Mastering Bell Gargoyles: Easy Cheese Strategies For Quick Victory

how to cheese bell gargoyles

Cheesing Bell Gargoyles in *Elden Ring* involves exploiting specific strategies to bypass the challenge of this notoriously difficult boss fight. Players often utilize techniques such as summoning NPC allies, positioning themselves in hard-to-reach areas, or using ranged attacks to minimize direct confrontation. One popular method includes luring the gargoyles into the narrow staircase leading to the boss arena, limiting their mobility and making them easier to target. Additionally, equipping high poison or bleed damage weapons can significantly reduce the fight’s duration. While these tactics may not align with the intended gameplay experience, they offer a practical solution for players struggling to overcome the Bell Gargoyles’ aggressive and relentless attacks.

Characteristics Values
Boss Bell Gargoyles (Duo)
Location Bell Tower in Undead Parish
Cheese Strategy Summon NPCs and exploit their AI
Required NPCs Lautrec of Carim (mandatory), Griggs of Vinheim (optional)
Summoning Location Near the fog gate, on the left side
Recommended Level 20-30 (to ensure NPCs are viable)
Recommended Equipment Any weapon, focus on survival (e.g., shield, healing items)
Strategy 1. Summon Lautrec (mandatory) and Griggs (optional) before entering the fog gate. 2. Stay back and let NPCs tank damage. 3. Focus on healing and supporting NPCs. 4. Target the first gargoyle until it's defeated. 5. Repeat strategy for the second gargoyle.
Key Tips - Keep distance to avoid aggro. - Use the pillars for cover. - Prioritize healing Lautrec if he's low on health.
Rewards 30,000 Souls, Bell Gargoyle Halberd (rare drop)
Game Dark Souls (Remastered)
Difficulty Significantly reduced with cheese strategy

cycheese

Exploit terrain for safety

The Bell Gargoyles fight in Dark Souls is notorious for its difficulty, but savvy players know that terrain can be your greatest ally. The arena’s architecture isn’t just scenery—it’s a tool. Position yourself near the central pillar or the edges of the platform to limit the gargoyles’ attack angles. Their large, sweeping strikes often collide with obstacles, giving you precious seconds to heal or counterattack. This isn’t just about hiding; it’s about controlling the flow of combat by forcing the enemies into predictable patterns.

Consider the pillar as your anchor. When both gargoyles are active, stand close to it, baiting one into attacking. Their strikes will frequently hit the pillar instead of you, allowing you to focus on the other. Once one is defeated, the pillar becomes even more valuable. Circle it while keeping the remaining gargoyle on the opposite side, using its height to block fireballs and reduce the risk of being knocked off the ledge. This methodical approach turns a chaotic fight into a manageable duel.

Terrain exploitation also extends to the arena’s edges. If you’re playing a ranged or magic build, position yourself near the corners of the platform. The gargoyles’ pathing often forces them to circle around, giving you ample time to unleash spells or arrows without fear of retaliation. Melee builds can use the edges to their advantage by baiting the gargoyles into jumping attacks, which have long recovery times. A well-timed roll followed by a backstab can deal massive damage while minimizing risk.

However, terrain exploitation isn’t without its pitfalls. Over-reliance on the pillar can lead to complacency, and the gargoyles’ grab attacks can still catch you off guard. Always maintain awareness of their positioning and attack patterns. Additionally, while the edges provide safety, they also increase the risk of being knocked off. Stay slightly inward to avoid accidental falls, especially during the second phase when the remaining gargoyle becomes more aggressive.

In practice, mastering terrain exploitation requires patience and observation. Spend the first few attempts studying how the gargoyles interact with the environment. Note which attacks are blocked by the pillar and how their AI responds to your positioning. Once you understand these dynamics, the fight becomes less about brute force and more about strategic manipulation of space. This approach not only makes the battle safer but also highlights the brilliance of Dark Souls’ level design, where every element serves a purpose.

cycheese

Use ranged attacks effectively

Ranged attacks can turn the tide against the Bell Gargoyles, but only if executed with precision and strategy. Their aerial dominance and dual-threat nature demand a thoughtful approach to distance and timing. Position yourself on the staircase leading up to the bell tower, using the pillars as cover. This elevated vantage point allows you to target the grounded gargoyle while minimizing exposure to the airborne one. Aim for the head of the grounded foe to maximize damage and stagger potential, exploiting their slower movement when grounded.

The choice of ranged weapon is critical. Bows or crossbows with high damage output, such as the Composite Bow or the Sniper Crossbow, are ideal. Pair these with arrows or bolts infused with Lightning or Fire for additional damage against their stone hide. For magic users, spells like Soul Arrow or Great Heavy Soul Arrow offer consistent damage from a distance. Ensure your ammunition or mana reserves are ample, as this battle can be prolonged.

Timing is everything when using ranged attacks. The gargoyles’ dive attack is predictable but deadly—wait for the telltale wing flap before retreating slightly to avoid it. Focus fire on the grounded gargoyle until it takes flight, then switch targets to the one still on the ground. This cycle ensures you’re always engaging the more vulnerable foe. If both gargoyles are airborne, use this opportunity to heal or reposition, as ranged attacks against both simultaneously are inefficient.

A common mistake is overcommitting to offense. The gargoyles’ aggressive behavior can lure you into firing recklessly, leaving you vulnerable to counterattacks. Maintain a disciplined approach: fire in controlled bursts, then retreat behind cover to reassess. Summoning an NPC ally, such as Lautrec of Carim, can distract the gargoyles, giving you more opportunities to land ranged shots. However, avoid relying solely on the ally, as they can be overwhelmed quickly.

In conclusion, ranged attacks are a high-reward strategy against the Bell Gargoyles, but they require patience, positioning, and resource management. By leveraging elevation, choosing the right tools, and mastering timing, you can dismantle their dual threat systematically. This method not only minimizes risk but also maximizes efficiency, turning a daunting fight into a calculated victory.

cycheese

Summon allies for distraction

In the realm of Elden Ring, the Bell Gargoyles present a formidable challenge, especially for solo players. One effective strategy to tip the scales in your favor is to summon allies for distraction. This tactic leverages the game’s multiplayer mechanics to create openings and reduce pressure, allowing you to focus on single targets or recover resources. By summoning NPCs or other players, you can force the Gargoyles to divide their attention, making the fight more manageable.

To execute this strategy, begin by positioning yourself near a summoning sign or NPC summon location before engaging the boss. For the Bell Gargoyles, the summon sign for Renegade’s Summon is particularly useful, as it appears near the fog gate. Activating this summon introduces an ally who will aggro one of the Gargoyles, effectively splitting the boss’s attention. Time your summon carefully—ideally just before entering the fog gate—to ensure your ally survives long enough to make a difference. Remember, the longer you can keep one Gargoyle occupied, the more opportunities you’ll have to deal damage or heal.

While summoning allies is powerful, it’s not without risks. The AI of summoned NPCs can be unpredictable, and they may not always prioritize the most dangerous target. Additionally, the presence of an ally can increase the boss’s aggression, leading to more frequent or powerful attacks. To mitigate this, maintain a medium distance from your ally, allowing them to tank damage while you strike from a safer position. Use this strategy in conjunction with other tactics, such as exploiting the Gargoyles’ slow wind-up animations or targeting their weaker phases.

Comparatively, summoning allies for distraction is more reliable than relying solely on player skill, especially for those struggling with the fight’s mechanics. It’s a practical middle ground between soloing the boss and using overpowered strategies like poison or bleed builds. However, it requires preparation—ensuring you have the necessary items (e.g., Furlcalling Finger Remedy) and understanding summon locations. For players who prefer a more hands-on approach, this method offers a balance between challenge and assistance, preserving the sense of accomplishment upon victory.

In conclusion, summoning allies for distraction is a strategic and accessible way to cheese the Bell Gargoyles. By splitting the boss’s attention and creating opportunities for offense and defense, you can significantly reduce the fight’s difficulty. While it demands some setup and awareness of summon mechanics, the payoff is well worth the effort. Pair this tactic with patience and adaptability, and you’ll find the Bell Gargoyles’ bell tolling in your favor.

cycheese

Focus on one enemy first

In the chaotic dance of battling the Bell Gargoyles, the temptation to strike both foes simultaneously can be overwhelming. However, this approach often leads to a swift demise. By focusing on one enemy first, you disrupt their synergy and exploit their individual weaknesses. The key lies in isolating one Gargoyle, drawing it away from its partner, and eliminating it before turning your attention to the second. This strategy not only reduces incoming damage but also prevents the overwhelming pressure of their combined attacks.

To execute this effectively, begin by aggroing one Gargoyle while keeping the other at bay. Use the environment to your advantage—lure your target near pillars or narrow passages to limit its mobility. For melee builds, prioritize dodging and striking during its recovery frames; for ranged or magic builds, maintain distance and chip away at its health. Ensure your attacks are precise, as wasted stamina or missed spells can leave you vulnerable to the second Gargoyle’s intervention. Patience is paramount; rushing the kill often results in fatal mistakes.

A critical aspect of this strategy is managing the second Gargoyle’s involvement. If both enemies engage you, immediately disengage and reposition. Use items like Alluring Skulls or well-timed rolls to create separation. For players with summoning capabilities, a NPC ally or phantom can act as a decoy, drawing aggro and providing precious moments to focus on your primary target. Remember, the goal is not to outlast both enemies simultaneously but to dismantle their partnership through calculated isolation.

Once the first Gargoyle falls, the battle shifts dramatically in your favor. The remaining enemy, though formidable, lacks the support of its counterpart. Use this to your advantage by adopting a more aggressive stance. Exploit its predictable attack patterns and capitalize on openings. With one threat neutralized, you can afford to take calculated risks, such as closing the distance for heavier attacks or using consumables like Estus Flasks without fear of immediate retaliation from a second foe.

In conclusion, focusing on one enemy first transforms the Bell Gargoyles fight from a frantic scramble into a manageable duel. This approach requires discipline, spatial awareness, and a deep understanding of enemy behavior. By breaking the fight into phases and isolating targets, you not only reduce incoming damage but also gain psychological control over the encounter. Master this strategy, and what once seemed an insurmountable challenge becomes a testament to your skill and tactical prowess.

cycheese

Abuse poison or bleed damage

Poison and bleed damage offer a cunning way to bypass the Bell Gargoyles' formidable defenses in Dark Souls. These status effects ignore the gargoyles' high physical resistance, whittling down their health while you focus on evasion and opportunistic strikes. Poison, in particular, excels due to its persistent damage over time, making it ideal for a hit-and-run strategy. Equip a weapon infused with Poison or coat your blade with Poison Moss, then target the gargoyles' legs or tails – areas with lower resistance. Each successful hit builds up poison, eventually triggering a continuous damage effect. Bleed damage, while riskier due to its reliance on precise timing and positioning, can be devastating. Use a Bleed-infused weapon or one with innate bleed properties, aiming for critical hits during the gargoyles' attack animations. A well-timed riposte or backstab can trigger massive bleed damage, potentially taking out a gargoyle in a single combo.

Frequently asked questions

Use the pillars in the arena to your advantage. Lure one gargoyle near a pillar, then circle around it to avoid attacks while focusing on dealing damage. Repeat for the second gargoyle.

Yes, using a bow or spells like Soul Arrow from a safe distance can work. Stay near the fog gate and keep your distance to avoid their aggressive dives.

Summoning NPCs like Lautrec or players can distract the gargoyles, allowing you to focus on one at a time or deal damage safely from afar.

High-damage, fast-hitting weapons like the Uchigatana or a pyromancy build with Fireballs can quickly take down one gargoyle before focusing on the other.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment