Randy Chandler
The Nameless King, one of *Dark Souls III*'s most iconic and challenging bosses, is a test of skill, patience, and strategy. While defeating him through conventional means is already a feat, many players seek to cheese the fight, exploiting mechanics or tactics to gain an unfair advantage. Cheesing the Nameless King often involves manipulating his AI, using specific areas of the arena to limit his attacks, or employing particular builds and items to trivialize the encounter. While this approach may not align with the intended challenge, it offers a unique way to overcome this formidable foe, blending creativity with a deep understanding of the game's systems. Whether you're a seasoned player or a newcomer, learning how to cheese the Nameless King can provide both a sense of accomplishment and a fresh perspective on this legendary battle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Boss | Nameless King (Dark Souls III) |
| Cheese Strategy | Ranged/Magic Sniping |
| Recommended Location | Near the fog gate or on the stairs |
| Required Items | Bow/Crossbow, High Damage Arrows/Bolts, or High Damage Spells (e.g., Soul Stream, Crystal Soul Spear) |
| Phase | Phase 1 (Dragon form) |
| Key Tactic | Stay at maximum range, avoid melee, and exploit the dragon's slow movements |
| Damage Output | Focus on consistent, high damage from a distance |
| Risk | Minimal if executed correctly, but requires precision and patience |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate, depending on player skill and equipment |
| Notes | The dragon phase is vulnerable to this strategy; the rider phase requires more traditional tactics |
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What You'll Learn
Phase 1: Bait Dragon Breath
The Nameless King's dragon breath attack is a devastating move that can quickly end your run if you're not careful. However, with the right strategy, you can turn this powerful attack into an opportunity to gain the upper hand. The key is to bait the dragon breath, forcing the Nameless King to commit to the attack, and then punish him for it.
To execute this tactic, position yourself just outside the range of the dragon breath, typically around 10-15 feet away from the Nameless King. When he begins to charge the attack, which is signaled by a distinct animation and a brief pause, start moving towards him. The goal is to get close enough to avoid the breath attack but still be within striking distance once he's finished. This requires precise timing and an understanding of the attack's range, which can be practiced by observing the telltale signs and patterns of the move.
One effective method to bait the dragon breath is to use a combination of dodging and sprinting. As the Nameless King starts to charge, dodge towards him, closing the distance rapidly. Then, immediately sprint away, just enough to avoid the breath attack. This will often cause the Nameless King to commit to the attack, leaving him vulnerable for a few seconds afterward. During this window, you can deal significant damage by using a combination of light and heavy attacks, focusing on his sides or rear to minimize the risk of counterattacks.
It's essential to note that this strategy requires a good understanding of the Nameless King's move set and attack patterns. Overcommitting to the bait can leave you exposed to other attacks, such as his sword slashes or stomps. To mitigate this risk, always keep an eye on his animations and be ready to adjust your positioning accordingly. Additionally, using a shield with high stability can provide a valuable safeguard, allowing you to block or reduce damage from any unexpected attacks.
In practice, baiting the dragon breath is most effective when combined with other tactics, such as exploiting the Nameless King's aggression or using the environment to your advantage. For example, you can lure him towards a cliff edge, forcing him to reposition and potentially opening up opportunities for backstabs or critical hits. By mastering this phase of the cheese strategy, you'll be well on your way to defeating the Nameless King and claiming your reward. Remember, patience and precision are key – with practice, you'll be able to consistently bait and punish the dragon breath, turning one of his most powerful attacks into a liability.
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Phase 2: Punish King’s Dash Attack
The Nameless King's dash attack in Phase 2 is a pivotal moment in the battle, offering a unique opportunity to deal significant damage if you can master the timing. This attack, characterized by its long wind-up and powerful strike, leaves the King vulnerable for a brief window if you can dodge it successfully. Understanding this mechanic is crucial for any player looking to "cheese" this phase of the fight.
To effectively punish the King's dash attack, start by positioning yourself at medium range, just outside the attack's initial reach. When the King begins the wind-up, which is signaled by a distinct animation where he pulls his sword back and glows with a golden aura, you have approximately 1.5 seconds to react. Roll directly perpendicular to the King's direction to avoid the attack. The timing is critical: roll too early, and you’ll be hit; roll too late, and the attack will catch you. Practice this dodge in slower, controlled scenarios to internalize the timing before attempting it in the heat of battle.
Once you’ve successfully dodged the dash attack, the King will overshoot, leaving him open for a punishing counterattack. Sprint toward his back and unleash a fully charged heavy attack or a combo of light attacks, depending on your weapon’s moveset. For example, a greatsword or ultra greatsword can deal massive damage with a single charged R2, while faster weapons like a straight sword or dagger can land 2-3 hits before the King recovers. Aim for a total of 400-600 damage in this window, depending on your weapon’s base damage and upgrades.
However, be cautious of overcommitting. The King’s recovery animation is relatively quick, and he can turn and retaliate if you’re still attacking when he regains his footing. After landing your punish, immediately roll away or create distance to avoid his follow-up attacks. Additionally, this strategy is less effective if the King’s arena is cluttered with the Storm King’s lightning orbs, as they can obstruct your path or distract you during the dodge. Always prioritize a clear, open space for this tactic.
In conclusion, punishing the Nameless King’s dash attack in Phase 2 requires precise timing, strategic positioning, and a disciplined approach to damage output. While it’s a high-risk maneuver, mastering it can drastically reduce the fight’s duration and increase your chances of victory. Practice the dodge and punish in controlled scenarios, and always be mindful of the arena’s obstacles to maximize your success rate.
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Use Pillar for Safe Damage
The Nameless King's arena is a deathtrap, his attacks relentless. But a clever player can exploit the environment to their advantage. One such tactic involves using the central pillar as a shield and a strategic damage platform.
Here's the crux: during the first phase, position yourself on the pillar's edge facing the Nameless King. When he charges his lightning spear attack, time your roll to dodge the initial strike, then immediately sprint towards him. The pillar will block his follow-up attacks, allowing you to get in a few safe hits before retreating back to your elevated perch.
This strategy requires precise timing and an understanding of the Nameless King's attack patterns. His lightning spear has a telltale wind-up, giving you a crucial moment to react. Practice recognizing this cue and perfecting your dodge timing. Remember, the pillar isn't just a shield; it's a springboard for calculated aggression.
By utilizing the pillar's protective properties, you can chip away at the Nameless King's health while minimizing your own risk. This method is particularly effective for players who struggle with the boss's aggressive combos or have trouble finding safe openings.
While this tactic is powerful, it's not without its limitations. The Nameless King's second phase introduces his dragon companion, which can complicate pillar usage. Additionally, relying too heavily on this strategy can lead to predictability, leaving you vulnerable to the boss's more unpredictable attacks.
Mastering the pillar technique requires patience, practice, and a keen understanding of the Nameless King's behavior. It's a testament to the depth of Dark Souls III's combat system, where environmental awareness and strategic thinking are just as crucial as raw skill.
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Exploit King’s Slow Turn Speed
The Nameless King's slow turn speed is a critical vulnerability that can be exploited to trivialize the fight. During both phases, his large sword and Stormdrake mount create significant inertia, causing him to rotate awkwardly when you reposition behind him. This mechanical weakness allows you to dictate the flow of combat by staying in his blind spot, minimizing damage taken and maximizing DPS windows.
To execute this strategy, maintain a strict clockwise or counterclockwise movement pattern around the arena. After each attack, dash diagonally away from the King’s facing direction, forcing him to turn. His 180-degree rotation takes approximately 1.5 seconds, during which he is completely immobile and unable to retaliate. Use this window to unleash charged R2 attacks or cast spells like Crystal Soul Spear for high burst damage.
However, this tactic requires precise timing and awareness. Avoid greedily attacking when the King begins his turn animation, as he may interrupt with a sweeping slash or lightning attack. Instead, prioritize consistency over risk—two to three safe hits are better than overcommitting and getting caught in a combo. Additionally, equip the Chloranthy Ring (increases stamina recovery by 30%) and the Covetous Silver Serpent Ring (boosts item discovery) to optimize efficiency while minimizing risk.
Comparatively, this method is far safer than aggressive parry strategies or hit-and-run tactics, which rely on split-second reactions. By exploiting the King’s slow turn speed, you transform the fight into a methodical dance, where patience and positioning outweigh raw reflexes. This approach is particularly effective for builds with limited poise or low damage output, as it minimizes exposure to his devastating combos.
In practice, start Phase 1 by baiting his leaping slash, then circle behind him as he lands. Repeat this process, focusing on maintaining distance during his lightning storm attack. In Phase 2, use the dragon’s hitbox to your advantage—its larger size makes it easier to stay behind while avoiding breath attacks. With consistent execution, you can reduce the fight’s duration by up to 40%, turning one of Dark Souls III’s most feared bosses into a predictable, almost rhythmic encounter.
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Dragon’s Back: Easy Hits
The Dragon's Back strategy hinges on exploiting the Nameless King's aggression during his second phase. As he summons the storm and his dragon, Stormwing, he becomes predictably reckless, leaving him vulnerable to a specific, low-risk attack pattern. This method requires patience, precise timing, and a weapon with good reach, like the Wolf Knight's Greatsword or the Lothric Knight Long Spear.
Position yourself on the dragon's back, just behind the wing joint. This sweet spot grants you a surprising amount of safety from both the Nameless King's attacks and Stormwing's breath. The dragon's body acts as a shield, deflecting most of the danger.
The key lies in baiting the Nameless King's leaping slash attack. When he winds up for this move, roll towards him, positioning yourself directly beneath his landing point. As he descends, unleash a fully charged heavy attack. The timing is crucial: your attack must connect just as he lands, maximizing damage and minimizing your exposure. This window is brief, but the reward is significant – a substantial chunk of his health bar.
Repetition is key. After each successful hit, immediately roll away and reposition on the dragon's back. The Nameless King will likely repeat the leaping slash, allowing you to rinse and repeat this strategy.
This method isn't without its risks. A mistimed roll or a stray Stormwing breath can be fatal. Patience is paramount. Don't get greedy; one well-placed hit is better than risking it all for a second. Additionally, this strategy works best with a character build focused on strength and dexterity, allowing for powerful, slow-swinging weapons that capitalize on the limited attack windows.
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Frequently asked questions
One common strategy is to use the Pillars of the arena to your advantage. During the first phase, lure the Nameless King to the pillars near the fog gate and circle around them while attacking. This limits his attack options and makes it easier to dodge his moves.
Yes, but it’s risky. During the first phase, you can use ranged attacks or spells from a distance, but the Nameless King will eventually close the gap. In the second phase, he becomes much more aggressive, making this strategy less effective. It’s better to combine ranged attacks with melee when possible.
The second phase is more challenging to cheese, but you can try summoning NPCs like Hawkwood the Deserter or Orbeck of Vinheim to distract him. Focus on attacking during his recovery animations or when he’s targeting the NPC. However, this method requires practice and timing.
