Taming the Storm: Best Equipment Against the Nameless King in Dark Souls 3

So, you’re staring down the barrel of the storm, are you? Facing the Nameless King in Dark Souls 3 is a rite of passage, a brutal test of skill, patience, and your knowledge of equipment effectiveness. He’s notorious for his two-phase fight: first against the King of the Storm atop his Stormdrake, and then against the Nameless King himself. Let’s cut to the chase.

The most effective equipment against the Nameless King blends lightning resistance, piercing damage, and mobility. This means spears, thrusting swords, and weapons buffed with magic or fire are your best friends. Specifically, consider:

• Weapons: The Dragonslayer Spear, the Lothric Knight Long Spear, and the Irithyll Rapier are all excellent choices. Lightning damage is crucial in the first phase (King of the Storm), while thrusting damage excels in the second (Nameless King himself). Weapons infused with fire are also effective against the Nameless King.
• Armor: Prioritize armor with high lightning resistance without sacrificing too much mobility. The Dragonscale Set or the Wolf Knight Set offer a good balance. Don’t be afraid to mix and match pieces to optimize your stats.
• Rings: The Ring of Steel Protection provides a flat defense boost. The Chloranthy Ring speeds up stamina recovery, crucial for dodging. The Lightning Stoneplate Ring is a must for the first phase. The Pontiff’s Right Eye or Pontiff’s Left Eye can sustain damage output if your build focuses on successive hits.
• Shields: While dodging is generally preferable, a shield with high lightning resistance can be a lifesaver in the first phase. The Black Knight Shield is a solid option.

Mastering this fight demands strategic equipment choices and skillful execution. Now, let’s dive deeper into the details and address some common questions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Fighting the Nameless King

Weapons and Damage Types

1. Why are spears and thrusting swords so effective against the Nameless King? Spears and thrusting swords excel at dealing thrust damage, which the Nameless King is more vulnerable to. Their reach also allows you to poke at him from a relatively safe distance, capitalizing on openings after his attacks. The Lothric Knight Long Spear is particularly effective due to its innate lightning damage scaling.

2. Is lightning damage good against the Nameless King himself? No. The Nameless King is highly resistant to lightning damage. He is susceptible to fire damage, so a fire-infused weapon or spells can be quite effective in the second phase. The King of the Storm on the other hand is highly vulnerable to it.

3. Are there any specific weapons I should absolutely avoid? Weapons that primarily deal strike damage, such as hammers and clubs, are generally less effective. The Nameless King’s armor provides good protection against this damage type. Weapons with slow attack speed can also be problematic, as they leave you vulnerable to his quick and punishing attacks.

4. Should I infuse my weapon with anything? Infusing your weapon with fire or using fire buffs like Carthus Flame Arc can significantly increase your damage output against the Nameless King in the second phase. In the first phase, a weapon with innate lightning damage or buffed with lightning can be a game changer.

Armor and Resistance

5. How important is lightning resistance for this fight? Lightning resistance is extremely important, especially for the first phase against the King of the Storm. His attacks are primarily lightning-based, and without sufficient resistance, you’ll be taking massive damage. For the second phase the damage is physical with a small amount of fire.

6. What are some good armor sets for the Nameless King fight? The Dragonscale Set offers excellent lightning resistance and decent physical defense, making it a solid choice for both phases. The Wolf Knight Set is another good option, providing a balance of defense and mobility. Remember to prioritize mobility and avoid equip load encumbrance penalties.

7. Is it better to prioritize defense or mobility? Mobility is generally more important than raw defense in this fight. The Nameless King’s attacks are fast and relentless, so being able to dodge effectively is crucial. Aim for an equip load that allows you to fast roll (below 70% equip load).

8. Are there any armor pieces that are particularly useful? The Thunder Stoneplate Ring is amazing for the first phase. The Ring of Steel Protection is also a great general defense boost.

Rings and Talismans

9. Which rings are essential for the Nameless King fight? The Chloranthy Ring is invaluable for its stamina regeneration, allowing you to dodge and attack more frequently. The Ring of Steel Protection provides a flat defense boost, reducing the damage you take. For faith builds the Morne’s Ring and Ring of the Sun’s First Born are invaluable.

10. Should I use any rings that boost damage? The Pontiff’s Right Eye or Pontiff’s Left Eye can be useful if you’re using a weapon with rapid attacks, like the Irithyll Rapier, allowing you to sustain damage output through successive hits. However, focusing on defense and stamina management is often more beneficial.

11. What about rings that increase spell damage? If you’re using spells, rings like the Sage Ring (faster casting speed) and rings that boost faith are beneficial.

Strategy and Tactics

12. What’s the best strategy for the King of the Storm phase? Lock onto the King of the Storm’s head and wait for it to fly towards you, then dodge and attack. Focus on dealing damage to its head, as that’s where it’s most vulnerable. When the King of the Storm is in the air, use the Plunging Attack to deal massive damage, stagger and bring him down.

13. How do I dodge the Nameless King’s attacks? The Nameless King’s attacks are highly telegraphed, but they can be difficult to dodge due to their speed and range. Pay close attention to his movements and roll into his attacks rather than away from them. Experiment with your timing to find what works best for you.

14. Is it better to lock on or unlock during the fight? Locking on can be helpful for tracking the King of the Storm, but it can hinder your movement against the Nameless King. Unlocking allows for more precise dodging and positioning. Experiment to see which approach you prefer.

15. Are summons helpful for this fight? Summons can be helpful in distracting the Nameless King, giving you opportunities to heal and attack. However, they can also increase his health and make the fight more unpredictable. Consider your own skill level and playstyle before summoning.

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Defeating the Nameless King is a testament to your skill and perseverance. By understanding his weaknesses and equipping yourself appropriately, you can conquer this formidable challenge. Good luck, and may the flames guide thee!