Frederic Melton
Cheesing the Gaping Dragon in *Dark Souls* is a strategy many players employ to bypass the boss's challenging mechanics and secure an easier victory. This method typically involves exploiting the game’s mechanics, such as luring the boss into specific areas or using ranged attacks from safe positions, to minimize direct confrontation. By understanding the Gaping Dragon’s movement patterns and weaknesses, players can manipulate the fight to their advantage, often reducing it to a test of patience rather than skill. While cheesing may not align with the intended spirit of the game, it offers a viable alternative for those struggling with the boss’s aggressive and unpredictable behavior.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Boss | Gaping Dragon |
| Location | The Depths, Dark Souls (2011) |
| Cheese Strategy | Ranged Attack Exploit |
| Recommended Weapons | Bow, Crossbow, or any ranged weapon with high damage output |
| Recommended Arrows/Bolts | Heavy Arrows, Large Bolts, or any arrows/bolts with high damage |
| Recommended Stats | Dexterity (for ranged weapons), Endurance (for dodging) |
| Exploit Location | The narrow bridge leading to the fog gate, where the dragon's head is stuck |
| Exploit Mechanics | The dragon's head gets stuck in the bridge, allowing for uninterrupted ranged attacks |
| Damage Output | High, as the dragon cannot retaliate while its head is stuck |
| Risk Level | Low, as the player is out of reach of the dragon's attacks |
| Time Required | 5-10 minutes, depending on damage output and arrow/bolt supply |
| Additional Tips | 1. Stay locked on to the dragon's head for precise aiming. 2. Use the environment to your advantage, staying as far back as possible. 3. Bring plenty of arrows/bolts to avoid running out during the fight. |
| Patch Status | Unpatched in the original Dark Souls (2011) and most versions, but may be patched in specific remasters or mods |
| Alternative Strategies | 1. Poison/Toxic build using Poison Arrows or Toxic Mist. 2. Summoning NPCs or other players to distract the dragon. |
| Difficulty | Trivializes the fight, making it one of the easiest boss battles in the game when using this strategy |
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What You'll Learn
- Exploit Pillar Strategy: Lure dragon near pillars, dodge attacks, strike from safety, repeat until defeated
- Ranged Cheese Method: Use arrows or bolts from afar, avoid melee, focus on head shots
- Summon Assistance: Bring NPC or player summon to tank damage while you attack safely
- Backstab Technique: Circle behind during attacks, land critical backstabs for massive damage
- Environmental Trap: Bait dragon into falling off ledges or into hazards for easy win
Exploit Pillar Strategy: Lure dragon near pillars, dodge attacks, strike from safety, repeat until defeated
The Gaping Dragon's arena is a deathtrap, its pillars both obstacle and opportunity. Savvy players recognize these structures as more than scenery; they're the cornerstone of a strategy that turns the boss fight into a controlled dance. By exploiting the pillars' positioning, you can dictate the flow of battle, minimizing risk while maximizing damage output.
The key lies in understanding the dragon's aggression and the pillars' hitboxes. Lure the beast towards a pillar, using its own momentum against it. As it lunges, dodge through the pillar's narrow gap, forcing the dragon to contort its massive frame. This creates precious moments of vulnerability – strike quickly, targeting its exposed head or tail, then retreat to safety.
This strategy demands precision and patience. Time your dodges meticulously, anticipating the dragon's attack patterns. Don't get greedy; a single misstep can be fatal. Focus on chipping away at its health bar, not landing flashy combos. Think of it as a marathon, not a sprint.
Each pillar encounter becomes a micro-battle, a calculated exchange of risk and reward. The dragon's frustration will grow as its attacks repeatedly slam into stone, granting you the upper hand. Remember, this isn't about brute force; it's about exploiting the environment, outmaneuvering your opponent, and emerging victorious through tactical cunning.
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Ranged Cheese Method: Use arrows or bolts from afar, avoid melee, focus on head shots
The Gaping Dragon's arena is a deathtrap for the unprepared, its narrow corridors and crumbling architecture funneling players into melee range with a beast whose very maw seems to defy anatomy. But what if you could bypass this entire dance of death? The Ranged Cheese Method offers a solution: transform yourself into a sniper, picking apart the dragon from a safe distance.
Imagine this: perched on the ledge overlooking the fog gate, your bow drawn, a quiver brimming with arrows. The dragon emerges, its grotesque form silhouetted against the flickering torches. Instead of rushing in, you release a steady stream of projectiles, each one finding its mark on the dragon's exposed head.
Execution is Key: This strategy hinges on precision and patience. Aim for the head, where the dragon is most vulnerable. Standard arrows will suffice, but for maximum efficiency, consider upgrading your bow and arrows to inflict greater damage. Remember, the dragon's attacks have long wind-ups, providing ample time to reposition and reload.
Utilize the arena's architecture to your advantage. The pillars near the fog gate offer cover, allowing you to peek out, fire a few shots, and retreat before the dragon can retaliate.
Cautions and Considerations: While effective, this method isn't without its challenges. The dragon's roar can interrupt your aim, and its lunging attacks can close the distance quickly. Be prepared to dodge or use a well-timed roll to avoid taking damage. Additionally, this strategy requires a significant investment in dexterity and archery skills, making it less viable for early-game players.
The Reward: Successfully executing the Ranged Cheese Method allows you to bypass the Gaping Dragon's most dangerous aspects. You avoid the risk of getting caught in its devastating melee combos and the constant threat of its toxic breath. This strategy is particularly appealing for players who prioritize safety and control over a more traditional, head-on approach.
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Summon Assistance: Bring NPC or player summon to tank damage while you attack safely
One of the most effective strategies for cheesing the Gaping Dragon is leveraging summon assistance. By bringing an NPC or player summon, you can shift the boss’s aggro away from yourself, allowing you to attack safely from a distance or focus on high-damage opportunities. This tactic minimizes your risk while maximizing efficiency, making it ideal for players struggling with the fight’s mechanics or seeking a quicker victory.
Steps to Execute Summon Assistance:
- Positioning Matters: Place your summon slightly ahead of you but within the boss’s line of sight. This ensures the summon draws aggro immediately. Stand just outside the boss’s primary attack range to avoid accidental hits.
- Timing is Key: Summon your ally just before engaging the boss. If the summon dies, use the boss’s recovery animations (e.g., after a roar or slam) to resummon without interrupting your flow.
- Focus on Damage: While the summon tanks, prioritize high-damage attacks like fully charged strikes or spells. Use the boss’s slower animations (e.g., tail swings or lunges) as openings to deal significant damage.
Cautions and Considerations:
Relying solely on a summon can backfire if it dies prematurely. Always carry healing items for both yourself and your summon, and be prepared to dodge if the boss targets you. NPC summons like Lautrec of Carim or Griggs are reliable but have limited health, so monitor their status closely. Player summons offer more durability but require coordination to avoid friendly fire or aggro mismanagement.
Analyzing the Strategy’s Effectiveness:
Summon assistance is particularly useful for melee builds lacking range or mobility. It neutralizes the Gaping Dragon’s aggressive combos, giving you breathing room to learn its patterns or execute precise attacks. However, this method may feel less satisfying for players seeking a solo challenge. For those prioritizing efficiency over purity, it’s a proven, low-risk approach.
Practical Tips for Success:
- Equip your summon with a weapon that matches their build (e.g., a spear for Lautrec).
- Use the environment to your advantage; position yourself near the pillars for cover during summon revives.
- If using a player summon, communicate roles beforehand—one tanks, the other damages.
- Save your highest-damage abilities (e.g., buffs, spells) for when the boss is staggered or vulnerable.
By mastering summon assistance, you transform the Gaping Dragon fight from a chaotic scramble into a controlled, strategic encounter. It’s not just about cheesing the boss—it’s about leveraging every tool at your disposal to emerge victorious.
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Backstab Technique: Circle behind during attacks, land critical backstabs for massive damage
The Gaping Dragon's relentless aggression can be its downfall. By exploiting its wide, sweeping attacks and slow recovery animations, you can consistently circle behind it and land critical backstabs for massive damage. This "Backstab Technique" requires precise timing and positioning but can drastically reduce the fight's duration.
Execution: During the Gaping Dragon's attacks, particularly its wide sweeps and lunges, sprint in a circular path behind it. Aim to reach its tail side just as the attack animation ends. Lock-on to ensure your character automatically adjusts to the dragon's movements. As soon as the attack concludes and the dragon begins its recovery animation, press the light attack button to initiate the backstab. The critical hit will deal significantly more damage than regular attacks, often removing a substantial portion of its health bar.
Cautions: This technique demands practice and patience. The Gaping Dragon's attacks have varying recovery times, so observe its patterns to identify the safest opportunities. Avoid attempting backstabs during its quick, snapping bites or when it's in a frenzied state, as these leave little room for error. Additionally, be mindful of your stamina; sprinting and attacking consecutively can leave you vulnerable if mismanaged.
Optimization: Equip a fast, high-critical damage weapon like the Uchigatana or the Dagger to maximize backstab efficiency. Pair this with the Horned Headband or the Slumbering Dragoncrest Ring to increase your critical damage further. Maintain a medium distance from the dragon to ensure you can circle behind it without being caught in its next attack. Practice the timing in the first phase, then apply the technique aggressively in the second phase when the dragon becomes more predictable and slower.
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Environmental Trap: Bait dragon into falling off ledges or into hazards for easy win
The Gaping Dragon's arena is a deathtrap waiting to be exploited. Forget honor, forget fair play—this is Dark Souls. The environment itself becomes your greatest ally when you understand how to manipulate the dragon's aggression. Ledges, hazards, and tight spaces can all be used to your advantage, turning a brutal fight into a calculated execution.
One effective strategy involves luring the dragon towards the narrow pathway leading to the fog gate. Position yourself near the edge, baiting its attacks. Its massive size and reckless lunges make it susceptible to missteps. A well-timed dodge, followed by a shove or a well-placed attack, can send it tumbling over the edge, dealing massive fall damage. This method requires patience and precise timing, but the reward is a significantly weakened foe or even an instant kill.
Another approach utilizes the arena's hazards. The Gaping Dragon's relentless pursuit often leads it into dangerous areas. Near the entrance to the arena, there's a patch of toxic sludge. Lure the dragon into this area, forcing it to take continuous damage while you attack from a safe distance. This tactic is particularly effective if you've already weakened it, as the combined damage from your attacks and the environment can quickly whittle down its health.
Remember, this is a game of patience and observation. Study the dragon's attack patterns, identify its blind spots, and exploit its size. Don't be afraid to run, dodge, and reposition yourself to create opportunities. The environment is your weapon, and with careful planning, you can turn the Gaping Dragon's own strength against it.
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Frequently asked questions
The easiest method is to lure the Gaping Dragon to the narrow ledge near the fog gate, then attack its tail from a safe distance using ranged weapons or spells.
Yes, you can use the pillars in the arena to block its attacks and create opportunities to strike safely, though this method requires careful positioning.
Yes, by staying close to its hind legs and attacking during its slow animations, you can minimize damage and defeat it without relying on ranged tactics.
The pillar cheese involves standing behind a pillar to bait the dragon into charging, then circling around to attack its tail or legs while it’s stuck.
