Is Artorias of the Abyss Hard? A Deep Dive into Dark Souls’ Toughest DLC
Yes, Artorias of the Abyss is undeniably hard, especially for players unfamiliar with its unique challenges. It introduces some of the most formidable bosses in the entire Dark Souls universe, demanding patience, skill, and a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics. While the difficulty is subjective and depends on player experience and build, the DLC is generally considered a significant step up in challenge compared to the base game. Be prepared for tough enemies, intricate level design, and bosses that will test your resolve. The final boss in particular, Manus, Father of the Abyss, is often cited as one of the hardest encounters in the entire series.
Exploring the Difficulty of Artorias of the Abyss
The DLC’s Overall Challenge
The difficulty of Artorias of the Abyss isn’t just about individual bosses; it’s about the cumulative effect of the entire experience. The enemies are tougher, the level design more punishing, and the game provides fewer opportunities for respite. This forces players to adapt their strategies and master the core mechanics of Dark Souls to a greater extent than the base game. The overall difficulty creates a sense of accomplishment upon completion, making the experience uniquely rewarding.
Boss Difficulty: Artorias vs. Manus
A central debate among Dark Souls players is the relative difficulty of Artorias himself compared to Manus. Many players find Manus to be a significantly harder encounter due to his unpredictable attack patterns, long combos, and powerful dark magic. Artorias, while aggressive and relentless, is more predictable and punishable, especially for players who learn his moveset. However, Artorias can still be a significant challenge, particularly for players who are under-leveled or who are using ineffective builds. The challenge of Manus is usually because of his speed, variety of attacks and the need to pay attention to his combos to avoid getting killed.
Impact of Player Level and Build
The difficulty of the DLC is also heavily influenced by the player’s level and character build. A well-optimized build with a focus on damage output and survivability will make the experience significantly easier than a poorly optimized build. Similarly, being appropriately leveled will ensure that you can withstand enemy attacks and deal sufficient damage. While it is possible to complete the DLC at lower levels, it requires a greater degree of skill and patience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Artorias of the Abyss
1. Is Artorias a hard boss?
Arguably the best fight in the DLC, Artorias is basically insane Gwyn, lunging at the player from all sides to offer a chaotic sword fight. Considering how much buildup there is to this battle, it is morbid walking through the fog gate and realizing that Artorias lost his mind a long time ago. He is considered one of the toughest but also one of the best bosses in the game.
2. Who is harder, Artorias or Manus?
Artorias is easier, just learn his moves. Manus is hard, because of his combos and his Dark Sorceries. Many consider Manus to be one of the hardest bosses in the entire series.
3. What level should I be to beat Artorias?
Players have reported success at various levels, but a general recommendation is around level 60-80. The article mentions players killing him at both 80 and 40, and at 60 solo. The best level for the DLC seems to align with the level progression of the township areas.
4. How long does Artorias of the Abyss take to complete?
When focusing on the main objectives, Dark Souls: Artorias of the Abyss is about 6 hours in length. Completing every possible aspect of the DLC will typically take around 8 hours.
5. When should I start Artorias of the Abyss?
To get access to Dark Souls’ DLC, Artorias of the Abyss, you will need to have first killed the Hydra in Darkroot Basin and placed the Lordvessel. Once those steps are done, you should be able to tackle it.
6. Did Artorias fail?
Yes, he was a great fighter, but he could not defeat Manus, Father Of The Abyss. During his battle with Manus, Artorias was defeated, and his left arm was broken.
7. Is Artorias’s set worth it?
It’s a solid medium armor set with a good balance of defense and weight. However, for a slight weight increase, the Elite Knight Armor offers superior poise and defense. The Artorias Set is more than good for a medium set of armor.
8. Is Artorias weak to anything?
He doesn’t appear to have any specific weakness. All DLC bosses are resistant to Magic, Fire, and Lightning damage, so it’s best to avoid elemental weapons.
9. Is Fume Knight harder than Artorias?
Fume Knight is generally considered a more dangerous and difficult fight due to his complex attack patterns and ability to mix up his combos. The Fume knight’s difficulty is often placed on par with Manus.
10. Can you save Sif before fighting Artorias?
Yes, you can save Sif in the DLC before encountering him as a boss in the main game. This adds an emotional layer to the fight against Sif. There’s nothing stopping you from going to the DLC and saving Sif near the Manus fight before fighting him for the Covenant of Artorias.
11. Why is Artorias considered the best boss?
Everything about the Artorias fight is nearly flawless: a fair one-on-one duel, compelling lore, and a cathartic release of a hero from his corruption.
12. Why is Artorias so tall?
The ‘god’ giants, such as ornstein, gwyn, cirian, artorias, silver knights, etc. are all normally 6-10 feet tall but grow as they absorb more souls. You see this directly when ornstein absorbs smough. The god giants are beings that are normally 6-10 feet tall but grow as they absorb more souls.
13. Is Artorias left-handed?
Yes, this is heavily implied by the item description of the Majestic Greatsword in Dark Souls II, which states that prominent users of the sword have been left-handed. The moveset of the sword in the left hand mimics Artorias’s fighting style.
14. How many souls does Artorias give you?
The Soul of Artorias may be consumed for 16,000 souls. Feeding it to Frampt grants 10,000 souls.
15. Who killed Artorias?
In the lore, Artorias was corrupted by the Abyss and defeated by Manus. However, in the game, the Chosen Undead ultimately defeats him, releasing him from his torment.
Mastering Artorias of the Abyss: Tips and Strategies
Understanding Enemy Patterns
Success in the DLC hinges on learning the attack patterns of enemies and bosses. Observation and patience are key to identifying openings and exploiting weaknesses.
Optimizing Your Build
A well-optimized build is crucial for survival. Consider your weapon choice, armor selection, and stat distribution carefully. Prioritize survivability and damage output.
Utilizing Summons
If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to utilize summons. Enlisting the help of other players can significantly increase your chances of success.
Perseverance and Adaptation
The DLC is designed to be challenging. Be prepared to die repeatedly and to adapt your strategies as needed. Don’t give up!
The Rewarding Challenge of Artorias of the Abyss
Despite its difficulty, Artorias of the Abyss is a deeply rewarding experience for Dark Souls fans. The challenging encounters, compelling lore, and sense of accomplishment make it an unforgettable addition to the game. Embracing the difficulty and persevering through the challenges will ultimately make you a better Dark Souls player. You’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the game’s mechanics and a greater understanding of the world and its characters.
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