Dark Souls 3 is notorious for its challenging boss battles, and few are as daunting as Iudex Gundyr, the first boss encountered in the game. With his powerful attacks and lightning-fast movements, he can quickly take down an unprepared player.
But fear not, brave adventurer! With the right strategy and a bit of practice, defeating Iudex Gundyr is within your grasp. In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps you need to follow to beat Iudex Gundyr and emerge victorious in Dark Souls 3.
From understanding his attack patterns to selecting the right equipment and items, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to face this formidable foe and come out on top. So, let’s dive in and start your journey to defeating Iudex Gundyr.
How to Beat Iudex Gundyr in Dark Souls 3
Our Dark Souls 3 Iudex Gundyr boss fight guide is divided into two sections to break down the entire battle properly.
- Phase #1
- Phase #2
Phase #1
Swiftly strike Iudex Gundyr before he can regain his footing to inflict significant damage, potentially removing almost half of his health bar in the initial moments of the battle. Don’t hold back, swing until your Stamina is nearly depleted, then deftly dodge to avoid his retaliation.
Iudex Gundyr’s attacks are far-reaching and formidable, rendering blocking an ineffective strategy. Focus on evading and dodging his strikes, timing your movements slightly later than expected and rolling multiple times when necessary.
To increase your damage output, switch to two-handed weapon usage for added force, particularly if you rely on a shield, which is less useful against this boss. Iudex Gundyr’s attacks drain your Stamina and can take you out in one blow. Prioritize dodging and counterattacking, capitalizing on every opening to inflict damage before retreating to safety.
Tip: Starting as a Warrior, you will have a Battle Axe at your disposal, and this weapon comes with a useful special skill that enhances your Attack Power. It is highly recommended to activate this buff immediately after extracting the sword from Iudex. By doing so, you can deal substantial damage to the boss, causing him to nearly transition to Stage II right from the start.
To optimize your strategy, dodge backward when Iudex Gundyr leaps to avoid being struck from below. Don’t waste time trying to deal small amounts of damage between his swings. Instead, be patient, wait for an opportune moment, and unleash a series of attacks to maximize your damage potential. When necessary, back off to regain your Stamina before resuming your assault.
If rolling toward Iudex Gundyr, attack immediately to take advantage of the opening, ensuring your actions remain swift and precise by staying ahead of your character’s animations.
Phase #2
When Iudex Gundyr’s health drops to between half and one-third, he pauses and begins to transform. This is the perfect opportunity to unleash a relentless onslaught of attacks, as he becomes much more formidable after the transition. Try to defeat him before he has a chance to react and counterattack.
If Iudex Gundyr is still standing and fighting, retreat to regain your Stamina and prepare your shield. In this phase, the boss can strike from a distance with sudden and powerful attacks, but they are not as deadly as before. It is recommended to absorb his initial strikes with your shield, which gives you time to close in and strike before retreating again. Victory is just within reach!
If you need to use your Estus Flask, it is imperative to roll or sprint far away from the boss to ensure your safety. Never attempt to heal in close proximity to the enemy, as he can easily strike you and negate the health regained by the flask.
Once Iudex Gundyr is defeated, you will receive a generous amount of Souls and a Coiled Sword. Use the Coiled Sword to light the nearby Bonfire and take a moment to rest and recover before continuing your journey.