Bushra Griffith
Darkeater Midir, one of the most formidable bosses in *Dark Souls III: The Ringed City*, is notorious for his relentless attacks and massive health pool, making him a daunting challenge for even seasoned players. However, with the right strategy and a bit of creativity, players can cheese this fight, exploiting mechanics or tactics to simplify the encounter significantly. Common methods include using the environment to your advantage, such as luring Midir into specific areas where his attacks become less effective, or utilizing high damage-per-second builds like a pyromancer or a caster to whittle him down quickly during his vulnerable phases. While cheesing may not align with the spirit of fair combat, it offers a practical solution for those struggling to overcome this otherwise brutal battle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Boss Name | Darkeater Midir |
| Game | Dark Souls III |
| Location | Ringed City DLC - The Ringed City |
| Cheese Strategy | Ranged Attacks from Afar |
| Recommended Weapons | Bows, Crossbows, or Spells (e.g., Soul Stream, Crystal Soul Spear) |
| Recommended Items | Arrows/Bolts, Ashen Estus Flask, Poison Knives (optional) |
| Phase 1 Strategy | Stay at max range, attack during his slow wind-ups or after laser attacks |
| Phase 2 Strategy | Continue ranged attacks, focus on his head for higher damage |
| Key Weakness | Lightning Damage |
| Resistances | High resistance to physical damage |
| Drops | Darkeater Greataxe, Twinkling Titanite (30,000 souls) |
| Souls Acquired | 120,000 |
| Difficulty | Extremely High (without cheese) |
| Cheese Difficulty | Moderate (requires patience and positioning) |
| Additional Tips | Use the pillars for cover during laser attacks, avoid melee at all costs |
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What You'll Learn
Phase 1: Baiting Tail Swipes
Darkeater Midir's tail swipes are a formidable obstacle in Phase 1, but they can be exploited with precise timing and positioning. The key is to bait Midir into performing these swipes, which have a long recovery animation, giving you a window to deal damage. Position yourself near Midir's hind legs, slightly to the side, and wait for him to initiate a tail swipe. This attack has a wide arc, so ensure you're not directly behind him, as you might still get hit. As soon as he starts the swipe, roll towards his tail, positioning yourself underneath it. This area is a temporary safe zone, as Midir's next attack will likely be a body slam or a frontal bite, neither of which can reach you.
The art of baiting tail swipes requires patience and an understanding of Midir's attack patterns. After a tail swipe, he often follows up with a series: two or three consecutive swipes. Count these attacks mentally: one, two, and sometimes a third. The third swipe is your cue to act. As he begins this final swipe, start your roll towards the tail, timing it so you reach the safe zone just as the swipe ends. This precision is crucial, as rolling too early or too late will result in taking damage. Practice this timing until it becomes instinctive, as it's the foundation for a successful cheese strategy.
A common mistake is to underestimate the range of Midir's tail. It's longer than it appears, and the swipe covers a significant area. To avoid this pitfall, visualize an imaginary line extending from the tip of his tail to the ground. Stay outside this line when baiting the attack. Additionally, be mindful of your character's roll speed. Faster rolls, often achieved through light equipment or specific armor sets, provide a slight advantage in positioning. Experiment with different builds to find the optimal balance between damage output and mobility.
In the context of cheese strategies, baiting tail swipes is a low-risk, high-reward technique. It allows you to deal consistent damage while minimizing the danger. Each successful bait and roll brings you closer to Midir's tail, where you can unleash a few attacks before retreating to safety. This method is particularly effective for melee builds, as it provides a reliable way to engage the boss in close combat. However, it requires discipline; resist the urge to greedily attack, as Midir's aggression can quickly turn the tide if you're caught off-guard.
Mastering this phase is about learning Midir's rhythm and responding with calculated movements. The tail swipes, though intimidating, become predictable and even welcoming as you understand their role in creating opportunities. This phase is a dance, where you lead Midir through a series of swipes, always staying one step ahead. With practice, you'll find yourself effortlessly weaving through his attacks, turning one of his most powerful assets into a liability. This is the essence of cheese strategies: transforming a boss's strengths into vulnerabilities through clever manipulation.
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Phase 2: Exploiting Laser Patterns
Darkeater Midir's laser attack in Phase 2 is a spectacle of destruction, sweeping across the arena in predictable yet deadly patterns. Understanding these patterns is the cornerstone of exploiting them. The laser follows a set of three distinct arcs: left, center, and right. Each arc is preceded by a brief delay, during which Midir’s head glows, signaling the direction of the incoming attack. Observing this glow and memorizing the sequence allows players to anticipate the laser’s path, transforming it from an unavoidable hazard into a choreographed dance.
To exploit these patterns effectively, position yourself at the edge of the arena opposite Midir’s head. When the glow appears, move perpendicular to the laser’s direction, staying just out of its range. For instance, if the glow indicates a leftward laser, dash to the right side of the arena. This strategy not only avoids damage but also creates opportunities to strike back. Midir’s laser attack leaves him momentarily vulnerable as he recoils, providing a narrow window to deal damage. Aim for his head or tail, as these areas yield higher damage output.
A cautionary note: overconfidence can be fatal. While the laser patterns are predictable, Midir’s other attacks, such as his tail sweep or stomps, can disrupt your positioning. Maintain awareness of his movements and prioritize survival over aggression. Additionally, the laser’s hitbox is deceptively wide, so avoid hugging the edges of the arena. Instead, use the center as a buffer zone, giving yourself ample space to maneuver.
Comparatively, this phase is less about brute force and more about precision and timing. Unlike Phase 1, where dodging and striking are more fluid, Phase 2 demands a methodical approach. Players who master the laser patterns can significantly reduce the fight’s duration, turning a seemingly insurmountable challenge into a manageable rhythm. Practice makes perfect—spend time observing Midir’s movements in slow-paced encounters to internalize the patterns before attempting a full exploit.
In conclusion, exploiting Midir’s laser patterns in Phase 2 is a blend of observation, positioning, and timing. By understanding the glow signals and moving strategically, players can not only avoid damage but also capitalize on Midir’s vulnerabilities. This phase rewards patience and precision, offering a satisfying payoff for those who master its intricacies. Approach it with caution, practice diligently, and transform Midir’s most fearsome attack into your greatest advantage.
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Using Environment for Cover
In the battle against Darkeater Midir, the arena itself becomes your greatest ally. The boss fight takes place in a vast, open area with towering pillars and a raised platform at the center. These environmental features are not just decorative; they are strategic tools for survival. By understanding the layout and utilizing cover effectively, you can significantly reduce the difficulty of this encounter.
Strategic Positioning: The key to success lies in positioning yourself relative to Midir and the pillars. When Midir is in his standing position, his massive body and sweeping attacks can be mitigated by staying close to the pillars. These structures provide temporary cover, allowing you to dodge his breath attacks and tail sweeps. As he rears up, prepare to sprint towards the nearest pillar, ensuring you have a clear path to avoid his devastating stomps. This cat-and-mouse game requires precise timing and an understanding of Midir's attack patterns.
The Art of Pillar Dancing: A popular technique among seasoned players is the 'pillar dance.' This involves continuously circling the pillars, staying just out of Midir's reach. As he lunges or sweeps, you dart behind the pillar, emerging on the opposite side to repeat the process. This method requires stamina management and an awareness of Midir's attack range. Practice makes perfect, and soon you'll be able to predict his movements, turning the dance into a graceful, life-saving routine.
Elevated Advantage: The raised platform at the center of the arena is not just a visual focal point. It serves as a critical tool for both offense and defense. When Midir is focused on the ground, use the platform to gain a height advantage, allowing for safer attacks and a better view of his movements. However, be cautious; staying on the platform for too long may leave you vulnerable to his aerial assaults. Timing is crucial—use the elevation to your benefit during specific attack phases, then retreat to the pillars for cover.
Environmental Awareness: Mastering this fight requires a deep understanding of the environment. Learn the safe zones between pillars, the distance needed to dodge each attack, and the timing of Midir's movements. Every pillar provides a unique perspective and cover opportunity. For instance, the pillars closer to the arena's edges offer more space to maneuver but require precise positioning to avoid getting pinned. In contrast, central pillars provide better cover but limit your movement options. Adapt your strategy based on Midir's behavior and your preferred playstyle.
By embracing the environment as an integral part of your strategy, the Darkeater Midir fight transforms from a daunting challenge to a manageable dance of positioning and timing. This approach not only increases your chances of victory but also adds a layer of depth to the gameplay, encouraging players to think creatively and engage with the game world in a more interactive manner.
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Summon Strategies for Distraction
Summoning allies in the fight against Darkeater Midir can be a game-changer, especially when employed as a distraction tactic. This strategy leverages the AI's tendency to target the closest or most aggressive threat, allowing you to create windows of opportunity for damage or healing. The key lies in positioning and timing: place your summon near Midir’s flank or directly in his path during specific attack animations, such as his laser or sweeping tail attacks. This forces him to refocus, granting you precious seconds to strike or recover.
Analyzing summon types reveals that certain NPCs or phantoms are more effective than others. For instance, the Lapp, the Iron-Fisted summon is ideal due to his high health pool and aggressive playstyle, drawing Midir’s attention consistently. Conversely, weaker summons like Yellowfinger Heysel may die too quickly to provide meaningful distraction. Phantom allies, while less durable, can be used in tandem to create chaos, particularly during Midir’s slower phase transitions. Experiment with combinations to maximize distraction potential.
A step-by-step approach to executing this strategy begins with timing your summon’s placement. Activate the summon sign just as Midir initiates a long-windup attack, ensuring your ally materializes in his line of sight. Position yourself opposite the summon to capitalize on Midir’s divided attention. During his laser attack, for example, stand behind his head while your summon engages his tail, allowing you to safely deal damage to his exposed core. Repeat this process, prioritizing survival over greed for damage.
Caution must be exercised, however, as over-reliance on summons can lead to complacency. Midir’s AI may occasionally ignore summons if they’re too far away or if you’re within his aggro range. Additionally, summons have limited health and will eventually fall, so always keep an escape route in mind. Pair this strategy with Golden Vow or Blessed Weapon buffs to maximize your damage output during distraction phases, ensuring you make the most of every opportunity.
In conclusion, summon strategies for distraction are a nuanced but powerful tool in cheesing Darkeater Midir. By understanding summon behavior, timing placements, and balancing risk with reward, you can manipulate Midir’s AI to your advantage. This method not only reduces the fight’s difficulty but also adds a layer of tactical depth to what is otherwise a brutally challenging encounter. Master this technique, and Midir’s once-daunting presence will become a manageable, even predictable, foe.
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Critical Damage Windows in Phase 3
In the harrowing dance with Darkeater Midir, Phase 3 demands precision and opportunism. Here, the dragon’s attacks become more relentless, but so do the openings for critical damage. The key lies in exploiting the brief, predictable moments when Midir’s defenses falter, allowing you to unleash devastating blows. These windows are not just about timing—they’re about understanding the rhythm of his aggression and countering it with calculated strikes.
One of the most reliable critical damage windows occurs during Midir’s laser breath attack. As he rears back to unleash the beam, his torso becomes exposed for a split second. Position yourself directly beneath him, and as the laser begins to charge, roll forward and unleash a fully charged heavy attack. This method maximizes damage output, as the attack connects during the vulnerability frame. However, timing is critical—roll too early, and you’ll take damage; too late, and the window closes. Practice this in slower phases to perfect the rhythm before attempting it in Phase 3.
Another exploitable moment arises during Midir’s tail sweep. After he completes the sweep, there’s a brief pause before he resets his stance. Use this pause to sprint to his flank and deliver a critical hit to his tail. While this window is shorter than the laser attack opportunity, it’s less risky and can be repeated multiple times. Equip a weapon with high poise damage to stun him, further extending your damage phase. This strategy is particularly effective if you’re using a strength-based build with a greatsword or ultra greatsword.
For spellcasters, the most opportune moment comes when Midir performs his ground slam. As he leaps into the air, cast a homing soulmass or crystal soul spear, aiming directly at his descending body. The spell will connect mid-air, dealing massive damage during his animation lock. This method requires precise timing but rewards you with a critical hit that can significantly reduce his health bar. Pair this with the Crown of the Dark Soul for increased spell damage, and consider using a Crystal Chime for faster casting speed.
Lastly, don’t overlook the power of environmental manipulation. Luring Midir near the arena’s edges can trigger his stomp attack, which leaves him vulnerable for several seconds. Position yourself behind him as he recovers, and unleash a backstab for critical damage. This tactic is riskier due to the proximity to the arena’s hazards but can be game-changing if executed flawlessly. Always keep a healing item ready in case of mistakes, and prioritize stamina management to ensure you can dodge his follow-up attacks.
Mastering these critical damage windows in Phase 3 transforms the fight from a test of endurance to a strategic showdown. Each window requires practice, but the payoff is immense—turning what seems like an insurmountable challenge into a calculated, cheese-worthy victory.
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Frequently asked questions
One effective method is to use the Storm Ruler weapon, which deals massive damage to Midir when charged. Position yourself near his head during the first phase and use the Storm Ruler's L2 charged attack to quickly deplete his health.
Yes, you can cheese Midir using ranged attacks like arrows or spells. Stay near the arena entrance, lock onto his head, and attack during his slow-moving phases. This minimizes the risk of taking damage while dealing consistent damage to him.
While you can summon NPCs like Lapp or Orbeck of Vinheim, they are not very effective against Midir. The best approach is to focus on your own damage output using the Storm Ruler or ranged attacks, as NPCs often get overwhelmed by Midir's attacks.
