the Professor Berkel bounty, the objective marker directs the player toward the far side of Pinkline Harbor. The route is mostly straightforward. Using movement abilities like skating and grappling helps close distance quickly.
At the harbor, a group of Gluttons blocks the path. There are several of them, but they are manageable.
To clear this section efficiently:
Use Kenny for rapid sustained damage.
Switch to Gus to finish off enemies that rush in close.
Keep moving to avoid getting surrounded.
Once the Gluttons are defeated, the path to the research facility opens.
Getting Inside the Research Facility
The next obstacle is water, which cannot be crossed by swimming. The solution is to move around the area, eliminate the guard on the far side, and take their scientist uniform.
After equipping the disguise, entry into the facility becomes simple. The scientists believe the player is a respected researcher, allowing safe access without triggering combat.
Inside, head to the marked objective to meet the Lead Scientist. Let the dialogue play out to receive additional tasks. These side activities are required to maintain cover and progress toward Professor Berkel.
High On Life 2 Boss Guide: How to Beat Professor Berkel
Completing the Scientist Tasks
Before reaching Berkel, three scientists require assistance. These short objectives are simple but necessary.
The Vial Experiment
Drink the experimental substance offered by the Vial Scientist. The effect is minor and temporary. This completes the task and keeps suspicion low.
The Hallucination Problem
The Panicked Scientist is dealing with flying meat hallucinations. To fix this, interact with the wall control panel near her workstation and shut down the machine causing the issue.
The Ballistics Test
Pick up the worm specimen and shoot the designated targets in the testing area. This works like a short shooting challenge. Once all targets are destroyed, the experiment is considered successful.
After finishing all three tasks, return to the Lead Scientist.
How Do You Handle the Facility Ambush?
Return to the Lead Scientist after completing all three tasks. He's impressed with your work and almost sends you directly to Berkel. Unfortunately, a security scan reveals your true identity, and suddenly you're surrounded by Rhea Pharma reinforcements.
Warning
This fight involves multiple enemy waves. Keep moving and use cover to avoid getting overwhelmed.
Use your full weapon arsenal here. Sweezy's time bubbles work great for crowd control, while Creature's children can handle enemies flanking your position.
Exploring Inside Gessie
Professor Berkel has relocated her operation inside the corpse of Gessie, a giant creature now converted into a research station.
After opening Gessie’s mouth, head inside. Early in this section, help a scientist struggling with a biometer by speaking with Creature. This interaction allows further progression.
Skate through Gessie’s interior until reaching the stomach area, where a wiring puzzle blocks the path. Use weapon abilities to connect power nodes and activate the vent system.
Acidic enemies appear in this area. They deal damage over time, so prioritize eliminating them quickly instead of trying to absorb hits.
Sailing the Pirate Ship
Inside Gessie’s stomach, the player encounters a crashed cruise ship and later takes control of a cursed pirate vessel. This section is more about navigation than combat.
Defeat the spectral enemies aboard the ship, then sail toward the objective marker. The segment is linear but can become chaotic if enemies are left alive too long.
Eventually, this leads to a confrontation with Tiffany.
Defeating Tiffany
Tiffany appears with Glutton support. She is stronger than standard enemies and deals heavier damage.
To win this fight:
Focus primary damage on Tiffany.
Use area attacks to control surrounding Gluttons.
Avoid staying still, as she can punish stationary targets.
After Tiffany falls, proceed to Professor Berkel’s chamber.
How to Beat Professor Berkel
The Professor Berkel boss fight in High On Life 2 has two phases. The arena is open, giving space to move, which is critical to survival.
High On Life 2 Boss Guide: How to Beat Professor Berkel
Phase One Strategy
In Phase One, Berkel uses predictable projectile patterns. Her attacks are readable and leave openings for counterfire.
Recommended approach:
Use Kenny for steady mid-range damage.
Use Gus for burst damage during close-range openings.
Use Sweezy to slow projectile speed and make dodging easier.
Let Creature provide consistent supplemental pressure.
Avoid wasting special abilities early. This phase is mostly about learning her rhythm and maintaining steady damage.
Phase Two Strategy
In Phase Two, Tiffany returns to assist Berkel. The fight becomes more chaotic with additional projectiles and overlapping attacks.
Key survival tips:
Keep constant movement.
Watch Tiffany’s telegraphed attacks in peripheral vision.
Focus damage primarily on Berkel to end the fight faster.
Do not overcommit for extra damage.
Greed can easily result in getting overwhelmed. It is safer to take fewer shots and survive longer than to risk trading damage.
Once Berkel’s health bar is depleted, the fight ends and Baby Gessie can be rescued.
Mission Complete
Defeating Professor Berkel completes the Kill Scientist Professor Berkel bounty in High On Life 2. The mission stands out due to its mix of infiltration, environmental puzzles, large-scale combat, and a multi-phase boss encounter.
By staying mobile, managing crowd control tools properly, and saving strong abilities for Phase Two, players can handle this fight without unnecessary frustration.