What is Friede Weak Against? A Comprehensive Guide to Defeating Sister Friede in Dark Souls 3
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Sister Friede, the final boss of the Ashes of Ariandel DLC in Dark Souls 3, is notorious for her challenging three-phase battle. Knowing her weaknesses is crucial to surviving this grueling encounter. While she doesn’t have straightforward, elemental-based weaknesses, the key to victory lies in understanding how to exploit her vulnerabilities to various damage types and status effects. Simply put, Friede is most vulnerable to Strike damage and the Bleed status effect, and also takes increased damage from Dark and Lightning attacks. We will delve into these weaknesses, offering detailed strategies for each phase of the fight.
Understanding Friede’s Vulnerabilities
While many players are drawn to elemental weaknesses, Friede defies that norm. Instead, her weaknesses are more focused on physical and status damage. Let’s break down her vulnerabilities:
Strike Damage
Strike damage is arguably Friede’s primary weakness. Weapons that deal strike damage, such as maces, hammers, and great hammers, will inflict significantly higher damage against her. The type of damage the weapon inflicts is clearly displayed in the weapon’s stat screen. This is especially effective in the first two phases of the fight. If you have a weapon with good strike damage, it can trivialize her initial encounters.
Bleed
The Bleed status ailment is another significant vulnerability that Friede possesses, particularly in her first two phases when she appears with Father Ariandel. With the correct weapon and plan, the Ashen One should be able to fully fill the bleed meter of each foe in this fight after only 4 or 5 hits. Weapons with high bleed buildup, like katanas and claws, can rapidly trigger this effect, taking large chunks of her health bar in each phase. Combining strike weapons with bleed is a potent strategy to efficiently dispatch Friede and Father Ariandel in their combined phase.
Dark and Lightning Damage
Although not her primary weaknesses, Dark and Lightning damage can still inflict increased damage against Friede and Father Ariandel. These can be considered a ‘secondary’ weakness. This is particularly useful in her second phase when she is paired with Father Ariandel, and can shorten the fight. However, focusing solely on these damage types might be less effective compared to utilizing strike weapons and the bleed effect. This knowledge is still valuable as it can make the fight less daunting.
Important Note about the Third Phase
In her final phase as Blackflame Friede, her vulnerabilities shift slightly. While strike and bleed are still effective, their impact is less significant. Blackflame Friede is a faster, more aggressive fighter, and your main focus should be on dodging her attacks and capitalizing on the openings she creates. Though the mentioned weaknesses are still there, you must prioritize patience and timing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 common questions players have about battling Sister Friede, including optimal strategies and general information.
1. At What Level Should I Fight Friede?
It’s generally recommended that players face Friede at endgame level, which is usually whatever level you are at after the Lothric Castle. Having a +9 or +10 weapon is also recommended for sufficient damage output. Trying to fight her at a significantly lower level may be an exercise in futility.
2. Is Friede a Hard Boss?
Yes, Friede is considered one of the most challenging bosses in Dark Souls 3. Her relentless attacks, multiple phases, and the final form of Blackflame Friede make her an incredibly difficult foe to conquer. Even at lower levels she is considered one of the most difficult bosses in any souls game.
3. Is Sister Friede the Hardest Souls Boss?
Many players consider Sister Friede to be one of the hardest bosses in the entire Dark Souls series and in many opinions the hardest boss in Dark Souls 3. Her three phases and varied move set make for a complex and demanding battle. Her fight stands out as a challenging experience due to its length and varied attack patterns.
4. Is Friede Optional?
Yes, Friede is an optional boss since she is located in the Ashes of Ariandel DLC, not in the base game. While you do not need to defeat her to beat the game, doing so will grant you special equipment.
5. Can You Summon Gael for Friede?
Yes, you can summon Slave Knight Gael to aid you in the fight against Friede. He will be available to summon in the Painted World of Ariandel, specifically in the corner just to the left of the sliding altar. He will appear in the second phase of the fight, alongside Father Ariandel.
6. What is the Hardest Boss in Dark Souls 3?
While Friede is often cited as the hardest by many players, The Nameless King is frequently considered the most challenging boss in Dark Souls 3. Located at the Archdragon Peak, he is a formidable foe that tests your skills in two separate phases.
7. Can You Parry Friede?
Yes, you can parry almost every single move she does in her first phase. This can provide valuable opportunities for ripostes and can make the initial part of the fight much easier. Her other phases are generally not parryable.
8. How Do I Get Sister Friede’s Scythe?
To obtain Sister Friede’s Great Scythe, you will need to transpose her soul using the Transposing Kiln. The Transposing Kiln is acquired after defeating the Curse-Rotted Greatwood in the Undead Settlement.
9. Is Friede Unkindled?
Friede is an Unkindled, much like the player character. Her pale appearance and association with the Sable Church of Londor suggest a more nuanced background.
10. Are Friede and Yuria Related?
Yes, Friede is the eldest of the three sisters who founded the Sable Church of Londor. The other two sisters are Yuria and Liliane. They share a common past and ambition.
11. What Did Friede Do to Father Ariandel?
Friede manipulated Father Ariandel into suppressing the flame that would have burned the Painted World, causing the world to rot and decay. Her intent was to prevent a new painted world from being created.
12. How Many Stages Does Friede Have?
The fight with Friede is comprised of three phases: Sister Friede, Father Ariandel and Friede, and Blackflame Friede. Each phase presents a different set of challenges and requires you to adjust your fighting style.
13. What Does Sister Friede Wear?
Friede wears a distinctive light blue dress sewn with thick fabric, along with trousers of a swordsman hidden beneath. Her garb reflects her position as a protector of the Painted World’s inhabitants.
14. What Does Sister Friede Want?
Friede aims to let the painted world rot rather than allowing it to be consumed by flame to create a new one. She is disillusioned with the cycle of fire and creation. She believes the world should decay.
15. What are Demon Princes Weak To?
Although not directly related to Friede, it’s helpful to know that Demon Princes are weak to slashes on the head. This can lead to them being staggered, allowing opportunities for critical hits. They are also weak to physical damage on their bodies, as opposed to their elemental weaknesses.
Conclusion
Defeating Sister Friede in Dark Souls 3 is a challenging but rewarding experience. By understanding her vulnerabilities, which include strike damage, the Bleed status, and, secondarily, Dark and Lightning damage, players can significantly increase their chances of success. Mastering the nuances of each phase and adapting your strategy will be key to overcoming this formidable boss. Good luck, Ashen One!