Gravelord Nito and Divine Weapons: Separating Fact from Fiction in Dark Souls

Is Gravelord Nito weak to divine? While divine weapons offer a tactical advantage against the skeletons that accompany Nito, they do not directly inflict bonus damage on Nito himself. Divine weapons prevent the skeletons from respawning after being defeated, which simplifies the boss fight considerably. Focusing on dealing fire damage to Nito directly is the most effective strategy, as he is vulnerable to fire.

Understanding Nito’s Weaknesses and Strengths

Nito, the First of the Dead, is a formidable foe in Dark Souls, not because of overwhelming strength, but due to the conditions surrounding his boss fight. He resides in the Tomb of the Giants, a dark and treacherous area filled with powerful skeletons. Managing these skeletal adds is critical to success.

The widespread belief that divine weapons are crucial stems from their ability to permanently kill these skeletons, preventing them from endlessly resurrecting and swarming the player. This drastically reduces the pressure on the player, allowing them to focus on attacking Nito himself.

However, it’s important to understand that while divine weapons are invaluable for crowd control, they don’t offer any special damage bonus directly against Nito. The article excerpt you provided seems to indicate that divine weapons might have bonus damage, but it’s not been proven. Nito’s primary weakness is fire damage. Weapons buffed with Charcoal Pine Resin, fire-based pyromancies, and inherently fire-based weapons like the Quelaag’s Furysword are all highly effective.

Strategic Approaches to the Nito Fight

Here’s a breakdown of effective strategies to defeat Gravelord Nito:

1. Divine Weapons for Skeletons: Equip a divine weapon to permanently eliminate the skeletons. Even a low-level divine weapon will suffice for this purpose. The goal is to prevent respawning, not to maximize damage against Nito.
2. Fire Damage for Nito: Utilize fire-based attacks against Nito himself. Pyromancies like Fireball, Great Combustion, and Firestorm can inflict significant damage. Alternatively, weapons buffed with Charcoal Pine Resin are a good choice.
3. Mobility and Positioning: Maintain awareness of your surroundings and avoid being cornered by the skeletons. Staying mobile is key to dodging Nito’s attacks and avoiding being overwhelmed.
4. Slumbering Dragoncrest Ring & Ring of Fog: Equip these rings to prevent skeletons from aggroing on you until you get very close, thus minimizing the number of skeletons to deal with. Position yourself around the central pillar to avoid unnecessary encounters.
5. Ranged Attacks: If you prefer a safer approach, consider using a bow or crossbow to attack Nito from a distance. This allows you to pick off skeletons and deal damage to Nito without being directly in the thick of the fight.

Why the Confusion About Divine Weapons?

The misconception about divine weapons likely arises from the fact that early Dark Souls guides emphasized their importance in the Nito fight. While these guides were correct in recommending them, they sometimes failed to clearly explain why they were essential. The distinction between preventing skeleton respawns and inflicting bonus damage against Nito himself wasn’t always made clear. This leads players to assume that divine weapons directly harmed Nito more than other weapon types.

Debunking the Myths

• Myth: Divine weapons inflict bonus damage on Nito.

• Fact: Divine weapons primarily prevent skeleton respawns, offering no significant bonus damage against Nito.

• Myth: You need a divine weapon to beat Nito.

• Fact: While highly recommended, it’s not strictly necessary. Skilled players can defeat Nito without a divine weapon by meticulously managing the skeletons, using area-of-effect attacks, and prioritizing mobility.

Additional Resources for Dark Souls Players

For a deeper understanding of Dark Souls mechanics and community discussions, consider exploring platforms like Reddit’s r/DarkSouls and the Fextralife Dark Souls wiki. These resources offer valuable insights into the game’s intricate details and various strategies for tackling its challenges. Furthermore, learning more about how people learn through games can be found at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Gravelord Nito and Divine Weapons

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the role of divine weapons and Nito’s weaknesses:

1. What is the most effective way to damage Gravelord Nito?

Fire damage is the most effective. Use pyromancies, Charcoal Pine Resin, or weapons with innate fire damage like Quelaag’s Furysword.

2. Do Occult weapons work against Nito?

No, Occult weapons do not have any special effect against Nito or the skeletons he summons. Their bonus is against enemies associated with the gods.

3. Is Nito weak to lightning damage?

No, Nito is not weak to lightning damage. Fire is his primary vulnerability.

4. Can I summon help for the Nito fight?

Yes, but Solaire is not an option for this fight. You’ll need to rely on other players for cooperative assistance.

5. What is the best divine weapon to use against Nito’s skeletons?

Any divine weapon will work, even a low-level one. The goal is to prevent the skeletons from respawning, not to deal massive damage with each hit. A Divine Reinforced Club or Divine Shortsword is more than adequate.

6. How do I make a divine weapon?

You need to find the Divine Ember in the Darkroot Garden, then give it to Andre the Blacksmith. He can then modify a +5 normal weapon into a divine weapon.

7. Is the Slumbering Dragoncrest Ring essential for the Nito fight?

No, but it is extremely helpful. It makes the fight much easier by preventing you from accidentally aggroing all the skeletons at once.

8. What is the Gravelord Sword and is it useful against Nito?

The Gravelord Sword is a weapon obtained by joining the Gravelord Servant covenant. It can be useful, but it doesn’t have any specific advantages against Nito, other than it can cause toxin build up. It’s better suited for PvP.

9. Can I join the Gravelord Servant covenant after killing Nito?

No, you cannot join the Gravelord Servant covenant after defeating Nito in that playthrough.

10. Is Nito an optional boss?

No, Nito is a mandatory boss and one of the four Lord Souls you need to acquire to complete the game.

11. What happens if I kill the skeletons with a non-divine weapon?

The skeletons will eventually respawn, making the fight significantly more difficult. That’s why divine weapons are highly recommended.

12. What stats should I focus on for the Nito fight?

Focus on stats that enhance your chosen damage type (fire, for example). Vitality and Endurance are also crucial for survivability and stamina management.

13. Is Nito considered a difficult boss compared to others in Dark Souls?

Nito’s difficulty is moderate. The fight is made harder by the skeletons and the initial health debuff. Good strategy and preparation make him manageable.

14. What kind of armor should I wear for the Nito fight?

Armor with decent physical defense is recommended. Mobility is also important, so avoid heavy armor that hinders your ability to dodge.

15. How does Nito’s Gravelord Sword attack work?

Nito’s Gravelord Sword attack is a thrust that deals significant damage. Its timing can be tricky to dodge, which some find it to be virtually undodgeable. Maintaining distance and awareness of his attack patterns is key.

Conclusion

While divine weapons are undoubtedly useful for managing the skeletons in the Gravelord Nito fight, they don’t inflict any bonus damage to him directly. Focus on fire damage, strategic positioning, and smart use of rings to emerge victorious against the First of the Dead. Mastering these tactics will not only help you conquer Nito but also enhance your overall Dark Souls experience. Check out more valuable insights at GamesLearningSociety.org.