Conquering the Storm: The Ultimate Gear Guide for the Nameless King in Dark Souls 3

Facing the Nameless King in Dark Souls 3 is arguably one of the most daunting challenges in the entire game. This optional boss, found deep within Archdragon Peak, is notorious for his punishing attacks, two-phase battle, and sheer aggressive nature. Gear choice is paramount to success, and the right setup can make a seemingly impossible fight manageable. So, what is the best gear against the Nameless King?

The optimal setup involves a combination of high lightning resistance armor, a long-reach weapon with a vertical swing, and rings that enhance survivability and damage output, specifically against both lightning and bleed damage. Let’s break down each component for maximum effectiveness:

Armor: Prioritizing Lightning Resistance

Given that the Nameless King’s primary damage type is lightning, your armor should prioritize lightning defense above all else. While there is not one singular “best” armor set, the key is to maximize lightning resistance while maintaining acceptable physical and poise stats.

Recommended Armor Pieces

• Thunder Stoneplate Ring: This is absolutely essential, and must be used with a high Lightning resistance armor. It provides a significant boost to your lightning absorption, and will be a game changer to survive.
• Armor with High Lightning Defense: Consider pieces from sets like the Dragonslayer Armor set, the Elite Knight Set, or even the Lorian’s Set for their mix of solid resistances and physical defense. The key here is to prioritize lightning defense over all other resistances.
• Lightweight Armor for Mobility: If you’re confident in your dodging skills, a lighter setup with higher agility can work, particularly during the second phase. The Fallen Knight Set offers a good balance, but you will sacrifice some lightning defense.

Weapons: Reach and Vertical Strikes are Key

The Nameless King is a highly mobile and agile enemy, demanding weapons with good range to consistently land hits. Moreover, his hitboxes, especially on his dragon’s head during phase one, can be tricky. Weapons with vertical swings are generally more effective because they are better at hitting his dragon, and also the Nameless King’s head when on foot.

Top Weapon Choices

• Greatswords and Ultra Greatswords: These offer the needed reach and damage. Lorian’s Greatsword is an excellent choice due to its vertical swings and overall damage output. The Astora Greatsword can also be effective, as well as the Flamberge, and Drakeblood Greatsword.
• Halberds: Weapons like the Glaive or the Red Hilted Halberd provide great reach and vertical attacks, and allow you to keep a safer distance.
• Spears and Pikes: The Lothric Knight Long Spear or the Yorshka’s Spear offer good range and vertical attack options, but require precise timing.
• Maces: The article you provided references a mace +10 with lightning blade. While effective, other weapons may provide more consistent damage.
• Avoid Short, Horizontal Swinging Weapons: Weapons with shorter reach or horizontal attacks like curved swords or katanas can be challenging to use effectively against the Nameless King, especially during his dragon-riding phase.

Weapon Infusion and Buffs

• Fire Infusion: The Nameless King is weak to fire damage in his second phase, and infusing a weapon with fire can significantly boost your DPS.
• Dark Infusion: Another option as he is weak to dark damage as well.
• Lightning Blade: While lightning damage is generally not effective against the Nameless King, you can use a lightning buff on a fire infused weapon to maximize DPS. Using a lightning blade on a mace can also work well.

Rings: Enhancing Defense and Damage

Rings provide crucial passive boosts. Prioritize the following:

Essential Rings

• Thunder Stoneplate Ring: As mentioned before, this is paramount for increasing lightning defense. It will help minimize the damage from his devastating attacks.
• Carthus Bloodring: It increases iframes on dodges, and he is weak to bleed.
• Ring of Steel Protection: This provides flat damage reduction, which helps against his physical attacks.
• Chloranthy Ring: This boosts stamina recovery, and allows for more frequent attacks and dodges.
• Havel’s Ring/Ring of Favor: If your armor load is high, these rings are helpful for maintaining a manageable weight and allowing for rolls.

Consumables: Healing and Buffs

Prepare with appropriate consumable items:

• Estus Flasks: Make sure you have as many estus flasks as possible.
• Ember: This will provide extra health.
• Green Blossoms: These boost your stamina recovery rate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Fighting the Nameless King

Is the Nameless King weak to any specific damage type?

Yes. He is weak to fire and dark damage during the second phase, and has an interesting weakness to bleed. He is also resistant to lightning and magic damage.

Is the Nameless King harder than other bosses in Dark Souls 3?

Yes, many players consider the Nameless King the hardest boss in Dark Souls 3. His two-phase fight, large health pool, and aggressive attacks make him a significant challenge.

Is the Nameless King a secret boss?

Yes, he is a secret boss, located at the very end of Archdragon Peak, and appears only after the player rings the bell by the Great Belfry.

Is the Nameless King a God?

Yes, the Nameless King is presumed to be a once powerful god of war, and is alluded to be Gwyn’s firstborn son.

Is the Nameless King good or evil?

He is considered a minor antagonist as he betrayed his father and sided with the Everlasting Dragons.

Is Solaire related to the Nameless King?

No. While it’s a popular theory in the community, the theory that Solaire is the Nameless King’s son is false.

Can I fight the Nameless King after completing the game?

Yes, you can fight the Nameless King after beating the final boss. He is accessible until the start of new game plus.

What is the recommended Vigor for fighting the Nameless King?

Having 40 vigor is a good starting point to improve your survivability. The diminishing returns are less harsh until 40 vigor.

Why is the Nameless King considered so difficult?

The Nameless King’s difficulty comes from his two-phase fight, massive health pool, and aggressive attacks, including piercing damage during his second phase. He also has tricky hitboxes, making certain weapons useless.

What are some of the best strength weapons for the Nameless King?

Weapons like the Dragonslayer Axe and Lorian’s Greatsword are excellent choices due to their reach, vertical swings, and substantial damage output. The Flamberge, Astora Greatsword, and Drakeblood Greatsword also work well.

How many people have defeated the Nameless King?

Only a low 32.3% of players who started the game have beaten the Nameless King. However, 88.2% of players who reached Archdragon Peak did defeat the boss.

How does ranged attacks impact the Nameless King fight?

Using ranged attacks can make his second phase easier. If you are a mage or an archer, the second phase may be easier for you.

Is the Nameless King more powerful than Gwyn?

Yes, the Nameless King is considered to be lore-wise stronger than Gwyn, as he is supposed to be Gwyn’s firstborn son.

Is the Nameless King resistant to Lightning damage?

Yes, the Nameless King is resistant to lightning damage. The lore states that dragon scales cannot be burned, and are supposed to be weak to lightning. However, the Nameless King is resistant to lightning.

Is the Nameless King harder than Midir?

Yes, most players agree that the Nameless King is harder than Darkeater Midir. Midir becomes easier once his attack patterns are learned.

Conclusion

Defeating the Nameless King is a testament to skill and preparation. By prioritizing high lightning defense, equipping a long-reach weapon with vertical attacks, and utilizing supportive rings and consumables, you can greatly improve your chances of success. Remember, patience and persistent are key to overcoming this epic challenge. Good luck, Ashen One, and may the flames guide thee!