What Level Should You Be Fighting the Abyss Watchers in Dark Souls 3?

The Abyss Watchers, the first Lord of Cinder you’ll encounter in Dark Souls 3, are a memorable challenge. Their aggressive fighting style and unique multi-phase boss fight often leave players wondering about the optimal level to tackle this formidable foe. While there’s no definitive “right” level, a good rule of thumb is to aim for level 35-40 with around 20-25 Vigor before venturing into their arena in Farron Keep. This range allows for a reasonable margin of error in combat, enabling you to absorb a few hits without being instantly defeated. Stats are important, but understanding the fight is key.

Understanding the Fight: Lore and Difficulty

The Abyss Watchers are more than just another boss; they are deeply intertwined with the lore of Dark Souls 3. They were once the Undead Legion of Farron, sworn protectors tasked with eradicating the Abyss. They became corrupted by the very thing they sought to destroy, turning against each other in an endless, brutal battle. Their difficulty stems from their unpredictable movements, rapid attacks, and the unique mechanic of having multiple Abyss Watchers active during the first phase of the fight. Understanding their story, as told through item descriptions and the arena itself, enhances the experience and provides context for the challenging fight. For more on game-based learning and understanding the power of games, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Preparing for the Fight: Stats, Weapons, and Armor

Beyond raw level, your character build and equipment play a crucial role in your success against the Abyss Watchers. Here’s a breakdown of key considerations:

Stats

• Vigor: Aim for at least 20 Vigor, providing a decent health pool.
• Endurance: Sufficient Endurance allows for multiple dodges and attacks without running out of stamina.
• Strength/Dexterity: Allocate points to meet the requirements of your chosen weapon.
• Vitality: Increase Vitality to equip heavier armor without sacrificing movement speed.

Weapons

The Wolf Knight’s Greatsword is a popular choice for this fight, due to its effectiveness against Abyss Watchers. Other viable options include weapons with decent reach and damage output. Weapons that are well-suited for thrusting attacks can be useful as well.

Armor

While heavier armor provides more protection, it can hinder your movement. The Fallen Knight Armor offers a good balance between protection and mobility. Armor that provides resistance to fire damage can be helpful for the second phase.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about facing the Abyss Watchers, with answers aimed at providing a comprehensive understanding and preparation guide.

1. Are the Abyss Watchers weak to anything?

Yes, the Abyss Watchers are weak to Lightning damage. However, acquiring potent lightning-based offensive miracles or spells at this stage of the game can be challenging. Therefore, focusing on exploiting their vulnerabilities with well-timed attacks and dodges is often a more reliable strategy.

2. What is the best weapon to fight the Abyss Watchers?

Many players find success with the Wolf Knight’s Greatsword. This weapon is designed for fighting abyssal creatures, making it exceptionally effective against the Abyss Watchers. The Farron Greatsword can also be effective due to its wide sweeping attacks.

3. Are the Abyss Watchers an optional boss?

No, the Abyss Watchers are not an optional boss. Defeating them is mandatory to progress through the main storyline of Dark Souls 3, granting access to the next area.

4. Where is the best place to grind before Abyss Watchers?

Several areas offer good soul farming opportunities before facing the Abyss Watchers. The enemies near the boss arena itself, including the Ghru and the Darkwraiths, provide a decent amount of souls. Alternatively, revisiting earlier areas like the Cathedral of the Deep and clearing out enemies can be effective. The giant rat in the Undead Settlement is another quick and easy farming spot.

5. What armor should I use for the Abyss Watchers?

The Fallen Knight Armor is a good option for its balance between protection and weight. If you have access to heavier armor sets with high physical defense, consider using them if they don’t hinder your ability to roll effectively.

6. Can you cheese the Abyss Watchers?

While not a foolproof method, you can partially “cheese” the Abyss Watchers by utilizing the shield block-and-backstab strategy. Blocking their attacks can stagger them, creating opportunities for backstabs or quick follow-up attacks.

7. What do I do if I am struggling with the Abyss Watchers?

If you’re struggling, try summoning help from other players or using NPC summons. Experiment with different weapons and armor, and focus on learning their attack patterns. Consider leveling up your character or upgrading your weapon at Andre the Blacksmith.

8. Is the Abyss Watchers fight harder than other fights?

For many players, the Abyss Watchers represent a significant difficulty spike early in the game. Their aggressive AI, rapid attacks, and the presence of multiple enemies in the first phase make them a challenging encounter.

9. What should my weapon level be for the Abyss Watchers?

Aim to have your primary weapon upgraded to at least +3 or +4. Upgrading your weapon significantly increases its damage output, making the fight noticeably easier.

10. What is the lore behind the Abyss Watchers helmet and armor?

The Abyss Watchers helmet and armor are part of the Undead Legion Set, which represents the attire of the Undead Legion of Farron. These warriors, dedicated to eradicating the Abyss, eventually succumbed to its corruption, highlighting the tragic cycle of duty and downfall.

11. What can I do after beating the Abyss Watchers?

After defeating the Abyss Watchers, you gain access to the Catacombs of Carthus, the next major area in the game. You can also transpose their soul to obtain either the Farron Greatsword or the Wolf Knight’s Greatsword.

12. Do summons help with the Abyss Watchers?

Yes, summoning other players or NPCs can significantly increase your chances of success against the Abyss Watchers. Having allies helps to distribute the boss’s aggression and provides opportunities for strategic attacks.

13. Is it worth leveling up my character specifically for this fight?

If you’re consistently struggling, leveling up your character to increase your Vigor, Endurance, and damage-dealing stats is a worthwhile investment. Even a few extra levels can make a noticeable difference.

14. Can you parry the Abyss Watchers?

While challenging, some of the Abyss Watchers’ attacks can be parried. Successfully parrying an attack can open them up for a critical hit, dealing significant damage.

15. How do I deal with the second phase of the Abyss Watchers fight?

In the second phase, the main Abyss Watcher gains fire attacks. Focus on dodging these attacks and capitalizing on openings. Fire resistant armor can be helpful for this stage.

Conclusion: Mastering the Abyss Watchers

Defeating the Abyss Watchers in Dark Souls 3 requires a combination of adequate stats, appropriate equipment, and a solid understanding of their attack patterns. By aiming for level 35-40 with suitable Vigor, utilizing a strong weapon like the Wolf Knight’s Greatsword, and employing strategic combat tactics, you can overcome this challenging boss and progress further into the game. Remember that learning from each attempt is key to success in Dark Souls 3. Good luck, Ashen One!