Alert feat gives massive advantage with +5 initiative in combat, super strong since we're rolling d4s instead of d20s. Getting first turn means dropping big spells or debuffs before bosses can even move, and you'll completely avoid surprise attacks which is crucial for tough fights

Most regular bosses will get steamrolled if you go first, but watch out for late-game heavyweights like cazador and dolor since they might have alert themselves. Even without guaranteed first strike against major threats like ketheric, the feat stays incredibly useful, especially for slower characters wearing heavy armor or anyone with low dex scores

Good to know alert works amazingly with characters like gale or wyll who can shut down bosses with control spells right away. Position them carefully though since going first doesn't help much if they get taken out immediately after. Keep in mind some later bosses have special abilities that trigger regardless of turn order, but getting that first action is still worth it for setting up your strategy