Unmasking the Abyss Watchers: Exploiting Their Weaknesses in Dark Souls 3
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The Abyss Watchers, a formidable Lord of Cinder in Dark Souls 3, present a challenging yet rewarding encounter for players. Understanding their vulnerabilities is key to conquering this relentless foe. So, what are the Abyss Watchers weak to? The primary weakness of the Abyss Watchers is Lightning damage. Utilizing weapons infused with lightning or casting lightning-based miracles can significantly reduce their health bar, making the battle more manageable. Beyond lightning, other factors like parrying and backstabbing are also beneficial, while certain defenses and status effects are better avoided. Let’s delve deeper into their weaknesses and other relevant strategies.
Lightning: The Abyss Watchers’ Kryptonite
Why Lightning Works
The Abyss Watchers, despite their agility and aggressive nature, are highly susceptible to lightning damage. This weakness makes lightning-infused weapons and lightning-based miracles highly effective choices for this fight. The increased damage output against the Watchers allows players to chip away at their health more quickly and efficiently. For mages or faith-based builds, spells like Lightning Spear and Great Lightning Spear can prove invaluable. Even a simple lightning buff on a melee weapon can drastically improve its effectiveness against them.
Recommended Lightning Equipment
- Lightning infused weapons: Weapons like the Lothric Knight Sword or the Claymore, infused with a Lightning Gem, can deal substantial damage.
- Lightning miracles: Miracles like Lightning Spear and Great Lightning Spear offer ranged damage options while exploiting their weakness.
- Gold Pine Resin: If you don’t have lightning infusion, apply Gold Pine Resin to your weapon for a temporary lightning buff.
Beyond Lightning: Other Effective Strategies
Parrying and Riposting
The Abyss Watchers, being humanoid enemies, are susceptible to parrying. Successful parries allow for a devastating riposte, dealing significant damage. While timing is crucial, mastering the parry window of their attacks can dramatically shorten the fight. This method, however, might require some practice but can be highly rewarding. It’s a risky strategy with a high potential for reward if mastered.
The Art of Backstabbing
Backstabbing is another exploitable weakness of the Abyss Watchers. Luring them into specific attacks, often their leaping strike or dash attacks, and then quickly moving behind them allows players to execute a backstab. Timing and positioning are crucial here, but a successful backstab can deal a substantial amount of damage, often enough to take a considerable portion of their health.
Understanding their Behavior
The Abyss Watchers fight in phases, with different members of the legion joining the fray. Sometimes, these Watchers will attack each other, giving you openings. This can be a crucial advantage in the fight, particularly in the second phase where an additional Watcher with red eyes will join to assist the main Watcher. Use this infighting to your advantage, and pick your moments to attack when their attention is diverted.
Defenses to Avoid
Bleed Damage is Ineffective
While it is tempting to use weapons with high bleed, it’s essential to note that the Abyss Watchers are resistant to bleed. Using weapons with a bleed effect will generally yield very little to no additional damage, making it a waste of your weapon’s potential. You should prioritize using weapons that capitalize on their lightning weakness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Abyss Watchers weak to fire?
No, the Abyss Watchers do not have a particular weakness to fire. While fire damage can still inflict harm, it won’t be as effective as lightning. Prioritize lightning damage for the best results.
Are Abyss Watchers weak to dark?
Similar to fire, the Abyss Watchers do not exhibit a specific weakness to dark damage. Dark damage will still deal some damage but is not a recommended tactic against them.
What level should I be for the Abyss Watchers?
It is generally recommended that you be around level 35-40 before attempting this fight. This level range should provide enough health and damage to withstand their onslaught. However, skilled players can potentially beat them at lower levels.
What is the best armor to use against Abyss Watchers?
The Fallen Knight Armor set is a strong choice due to its decent defenses and availability before the fight. Alternatively, farming the Black Knight armor is another solid choice if you have the patience and are willing to farm for it. The armor you choose won’t drastically change the fight, your strategy will be more impactful.
Where is the best place to farm souls before the Abyss Watchers?
A good farming spot is the area right before the Abyss Watchers’ boss room. The giant rat in the Undead Settlement is also a fast and convenient method for quick soul gain. The Cathedral of the Deep is also another area where players can gain a good amount of souls.
What armor do the Abyss Watchers wear?
The Abyss Watchers wear the Undead Legion Set. You can obtain the set after defeating them and purchasing it from the Shrine Handmaid. The armor set is also a great option to use.
How do you backstab the Abyss Watchers?
Lure the Abyss Watchers to use their 3-hit combo, usually a dash 180 + slash + jumping smash or a slash + slash + jumping smash. Slightly outrange the first two moves and walk behind them as they jump to perform a backstab. Timing and positioning are crucial.
Can you summon help for the Abyss Watchers?
Yes, you can summon Sirris of the Sunless Realms to help with the boss fight, provided you have progressed her questline. Her summon sign is located just to the left of the boss fog gate. You will have to speak to Sirris in Firelink Shrine after your encounter with Horace and Anri of Astora.
Can you get the “Proper Bow” gesture after defeating the Abyss Watchers?
No, you cannot get the Proper Bow gesture after beating the Abyss Watchers. The gesture is tied to Sirris’ questline, which becomes unavailable after defeating the boss. It can only be done in a new playthrough.
What does the Old Wolf of Farron give you?
The Old Wolf of Farron gives you the Watchdogs of Farron Covenant medallion, which allows you to join the Watchdogs of Farron covenant. You can rank up by offering Wolf’s Blood Swordgrasses to him.
Were the Abyss Watchers corrupted by the Abyss?
Yes, the Abyss Watchers were corrupted by the very thing they swore to fight against. This corruption has driven them to endlessly fight and kill each other, as they are resurrected over and over again. They are doomed to a cycle of violence until you come along and break it.
What are the Crystal Sage’s weaknesses?
The Crystal Sage is weak to lightning, fire, dark, and poison. Additionally, using running attacks with a melee weapon or consumable items like Throwing Knives and Firebombs can quickly eliminate the clones they create.
Are the Abyss Watchers the hardest boss in Dark Souls 3?
While the Abyss Watchers are a challenging fight due to their fast attacks and aggressive nature, they are not considered the hardest boss in Dark Souls 3. Bosses like the Nameless King and the Soul of Cinder are often considered more difficult. The overall difficulty is also subjective.
Are Abyss Watchers weak to ice damage?
The Abyss Watchers are not specifically weak to ice damage. While it can inflict damage, it is not a recommended strategy. Prioritize exploiting their weakness to lightning.
How do you obtain the Abyss Watchers’ helmet?
The Abyss Watchers’ helmet can be bought from the Shrine Handmaid in Firelink Shrine for 7,000 souls after defeating the Abyss Watchers.
By understanding the Abyss Watchers’ weaknesses and employing effective strategies, you can overcome this challenging boss fight in Dark Souls 3. Remember to utilize lightning damage, practice parrying and backstabbing, and understand their unique behavior to emerge victorious. Good luck, Ashen One!