What Sorcery is Best Against Rykard?

The best sorcery against Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy, isn’t about direct damage output through conventional spells. It’s about leveraging the unique mechanics of the Serpent-Hunter great spear, which becomes significantly amplified by sorceries that enhance its capabilities. Therefore, the most effective sorceries are those that buff your weapon, particularly with elemental damage, and enhance your mobility and survivability to keep you alive and dealing consistent damage with the Serpent-Hunter. While Rykard is not particularly weak to any specific element, enhancing the Serpent-Hunter’s innate capabilities is crucial for victory.

Optimal Sorceries for Rykard

The following sorceries are highly effective when combined with the Serpent-Hunter against Rykard:

• Scholar’s Armament: Imbues your right-hand armament (the Serpent-Hunter) with Magic damage for a limited time. While Rykard isn’t inherently weak to Magic, the added damage significantly boosts your overall DPS. This spell is readily accessible early in the game, making it a practical choice for most players.
• Grease: Using elemental Grease on the Serpent Hunter spear is a viable alternative if you have low Intelligence and cannot use Scholar’s Armament. Fire Grease is especially effective.
• Terra Magica: Creates a zone that boosts magic attack power. While this primarily benefits direct offensive spells, it also amplifies the Magic damage from Scholar’s Armament, making it a strong synergistic option if you have the FP to maintain it.
• Swift Glintstone Shard: Although not a buff, this spell can be used for kiting and creating distance when Rykard uses his heavy attacks. Creating some distance and then resuming the melee combat with Serpent Hunter spear is key to victory.
• Loretta’s Greatbow (situational): Not ideal as a main damage source, but this sorcery can be useful for hitting Rykard from a safe distance during his more dangerous phases, particularly when he unleashes his damaging magma pools. Use sparingly to avoid wasting FP.
• Carian Glintstone Sword: This is a very effective option if you are going for a hybrid build. These series of swords spells provides both decent damage and allows you to weave between attacking and moving around. It will give you some breathing room while you are dealing damage to him with your swords.

Why these Sorceries?

The fight against Rykard is less about exploiting a specific elemental weakness and more about effectively wielding the Serpent-Hunter. This unique weapon has a special weapon art that deals massive damage to Rykard from a distance, mimicking a ranged attack. The key is to constantly use the weapon art while managing your stamina and distance.

Sorceries like Scholar’s Armament enhance the Serpent-Hunter’s damage output, allowing you to dispatch Rykard more quickly. Terra Magica further amplifies this effect, creating a window of opportunity for concentrated damage. Spells that enhance mobility like Swift Glintstone Shard are crucial for dodging Rykard’s attacks and maintaining a safe distance.

Remember, survivability is paramount. Don’t be afraid to use defensive sorceries, incantations (if your build allows), or items to bolster your defenses and maintain your health.

General Strategies for Rykard

• Utilize the Serpent-Hunter’s Weapon Art: This is your primary source of damage. Maintain a moderate distance and spam the weapon art.
• Manage Stamina: The weapon art consumes a significant amount of stamina. Time your attacks carefully and avoid depleting your stamina completely.
• Learn Rykard’s Attack Patterns: Rykard’s attacks are telegraphed. Learn the timing of his attacks to dodge effectively.
• Stay Mobile: Avoid standing still. Constantly move around to evade Rykard’s attacks.
• Upgrade the Serpent-Hunter: As soon as you get it, upgrade the weapon using smithing stones.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does Rykard have any specific elemental weaknesses?

No, Rykard doesn’t have any significant elemental weaknesses. The key to defeating him lies in effectively using the Serpent-Hunter, which is specifically designed for this fight. Focus on enhancing its damage output and your own survivability.

2. Can I use other weapons against Rykard?

While technically possible, it’s highly discouraged. The Serpent-Hunter’s weapon art deals significantly more damage to Rykard than any other weapon, making the fight much easier and more manageable.

3. How do I get the Serpent-Hunter?

The Serpent-Hunter is located in the room just before the Rykard boss fight. It’s impossible to miss.

4. What stats should I focus on for a sorcery build against Rykard?

Prioritize Intelligence to maximize your sorcery damage. Also, invest in Vigor for health, Mind for FP (for casting spells), and Endurance for stamina.

5. Is it possible to defeat Rykard without using sorceries?

Yes, it is possible. A pure melee build using the Serpent-Hunter can also defeat Rykard. However, sorceries can provide additional utility and damage output, making the fight potentially easier.

6. What talismans are best for the Rykard fight?

Good talismans include:

• Radagon Icon: Shortens spell casting time.
• Cerulean Amber Medallion: Increases maximum FP.
• Green Turtle Talisman: Increases stamina recovery speed.
• Erdtree’s Favor: Increases HP, stamina, and equip load.

7. How important is upgrading the Serpent-Hunter?

Crucially important. Upgrading the Serpent-Hunter significantly increases its damage output, making the fight much faster and easier. Prioritize upgrading it as soon as possible.

8. What level should I be before fighting Rykard?

A recommended level range is 60-80. However, your build and skill level are more important than your level.

9. How do I avoid Rykard’s lava attacks?

Rycard’s lava attacks can be avoided with practice and patience. Pay attention to Rykard’s telegraphs. Equip armor with high fire resistance.

10. Can I summon other players for the Rykard fight?

Yes, summoning other players can make the fight easier. However, be aware that Rykard’s health will increase in multiplayer.

11. What flasks should I use during the fight?

Use flasks that restore HP and FP. Consider using a Flask of Wondrous Physick with effects that boost magic attack power, stamina recovery, or survivability.

12. Is the Mimic Tear summon useful against Rykard?

The Mimic Tear can be useful, especially if you equip it with the Serpent-Hunter. It will essentially double your damage output. It will also help in keeping Rykard busy for the duration of the fight.

13. What armor should I wear for the Rykard fight?

Prioritize armor with good fire resistance. Medium armor is a good balance between protection and mobility.

14. How long does the Scholar’s Armament buff last?

Scholar’s Armament lasts for 90 seconds. Re-apply as needed throughout the fight.

15. If I’m not a sorcerer, is there an equivalent item I can use to buff the Serpent-Hunter?

Yes, if you lack the Intelligence to use Scholar’s Armament, consider using Fire Grease on the Serpent-Hunter. While not as potent, it provides a temporary fire damage buff that can improve your damage output. You can also use other elemental greases that match your specific build or desired effect.