Can You Poison Old King Allant? The Definitive Guide

The question of whether you can poison Old King Allant in Demon’s Souls is a persistent one within the community. This powerful, tragic figure is a formidable challenge, and players often seek any advantage they can find. Let’s get straight to the answer and then delve into everything you need to know about fighting him.

No, you cannot directly poison Old King Allant. While some bosses and enemies in Demon’s Souls are vulnerable to status effects like poison, plague, or bleed, Old King Allant is immune to these ailments. Attempting to apply poison, either through weapons or spells, will have no effect on him.

Understanding Old King Allant’s Immunities

Old King Allant’s immunity to status effects is a key part of his design. He represents the ultimate corruption and decay, yet he himself is unaffected by the slow, insidious effects of poison. He is already at his breaking point, and adding a little poison won’t do a thing to him. This forces players to confront him head-on, relying on skill and strategy rather than cheap tactics. His resistance extends beyond poison to include plague and bleed as well, eliminating a range of strategies that might work on other, lesser demons.

This immunity makes preparing for the battle incredibly important, and understanding your options for dealing damage is vital.

Strategies for Defeating Old King Allant

Since poison and other status effects are ineffective, players must rely on traditional methods of attack to defeat Old King Allant. Here are some effective strategies:

• Melee Combat: A strong melee build with high damage output can be very effective. Weapons like the Meat Cleaver or a fully upgraded Dragon Bone Smasher can inflict significant damage per hit. Focus on learning his attack patterns and timing your dodges and attacks precisely. Look for openings after his attacks to land your own blows.

• Magic: Magic users can utilize powerful spells like Soul Arrow, Soul Ray, or Firestorm to deal damage from a distance. However, be mindful of his high magic resistance. Consider using Light Weapon or Curse Weapon to enhance your melee damage if you’re a hybrid build. The timing between spell casts is crucial; anticipate his moves and time your spells accordingly to avoid being caught off guard.

• Ranged Attacks: Using arrows and a powerful bow, especially one with high damage and scaling, can provide a safer way to inflict damage. However, this method is generally slower than melee or magic. It is best used when trying to avoid his aggressive melee attacks or when you need to heal and create distance.

• Utilizing the Environment: The arena where you fight Old King Allant is relatively open, but there are some pillars that can be used strategically. You can use these pillars to create distance, heal, or bait out certain attacks that you can then punish.

• Mastering Parrying: Old King Allant’s attacks are powerful but telegraphed. Skilled players can parry many of his attacks, creating openings for critical hits (ripostes). This requires precise timing and practice, but it can significantly speed up the fight. A Buckler or Target Shield offers the best parry windows.

Avoiding Old King Allant’s Devastating Attacks

Perhaps more crucial than dealing damage is avoiding Old King Allant’s devastating attacks. His most dangerous move is his Soul Drain attack, which can permanently lower your character’s level. It is important to roll out of the way the moment he raises his hand. The Soul Drain also comes out very quickly after his dashing stab attack, so be mindful of the spacing between you and Allant. Here are some tips:

• Learn His Attack Patterns: Old King Allant has a relatively small set of attacks, but they are all powerful. Spend some time observing his moves and learning the telegraphs for each attack. The more familiar you are with his patterns, the easier it will be to anticipate and avoid his attacks.

• Maintain Stamina: Stamina management is critical in this fight. Avoid depleting your stamina bar completely, as you need stamina to dodge and block attacks.

• Use a Light Armor Set: Lighter armor allows for faster rolls and greater maneuverability, which is essential for dodging Old King Allant’s attacks.

• Be Patient: This is a challenging fight that requires patience and persistence. Don’t get discouraged if you die repeatedly. Learn from your mistakes and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify strategies and considerations for fighting Old King Allant:

1. What is the recommended level for fighting Old King Allant? While it depends on your build, most players recommend being around level 60-80 before tackling Old King Allant.

2. What is the best armor for fighting Old King Allant? Lighter armor sets like the Black Leather Armor or Brushwood Armor (if you can still fast roll) are recommended for maneuverability.

3. Are there any specific rings that are helpful in this fight? The Cling Ring (increases HP in Soul Form) and the Ring of Regeneration (slowly regenerates health) can be beneficial. The Ring of Great Strength can allow you to maintain fast roll speed with heavier armour.

4. Can I summon help for the Old King Allant fight? Yes, summoning other players for co-op is possible. This can make the fight significantly easier.

5. Does Old King Allant have any weaknesses? Besides his openings after certain attacks, he has no specific elemental or status effect weaknesses. Focus on dealing raw physical or magical damage.

6. How do I avoid the Soul Drain attack? Roll away the moment you see him reach out his hand and begin to glow. It is a quick move, but recognizable with practice.

7. What is the best way to heal during the fight? Create distance between yourself and Old King Allant before attempting to heal. Using pillars as cover can also provide a safe opportunity to heal.

8. Is it possible to cheese Old King Allant? Some players have found strategies to exploit the AI or environment to make the fight easier, but these are often patched or considered less honorable by the community.

9. What happens if Old King Allant uses the Soul Drain attack on me? Your character’s soul level is permanently reduced by one. This lowers your stats and can be a significant setback.

10. Can Old King Allant be backstabbed? No, he cannot be backstabbed.

11. Is it worth farming souls before fighting Old King Allant? Yes, farming souls to level up your character and upgrade your equipment is highly recommended.

12. What is the best way to deal with his dashing attack? Roll to the side just before he reaches you. The timing is crucial.

13. Does Old King Allant’s difficulty change in New Game Plus (NG+)? Yes, his health and damage increase in NG+, making the fight even more challenging.

14. What is the lore behind Old King Allant and the Soul Drain attack? The Soul Drain attack represents Allant’s profound understanding and manipulation of souls. He can not only steal a soul’s power but also drain the very essence of your being, reflecting his corruption and thirst for power.

15. Are there any alternative strategies if I’m struggling with the traditional methods? Some players have found success using ranged attacks and carefully managing distance, slowly chipping away at his health. Experiment with different weapons, spells, and tactics to find what works best for your playstyle.

In conclusion, while you cannot poison Old King Allant, understanding his attack patterns, optimizing your build, and practicing your dodging and attack timing are essential for victory. This is a challenging but ultimately rewarding fight that tests your skills and knowledge of Demon’s Souls. Good luck, and may you vanquish this formidable foe!