How to Conquer Gravelord Nito: A Dark Souls Masterclass

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So, you’re facing Gravelord Nito, the First of the Dead, and you’re finding him a bit…bone-chilling? Don’t worry, even seasoned adventurers tremble before the Lord of the Tomb of the Giants. The key to defeating him lies in a strategic approach, exploiting his weaknesses, and controlling the battlefield. Equip a divine weapon to deal with the skeletons effectively and use fire-based attacks, as Nito is vulnerable to flame. Manage the skeleton adds by either eliminating them quickly with your divine weapon or using items like the Slumbering Dragoncrest Ring and Fog Ring to minimize their aggression. Finally, stay close to Nito to avoid his devastating Gravelord Sword Dance and punish his attacks. Let’s delve into the details, shall we?

Understanding the Battlefield and Your Enemy

The Tomb of the Giants isn’t exactly a vacation spot. Darkness, perilous drops, and those pesky giant skeletons make reaching Nito a challenge in itself. But once you’re through the fog gate, the arena is relatively small. The initial group of skeletons is your primary concern.

Preparing Your Arsenal

Divine Weapon: Absolutely crucial. This will prevent the skeletons from respawning, allowing you to thin their numbers or ignore them altogether. A divine weapon reinforced to +5 or higher is ideal.
Fire Damage: Whether it’s charcoal pine resin, a fire-infused weapon, or pyromancies, fire spells inflict significant damage on Nito. Great Combustion or Fireball are excellent choices.
Armor: Mobility is important. Medium armor that allows for fast rolling is recommended. Avoid heavy armor that will slow you down.
Rings: The Slumbering Dragoncrest Ring (from Sen’s Fortress) and the Fog Ring (obtained by trading a Humanity to Frampt while wearing the Darkwraith covenant ring) can make the skeleton adds less aggressive, but be careful not to venture too far into the room.

The Nito Playbook: Know Thy Enemy

Nito’s attacks are relatively predictable. His most dangerous move is the Gravelord Sword Dance, a ranged attack that deals heavy damage. He also uses a dark magic attack that can inflict toxic and a sweeping scythe attack.

Gravelord Sword Dance: Nito raises his sword, and several dark swords erupt from the ground. This attack is difficult to dodge, but staying close to Nito significantly reduces your chance of being hit.
Dark Magic Attack: This ranged spell can inflict toxic. Equip armor with high poison resistance or carry moss clumps to cure the ailment.
Scythe Attack: A slow, sweeping attack that’s easily dodged. This is your opportunity to punish him.

Executing the Strategy: Dance with Death

Here’s the breakdown of a winning strategy:

Initial Clearing (Optional but Recommended): Immediately upon entering the arena, use your divine weapon to eliminate the initial skeletons. This provides you with more space to maneuver. Be mindful of the larger skeletons further in the room.
Staying Close: Your primary goal is to stick close to Nito. This minimizes the effectiveness of his Gravelord Sword Dance.
Dodging and Attacking: When Nito uses his scythe attack, dodge it and immediately retaliate with fire-infused attacks or pyromancies.
Managing Toxicity: If you’re hit by his dark magic attack, quickly use a moss clump to cure the toxic ailment.
Patience and Persistence: Nito has a decent amount of health, so be patient and don’t get greedy with your attacks. Focus on dodging his attacks and punishing him when he’s vulnerable.

Alternative Strategies and Tips

Range is Risky: While theoretically possible to defeat Nito with ranged attacks, it’s much more challenging due to the difficulty of dodging his Gravelord Sword Dance from a distance.
Poise and Stagger: Weapons with high poise damage can stagger Nito, giving you a window for additional attacks.
Summoning (If Applicable): While the effectiveness of summoning varies depending on your build and the summon’s skill, a well-equipped ally can provide a valuable distraction and help deal with the skeletons. Remember that Solaire is not available for this fight.
Experimentation is Key: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different weapons, armor, and strategies. What works for one player may not work for another.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do you have to fight Gravelord Nito?

Yes! Progressing through the main storyline requires defeating Nito. He is one of the four Lords whose souls are needed to access the final boss.

2. Why is Gravelord Nito so hard?

Nito’s difficulty stems from a combination of factors: starting the fight with half health, the presence of skeletons that can overwhelm you, and the difficulty of dodging his Gravelord Sword Dance.

3. How do you fight Nito without skeletons?

While you can’t completely eliminate the skeletons, the Slumbering Dragoncrest Ring and Fog Ring will greatly reduce their aggression, allowing you to focus primarily on Nito.

4. Is Nito weak to divine?

No, Nito is not directly weak to divine. However, using a divine weapon is essential for permanently killing the skeletons he summons, preventing them from respawning and making the fight much more manageable.

5. Is Nito weak to Lightning?

Nito is weak to fire, not lightning. Focus on fire-based attacks to maximize your damage output. Remember, the Iron Golem is weak to lightning.

6. Can I summon Solaire for Nito?

Unfortunately, Solaire is not available for the Nito fight. He can only be summoned for specific bosses like the Gargoyles, Gaping Dragon, Ornstein & Smough, and Centipede Demon.

7. Can I join Gravelord after killing Nito?

No, you cannot join the Gravelord Servant covenant after defeating Nito. If you’re already a member, killing him won’t break the covenant, but you won’t be able to level up within it during that playthrough.

8. Do you need a divine weapon for Gravelord Nito?

Yes, a divine weapon is highly recommended. It allows you to permanently defeat the skeletons, preventing them from respawning and overwhelming you during the fight.

9. How do I get rid of Gravelord curse?

To remove the Gravelord curse, you must invade the Gravelord player and defeat them. This can be a challenging task, but it’s the only way to lift the curse.

10. Is Gravelord Nito a God?

Gravelord Nito is considered a powerful deity in the Dark Souls universe, often referred to as the First of the Dead and a major figure in Anor Londo’s history.

11. Is Nito an optional Boss?

No, Nito is not an optional boss. Defeating him is mandatory for progressing through the main storyline and reaching the final boss.

12. What happens when you offer Eye of Death?

Offering Eyes of Death to the Gravelord Servant covenant allows you to increase your rank within the covenant and unlock new items and abilities.

13. What is Nito weak to ds1?

Nito is weak to fire and has a relatively predictable attack pattern, making him vulnerable to close-range combat when you have a divine weapon to handle the skeletons.

14. Do you need the Lordvessel to fight Nito?

Yes, you need the Lordvessel to fight Nito. Placing the Lordvessel at the Firelink Altar opens the path to the Tomb of the Giants and the other areas needed to progress the story.

15. Is Gravelord Nito a good boss?

Opinions vary, but many players find Nito to be a somewhat underwhelming boss due to his relatively simple attack patterns and vulnerability to fire. The main challenge comes from managing the skeletons.

Conquering Gravelord Nito is a rite of passage in Dark Souls. With the right preparation, strategy, and a bit of persistence, you’ll be claiming victory over the First of the Dead in no time. Good luck, and may the flames guide thee!

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