diff --git a/boss/BossEncounter.gd b/boss/BossEncounter.gd
index 65b3ef7..485da54 100644
--- a/boss/BossEncounter.gd
+++ b/boss/BossEncounter.gd
@@ -14,7 +14,6 @@ extends Node2D
 
 const REVEAL_SECONDS: float = 1.15
 const REVEAL_SHAKE: float = 28.0
-const APPROACH_STANDOFF: float = 850.0
 
 var reveal_started: bool = false
 var reveal_left: float = 0.0
@@ -47,22 +46,11 @@ func _ready() -> void:
 	_set_combat_ui_visible(false)
 	indicator.visible = true
 	indicator_label.visible = true
-	game_state.encounter_locks_movement = true
-	# The encounter introduces itself in the world: the fleet is drawn toward
-	# the signal until the Warden reaches the edge of view, then control is
-	# returned after the roar. No dialog or separate scene hides the approach.
-	_begin_approach.call_deferred()
+	# The signal is a destination, not an autopilot order. The player keeps
+	# control while approaching it; only the short reveal below takes the wheel.
 	_refresh_status()
 
 
-func _begin_approach() -> void:
-	# PlanetSurfaceController composes this encounter before it spawns the
-	# restored fleet. Waiting one call guarantees there are ships for the
-	# scripted move to steer.
-	if not reveal_started and not fleet.ships.is_empty():
-		fleet.move_to(boss.global_position + Vector2(0.0, APPROACH_STANDOFF))
-
-
 func _exit_tree() -> void:
 	if game_state != null:
 		game_state.encounter_locks_movement = false
@@ -95,6 +83,7 @@ func begin_reveal() -> void:
 		return
 	reveal_started = true
 	reveal_left = REVEAL_SECONDS
+	game_state.encounter_locks_movement = true
 	fleet.stop()
 	indicator.visible = false
 	indicator_label.visible = false
diff --git a/tests/_boss_approach_preview.gd b/tests/_boss_approach_preview.gd
index 4da1768..ada33f0 100644
--- a/tests/_boss_approach_preview.gd
+++ b/tests/_boss_approach_preview.gd
@@ -21,5 +21,5 @@ func _ready() -> void:
 	var surface: Node = load("res://surface/PlanetSurface.tscn").instantiate()
 	add_child(surface)
 	surface.get_node("FadeOverlay/FadeRect").visible = false
-	# Four screenshot frames are nowhere near enough for the automatic
-	# approach to cover 950 world units, so the signal remains off-screen.
+	# Four screenshot frames leave the fleet at its landing point, so the
+	# signal remains off-screen until the player chooses to follow it.
diff --git a/tests/test_boss_planet.gd b/tests/test_boss_planet.gd
index 9280466..2e052b7 100644
--- a/tests/test_boss_planet.gd
+++ b/tests/test_boss_planet.gd
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ extends SceneTree
 #      scripted profile is excluded from the map editor
 #   B. landing composes BossEncounter instead of a PlanetSetup and does not
 #      mark the world conquered for free
-#   C. the off-screen approach locks movement and reveals with its own cue
+#   C. the off-screen approach remains controllable and reveals with its own cue
 #   D. waves are larger, expelled outward, varied, and golden only 1/3 times
 #   E. killing the marked hatchling sends a visible return to the boss and
 #      opens an attackable tentacle eye
@@ -119,14 +119,16 @@ func _process(delta: float) -> bool:
 				return _fail("boss combat UI is visible before the boss enters view")
 			if not encounter.indicator.visible or not encounter.indicator_label.visible:
 				return _fail("the off-screen boss has no directional border indicator")
-			if not state.encounter_locks_movement or boss.combat_active:
-				return _fail("the approach did not take temporary control or already started combat")
-			# Put the camera where the automatic approach eventually carries it;
-			# the encounter itself must detect the boss crossing into view.
+			if state.encounter_locks_movement or boss.combat_active:
+				return _fail("the off-screen approach locked player movement or already started combat")
+			# Put the camera where the player can carry the fleet; the encounter
+			# itself must detect the boss crossing into view.
 			surface.get_node("Camera2D").global_position = boss.global_position + Vector2(0.0, 1000.0)
 			encounter._process(0.0)
 			if not encounter.reveal_started:
 				return _fail("bringing the boss into view did not trigger its reveal")
+			if not state.encounter_locks_movement:
+				return _fail("the reveal did not briefly lock movement for the cinematic")
 			if not encounter.health_bar.visible or encounter.indicator.visible:
 				return _fail("the reveal did not exchange the indicator for the health UI")
 			var scream_heard: bool = false