DARK SOULS III

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Defeat the Crystal Sage in the Road of Sacrifices. From the Crucifixion Woods bonfire, proceed through the ruined building until you reach the boss arena. The Crystal Sage relies on powerful sorceries and frequently teleports around the battlefield. Close the distance quickly, dodge incoming spells, and attack whenever possible. The Sage staggers easily, allowing you to interrupt several attacks. During the second phase, the Sage summons multiple copies that bombard you with magic. The illusions disappear after a single hit, while the real Sage casts purple spells instead of the clones' blue magic. Find the real Sage, keep up the pressure, and defeat it to unlock the trophy.

Tip

Throwing Knives are excellent for quickly eliminating the illusions without chasing them across the arena. Sometimes the best answer to an elaborate magical trick is simply throwing something sharp at it.

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Defeat the Dancer of the Boreal Valley in the High Wall of Lothric. After defeating three Lords of Cinder, you'll be transported back to the cathedral where you first met Emma, opposite Vordt's boss arena. Approach the statue behind Emma to trigger the Dancer encounter. During the first phase, the Dancer uses sweeping sword attacks, slow movements, and a dangerous grab that can deal enormous damage. Stay near her rear legs, dodge carefully, and avoid attacking directly in front of her. At approximately half health, she draws a second sword and becomes considerably more aggressive. Her extended spinning combinations can cover a large portion of the arena, so create distance until the attack finishes. Return to her sides when an opening appears, land a few controlled attacks, and repeat until she falls. Defeat the Dancer to unlock the trophy and gain access to Lothric Castle.

Tip

The arena's pillars can provide useful cover while you heal or reposition. Just don't rely on them to block every attack. The Dancer has absolutely no respect for architectural boundaries.

Warning

Her grab attack can deal devastating damage, particularly during later New Game cycles. Avoid standing directly in front of her, and don't attempt to trade hits during her lengthy spinning combinations.

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Defeat the Deacons of the Deep inside the Cathedral of the Deep. Progress through the cathedral until you reach the large chamber containing the gathered Deacons. During the first phase, focus on the Deacon glowing with a red aura. Defeating that enemy damages the shared boss health bar and transfers the aura to another Deacon. Once enough damage has been dealt, Archdeacon Royce appears and becomes your primary target. Push through the surrounding enemies, avoid their dark magic, and attack Royce until the boss health bar is depleted. Defeat the Deacons to unlock the trophy and obtain the Small Doll, which is required to enter Irithyll of the Boreal Valley.

Tip

Weapons with wide sweeping attacks are especially effective against the tightly packed enemies. Finally, a boss fight where wildly swinging a greatsword into a crowd is a surprisingly reasonable strategy.

Warning

During the second phase, the Deacons can channel a powerful curse attack that will eventually kill you. Interrupt their casting and defeat Royce quickly rather than allowing the fight to drag on.

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Defeat the Dragonslayer Armour in Lothric Castle. Progress through Lothric Castle until you reach the Dragon Barracks. Continue past the two wyverns and make your way toward the large bridge leading to the Dragonslayer Armour's boss arena. This heavily armored opponent wields a massive greataxe and shield, delivering powerful attacks that can quickly drain your health and stamina. Stay mobile, dodge around his swings, and strike after he finishes an attack combination. During the second phase, the Pilgrim Butterflies surrounding the arena begin launching additional projectiles. Keep moving, watch for incoming attacks, and avoid getting trapped near the edges of the bridge. Defeat the Dragonslayer Armour to unlock the trophy automatically.

Tip

Lightning resistance and a weapon that deals consistent damage can make this encounter more manageable. Don't waste stamina repeatedly attacking his shield. Even an Ashen One should recognize when a giant slab of metal isn't interested in negotiating.

Warning

The arena has exposed edges, and several of the Dragonslayer Armour's attacks can knock you backward. Avoid fighting too close to the sides, especially when his heavier attacks begin.

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Become a Host of Embers for the first time. Ember is a special state that increases your maximum health and allows you to summon other players or eligible NPCs for assistance. You'll automatically enter this state after defeating Iudex Gundyr, the first boss in the Cemetery of Ash. Alternatively, you can activate the effect by consuming an Ember item while you're not already embered. Once you become a Host of Embers for the first time, the trophy unlocks.

Tip

Save your Ember items for challenging areas or boss encounters where the additional health and access to summons can make a real difference. The effect disappears when you die, so try not to spend one immediately before demonstrating your impressive ability to fall off a cliff.

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Light a bonfire for the first time. After beginning your journey in the Cemetery of Ash, follow the main path until you discover your first bonfire. Approach it and interact with the Coiled Sword to light the flame. The trophy unlocks immediately after lighting your first bonfire. You'll naturally earn this trophy while progressing through the opening area, so there's no special preparation required.

Tip

Bonfires restore your health, replenish Estus Flasks, and serve as checkpoints throughout Lothric. Rest whenever you discover one. You'll appreciate having somewhere familiar to return after a boss decides your current strategy isn't working.

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Defeat High Lord Wolnir in the Catacombs of Carthus. After progressing through the catacombs, enter the dark chamber containing a mysterious chalice. Interact with it to begin the encounter. Wolnir is a massive skeletal boss whose primary weaknesses are the three glowing golden bracelets around his wrists. Two bracelets are on one arm and one is on the other. Focus your attacks on these bracelets, destroying them individually to remove large portions of his health. Stay near his hands while avoiding his sweeping attacks, summoned skeletons, and dangerous dark mist. Destroy all three bracelets to defeat Wolnir and unlock the trophy.

Tip

Attack the bracelets whenever Wolnir lowers his arms. Breaking them deals far more damage than striking his body, so there's no need to challenge the world's largest skeleton to a conventional sword fight.

Warning

Avoid the dark mist surrounding Wolnir's upper body and the clouds he releases from his mouth. It deals devastating damage and can kill you extremely quickly if you remain inside it.

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Defeat Iudex Gundyr, the first boss encountered in the Cemetery of Ash. At the beginning of the game, follow the main path through the graveyard until you reach a large courtyard containing a kneeling armored warrior. Approach Gundyr and remove the Coiled Sword from his chest to begin the encounter. During the first phase, Gundyr attacks with sweeping halberd strikes, thrusts, and powerful overhead blows. Stay close, circle around him, and dodge through his attacks to create openings. At approximately half health, Gundyr transforms into a monstrous black creature with larger, more unpredictable attacks. Keep moving around his sides and strike when his combinations finish. Defeat him to unlock the trophy automatically.

Tip

You can land several free attacks while Gundyr rises after the Coiled Sword is removed. Firebombs are also effective during his transformed phase. Enjoy this early advantage, because the game won't be handing out many more.

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Defeat Aldrich, Devourer of Gods, one of the Lords of Cinder, in Anor Londo. After defeating Pontiff Sulyvahn in Irithyll of the Boreal Valley, continue through the courtyard filled with fallen giants and make your way toward Anor Londo. Climb the enormous staircase, enter the cathedral, and prepare to face Aldrich. This boss specializes in powerful magic attacks and can quickly overwhelm players who keep their distance. His attacks include magical projectiles, devastating scythe swings, and a particularly unpleasant barrage of arrows. The safest approach is to stay relatively close to Aldrich and attack his exposed lower body whenever possible. This reduces the opportunities he has to bombard you with long-range spells. Watch carefully when he begins raising his bow. His arrow attacks can inflict tremendous damage, especially during the second phase. Keep moving and sprint away from the advancing barrage rather than trying to block it. Aldrich frequently disappears beneath the floor and reappears elsewhere in the arena. When this happens, immediately reposition yourself and close the distance before he can unleash another series of spells. Once his health drops sufficiently, Aldrich enters his second phase, gaining additional fire effects and more dangerous attacks. Maintain your pressure, dodge his magic carefully, and avoid committing to long attack combinations. Defeat Aldrich to unlock the trophy automatically.

Tip

Fire damage is particularly effective against Aldrich, making fire-infused weapons, resins, and pyromancies useful options. Staying near his lower body also helps you avoid some of his more troublesome attacks.

Warning

Aldrich's second-phase arrow barrage can track your movement and last considerably longer than expected. If you see him preparing to fire upward, prioritize escaping the attack over dealing damage. Trying to squeeze in one final hit is an excellent way to discover how quickly a health bar can disappear.

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Defeat Lothric, Younger Prince, and his brother Lorian at the top of Lothric Castle. Progress through Lothric Castle, defeat the Dragonslayer Armour, and continue into the Grand Archives. Fight your way through the archives and climb toward the highest section of the castle, eventually reaching the enormous staircase leading to the Twin Princes' boss arena. This encounter has two distinct phases, both requiring careful timing and patience. During the first phase, you'll fight Lorian, Elder Prince. Despite his limited mobility, Lorian frequently teleports around the arena, appearing beside or behind you before launching powerful sword attacks. Stay close enough to punish his openings, but avoid becoming greedy. Dodge his combinations and land one or two attacks before preparing for his next move. Pay particular attention when Lorian teleports away and raises his sword to charge a powerful attack. This releases a devastating wave of light across the arena. Watch his weapon carefully and dodge as the attack is released. Once Lorian's health reaches zero, the second phase begins. Lothric joins the battle, riding on Lorian's back while casting magical projectiles and supporting his brother. You'll now need to manage Lorian's aggressive sword attacks alongside Lothric's ranged magic. Your primary objective during this phase is to defeat Lothric. Try to position yourself behind Lorian when attacking, allowing your strikes to damage Lothric as well. When Lorian falls, Lothric begins reviving him, creating an opportunity to attack Lothric directly. If the revival finishes, Lorian returns with part of his health restored, forcing you to continue the fight. Keep concentrating on Lothric whenever an opportunity appears. Once Lothric's health is depleted, both princes fall and the trophy unlocks automatically.

Tip

Lightning damage is effective against Lorian, and attacking from behind during the second phase helps damage both brothers. When Lothric begins reviving his brother, use the opening to deal as much damage to Lothric as safely possible.

Warning

Defeating Lorian repeatedly won't end the second phase. Lothric will continue reviving him until Lothric himself is defeated. Focus on the correct target, or this family reunion could last considerably longer than you'd like.

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Defeat Yhorm the Giant, one of the Lords of Cinder, in the Profaned Capital. To reach Yhorm, progress through Irithyll Dungeon and enter the Profaned Capital. Continue through the area until you reach his enormous throne room, where the giant awaits. Yhorm has an intimidating health bar and tremendous physical strength, but this fight has a special mechanic that makes it much more manageable. As soon as the battle begins, run toward the throne at the far end of the arena and pick up the Storm Ruler sword lying beside it. Equip the weapon and use its unique skill to defeat Yhorm. Hold the weapon skill button until the sword becomes charged with wind, then unleash its powerful Storm Ruler attack. A successful charged strike deals massive damage to Yhorm, removing a significant portion of his health. Repeat the process while avoiding his sweeping machete attacks, heavy stomps, and aggressive charges. As the fight progresses, Yhorm becomes more dangerous, so create enough distance to charge the sword safely before attacking again. Defeat Yhorm to unlock the trophy automatically.

Tip

If you've progressed Siegward of Catarina's questline correctly, he can join you for this battle and use his own Storm Ruler against Yhorm. It's one of the game's most memorable character moments, and having a heavily armored onion enthusiast fighting alongside you certainly doesn't hurt.

Warning

The Storm Ruler must be charged before its special attack deals significant damage to Yhorm. Simply swinging it like a normal sword won't produce the intended effect. You can also miss Siegward's participation if you fail to advance his questline before this encounter.

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Defeat the Abyss Watchers, one of the Lords of Cinder, located beyond Farron Keep. To reach the boss arena, explore the poisonous swamp of Farron Keep and extinguish the flames at all three ceremonial altars. Once all three are extinguished, the large sealed door near the Keep Ruins bonfire will open, allowing you to proceed toward the Abyss Watchers. The battle has two phases. During the first phase, you'll face an Abyss Watcher wielding a greatsword. Additional Watchers will rise during the fight, including a red-eyed Watcher who attacks the others. Use this temporary distraction to your advantage, focusing your damage on the main boss whenever an opening appears. When the first health bar is depleted, a cutscene begins and the second phase starts. The remaining Abyss Watcher returns with a full health bar and a flaming sword. His attacks become faster and more aggressive, with fiery trails following several swings and lunges. Watch for his charging attacks, dodge to the side, and strike during the brief recovery afterward. Avoid attacking recklessly, as his extended combos can quickly punish anyone who gets too comfortable. Defeat the second phase to earn the trophy automatically.

Tip

The boss can be staggered and is vulnerable to backstabs when properly positioned. During the first phase, let the red-eyed Watcher draw attention away from you whenever possible. There's no shame in letting someone else handle part of the fight, especially when they're already enthusiastically stabbing their coworkers.

Warning

Defeating the Abyss Watchers ends Yoel of Londor's opportunity to grant his five free levels and removes certain NPC summon opportunities associated with the boss. Collect any required gestures and complete Yoel's leveling requirements before entering the fight.

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Defeat Pontiff Sulyvahn in Irithyll of the Boreal Valley. Progress through Irithyll until you reach the large cathedral beyond the Church of Yorshka. Pontiff Sulyvahn wields two enchanted swords and attacks with aggressive combinations that leave little room for mistakes. Stay close, circle around his sides, and dodge through his swings rather than repeatedly retreating. During the second phase, Pontiff summons a shadow clone that mirrors his attacks. The clone usually performs its attack first, giving you a brief warning of what Pontiff himself is about to do. You can eliminate the clone to simplify the fight or use its movements to anticipate the real boss. Keep your attacks controlled and defeat Pontiff to unlock the trophy.

Tip

Pontiff's opening lunge can be parried, making a properly timed parry an excellent way to start the battle. If parrying isn't your specialty, summoning an available NPC can help divide his attention. No shame in bringing backup to a two-sword problem.

Warning

If you still need Duel Bow from Londor Pale Shade or By My Sword from Black Hand Gotthard, obtain the required summon gestures before defeating Pontiff. This is an important alternative opportunity if you missed them at the Abyss Watchers.

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Defeat Vordt of the Boreal Valley, the boss guarding the exit from the High Wall of Lothric. Progress through the High Wall until you reach the large staircase leading down to Vordt's arena, directly opposite the cathedral where Emma resides. During the first phase, Vordt uses heavy mace swings and sweeping attacks that inflict Frostbite buildup. Stay close to his sides or behind him, dodging his attacks and striking his rear legs whenever possible. At approximately half health, Vordt becomes more aggressive and begins charging across the arena. Dodge his rushes, avoid his frost breath, and move back behind him when an opening appears. Defeat Vordt to unlock the trophy automatically.

Tip

Staying behind Vordt makes many of his attacks easier to avoid. Just remember to watch your stamina, because repeatedly attacking a giant armored beast while standing beneath it is only a brilliant strategy until you can't roll away.