What is the Soul of Cinder Weak To?
The Soul of Cinder, the final boss of Dark Souls III, is primarily weak to thrusting weapons and lightning damage. While not an absolute vulnerability that will guarantee an easy victory, exploiting these weaknesses will significantly increase your damage output and overall survivability during the fight. This fight is considered to be one of the most difficult in the entire game.
Understanding the Soul of Cinder’s Weaknesses
The Soul of Cinder is a challenging boss encounter because it cycles through different combat styles, mimicking previous player builds from across the Dark Souls series. This means it can wield swords, spears, pyromancies, sorceries, and miracles, making predicting its attacks crucial for survival. However, beneath this adaptability lies a consistent weakness:
- Thrusting Weapons: Weapons with a thrusting attack, such as rapiers, spears, and certain katanas, deal extra damage to the Soul of Cinder. This is likely due to the boss’s armor and overall build, which may be more susceptible to piercing attacks. Using weapons like the Ricard’s Rapier or the Lothric Knight Long Spear can significantly shorten the fight.
- Lightning Damage: The Soul of Cinder is notably weaker to lightning damage compared to other elemental types. Infusing your weapon with lightning, using lightning spells like Lightning Spear or Lightning Arrow, or using items like Gold Pine Resin will deal substantially more damage than fire, dark, or magic.
It’s important to note that while these are the primary weaknesses, they don’t guarantee an automatic win. The Soul of Cinder is still a formidable opponent with high health and powerful attacks. Effective dodging, managing your stamina, and knowing when to attack are all essential for defeating it.
Exploiting the Weaknesses: A Practical Guide
Now that we know what the Soul of Cinder is weak to, let’s discuss how to best exploit those weaknesses in combat:
Weapon Choice and Infusion
- Prioritize Thrusting Weapons: Opt for weapons that have a strong thrusting attack. This includes rapiers, spears, pikes, and some curved swords with thrusting weapon arts.
- Lightning Infusion/Buffs: If your chosen weapon is infusable, consider a Lightning Infusion. If not, use items like Gold Pine Resin to temporarily imbue your weapon with lightning damage. Spells like Lightning Blade or Darkmoon Blade (with high Faith and Intelligence respectively) can also be used to buff your weapon.
- Weapon Arts: Utilize weapon arts that capitalize on thrusting attacks or lightning damage. For example, the Charge Weapon Art on spears allows you to close distance and deliver a powerful thrust.
Tactical Considerations During the Fight
- Observe Attack Patterns: The Soul of Cinder will switch between different fighting styles. Be observant and learn the attack patterns of each form.
- Time Your Attacks: Don’t be greedy with your attacks. Wait for openings after the boss has completed its attack animations. The thrusting attacks work best from a safe distance.
- Manage Stamina: Stamina is crucial for both attacking and dodging. Avoid depleting your stamina bar completely, or you’ll be vulnerable to attacks.
- Stay Mobile: The Soul of Cinder has a variety of long-range attacks. Stay mobile and use the arena to your advantage.
Recommended Builds for Maximum Effectiveness
- Faith Build: A Faith build is naturally suited for exploiting the Soul of Cinder’s weakness to lightning. Use spells like Lightning Spear, Great Lightning Spear, and Lightning Arrow to deal significant damage from a distance. Buff your weapon with Lightning Blade for increased damage output.
- Dexterity Build: A Dexterity build focused on thrusting weapons can also be very effective. Weapons like the Ricard’s Rapier or the Lothric Knight Long Spear, combined with lightning buffs or infusions, can quickly deplete the boss’s health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Soul of Cinder
1. Is the Soul of Cinder resistant to any damage types?
Yes, the Soul of Cinder has higher resistance to fire damage. Using fire-based weapons or spells is generally less effective than using lightning or thrusting attacks.
2. Does the Soul of Cinder have any other minor weaknesses?
While thrusting and lightning are its primary weaknesses, the Soul of Cinder is also slightly vulnerable to strike damage compared to other damage types. Weapons like hammers and maces might deal slightly more damage than slashing weapons, but it’s not as significant as the lightning or thrusting advantage.
3. Is the Soul of Cinder weak to bleed?
The Soul of Cinder is highly resistant to bleed. Bleed builds are generally not recommended for this fight, as it is difficult to inflict bleed status effectively.
4. What about poison or toxic?
Similar to bleed, the Soul of Cinder has high resistance to both poison and toxic. Trying to inflict these status effects is not an efficient strategy.
5. Does the Soul of Cinder have any unique attack patterns to watch out for?
Yes, the Soul of Cinder’s attack patterns change as it cycles through different forms. Pay attention to the weapon it’s wielding, as this will indicate which attack patterns to expect. The form wielding the Curved Greatsword is particularly dangerous due to its aggressive attacks. The Sorcerer form often leaves itself vulnerable after casting spells.
6. What is the best strategy for dodging the Soul of Cinder’s attacks?
The best strategy is to learn the timing of each attack and roll towards the attack. This will often allow you to avoid damage while positioning yourself for a counter-attack. Managing your stamina is crucial, as running out of stamina will leave you vulnerable.
7. Are there any environmental hazards to be aware of during the fight?
No, there are no specific environmental hazards in the arena. The fight takes place on a flat, open area with plenty of room to maneuver. The arena is very large, allowing players to choose to stay at range or to engage close-up.
8. Can you summon help for the Soul of Cinder fight?
Yes, you can summon other players to help you fight the Soul of Cinder. Summoning allies can make the fight significantly easier, especially if they are well-equipped and know the boss’s weaknesses. Be mindful that summoning other players also increases the boss’s health.
9. What level should I be before fighting the Soul of Cinder?
It’s recommended to be at least level 80-90 before attempting the Soul of Cinder fight. This will ensure you have enough health, stamina, and damage output to survive the encounter.
10. What armor should I wear for the Soul of Cinder fight?
Armor choice is largely a matter of personal preference. However, it’s generally recommended to wear armor that provides a good balance of physical defense and mobility. Avoid wearing heavy armor that will hinder your rolling ability. Light armor with high lightning resistance can be a good choice.
11. What rings are helpful for the Soul of Cinder fight?
Several rings can be helpful for this fight:
- Havel’s Ring: Increases equip load, allowing you to wear heavier armor without fat-rolling.
- Ring of Favor: Increases HP, stamina, and equip load.
- Chloranthy Ring: Increases stamina recovery speed.
- Lloyd’s Sword Ring: Increases attack power when at full health.
- Carthus Bloodring: Provides increased I-frames when dodging.
12. Is it possible to parry any of the Soul of Cinder’s attacks?
Yes, it is possible to parry some of the Soul of Cinder’s attacks, particularly those when it uses a sword. However, parrying can be risky, as mistiming a parry can leave you vulnerable to a powerful attack. It’s best to parry if you are confident in your parrying skills. The attacks while he is in the Gwyn form can be parried.
13. Can the Soul of Cinder be staggered?
Yes, the Soul of Cinder can be staggered by dealing enough damage in a short period of time. Staggering the boss will create an opportunity for a critical attack.
14. Does the Soul of Cinder have any specific lore significance related to its weaknesses?
The Soul of Cinder’s weakness to lightning might be a symbolic reference to Lord Gwyn’s signature weapon and attacks, which were imbued with lightning. Lord Gwyn’s soul is contained within the Soul of Cinder, and he is weak to it.
15. What happens after defeating the Soul of Cinder?
After defeating the Soul of Cinder, you will receive the Soul of the Lords and the Cinders of a Lord. You can then choose to link the fire, extinguish the fire, or usurp the fire, depending on your actions throughout the game. Defeating the Soul of Cinder also unlocks New Game Plus.