Dark Souls 3: Abyss Watchers Boss Fight Guide

As a seasoned adventurer who’s battled countless beasts and monstrosities in the dark corners of Lordran, I can confidently say that the Abyss Watchers are a formidable foe indeed! Their dance of death is as captivating as it is treacherous.

In a different phrasing: Ringing out is the sound of steel, bellowing are the flames, and echoing is the eerie tune—the Abyss Watchers in Dark Souls 3 offer an unparalleled gaming adventure. It’s not merely a battle; it’s a dance with death, a trial of skill and tactics. This tutorial will equip you for every twist and turn, as we delve into the mystery surrounding these mysterious fighters, dissect their intricate attack sequences, and share valuable tips for enduring their blazing onslaught. Think of this as your essential guide to mastering one of the game’s most legendary confrontations.

Key Takeaways

Two-Phase Fight: The Abyss Watchers’ aggression and attacks change drastically midway through the fight. Be ready to adapt your strategy when the boss’s sword ignites. A fire-resistant shield becomes invaluable in the second phase.
Smart Movement is Essential: Dodging through attacks, rather than away from them, sets you up for counterattacks and backstabs. Use the arena’s layout to your advantage—the pillars offer cover and can help you separate the Watchers.
Timing is Everything: Observe attack patterns and wait for openings. Don’t get greedy with attacks, especially in the second phase. Patience and well-timed dodges, blocks, and heals are crucial for victory.

Who Are the Abyss Watchers?

The Abyss Watchers serve as an impressive boss battle in Dark Souls 3, and they’re among the five Lords of Cinder that you engage as the Ashen One. Interestingly, they are the initial Lords of Cinder you’ll come across. Their fight is both visually striking and technically demanding, earning them a lot of admiration from fans. However, who exactly are these warriors, and what’s their tale?

The Lore of the First Lord of Cinder

The Abyss Watchers occupy a distinctive status among the Lords of Cinder. Unlike other individuals who willingly kindled the First Flame, the Watchers were compelled into this position. Their unending struggle against the Abyss, a destructive influence threatening the world, eventually transformed them into a Lord of Cinder. Discover more about the Lords of Cinder on the Dark Souls Wiki.

Their Abyss and Wolf Blood Connection

As a fervent admirer, I find myself stationed at Farron Keep, where the Abyss Watchers reside – undead warriors with a relentless mission to annihilate the Abyss. Swearing an oath to ingest wolf blood, a ritual said to bolster their strength against the Abyss’s corrupting force, they embody a never-ending battle against the darkness. Their unyielding hunt for any being polluted by the Abyss, and their ceaseless war against its monstrosities, is what truly sets them apart. Delve into their bond with the Abyss and the wolf blood rite on Souls Lore to learn more about these watchmen, as detailed in this Abyss Watchers piece on TheGamer. Their name itself symbolizes their sacred vow: to vigilantly guard against and obliterate anything that has been tainted by the Abyss.

Abyss Watchers Fight: Phase Breakdown

In this part, we’ll explore the Abyss Watchers battle in two fundamental aspects. Mastering these elements significantly increases your chances of winning. Brace yourself, as you’re about to experience one of the most engaging and unforgettable confrontations in Dark Souls 3.

Phase One: Initial Encounter

The battle kicks off against an initial Abyss Watcher, who is instantly hostile, brandishing the Farron Greatsword. To succeed, you should focus on mastering his attack rhythms. Duck beneath his blows and retaliate with a backstab or rapid strikes, then maintain space. Be cautious not to overreach; his moves are swift and severe. Following Fextralife’s recommendations in their Abyss Watchers Boss Guide, concentrate on dodging and landing backstabs during the early stages of the fight.

As the health of the first Watcher gets roughly halved, another one enters the fray, making the battle much tougher. Instead of tackling both straight away, try to give yourself some room. Dodging and rolling can help you avoid being overrun. Remember, when the second Watcher shows up, it’s crucial to create distance. Pay attention to their movements and seek chances to fight one Watcher while avoiding the other, as advised in Fextralife’s video guide.

Phase Two: Increased Aggression and Fire

Once you’ve conquered the initial Watcher, a brief cinematic sequence unfolds, and he rises again, bolstered by the Abyss. This signifies the commencement of Phase Two. The Watcher has become noticeably more belligerent, and his sword now blazes with flames – as detailed in Attack of the Fanboy’s Dark Souls 3 Boss Guide. The battle’s rhythm significantly alters.

In this updated scenario, the fiery assaults pack a greater punch and create persistent flames in their wake. It’s crucial to bolster your defense now. Time your evasive maneuvers precisely to dodge both the Watcher’s onslaught and the fire. The danger level of his attacks skyrockets, so stay alert and prepared to act swiftly and tactically. This new phase requires a blend of patience and precision. Avoid acting impulsively; instead, look for opportunities and retaliate with well-timed counterstrikes against his aggression.

Dodge Abyss Watcher Attacks

Evading successfully is crucial for making it past the Abyss Watchers. They launch swift and fierce assaults, yet through repetition, you can master the art of predicting their moves and dodging them instead.

Master Lateral Dodges

Instead of trying to dodge by moving forward or backward against the Abyss Watchers, it’s more effective to dodge left or right. This maneuver helps you evade both their initial attack and the ensuing fire. As Fextralife advises in their guide for the Abyss Watchers boss battle, rolling straight ahead or back can lead you directly into the flames. Moving sideways keeps you out of harm’s way and provides opportunities for counterattacks.

Time Your Rolls

Instead of panicking and dodging right away, take a moment to study the attack patterns of the Abyss Watchers. Wait for the end of their combo before dodging. It’s all about patience, as stressed in Attack of the Fanboy’s guide on the Abyss Watchers. Land one or two hits when you can, and then swiftly move away. This methodical strategy minimizes your risk while maximizing the amount of damage you inflict.

Position for Backstabs

Instead of evading assaults by moving aside, try weaving your way past them. If your dodge is well-timed, it will place you behind the Abyss Watcher, an ideal spot for a devastating strike. Fextralife’s video tutorial showcases this strategy efficiently. Although it involves risk, delivering a backstab inflicts substantial damage. Even if you fail to execute a backstab, dodging through attacks still leaves you in a favorable position for a swift attack or two before withdrawing.

Why Use a Fire Shield?

Initially, the Abyss Watchers appear manageable, but they pose a significant danger during their second stage. It’s at this point that a fire shield really proves its worth.

Reduce Fire Damage

As the battle unfolds, the Abyss Watchers set their swords ablaze, inflicting fire damage on their strikes. This significantly amplifies their strength, turning even light hits into agonizing blows. A robust fire-resistant shield can lessen this fire damage, enabling you to endure longer and discover opportunities for a counterattack. According to Attack of the Fanboy in their Abyss Watchers guide, it’s during the second phase that the boss’s attacks grow “even more formidable,” underlining the importance of a sturdy defense. This fire-resistant shield will aid you in withstanding this fiery onslaught.

Navigate Fire Trails

The fiery blades not only scorch the earth behind them, but those burn marks can take you by surprise, especially during evasive maneuvers. Fextralife’s Abyss Watchers video tutorial demonstrates that moving through these charred paths could lead to unintended harm, even if you manage to dodge the primary assault. Employing a fire shield provides additional safeguard, lessening some of the fire damage inflicted by those burn marks as you reposition yourself. This extra layer of defense can be pivotal for success.

Manage Multiple Abyss Watchers

In the heat of this battle, things can escalate quickly with the Abyss Watchers in Dark Souls 3. Mastering the art of managing several of them increases your chances of victory.

Tactics for the Second Watcher

When the initial Abyss Watcher’s health nears its halfway point, another one enters the battlefield. All of a sudden, things become incredibly hectic. To regain control, try stepping back a bit and concentrate on defensive moves like blocking and rolling. This maneuver allows you to take stock of the situation and dodge a barrage of attacks that could otherwise trap you.

Handle the Third Watcher

Regarding the third Abyss Watcher, he can be a bit erratic. He could target you or his fellow guardians. When the second Watcher joins in, aim to inflict damage on either of them. It doesn’t matter which one specifically. Both require roughly the same amount of effort to defeat, so focus on the one that offers the better opportunity. If one is nearer, take it. If one momentarily staggers, use that opening to your advantage.

Maintain Battlefield Awareness

Keeping vigilant is crucial even if it seems like the third Watcher is focused on his colleagues. His attacks can reach far and potentially strike you, regardless of whether he’s aiming at you. Always be mindful of his location and ready to evade or shield as needed. This battle requires managing the turmoil, which means staying alert about everyone in the arena. As the fight continues, the Abyss Watchers will set their swords ablaze, boosting their damage significantly. Prepare to adopt a more defensive strategy when you notice those flames.

Adapt to Phase Two

As a gamer, I can tell you this is where the Abyss Watchers really live up to their fearsome reputation. In phase two, the boss sets his sword ablaze, ramping up the damage and aggression. Now it’s all about adopting a defensive strategy. You need to understand that those fire-infused attacks pack quite a punch, so keeping an eye on the boss’s movements is essential. This increase in attack power signifies a major turning point in the battle.

Recognize New Attacks

The glowing sword isn’t just for dramatic effect. It indicates changes in the Watcher’s actions, featuring quicker strikes and broader swings. Be sure to notice the updated animations; the clue for an explosive overhead strike differs from a regular attack. Mastering these clues will provide you with a crucial split-second advantage—the gap between skillfully evading and suffering a fiery fate.

Avoid Fire Trails and Area Attacks

In their attacks, the Abyss Watchers now leave paths of flame behind. Moving straight ahead or backward through these trails can lead to trouble. Instead, try dodging sideways – left or right – to maintain safety and distance. Additionally, during this phase, the boss tends to use wider attack areas. Show some restraint and wait for the entire combo to complete before retaliating. This will provide safer opportunities to inflict damage without incurring a fiery reprisal. This strategy comes from the Fextralife YouTube channel, which is an excellent resource for tips on Dark Souls 3 gameplay.

Gear and Stats for Abyss Watchers

Recommended Equipment

Readying yourself to face Abyss Watchers? Your equipment plays a vital role, requiring a blend of defense and agility. The Undead Legion Armor Set is an excellent choice, providing robust protection without hindering speed. It’s renowned for being one of the top armor sets for this particular battle. You can obtain the Undead Legion Set from the Shrine Handmaid at Firelink Shrine upon defeating the bosses (a nice bonus!).

opt for a weapon that can momentarily halt the Abyss Watchers’ assaults; a standard Mace or Caestus should suffice because of their swift wind-up and potential to stun the bosses. In contrast, Daggers are quite useful for backstabs, particularly if you summon the Londor Pale Shade as an ally. For additional weapon strategy suggestions, consider reviewing these discussions.

Optimal Builds

For a satisfying fight, aim to set your character’s level between 25-30, ensuring that your weapon is upgraded to at least +2. This balance delivers good damage output without making the battle too easy or difficult. Strive for approximately 17 Vigor at level 30; players with comparable stats have reported success in overcoming the bosses swiftly. For additional build ideas and advice, check out this Reddit thread. The right equipment and stats will greatly enhance your odds against these formidable opponents.

Advanced Tactics to Defeat Abyss Watchers

After you’re comfortable with the fundamentals, these sophisticated techniques can empower you to conquer the Abyss Watchers and secure your triumph. The secret to success in this confrontation lies in grasping the rhythm of the fight, making expertise in these strategies essential.

Learn Attack Patterns

In the game Dark Souls 3, similar to other bosses, the Abyss Watchers signal their attacks. The initial stage pits you against two sword-bearing adversaries, providing an excellent chance to study their attack patterns. One of the Abyss Watchers serves as your main target, while the other functions as a disruptive aid, occasionally attacking either you or their companion. Be attentive to their attack sequences. You’ll discern distinct windups and indicators for each attack, granting you valuable time to respond. Identifying these patterns is crucial in preparing for the battle. For instance, the leaping attack has a very obvious starting motion, offering you plenty of time to roll clear and retaliate during their recovery.

Master Aggression and Timing

Aggression is important, but so is knowing when to hold back. In phase one, capitalize on moments when the Watchers are fighting each other. Punish whiffed attacks with a quick strike or two, then retreat. In phase two, the remaining Watcher ignites his sword, becoming significantly more aggressive and dangerous. As this guide points out, patience is key here. Wait for the Watcher to finish a combo before moving in for an attack. Don’t get greedy; a single, well-timed hit is better than a flurry of attacks that leave you open.

Find Healing Windows

Timing your heals is just as crucial as knowing how to heal effectively. The optimal healing moments often occur following a successful dodge or when the Watcher is temporarily stunned. In the first phase, there may be an opportunity for healing while the two Watchers are engaged in combat. A useful tip from this video guide is to prioritize damaging the closest Watcher after such an opening, whether it’s the main boss or the decoy. This approach maximizes your damage output and reduces the risk of getting hit by crossfire. Don’t hesitate to use Estus Flasks when a safe opportunity arises; even a small amount of healing can significantly impact your survival.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Veteran “Dark Souls” gamers aren’t immune to typical errors when encountering the Abyss Watchers. Being aware of these traps can help conserve valuable Estus Flasks and reduce annoyance. Here are some points to keep in mind:

Starting Off Hastily with the Abyss Watchers: The first meeting with the Abyss Watchers might seem overwhelming. Try to avoid launching an immediate full-scale attack. Instead, focus on understanding their attack routines by observing them. Maintaining a bit of distance (stepping back) will give you time to analyze their moves and identify opportunities for counterattacks.
Intensified Battle in Stage Two: When the boss unsheathes his sword, the combat becomes more challenging. Some players become flustered and discard their plans. However, remember to be adaptable rather than panicking. The critical factor is to stay alert about the increased potential for heavy attacks (deadlier blows) and modify your evasion and defense techniques accordingly.
In the game Dark Souls 3, while offense plays a significant role, a robust defense is absolutely vital. Be mindful not to focus solely on attacking, but rather remember to block or dodge. A reliable shield and precise timing for evasive maneuvers (hone your defensive skills) will be your greatest allies.
Skipping Past Parry and Strike: I’ve noticed that the Abyss Watchers are quite vulnerable to parries and backstabs. Utilizing this weakness can be a game-changer! When you manage to pull off a well-timed parry, swiftly following up with a counterattack (or riposte) can dish out serious damage and give you some breathing space. Keep practicing your timing to perfect this move.
Dealing with an Unanticipated Third Guardian: The unexpected arrival of the third Abyss Guardian can disrupt your flow. Try not to feel overwhelmed. Instead, view this as a chance. The third Guardian will attack its companions, offering you a chance to counterattack once more.

Use the Environment

In this battle, it’s not just about evading and striking – it’s about leveraging the battlefield itself for your benefit. The Abyss Watchers’ battleground is much more than mere scenery; it serves as a useful instrument. Mastering its use can greatly influence the challenge you face during the fight.

Exploit Abyss Watchers’ Self-Damage

Among the intriguing elements of this battle is the fact that the Abyss Watchers can injure one another, particularly during phase two when their frantic assaults frequently result in friendly fire. You can leverage this situation to your benefit. Position yourself strategically so that when one Watcher attacks, they strike their comrade instead. This not only weakens them but also creates opportunities for you to launch your own offensive moves. This guide on the Abyss Watchers provides useful advice on how to capitalize on this unique mechanic.

Strategic Arena Positioning

The setting of the battlefield itself offers numerous chances for tactical gameplay. Pillars dotting the area provide concealment and can assist in obstructing an opponent’s view, enhancing your ability to evade attacks skillfully. Utilize these cover points when you need to retreat for healing or repositioning. The design of the arena also enables you to isolate the Watchers, making it simpler to handle them individually instead of being confronted by a two-versus-one scenario. To gain further understanding on exploiting the environment to your advantage, explore this guide on overcoming the Abyss Watchers. Through clever use of the surroundings, you can transform a disorderly battle into a more controllable skirmish.

Frequently Asked Questions: Abyss Watchers

Why are the Abyss Watchers important in Dark Souls 3?

You’ll encounter the initial “Lord of Cinder” you’ll battle, and their fight is an incredible sight. Not only is the gameplay exciting, but they play a crucial role in Dark Souls 3‘s storyline, symbolizing the battle against the Abyss. Their tale infuses more depth into the game world, making them much more than just another boss character.

What makes the Abyss Watchers’ fight so challenging?

The ever-changing flow of the battle keeps you constantly alert. What starts as a straightforward one-on-one encounter soon transforms into a frenzied two-versus-one situation, and later introduces a swifter, more ferocious adversary who unleashes flames. It’s during these shifts within the fight that true difficulty arises.

What’s the best strategy for the first phase of the fight?

Familiarize yourself with the starting Abyss Watcher’s attack rhythm. Opt for evading their attacks whenever possible, and keep an eye out for chances to perform backstabs. When a second Watcher enters the fray, strive to maintain distance and prevent being cornered. Concentrate on tackling one Watcher at a time, utilizing the surroundings to your advantage.

How should I handle the Abyss Watchers’ fire attacks in the second phase?

A fire-resistant shield is invaluable here. It significantly reduces fire damage, allowing you to withstand the Watcher’s empowered attacks and navigate the lingering fire trails. Mastering lateral dodges also helps you avoid both the initial attack and the subsequent fire.

What are some common mistakes to avoid in this fight?

In my gaming experience, diving headfirst without a plan at the start is a surefire way for trouble. Losing my cool when phase two kicks off can also lead to unintentional harm. Always keep in mind that my shield serves more than just a decorative purpose, and parries and backstabs are not mere words on a screen but powerful tools. Lastly, make the most of the surroundings – use those pillars wisely and let the Watchers’ self-damage work to my advantage.

2024-11-05 15:44