Randy Chandler
Cheesing Gundyr, the first major boss in *Dark Souls III*, involves exploiting specific mechanics or strategies to defeat him quickly or with minimal effort. Players often utilize tactics like luring him into environmental hazards, such as the rolling boulder in the starting area, or abusing certain weapon arts or spells to stagger him repeatedly. Another common method is to summon the NPC summon, Hawkwood the Deserter, to distract Gundyr while the player deals damage from a safe distance. These strategies, while not traditional, highlight the game’s flexibility and the creativity of its player base in overcoming challenges.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Boss Name | Iudex Gundyr |
| Location | Cemetery of Ash |
| Cheese Strategy | Lure him to the stairs at the beginning of the arena |
| Required Items | Projectiles (arrows, bolts, spells) or ranged weapons with high damage |
| Difficulty | Relatively easy once positioning is mastered |
| Risk | Gundyr can still attack you if you're too close to the stairs |
| Benefits | Avoids most of Gundyr's attacks, allows for safe damage output |
| Alternative Strategies | Summon help, learn his attack patterns and dodge |
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What You'll Learn
- Exploit Roll Catch: Time Gundyr’s attacks, roll into them, and counter with a charged R2
- Parry Timing: Learn his parry window; use a small shield for easy ripostes
- Poison Mist: Use Poison Mist to chip away at his health over time
- Estus Denial: Bait his attacks to prevent him from healing during phase transitions
- Backstab Setup: Lure him into a corner, circle-strafe, and backstab repeatedly
Exploit Roll Catch: Time Gundyr’s attacks, roll into them, and counter with a charged R2
Iudex Gundyr, the formidable first boss of *Dark Souls III*, is a trial by fire for many players. His aggressive combos and relentless pressure can overwhelm even seasoned Souls veterans. However, a clever exploit known as the "Roll Catch" technique can turn the tide in your favor, allowing you to cheese Gundyr with precision and timing. This strategy revolves around baiting his attacks, rolling directly into them, and punishing him with a charged R2 counterattack. Here’s how to master this tactic.
Step-by-Step Execution: Begin by positioning yourself at medium range, just outside Gundyr’s attack range. When he winds up for a heavy swing, such as his two-handed overhead slam or horizontal sweep, time your roll to pass directly through the attack’s arc. The key is to roll *into* the attack, not away from it. As you emerge from the roll, immediately input a charged R2 (strong attack) with a weapon like the Longsword or Astora Greatsword. This will catch Gundyr off guard, staggering him and dealing significant damage. Repeat this process, focusing on his slower, more telegraphed attacks to maximize consistency.
Analyzing the Mechanics: The Roll Catch works because Gundyr’s attacks have built-in recovery frames, during which he is vulnerable. By rolling into his swing, you minimize the distance between you and Gundyr, ensuring your counterattack connects before he can recover. This exploit relies on precise timing and an understanding of Gundyr’s attack patterns. For example, his overhead slam has a long wind-up, making it an ideal candidate for this tactic. Conversely, faster attacks like his halberd thrusts are riskier to bait and should be avoided.
Practical Tips for Success: To increase your chances of success, equip a weapon with a fast, reliable charged R2 animation. The Longsword, for instance, has a quick and powerful strong attack that pairs well with this strategy. Additionally, use the Chloranthy Ring to reduce your roll recovery time, allowing you to act faster after dodging. Practice the timing in the first phase, as Gundyr’s attacks are slower and more predictable before he transforms. Once you’ve mastered the rhythm, this exploit can trivialize the fight, reducing Gundyr to a mere punching bag.
Cautions and Limitations: While the Roll Catch is effective, it’s not without risk. Rolling into an attack requires split-second precision, and mistiming your dodge can leave you vulnerable to a devastating counter. Moreover, this tactic becomes less reliable in Gundyr’s second phase, as his attacks are faster and more erratic. Over-reliance on this exploit can also hinder your ability to learn the fight’s natural rhythm, so balance it with traditional dodging and punishing. Used judiciously, however, the Roll Catch is a powerful tool for cheesing Gundyr and securing an early victory.
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Parry Timing: Learn his parry window; use a small shield for easy ripostes
Iudex Gundyr, the formidable first boss of Dark Souls III, is a trial by fire for many players. His aggressive combos and punishing attacks can quickly overwhelm even seasoned Souls veterans. However, by mastering parry timing and utilizing a small shield, you can turn the tide of battle and "cheese" your way to victory.
Parrying, the art of deflecting an enemy attack with precise timing, is a high-risk, high-reward tactic. When executed correctly, it leaves the enemy vulnerable to a riposte, a powerful critical hit. Gundyr's attacks, while relentless, have distinct wind-ups and recovery periods, making him susceptible to well-timed parries.
To exploit this weakness, equip a small shield. These shields, while offering less coverage, have faster parry animations, making it easier to land the crucial deflection within Gundyr's narrow parry window. Practice identifying the telltale signs of his attacks: the slight pause before his overhead slam, the wind-up for his sweeping horizontal strikes.
Once you've internalized these cues, focus on your timing. Aim to press the parry button just as Gundyr's weapon begins its downward trajectory. Too early, and you'll be hit; too late, and the parry will fail.
Remember, parrying Gundyr is not about brute force or memorizing complex combos. It's about patience, observation, and precision. With practice, you'll develop a feel for his rhythm, anticipating his attacks and countering them with perfectly timed parries. This strategy, while requiring skill and dedication, can significantly reduce the difficulty of the fight, allowing you to "cheese" your way past this early game hurdle.
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Poison Mist: Use Poison Mist to chip away at his health over time
Iudex Gundyr, the formidable boss in the Undead Settlement, can be a daunting challenge for many players in Dark Souls III. However, with the right strategy, you can turn this battle into a more manageable, even cheesy, encounter. One such tactic involves utilizing Poison Mist, a pyromancy that can significantly reduce the pressure on you by chipping away at Gundyr's health over time.
The Strategy Unveiled:
Imagine a cloud of toxic mist, slowly but steadily draining your opponent's vitality. This is the essence of the Poison Mist tactic. By casting this pyromancy, you create a hazardous area that deals continuous damage to Gundyr. The beauty of this approach lies in its ability to provide you with breathing room during the fight. As Gundyr navigates through the mist, his health bar gradually diminishes, giving you an advantage without requiring constant aggressive engagement.
Execution and Timing:
To execute this strategy effectively, you'll need to time your casts precisely. Wait for Gundyr to commit to an attack or when he's momentarily stunned, then quickly cast Poison Mist at his feet. The mist will linger for a few seconds, dealing damage with each tick. Aim to position yourself in a way that forces Gundyr to move through the mist, maximizing its effect. Remember, the key is to create a toxic environment that he cannot easily escape.
Dosage and Effectiveness:
The damage from Poison Mist might seem minor at first, but its cumulative effect is substantial. Each cast deals a set amount of damage over time, and with multiple casts, you can create a deadly zone. The mist's damage scales with your Pyromancy Flame's power, so upgrading it can increase the tactic's efficiency. A well-timed sequence of casts can result in a significant health reduction for Gundyr, making the battle far less intimidating.
Cautions and Adaptations:
While Poison Mist is a powerful tool, it's not without its limitations. Gundyr's aggressive nature might lead him to rush towards you, potentially reducing the mist's effectiveness. In such cases, be prepared to dodge and create distance, then reapply the mist when the opportunity arises. Additionally, this strategy may require patience, as the damage is gradual. It's a test of endurance, where you must persist and maintain the toxic environment until Gundyr succumbs.
This cheesy tactic showcases the depth of Dark Souls III's combat system, allowing players to approach challenges creatively. By mastering the art of Poison Mist, you can transform a seemingly insurmountable boss fight into a strategic dance of poison and patience.
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Estus Denial: Bait his attacks to prevent him from healing during phase transitions
Iudex Gundyr, the formidable first boss of *Dark Souls III*, is notorious for his aggressive combos and relentless phase transitions, where he often heals himself to full health. To counter this, Estus Denial emerges as a strategic cheese tactic, leveraging his AI to prevent him from healing during these critical moments. The key lies in baiting his attacks during phase transitions, forcing him into animations that disrupt his healing window.
Step-by-Step Execution: As Gundyr transitions to phase two (at 80% health) or phase three (at 50% health), he typically pauses to heal. To deny this, position yourself just outside his melee range and bait a specific attack, such as his slow, sweeping halberd strike or his leaping slam. These attacks have long recovery times, giving you a window to deal damage or reposition. For example, when he begins his healing animation, dodge toward him and punish with a light combo, or roll away to reset his AI.
Cautions and Considerations: Timing is critical. Baiting too early or too late can result in taking unnecessary damage or failing to interrupt his heal. Additionally, this tactic requires patience and practice, as Gundyr’s attacks are unpredictable during transitions. Avoid greedily attacking, as this can leave you vulnerable to his counterattacks. Instead, focus on single, precise strikes to maintain control.
Comparative Advantage: Unlike traditional strategies that rely on high damage output or summoning NPCs, Estus Denial is resource-efficient and works across all builds. It neutralizes one of Gundyr’s most frustrating mechanics without requiring specific weapons or stats, making it accessible to early-game players. This approach also minimizes the risk of dying to his healing phases, which are often the cause of failed attempts.
Practical Tips: Use a shield with decent stability to block or parry his attacks during transitions, giving you more opportunities to bait and punish. Alternatively, if you’re a dexterity-based build, use a fast weapon to chip away at his health during his recovery frames. For a more aggressive approach, equip a weapon with hyper armor (e.g., Greataxe) to trade blows during his healing animation, though this carries higher risk.
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Backstab Setup: Lure him into a corner, circle-strafe, and backstab repeatedly
Cornering Iudex Gundyr is a tactic that exploits his AI limitations, turning a formidable boss fight into a manageable, even trivial, encounter. The key lies in manipulating his movement patterns and capitalizing on the backstab mechanic. By luring him into a corner, you restrict his ability to maneuver, effectively neutralizing his most dangerous attacks. This setup is particularly effective for players who prioritize survival over speed or elegance, offering a reliable, if somewhat unorthodox, path to victory.
To execute this strategy, begin by positioning yourself near a corner, ideally one with minimal obstructions. Provoke Gundyr into pursuing you by maintaining a medium distance, avoiding direct confrontation. Once he’s within range, circle-strafe around the corner, keeping it between you and the boss. Gundyr’s AI will often cause him to become "stuck" as he attempts to adjust his position, creating an opening for a backstab. Time your backstab animation carefully, ensuring you’re directly behind him and within the critical hit window. Repeat this process, using the corner as a natural barrier to prevent him from retaliating effectively.
While this method is straightforward, it’s not without risks. Gundyr’s grab attack, for instance, can interrupt your strafing if mistimed. Additionally, over-reliance on this tactic may lead to complacency, leaving you vulnerable if he breaks free. To mitigate these risks, maintain a consistent distance during the lure phase and be prepared to dodge if he initiates an unexpected attack. Patience is key—rushing the backstab animation or misjudging his movements can reset the encounter, forcing you to rebuild momentum.
Comparatively, this approach contrasts with more aggressive strategies that rely on parrying or high damage output. While those methods require precision and practice, the corner backstab setup prioritizes positioning and repetition. It’s a trade-off between skill-intensive gameplay and methodical exploitation of the boss’s weaknesses. For players struggling with Gundyr’s aggressive combos or limited healing resources, this tactic offers a practical, low-risk alternative that emphasizes control over chaos.
In practice, mastering this setup requires experimentation with corner angles and strafing speed. The corner near the first bonfire in the Untended Graves area, for example, provides an ideal geometry for this tactic. Pairing this strategy with a weapon that has a fast backstab animation, such as a dagger or rapier, can further streamline the process. While purists may argue it lacks elegance, the corner backstab setup is a testament to the creativity players bring to Dark Souls III—a reminder that victory, however achieved, is its own reward.
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Frequently asked questions
One popular method is to use the Sellsword Twinblades with the Wrath of the Gods weapon art. Position yourself near the fog gate, bait Gundyr into attacking, then roll through him and use the weapon art for massive damage.
Yes, using a bow or crossbow with high damage arrows/bolts can be effective. Stay near the fog gate, shoot Gundyr when he’s at a distance, and avoid his attacks by rolling or running behind the pillar.
Absolutely. Spells like Soul Arrow or Great Heavy Soul Arrow work well. Stay near the fog gate, cast spells when Gundyr is at range, and dodge his attacks. Pyromancies like Fire Surge can also deal significant damage.
Yes, you can lure Gundyr into the pillar near the fog gate to stun him temporarily. While he’s stunned, attack him with melee or spells. Repeat this strategy to whittle down his health.
