How to Riposte the Nameless King in Dark Souls 3: A Comprehensive Guide

The Nameless King, a formidable foe in Dark Souls 3, is known for his punishing attacks and demanding combat. While a straight-up fight is challenging enough, knowing how to riposte him can significantly shorten the battle and provide much-needed openings. You can riposte the Nameless King by successfully parrying his attacks during his first phase while he is riding the King of the Storm. Once the King of the Storm is brought down, the Nameless King becomes vulnerable to a critical attack directly after he falls to the ground.

Understanding the Riposte Opportunity

The key to riposting the Nameless King lies in understanding the fight’s two distinct phases and the specific opportunity within the first phase.

Phase 1: King of the Storm

During the first phase, the Nameless King rides the King of the Storm, a massive dragon-like creature. Directly attacking the Nameless King is possible but difficult. The most efficient way to defeat this phase is by targeting the King of the Storm’s head.

Parrying is the key. The Nameless King executes various attacks while mounted, and several of these can be parried. Successfully parrying allows you to punish the Nameless King with a riposte when he is momentarily stunned on the dragon’s head.

Phase 2: The Nameless King Alone

Once the King of the Storm is defeated, the Nameless King will fall to the ground, now separated from his mount. You cannot parry any of his attacks during this phase to set up a riposte. However, once the King of the Storm is brought down, the Nameless King becomes vulnerable to a critical attack directly after he falls to the ground.

Steps to Riposte the Nameless King

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to riposte the Nameless King:

1. Enter the arena and target the King of the Storm’s head. Lock-on targeting makes parrying difficult, so keep your camera focused on the King of the Storm’s head.
2. Observe the Nameless King’s attack patterns while mounted. Learn which attacks are parryable. Some are faster than others, requiring precise timing.
3. Equip a parrying tool. Small shields, medium shields with the Parry skill, or the Caestus are all viable options. Experiment to find what suits your playstyle.
4. Anticipate an attack and time your parry. Press the parry button just before the Nameless King’s weapon strikes you.
5. If successful, the Nameless King will be staggered on the King of the Storm’s head.
6. Immediately approach the Nameless King, lock-on, and press the attack button to execute the riposte.
7. Once the King of the Storm is defeated, immediately approach the Nameless King and press the attack button to execute the riposte.
8. Repeat the process until the King of the Storm is defeated.
9. Focus on dodging and attacking in the second phase.

Tips for Successful Parrying

• Practice: The timing for parrying can be tricky. Practice against other enemies with similar attack patterns to hone your skills.
• Shield Stability: A shield with high stability will reduce the amount of stamina lost when blocking attacks, allowing you to attempt more parries. However, the stability stat doesn’t affect the parry window.
• Prediction: Don’t react to the attack; predict it. Watching the Nameless King’s movements and animations will help you anticipate his strikes.
• Patience: Don’t be greedy with your attacks. Focus on parrying opportunities.

Weapons for Riposting

The damage inflicted by a riposte depends on your weapon’s critical stat. Weapons with a high critical rating, such as daggers and rapiers, will deal significantly more damage. Consider switching to a high-critical weapon before performing the riposte for maximum impact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding how to riposte the Nameless King, designed to provide more in-depth information and address common player concerns:

1. What attacks of the Nameless King on the King of the Storm can be parried? Most melee attacks are parryable. Experiment to determine which ones you are most comfortable parrying. The lightning strikes are not parryable.

2. Is it easier to riposte him with a specific shield or weapon? Small shields and medium shields with the Parry skill offer different parry windows. Experiment to find what suits you best. A high critical weapon will increase the riposte damage.

3. How do I know if I successfully parried an attack? A distinct sound cue and a visual stagger animation of the Nameless King indicate a successful parry.

4. What happens if I fail to parry an attack? You will be hit by the attack and likely take significant damage. Be prepared to dodge or block follow-up attacks.

5. Can I riposte the Nameless King in Phase 2? No, you cannot riposte him in Phase 2 except when he first falls to the ground after the King of the Storm is defeated. His attacks cannot be parried.

6. What is the best strategy for dealing with the King of the Storm’s fire attacks? Run away from the King of the Storm to avoid the fire attacks.

7. Should I lock on to the Nameless King or the King of the Storm during Phase 1? When parrying, it’s generally better not to lock on. Lock on while he is stunned to do the riposte.

8. What stats should I focus on to improve my riposte damage? Strength and Dexterity both improve weapon damage, and therefore indirectly affect riposte damage. The weapon’s critical stat is the most direct factor.

9. Is it possible to beat the Nameless King without riposting? Absolutely. Riposting is just one strategy. Many players prefer to dodge and attack.

10. What level should I be before attempting the Nameless King fight? Generally, players are around level 80-90 when facing the Nameless King.

11. What are some good alternative strategies if I’m struggling with parrying? Focus on dodging his attacks and hitting the King of the Storm’s head when it’s safe. Use lightning-resistant armor and consumables.

12. Does the Ring of Favor affect riposte damage or stamina usage when parrying? The Ring of Favor increases maximum HP, stamina, and equip load, indirectly improving survivability during the fight but not directly affecting riposte damage.

13. Does the Hornet Ring affect riposte damage? Yes, the Hornet Ring significantly increases riposte damage, making it highly recommended for this fight.

14. Can I summon help for the Nameless King fight, and does it make riposting easier? Yes, summoning help is possible. Having allies can distract the Nameless King, giving you more opportunities to parry and riposte. However, the King of the Storm’s health increases with each summon, making it more important to be effective.

15. What happens if I get hit by lightning during the fight? The lightning attack deals high damage and can stun you, leaving you vulnerable to follow-up attacks. Focus on avoiding the lightning strikes by running away.

Conclusion

Riposting the Nameless King is a challenging but rewarding strategy that can significantly shorten the fight. By understanding the attack patterns of the King of the Storm, practicing your parrying timing, and equipping a suitable weapon, you can master this technique and conquer one of Dark Souls 3’s toughest bosses. Good luck, Ashen One!