Why Can’t I Cut Off Seath’s Tail in Dark Souls? A Comprehensive Guide
You’re facing the Scaleless Dragon, Seath, in the depths of the Duke’s Archives, and you’re struggling to sever that prized tail for the Moonlight Greatsword. Frustration is understandable! The simple answer is likely one (or a combination) of these factors: you’re hitting the wrong part of the tail, not dealing enough damage, or lacking the patience to repeat the process. This article will dissect each of these hurdles, offering strategies and insights to finally claim your reward.
Understanding the Mechanics of Tail Cutting
Cutting off a boss’s tail in Dark Souls is a specific mechanic that requires precision, timing, and persistence. It’s not just about wailing on the boss; you need to target a specific area and inflict enough damage within that area to trigger the severance. Seath’s tail is no exception, and perhaps one of the most notorious.
Precise Targeting: The Tip is Key
The most common mistake players make is hitting the wrong part of Seath’s tail. He has three tails – two smaller ones on the sides and a large one in the back. Only the back tail yields the Moonlight Greatsword. Moreover, you must hit the very tip of the back tail. We are talking about the last 10-15 feet of it, where there is no crystal.
Damage Threshold: Dealing Enough Impact
Cutting off a tail isn’t about depleting the boss’s overall health. It’s about dealing enough localized damage to the tail itself. In New Game (NG), this typically requires around 1,000-2,000 damage to the tip. This requirement can be greatly affected by the difficulty you are on. In later new games, you will need to deal more damage. This is why lower level players can find this task significantly difficult.
Patience and Perseverance: Repetition is Essential
Even with the right targeting and damage, it often takes multiple attempts. Seath moves erratically, and his attacks can be devastating. You need to be patient, learn his attack patterns, and seize opportunities to strike the tail when it’s vulnerable. This is what makes cutting off his tail a challenge.
Effective Strategies for Tail Severance
Now that we understand the mechanics, let’s look at strategies to increase your success rate.
Weapon Choice: Reach and Vertical Attacks
The ideal weapon has good reach and a vertical attack motion. This allows you to hit the tail tip more easily. Some excellent choices include:
- Claymore: A versatile greatsword with good reach and damage.
- Black Knight Sword: A powerful greatsword with a strong vertical attack.
- Halberd: Excellent reach, but requires careful spacing.
- Drake Sword: A good early-game option due to its range.
Utilizing Seath’s Attack Patterns: Baiting and Punishing
The key is to bait Seath into an attack that leaves his tail vulnerable. A prime opportunity is his crystal breath attack. When he begins this attack, sprint around to his back tail and unleash a few attacks on the tip. Other good opportunities arise when he is breaking crystals.
Breaking the Primordial Crystal: A Tactical Advantage
Breaking the Primordial Crystal in the arena stuns Seath, giving you a window of opportunity to attack his tail. Use this to your advantage! Position yourself near the crystal, bait an attack, break the crystal, and then sprint to the tail.
The Mage’s Approach: Sorcery and Enchantment
Mages can also cut off Seath’s tail, though it requires a slightly different approach. Invest in a +10 Magic or Enchanted weapon with good reach. Alternatively, use powerful sorceries like Crystal Soul Arrow aimed directly at the tail tip.
Understanding and Using Bleed
Bleed can be very effective in this fight. Weapons with bleed, like the Lifehunt Scythe and Katanas, are very effective in this fight, dealing both regular damage AND bleed damage to the tail.
Don’t Get Cursed
Avoid getting cursed, which can weaken you and make the fight even harder. The area is filled with curse build-up attacks, so be mindful.
Tail Cutting: The Step-by-Step Guide
- Enter the Boss Arena: Be prepared for a challenging fight.
- Bait an Attack: Provoke Seath into using his crystal breath attack.
- Sprint to the Tail: Immediately sprint to the back tail while he’s occupied.
- Attack the Tip: Focus your attacks on the very tip of the tail.
- Repeat: Rinse and repeat the process, being patient and opportunistic.
- Claim Your Prize: Once enough damage is dealt, the Moonlight Greatsword will be yours!
FAQs: Cutting Off Seath’s Tail
1. Can you cut off Seath’s tail with any weapon?
Yes, technically. However, weapons with good reach and a vertical attack motion are much more effective. Daggers or short swords will make it incredibly difficult.
2. How much damage does it take to cut off Seath’s tail?
Approximately 1,000-2,000 damage in NG. The amount increases in subsequent playthroughs.
3. What if I keep hitting the tail but it won’t come off?
You’re likely hitting the wrong part of the tail. Ensure you’re targeting the very tip of the back tail.
4. Is it easier to cut off Seath’s tail as a melee character or a mage?
Both have their advantages. Melee characters can deal consistent damage with the right weapon, while mages can use powerful spells for burst damage.
5. Can you cut off Seath’s tail in co-op?
Yes, but the increased health of the boss in co-op makes it more challenging.
6. What happens if I kill Seath without cutting off his tail?
You’ll miss out on the Moonlight Greatsword, one of the most unique weapons in the game.
7. Is the Moonlight Greatsword worth the effort?
Absolutely! It’s a powerful weapon with a unique moveset and scales with Intelligence.
8. How can I avoid getting cursed by Seath’s attacks?
Maintain distance and use curse-resistant armor or rings. The Cursebite Ring can be helpful.
9. What stats does the Moonlight Greatsword scale with?
It primarily scales with Intelligence.
10. Is Seath immune to any types of damage?
Seath is resistant to magic damage but not immune. Bleed is particularly effective.
11. How do I know if I’m hitting the tail correctly?
Watch for the blood splatter effect. If you’re hitting the tail tip, you’ll see a clear blood splatter.
12. Can I use a bow to cut off Seath’s tail?
While technically possible, it’s incredibly difficult and time-consuming. Melee weapons or sorceries are far more efficient.
13. What ring do I need to fight Seath?
No specific ring is required, but rings that boost health, stamina, or curse resistance can be helpful.
14. Can you skip the first encounter with Seath?
Yes, there’s a sequence break known as the Duke Skip that allows you to skip the prison area and the first encounter.
15. Where can I find more information about Dark Souls strategies?
Many online resources are available, including wikis, forums, and video guides. You can also learn about educational games and the mechanics of learning in games at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. Or check out GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about the group’s vision.
Conclusion: Perseverance Pays Off
Cutting off Seath’s tail is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. By understanding the mechanics, employing the right strategies, and maintaining patience, you can claim the Moonlight Greatsword and conquer this difficult boss. Good luck, Chosen Undead!