Mastering the Abyss: Deflecting Manus’ Magic in Dark Souls
Manus, Father of the Abyss, is arguably one of the most challenging bosses in Dark Souls. His brutal melee attacks, immense health pool, and devastating dark magic make him a formidable foe. While raw strength and upgraded weapons are crucial, understanding how to deflect or mitigate his magic attacks is paramount to victory. The most straightforward answer is the Silver Pendant, an item specifically designed for this purpose. Equipping it and using it at the right moment allows you to completely negate his dark magic projectiles. However, skillful dodging is also possible, though significantly more difficult.
The Silver Pendant: Your Shield Against the Abyss
The Silver Pendant is your primary tool for deflecting Manus’ magic. When Manus casts his dark magic projectiles, activate the pendant. It will create a shield that absorbs the damage. Timing is crucial: activate the pendant just before the projectile hits. This will completely nullify the attack, protecting you from damage. The pendant can be obtained before the boss fight.
Dodging Manus’ Magic: A Risky But Rewarding Strategy
While the Silver Pendant is effective, relying solely on it can be limiting. Learning to dodge Manus’ magic offers flexibility and frees up your equipment slot. The key to dodging is recognizing his casting animations.
Decoding the Casting Animations
Manus’ casting animations provide tell-tale signs of which spell he’s about to unleash:
- Cone Blast: He’ll hold his staff high and aim it in front of him. Roll to the side immediately as he begins casting. A well-timed roll will place you outside the cone of effect.
- Dark Bead (Rapid Projectiles): This attack involves Manus rapidly firing dark projectiles at you. You can use the pendant to deflect them or try to get to his side before the projectiles hit you.
- Circle Magic: This is perhaps the most dangerous attack. Manus slams his staff into the ground, creating a ring of dark energy. The safest way to avoid this attack is to run towards Manus as soon as you see him slam his staff. Rolling away is generally ineffective. Fat rolling will make this nearly impossible.
The Importance of Fast Rolling
Your equip load significantly impacts your ability to dodge. Being below 25% of your maximum equip load allows for “fast rolling,” which provides more invincibility frames and covers more distance, making dodging Manus’ magic significantly easier.
Stamina Management is Key
Dodging consumes stamina. Depleting your stamina leaves you vulnerable to Manus’ attacks. Manage your stamina carefully, ensuring you always have enough to roll when needed. Armor that boosts stamina regeneration can be helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Fighting Manus
1. Is the Silver Pendant Absolutely Necessary to Beat Manus?
No, the Silver Pendant is not absolutely necessary, but it greatly simplifies the fight, particularly in the first playthrough. Skillful dodging can negate his magic attacks.
2. What are the Best Weapons to Use Against Manus?
Weapons with high physical damage output are generally effective. Some of the best options include fully upgraded greatswords, ultra greatswords, and halberds. Weapons with bleed effects can also work but may require multiple hits to trigger.
3. Does Manus Take Extra Damage from Lightning?
Despite popular belief, Manus is not particularly weak to lightning. While he doesn’t resist it, it’s not a significant weakness. Focusing on weapons with high physical damage is a better strategy. The text mentions “tl;dr, manus is not weak to lightning”.
4. Can You Cut Off Manus’ Tail?
No, you cannot cut off Manus’ tail.
5. What is the Best Armor to Wear for the Manus Fight?
Armor with high physical and magic defense is ideal. The Stone Armor set offers good physical defense and poise.
6. Should I Summon Sif for the Manus Fight?
Summoning Sif can be helpful, especially in the second phase, as Sif can distract Manus, allowing you to heal or deal damage. However, Sif’s health is limited, and he may not survive for long. Remember, Sif’s summon sign is inside the Manus’s arena, directly to the left of where the player spawns.
7. How Do I Deal with Manus’ Combos?
Manus’ melee combos can be brutal. Keep your shield up and backpedal to create distance. Only attack when you have a clear opening.
8. What is the Best Use for the Soul of Manus?
The Soul of Manus can be used to create the Manus Catalyst, traded for Pursuers at Snuggly the Crow, consumed for 18,000 souls, or fed to Kingseeker Frampt for 10,000 souls.
9. Is Manus Harder Than Artorias?
The difficulty of Manus versus Artorias is subjective. Both are challenging bosses, but Manus’ unpredictable magic attacks and relentless aggression often make him considered harder by many players.
10. What Makes Manus Such a Difficult Boss?
Manus’ difficulty stems from his high health, powerful melee attacks, unpredictable magic attacks, and relentless aggression. His attacks deal both physical and magic damage, and his combos can quickly deplete your health.
11. Can I Use Great Magic Barrier Against Manus?
Yes, Great Magic Barrier can be helpful, especially when Manus reaches about 50% health and begins using more magic attacks.
12. Where Can I Find Dusk After Killing Manus?
After killing Manus, you can find Dusk’s summon sign in Oolacile Township. She will have extra dialogue after beating Manus. Also, you can get all of her spells from Elizabeth, the mushroom in Oolacile Sanctuary.
13. What Does Manus Drop After Defeating Him?
Manus drops ten Humanity after his boss fight, which is more than any other boss in the game.
14. What Should I Do If I’m Fat Rolling?
If you’re fat rolling, immediately remove some equipment to reduce your equip load below 25%. Fast rolling is crucial for dodging Manus’ attacks effectively.
15. Does Sif Increase Manus’ Health When Summoned?
Since Sif gets summoned as a dark spirit, and/or is summoned after Manus is loaded, not before, he does not make Manus stronger (in terms of how much hits he can withstand).
Final Thoughts
Manus, Father of the Abyss, is a challenging but rewarding boss to defeat. Understanding his attack patterns, mastering the timing of the Silver Pendant, and skillfully dodging his magic are essential to victory. Remember to upgrade your weapon fully, manage your stamina, and be patient. With practice and the right strategy, you can conquer the Abyss.
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