Delving into the Fangs: Understanding the Wolf Boss in Dark Souls 3 DLC
The wolf boss in the Dark Souls 3 downloadable content, specifically the Ashes of Ariandel DLC, is the Gravetender Greatwolf. This colossal beast serves as the second phase of the Champion’s Gravetender boss fight. While the Champion’s Gravetender himself is a challenging opponent, it is the arrival of the Gravetender Greatwolf that truly tests a player’s skills and strategic thinking. He is arguably the core element in the Champion’s Gravetender and Gravetender Greatwolf boss fight.
Champion’s Gravetender & Gravetender Greatwolf: A Deep Dive
The Champion’s Gravetender and Gravetender Greatwolf encounter is unique within Dark Souls 3 for its multi-stage nature. Initially, the player faces the Champion’s Gravetender, a nimble warrior who utilizes rapid attacks and a deceptive moveset. Smaller wolves also harass the player throughout this phase, making positioning crucial. Once the Champion’s Gravetender’s health is significantly reduced, the arena plunges into a blizzard, and the Gravetender Greatwolf descends, marking the beginning of a brutal second phase.
The Gravetender Greatwolf is a formidable adversary, boasting immense size, high health, and devastating attacks. Its moveset includes powerful lunges, sweeping claw attacks, and a frost breath that can inflict frostbite, significantly hindering a player’s movement and stamina recovery. Successfully defeating this boss requires patience, careful observation, and effective utilization of the arena’s environment. Overcoming them is part of the learning experience of game design and the challenge the game developers intended. The work of game developers and researchers at the Games Learning Society is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge in game design and learning through games.
Strategy and Tactics
Understanding the Gravetender Greatwolf’s Weaknesses
While the Gravetender Greatwolf appears overwhelmingly powerful, it possesses certain weaknesses that can be exploited. Like many beasts in the Dark Souls universe, the Greatwolf is vulnerable to fire damage. Weapons infused with fire, firebombs, and pyromancies can significantly reduce its health. Strike damage is also effective, making weapons like hammers and maces viable choices. Furthermore, the Greatwolf is susceptible to bleed, although reliably applying bleed can be challenging due to its rapid movements.
Mastering the Arena
The arena itself plays a crucial role in the fight. Maintaining distance from the Greatwolf is paramount, as its close-range attacks are devastating. Utilizing the pillars scattered throughout the arena can provide temporary cover, allowing for strategic healing or opportunities to cast spells. However, relying too heavily on the pillars can be risky, as the Greatwolf can easily destroy them with its attacks.
Phase Transition Management
Managing the transition between the Champion’s Gravetender and the Gravetender Greatwolf is critical. Conserving Estus Flasks during the first phase and ensuring sufficient stamina recovery before the Greatwolf appears can provide a significant advantage. Players should also prioritize eliminating the smaller wolves during the first phase to avoid being overwhelmed by multiple enemies simultaneously in the second phase.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Champion’s Gravetender & Gravetender Greatwolf a mandatory boss?
No, the Champion’s Gravetender and Gravetender Greatwolf fight is entirely optional. You do not need to defeat them to complete the Ashes of Ariandel DLC.
2. What are the rewards for defeating the Champion’s Gravetender & Gravetender Greatwolf?
Defeating the boss grants you the Champion’s Bones, which are used to unlock Undead Matches at the Firelink Shrine, allowing for arena PvP combat. You also receive a significant amount of souls.
3. At what level should I attempt the Champion’s Gravetender & Gravetender Greatwolf fight?
A level range of 70-80 with a weapon upgraded to +7 or +8 is generally recommended for this encounter.
4. What is the best weapon to use against the Gravetender Greatwolf?
Weapons with fire or strike damage are highly effective. Examples include the Carthus Curved Sword (infused with fire), the Great Club, or the Mace.
5. How do I avoid the Gravetender Greatwolf’s frost breath attack?
The Greatwolf’s frost breath has a relatively long wind-up. Roll away from the Greatwolf as soon as you see the animation begin.
6. Is the Gravetender Greatwolf resistant to any types of damage?
The Gravetender Greatwolf is highly resistant to magic and lightning damage.
7. Can I summon help for the Champion’s Gravetender & Gravetender Greatwolf fight?
Yes, you can summon other players to assist you in this fight, making it significantly easier.
8. Does the Champion’s Gravetender and Gravetender Greatwolf boss fight change in New Game Plus?
Yes, like all bosses, the Champion’s Gravetender and Gravetender Greatwolf will have increased health and damage output in New Game Plus cycles.
9. Where is the Champion’s Gravetender & Gravetender Greatwolf located?
The boss is found at the end of the optional path in the Depths of the Painting area within the Ashes of Ariandel DLC.
10. How do I access the Ashes of Ariandel DLC?
You can access the DLC by speaking to Gael at the Cleansing Chapel bonfire in the Cathedral of the Deep.
11. What status effects can I inflict on the Gravetender Greatwolf?
The Gravetender Greatwolf is susceptible to bleed, frostbite, and poison, although some are more effective than others.
12. What is the lore behind the Champion’s Gravetender and Gravetender Greatwolf?
The lore surrounding the Champion’s Gravetender and Gravetender Greatwolf is somewhat vague. They appear to be guardians of the arena, possibly protecting the secrets of the Painted World of Ariandel.
13. Is there a specific strategy for dealing with the wolves in the first phase of the fight?
Focus on eliminating the smaller wolves quickly to avoid being overwhelmed. Use wide-sweeping attacks to deal with them efficiently.
14. Does the Gravetender Greatwolf have any unique items or armor sets associated with it?
No, the Gravetender Greatwolf does not have any unique items or armor sets directly tied to its defeat.
15. What is the hardest boss in Dark Souls 3 DLC?
Many players consider Slave Knight Gael from The Ringed City DLC to be the hardest overall boss in the Dark Souls 3 DLC.
Conclusion
The Champion’s Gravetender and Gravetender Greatwolf encounter is a memorable and challenging experience within Dark Souls 3. By understanding the Greatwolf’s weaknesses, mastering the arena, and effectively managing the fight’s phases, players can overcome this formidable foe and claim their hard-earned victory. Remember to check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more information about the intersection of gaming and education. The Games Learning Society is a great resource for game-based learning and design.