Unraveling the Enigma: Exploiting Gehrman’s Weakness in Bloodborne

So, you’ve finally made it to the end of the Hunt, standing face-to-face with Gehrman, the First Hunter. He’s a formidable foe, a whirlwind of blades and regret. To conquer him, you need to understand his vulnerabilities. In a nutshell, Gehrman is vulnerable to both Bolt and Arcane damage, with Fire damage being slightly less effective. However, the key to victory isn’t just elemental weaknesses; it’s understanding his attack patterns and exploiting his openings. This guide will delve into the specifics of how to effectively exploit Gehrman’s weaknesses, ensuring your triumph in this pivotal battle.

Decoding Gehrman’s Defenses: Elemental and Beyond

While elemental weaknesses provide a damage boost, relying solely on them is a recipe for disaster. Gehrman’s speed and unpredictable attacks demand a more nuanced approach. Consider the following:

• Elemental Damage: As mentioned, Bolt and Arcane are your go-to elements. Weapons like the Tonitrus (for Bolt) or the Blades of Mercy infused with Arcane via Arcane Gems can significantly impact the fight. Fire Paper applied to a suitable weapon also helps, although slightly less so than Bolt or Arcane.

• Stagger Potential: Gehrman is susceptible to being staggered, especially after certain attacks. Heavy weapons like the Hunter Axe (particularly in its transformed mode) or Ludwig’s Holy Blade can interrupt his combos and create openings for devastating blows. Prioritize weapons with high stagger potential over those with purely high damage output if you’re struggling to land hits.

• Visceral Attacks: While risky, Visceral Attacks are a significant source of damage. Mastering parrying his attacks with your firearm will allow you to capitalize on these opportunities. The Repeating Pistol or Evelyn can be useful for parrying, but your timing must be impeccable.

• Mobility and Positioning: More important than raw damage is understanding Gehrman’s attack patterns and positioning yourself to punish his whiffs. Dodging to the side and slightly behind him after his attacks often creates windows for counterattacks. Don’t be greedy; one or two hits are often better than trying to force a full combo.

Advanced Tactics: Maximizing Your Advantage

Beyond the basics, consider these advanced strategies for exploiting Gehrman’s weaknesses:

• Old Hunter Bone: This item allows for quicker dodges and improved positioning, essential for evading Gehrman’s relentless attacks. It can be found in the Old Hunters’ DLC.

• Backstabs: During Gehrman’s transformation sequence in the second phase of the fight, there’s a small window to perform a Charged R2 into a backstab for considerable damage.

• Patience is Key: This fight isn’t about rushing in for a quick victory. It’s about learning Gehrman’s moveset, identifying openings, and capitalizing on them with calculated strikes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Gehrman

1. Is Gehrman weak to Fire or Bolt?

Gehrman is more weak to Bolt and Arcane compared to Fire. All three elements are effective, but prioritize Bolt and Arcane if possible.

2. What is the best weapon to kill Gehrman?

There’s no single “best” weapon, but the Hunter Axe (especially in its transformed mode), Ludwig’s Holy Blade, and Blades of Mercy are excellent choices. The Hunter Axe allows you to keep your distance and control the pace of the fight.

3. What level should I be to beat Gehrman?

A recommended level is around 70, but skill and weapon upgrades are more important than your level. If you are struggling, try leveling to 80 or higher.

4. How do you beat Gehrman easy?

There’s no truly “easy” way, but mastering parrying and Visceral Attacks, combined with a strong weapon and effective dodging, will significantly improve your chances.

5. What happens if Gehrman kills you?

If you haven’t consumed three Umbilical Cords, Gehrman will offer you a “kindness” and kill you in the dream, ending the game with the “Yharnam Sunrise” ending. You will wake up in the real world, possibly with no memory of the Hunt.

6. Is Gehrman a good guy in Bloodborne?

Gehrman is a complex character. He’s not inherently “good” or “evil,” but rather a tragic figure bound to the Hunter’s Dream and manipulated by the Moon Presence. He is one of the final bosses, making him the secondary antagonist.

7. Should I accept or refuse Gehrman’s offer?

Refusing Gehrman’s offer leads to a boss fight against him. Consuming three Umbilical Cords before refusing leads to an additional boss fight against the Moon Presence.

8. Does killing Gehrman end the game?

Yes, if you haven’t consumed at least three Umbilical Cords. If you have, killing Gehrman triggers the fight against the Moon Presence.

9. Is Orphan of Kos harder than Gehrman?

Many players consider the Orphan of Kos to be one of, if not the, hardest boss in Bloodborne. Gehrman is difficult, but Orphan of Kos is generally seen as a more challenging encounter.

10. What is the hardest hitting weapon in Bloodborne?

Ludwig’s Holy Blade is considered one of the hardest hitting weapons in Bloodborne, owing to its excellent scaling and versatile moveset.

11. Can you backstab Gehrman?

Yes, you can backstab Gehrman, particularly during his transformation sequence in the second phase of the fight.

12. How do you get the good ending in Bloodborne?

To get the “true” ending, you must consume at least three of the four Umbilical Cords found throughout the game before defeating Gehrman. This will trigger the fight against the Moon Presence.

13. Why is Gehrman bound to the Dream?

Gehrman is bound to the Hunter’s Dream as part of a contract made with the Moon Presence after the loss of his apprentice, Maria.

14. Do you need all four Umbilical Cords?

No, you only need to consume three of the four Umbilical Cords to trigger the final boss fight and achieve the “true” ending.

15. Why does Gehrman hate the Doll?

The article does not reflect that Gehrman hates the Doll. On the contrary, the Doll is his recreation of the lost Maria.

Conclusion: Mastering the Hunt

Defeating Gehrman is a test of skill, patience, and understanding of Bloodborne‘s combat mechanics. By exploiting his elemental weaknesses, mastering parrying, and employing strategic positioning, you can overcome this formidable foe and unlock the secrets of the Hunt. Remember to adapt your strategy based on your playstyle and weapon preferences. Good luck, Hunter, and may the good blood guide your way! Consider exploring resources such as the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org to understand the complex learning curves and mechanics embedded within games like Bloodborne. Understanding these concepts can further enhance your gameplay experience and appreciation for game design.

Successfully defeating Gehrman is not merely about knowing his weaknesses; it’s about mastering the art of the hunt, a skill that will serve you well in the challenges that lie beyond.