How to Make the Rykard Fight Easier in Elden Ring: A Blasphemous Guide to Victory

Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy, might seem like a daunting demigod, but this fight is actually designed to be accessible, even easy, if you understand the gimmick. The key to simplifying this encounter lies in exploiting his vulnerability to the Serpent-Hunter great spear. Equip it, understand its Great-Serpent Hunt skill, and stay mindful of his attacks. Mastering these elements turns a potentially frustrating battle into a satisfying, almost cinematic experience.

Mastering the Serpent-Hunter: Your Key to Victory

The Serpent-Hunter isn’t just any weapon; it’s specifically designed to fell the God-Devouring Serpent and Rykard himself. Found near the entrance of the boss arena, this weapon possesses a unique weapon art called Great-Serpent Hunt. This skill unleashes a powerful, long-range thrust that deals significant damage to Rykard.

Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Distance is Your Friend: Rykard’s attacks, especially in his second phase, can be devastating at close range. Maintain a safe distance and use the Great-Serpent Hunt to consistently chip away at his health.
• Charge Your Attacks: Don’t just spam the skill. Charging the Great-Serpent Hunt will increase its range and damage output considerably. Time your charged attacks between Rykard’s openings.
• Upgrade the Serpent-Hunter: While optional, upgrading the Serpent-Hunter using Smithing Stones will significantly boost its attack power, making the fight even faster. Consider using Somber Smithing Stones as it’s a unique weapon.
• Mimic Tear Assistance: As the original article mentioned, Summoning the Mimic Tear ash is especially useful. Equip the Mimic Tear with the Serpent-Hunter and have them mimic your attacks!

Understanding Rykard’s Attacks and Exploiting Weaknesses

While the Serpent-Hunter is your primary weapon, understanding Rykard’s attack patterns is equally crucial. He has two distinct phases, each with its own set of attacks:

Phase 1: The God-Devouring Serpent

In this phase, the God-Devouring Serpent relies on:

• Poison Spit: This attack leaves pools of poison on the ground. Avoid standing in these to prevent the Poison status effect.
• Basic Bites and Swipes: These are relatively easy to dodge or block.
• Shockwave Attacks: The serpent rears back and unleashes a shockwave. Rolling at the right moment provides I-frames to avoid damage, but jumping over it might be easier to time.

Strategy: Focus on maintaining distance and charging the Great-Serpent Hunt between attacks. Be patient and don’t get greedy.

Phase 2: Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy

Once the serpent’s health is depleted, Rykard emerges, wielding the Blasphemous Blade. This phase is more challenging, but still manageable with the Serpent-Hunter:

• Blasphemous Blade Attacks: Rykard swings his sword, creating waves of fire. These attacks have a wide range and can inflict fire damage.
• Volcano Eruption: Rykard slams his sword into the ground, causing small volcanoes to erupt around the arena. These can be difficult to avoid.
• Rykard’s Rancor: Rykard shoots out a wave of skulls that explode.

Strategy: In this phase, keep moving and dodging. The Volcano Eruption is the biggest threat, so focus on positioning yourself to avoid the eruptions. Continue using the charged Great-Serpent Hunt whenever you get an opening. Consider using fire resistance armor or talismans.

Additional Tips and Tricks

• Fire Resistance: Wearing armor with high fire resistance or using the Flamedrake Talisman will reduce the damage taken from Rykard’s fire-based attacks.
• Spirit Ashes: While the Mimic Tear is highly recommended, other Spirit Ashes can also be helpful in distracting Rykard and allowing you more opportunities to attack.
• Vigor Check: Ensure you have a sufficient amount of Vigor (at least 40) to survive a few hits from Rykard.
• Patience is Key: Don’t rush the fight. Rykard has a large health pool, so be patient and focus on consistently dealing damage with the Serpent-Hunter.

By mastering the Serpent-Hunter, understanding Rykard’s attack patterns, and utilizing these additional tips, you can transform this seemingly challenging encounter into a manageable and ultimately satisfying victory. Remember, the key to victory lies in exploiting Rykard’s specific weaknesses and utilizing the tools the game provides.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Rykard Fight

1. Is Rykard supposed to be an easy boss?

Compared to some other Elden Ring bosses, Rykard is designed to be easier, if you utilize the Serpent-Hunter great spear. The fight is a gimmick battle, emphasizing the use of a specific weapon and strategy. If you ignore the Serpent-Hunter, the fight becomes significantly more difficult.

2. What weapon is Rykard weak to?

Rykard is specifically weak to the Serpent-Hunter great spear. Its weapon skill, Great-Serpent Hunt, deals significantly increased damage compared to other weapons. While other weapons can technically damage him, the Serpent-Hunter is the intended tool for the job.

3. What armor is good against Rykard?

Armor with high fire resistance is ideal. Look for pieces with good fire defense stats. Alternatively, the Flamedrake Talisman can significantly boost your fire resistance.

4. What are the stat requirements for the Blasphemous Blade?

To wield the Blasphemous Blade, you need 22 Strength, 15 Dexterity, and 21 Faith. However, investing more into these stats will further enhance the blade’s effectiveness.

5. What is the best strategy for defeating Rykard?

The best strategy involves equipping the Serpent-Hunter, maintaining distance, and repeatedly using the Great-Serpent Hunt weapon skill. Understanding Rykard’s attack patterns and dodging effectively are also crucial.

6. Why does Tanith eat Rykard?

The lore suggests that Tanith is attempting to absorb Rykard’s essence to resurrect him in a new form. Rykard’s dying words imply an inability to die and a need for a new vessel.

7. Does killing Rykard lock me out of anything?

Yes, killing Rykard locks you out of the remaining Volcano Manor quests. It’s recommended to complete all the assassination contracts before facing him if you wish to experience the full Volcano Manor storyline.

8. When should I fight Rykard?

You can fight Rykard either after completing the Volcano Manor questline or by accessing the boss room directly through the dungeon. Most players prefer to complete the questline for the rewards and lore implications before facing him.

9. Do I have to beat the Godskin Noble to fight Rykard?

Yes, you will have to defeat the Godskin Noble. The boss fight is optional, however, if you want to face Shardbearer Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy inside the Legacy Dungeon, you will have to defeat this enemy.

10. Can I fight Rykard without joining Volcano Manor?

Yes, you can access and defeat Rykard without joining Volcano Manor. However, doing so will cause all the NPCs in the Manor to leave, preventing you from completing their quests and obtaining their rewards.

11. Why does Rykard want to devour everything?

Rykard believes that by devouring others, he can incorporate them into his “family” and extend his life indefinitely, ultimately seeking to devour the gods themselves.

12. Did Rykard help Ranni with the Night of Black Knives?

Lore suggests that Rykard, driven by his blasphemous desires, assisted his sister, Ranni, in orchestrating the Night of Black Knives, a pivotal event in Elden Ring’s story.

13. What does Tanith do after killing Rykard?

After Rykard’s defeat, Tanith expresses disappointment in his weakness and states her intention to leave Volcano Manor. She hints at seeking a new purpose.

14. Where do I activate Rykard’s Great Rune?

To activate Rykard’s Great Rune, you must travel to the Divine Tower of West Altus, located in the Altus Plateau. The path to the tower is somewhat hidden and requires careful exploration.

15. Is the Blasphemous Blade worth obtaining?

Yes, the Blasphemous Blade is considered one of the best Faith-based weapons in Elden Ring. Its unique weapon skill provides excellent healing and damage output, making it a valuable asset for many builds.

Understanding and exploiting Rykard’s weaknesses transforms this potentially challenging boss fight into a more manageable and ultimately rewarding experience. By utilizing the Serpent-Hunter and employing smart tactics, you can claim victory over the Lord of Blasphemy.

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