Boss: Dragonslayer Armour

Stage I

The first half of the battle is fairly easy after a try or two. The Dragonslayer Armour only has a few moves at this time. The axe swings are very easy to dodge, since they take a lot of time to prepare. You just need to dodge multiple times for the one-two combo that the boss enjoys. Dodge late for his overhead attacks because that takes more time to charge and inflicts way more damage if you eat it.

It’s trickier to get the timing for the two types of shield punches that the Dragonslayer Armour uses. One is very quick, and the other is super slow and has a gap closer that really nails you if you dodge early, even if you roll away from the boss. Unless you have the timings down pat, always assume that the slower shield punch is the one that you’re dodging. Do this because the quick punch is very minor on damage and doesn’t lay you out. If you’re going to err, err on the side of dodging the move that rips you apart!

The worst move for the Dragonslayer Armour in this phase is a charged lightning strike. You can get a shot in while he raises the axe over his head. Then, dodge the attack while staying close to the boss so that you can hit him even more as he recovers. It’s a very good move to watch for and exploit.

When you’ve depleted almost half of his life, the Dragonslayer Armour takes a knee for a moment. Get one or two hits in, but stop quickly. As Stage II begins, the boss attacks you with a painful smash. If you get greedy, you’re going to take that shot in the face.

Stage II

The second stage is much harder. The undead dragon that’s watching the battle breathes onto the bridge occasionally, although this isn’t too bad. Still, back off if you’re in the middle of it.

The real problem is the Dragonslayer Armour’s superior moveset. Everything deals tremendous damage, so you must heal whenever you take a hit. Unfortunately, there isn’t much time to heal. Backing away doesn’t earn you much because the boss now closes quickly with most of his moves. You can only afford to drink your Estus after getting a good dodge.

Stay away from the broken side of the bridge. The Dragonslayer Armour can throw you around with his hits, and it is possible to get tossed off the bridge.

Even though this boss has a massive shield, it doesn’t absorb as much as you’d think. Take occasional potshots while he’s in between moves. Obviously, don’t do this if you see an attack coming, but there are free moments when the Dragonslayer Armour is walking around and won’t get to counterattack you if you take one of these free shots.

Practice makes perfect. This isn’t a fight that’s heavy on theory: move memorization is your best friend.

Get the Dragonslayer Armour Bonfire. The area behind the boss takes you into the Grand Archive. The end is within sigh t!