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Can You Backstab Lord of Cinder in Dark Souls 3? The Ultimate Guide

Yes, you can backstab the Lord of Cinder in Dark Souls 3. However, the ability to do so and the conditions under which it’s possible vary greatly depending on which Lord of Cinder you’re facing. Some are more susceptible to backstabs than others, and some phases within a single fight might render them immune. Mastering the art of the backstab is crucial for efficiently tackling these powerful bosses, but knowing when and how to execute it is key. This article will delve into the specifics of backstabbing each Lord of Cinder, offering tips, tricks, and FAQs to help you conquer this challenging game.

Understanding Backstabs in Dark Souls 3

The Mechanics of a Backstab

Before diving into specific encounters, let’s quickly recap the core mechanics of a backstab. A backstab is a critical attack performed by positioning yourself directly behind an enemy, within a certain range, and pressing the attack button. This triggers a unique animation that deals significant damage and often leaves the enemy staggered. The damage scales with your weapon’s attack rating and critical stat. Successfully executing a backstab requires precise positioning and timing, especially against fast-moving bosses.

Factors Affecting Backstab Success

Several factors can influence your ability to land a backstab:

Enemy Type: Some enemies are inherently more resistant to backstabs than others.
Enemy State: An enemy’s animation can render them temporarily immune to backstabs, such as during an attack or transition.
Your Positioning: Being slightly off-center will result in a regular attack instead of a backstab.
Poise: Some enemies possess high poise, making it difficult to stagger them into a backstab-able state.
Weapon Type: Certain weapons, like daggers, have higher critical attack modifiers, making them ideal for backstabbing.

Backstabbing Each Lord of Cinder: A Detailed Breakdown

Here’s a breakdown of whether and how you can backstab each Lord of Cinder in Dark Souls 3:

Abyss Watchers: The Abyss Watchers are highly susceptible to backstabs. In both phases, you can circle behind them during their attacks or while they are distracted fighting each other (especially in the first phase). Backstabbing them is a reliable strategy for dealing significant damage and controlling the flow of the battle.
Aldrich, Devourer of Gods: Aldrich is not susceptible to backstabs. His elongated body and constant movement make it practically impossible to get behind him for a successful backstab. Focus on other strategies to defeat him, such as attacking from a distance or exploiting his weaknesses.
Yhorm the Giant: Yhorm is not susceptible to backstabs. His massive size and the unique mechanics of his fight (requiring the Storm Ruler weapon) make backstabbing him impossible. Use the Storm Ruler to stagger him and then deliver a charged attack to his head.
Pontiff Sulyvahn: Pontiff Sulyvahn is susceptible to backstabs, but it’s challenging. You need to be extremely precise with your positioning and timing. Backstabbing opportunities arise after he performs certain attacks, such as his leaping thrust. However, be warned, he is fast and aggressive.
Lorian, Elder Prince & Lothric, Younger Prince: Lorian can be backstabbed in both phases. He teleports frequently, but you can often predict his reappearance and position yourself for a backstab. Lothric, when riding on Lorian’s back in the second phase, cannot be backstabbed. Focus on backstabbing Lorian during his recovery animations.
Soul of Cinder: The Soul of Cinder can be backstabbed, but it’s situational. The opportunity window is usually during the periods between his transformations when he’s briefly vulnerable. Some of his forms, like the pyromancy and sorcery forms, offer better opportunities than others. Be cautious, as his attacks are powerful, and mistiming your attempt will result in taking a massive hit.

Tips for Successful Backstabbing

Use a Weapon with High Critical: Daggers, such as the Dagger or Bandit’s Knife, have the highest critical attack multipliers.
Equip the Hornet Ring: This ring significantly increases the damage of critical attacks, including backstabs.
Patience is Key: Don’t rush. Observe the boss’s attack patterns and wait for the right moment to strike.
Practice Makes Perfect: Train your backstabbing skills on regular enemies before attempting it on bosses.
Utilize Stealth: If possible, use items or spells that reduce your visibility to sneak behind enemies.
Manage Your Stamina: Ensure you have enough stamina to perform the backstab and potentially roll away afterwards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What stats affect backstab damage in Dark Souls 3?

Backstab damage is primarily influenced by your weapon’s attack rating and critical stat. The higher these values, the more damage your backstab will inflict. Strength and Dexterity, the main damage stats for many weapons, also indirectly increase backstab damage by increasing the weapon’s overall attack rating.

2. Does the Hornet Ring affect ripostes as well as backstabs?

Yes, the Hornet Ring increases the damage of both backstabs and ripostes. It is considered a vital tool for any player focusing on critical attacks.

3. Are some armor sets better for backstabbing than others?

Armor sets do not directly affect your ability to perform backstabs. However, lighter armor sets allow for quicker movement and faster rolls, making it easier to position yourself for a backstab.

4. How do I increase my chances of landing a backstab against a fast-moving boss?

Anticipate the boss’s movements, use quick-rolling to evade attacks, and position yourself behind them during their recovery animations. Using a fast weapon can also help you capitalize on brief openings.

5. Is it possible to parry the Soul of Cinder?

Yes, the Soul of Cinder is parryable in its Gwyn form. This form utilizes a straight sword and can be parried just like any other enemy with similar weaponry.

6. Can I backstab invaders?

Yes, you can backstab invaders. The same rules apply as with regular enemies. Mastering the art of backstabbing is a valuable skill for both PvE and PvP.

7. Does weapon art affect backstab damage?

Generally, weapon arts do not directly affect backstab damage. Backstabs use the standard attack animation and damage calculation.

8. Is it ethical to constantly backstab in PvP?

The “ethics” of backstabbing in PvP are subjective and depend on the community’s conventions. While backstabbing is a legitimate tactic, some players may consider excessive backstabbing “cheap.” Ultimately, it’s up to the individual player to decide how they want to approach PvP.

9. How does poise affect backstabbing?

An enemy with high poise is more difficult to stagger and therefore harder to backstab. You may need to break their poise with multiple attacks before attempting a backstab.

10. Are there any talismans or miracles that can assist with backstabbing?

While there aren’t any talismans or miracles that directly enhance backstabs, the Hidden Body sorcery can make it easier to approach enemies undetected, allowing for easier backstabbing.

11. What’s the difference between a backstab and a guard break?

A backstab is a critical attack performed from behind an enemy. A guard break is performed by kicking an enemy who is blocking, which staggers them and allows for a critical attack (riposte if the enemy is humanoid). They are distinct mechanics.

12. Does the location of the backstab affect damage dealt?

No, the location on the enemy’s back does not affect the damage dealt by a backstab. As long as you are within the backstab zone and trigger the animation, the damage will be consistent.

13. How can I practice backstabbing effectively?

Find a relatively weak enemy with predictable movements and repeatedly practice positioning yourself for backstabs. The hollow soldiers in the High Wall of Lothric are a good starting point.

14. Is it possible to chain backstabs in Dark Souls 3?

Chaining backstabs (performing multiple backstabs in quick succession on the same enemy) is generally difficult in Dark Souls 3, especially against bosses. The timing window is tight, and most enemies will recover too quickly.

15. Can I increase my critical stat beyond what my weapon offers?

Yes, by equipping the Hornet Ring, you will increase your critical attack damage, effectively boosting your character’s critical stat. There are no other items that directly increase the critical stat itself, but this ring provides a substantial damage boost.

Can you backstab Lord of Cinder ds3?