Patrick Oconnell
In the world of *Elden Ring*, players often seek efficient strategies to defeat challenging bosses, and one such target is Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy. Cheesing Rykard involves exploiting specific mechanics or tactics to simplify the battle, making it less reliant on traditional combat skills. Common methods include using ranged attacks from the upper platforms to avoid his devastating melee strikes, summoning spirits to distract him, or utilizing poison or scarlet rot to whittle down his health over time. These strategies allow players to minimize direct confrontation, turning a daunting fight into a more manageable—albeit less honorable—victory.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Boss | Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy |
| Location | Volcano Manor (Liurnia of the Lakes) |
| Cheese Strategy Core | Poison/Rot + Bleed |
| Recommended Level | 70-80 |
| Required Items | Flask of Crimson Tears, Poison Knives/Arrows, Rotten Stray Ashes, Bloodhound's Fang (optional) |
| Summons | Rotten Stray Ashes (highly recommended) |
| Phase 1 Strategy | Stay close to Rykard, dodge his attacks, let Rotten Stray tank damage while you apply Poison/Bleed. |
| Phase 2 Strategy | Continue Poison/Bleed strategy, focus on dodging his serpent attacks and staying close to avoid getting grabbed. |
| Weaknesses | Poison, Bleed, Fire (minor) |
| Resistances | Physical, Magic, Lightning |
| Drops | Remembrance of the Blasphemous, God-Slaying Serpenthead |
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What You'll Learn
- Exploit Arena Layout: Use pillars for cover, forcing Rykard to waste attacks and limiting his mobility
- Summon Tactics: Bring a tanky summon to distract Rykard while you deal damage safely
- Poison Build: Apply poison status with weapons or spells to drain Rykard's health over time
- Ranged Spam: Stay at max distance, using arrows or spells to chip away at his health
- Gravel Charm: Equip Gravel Charm to reduce Rykard's serpent damage significantly during the fight
Exploit Arena Layout: Use pillars for cover, forcing Rykard to waste attacks and limiting his mobility
The arena where you face Rykard is not just a battleground—it’s a tool. Pillars scattered throughout the space aren’t mere decorations; they’re strategic assets. By positioning yourself behind these pillars, you create a physical barrier that forces Rykard to adjust his attack patterns. His sweeping strikes and area-of-effect abilities often collide with the pillars, wasting their potential and giving you precious moments to heal, reposition, or strike back. This method turns the arena’s layout into a liability for him and a lifeline for you.
To maximize this strategy, observe Rykard’s movement patterns. He tends to charge directly at your last known position, often in straight lines. Use this predictability to your advantage: bait him into charging toward a pillar, then sidestep at the last moment. Not only does this force him to collide with the obstacle, but it also limits his mobility, as he’ll need to navigate around the pillar to re-engage. Practice timing your dodges to ensure you’re always one step ahead, exploiting his linear aggression.
A cautionary note: while pillars provide excellent cover, they’re not impenetrable. Rykard’s serpentine minions can still flank you, and his ranged attacks may clip through the pillars. Stay vigilant and avoid hugging the pillars too closely. Instead, maintain a medium distance, allowing you to dodge or roll away if his attacks connect. Additionally, keep an eye on your stamina—over-relying on pillars can lead to predictable patterns, so mix in occasional aggressive plays to keep Rykard guessing.
The takeaway here is that the arena’s layout is your silent ally. By mastering pillar placement and movement, you shift the battle’s dynamics in your favor. Rykard’s size and power become liabilities as he struggles to adapt to the confined, pillar-filled space. This approach doesn’t require high-level gear or advanced combat skills—just patience, observation, and strategic positioning. It’s a testament to how environmental awareness can turn a seemingly insurmountable fight into a manageable, even repeatable, victory.
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Summon Tactics: Bring a tanky summon to distract Rykard while you deal damage safely
One of the most effective strategies to cheese Rykard, the blighted boss of Elden Ring, involves leveraging summon tactics to create a distraction while you safely deal damage. The key is to bring a tanky summon that can withstand Rykard’s relentless attacks, giving you the breathing room needed to chip away at his health. This method is particularly useful for players who struggle with the boss’s aggressive combos or lack the damage output to defeat him quickly. By delegating the role of aggro management to a summon, you can focus on maximizing your damage without the constant threat of being one-shot.
To execute this strategy, start by summoning a durable ally like the Black Knife Tiche or the Great Horned Tragoth. These summons have high health pools and can endure Rykard’s attacks for extended periods. Position yourself at a safe distance, ideally behind Rykard or at his side, to avoid his sweeping area-of-effect attacks. Once the summon engages Rykard, wait for him to commit to an attack animation, then strike with your most damaging abilities. Repeat this process, ensuring your summon remains alive by using healing items or spells if necessary. This method requires patience but significantly reduces the risk of taking fatal damage.
A critical aspect of this tactic is timing. Rykard’s attacks are fast and unpredictable, so you must capitalize on the brief windows of opportunity when he’s focused on your summon. For example, his serpentine grapple attack leaves him vulnerable for a few seconds afterward—use this moment to unleash a charged heavy attack or a spell with high damage output. Avoid greedily attacking outside these windows, as Rykard’s aggression can quickly turn the tide of battle. Additionally, keep an eye on your summon’s health bar; if it drops too low, use healing items or temporarily disengage to allow it to recover.
Comparing this approach to more traditional methods, such as soloing Rykard with high damage builds, the summon tactic is far more forgiving. It doesn’t require precise dodging or a specific weapon setup, making it accessible to a wider range of players. However, it’s not without its drawbacks. Summons can sometimes fail to aggro Rykard effectively, especially if they’re underleveled or poorly positioned. To mitigate this, ensure your summon is at an appropriate level for the fight and manually guide it into combat if necessary. With practice, this strategy becomes a reliable way to cheese Rykard, turning one of Elden Ring’s most daunting bosses into a manageable encounter.
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Poison Build: Apply poison status with weapons or spells to drain Rykard's health over time
Poison builds in Elden Ring offer a strategic, methodical approach to defeating Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy, by exploiting his susceptibility to poison status. Unlike direct damage strategies, poison relies on cumulative, ticking damage over time, making it ideal for players who prefer a more patient, tactical playstyle. To execute this build effectively, equip weapons or spells imbued with poison, such as the Poisoned Mist incantation or a dagger infused with Poison Grease. The key is consistency—apply poison early and maintain it throughout the fight to ensure a steady drain on Rykard’s health.
The mechanics of poison in Elden Ring are straightforward: each successful application triggers a damage-over-time effect that stacks with subsequent applications. Against Rykard, this means that even if your direct damage output is low, the cumulative poison damage can significantly weaken him over the course of the battle. For optimal results, pair poison with high poison buildup weapons or spells, and prioritize proximity to Rykard to maximize the chances of applying the status effect. Keep in mind that poison has a buildup threshold, so focus on consistent, repeated applications rather than sporadic attacks.
One of the advantages of a poison build is its versatility. It can be combined with other strategies, such as using a shield to block Rykard’s attacks while you reposition for another poison application. Additionally, poison works well in both melee and ranged combat scenarios. For melee, use a dagger or curved sword coated with Poison Grease to apply poison with each strike. For ranged combat, rely on spells like Poisoned Mist or Poison Arrow to chip away at Rykard’s health from a distance. This adaptability makes poison a reliable choice for players with varying combat preferences.
However, there are limitations to consider. Poison damage is relatively slow compared to other strategies, so patience is essential. Rykard’s aggressive moveset can also disrupt your ability to apply poison consistently, especially during his area-of-effect attacks. To mitigate this, learn his attack patterns and exploit openings, such as his lengthy recovery animations after certain strikes. Flasks of Crimson Tears are crucial for sustaining yourself during the prolonged fight, as the battle may drag on longer than with more aggressive builds.
In conclusion, a poison build is a viable, if unconventional, method for defeating Rykard. It requires careful planning, patience, and a willingness to adapt to the boss’s behavior. By focusing on consistent poison application and leveraging the right tools, players can turn this status effect into a powerful tool for draining Rykard’s health over time. While not the fastest strategy, it offers a satisfying, methodical approach that rewards persistence and tactical thinking.
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Ranged Spam: Stay at max distance, using arrows or spells to chip away at his health
Rykard, the blighted terror of the Lake of Rot, is a formidable foe whose close-range attacks can decimate even well-prepared players. To counter his aggressive playstyle, ranged spam emerges as a tactical counter—a method that leverages distance to neutralize his strengths. By maintaining maximum distance and employing arrows or spells, players can systematically chip away at his health while minimizing exposure to his devastating melee strikes. This approach requires precision, patience, and a well-stocked inventory, but it transforms a brutal encounter into a manageable test of endurance.
The core of this strategy lies in positioning and resource management. Equip a bow with high damage output, such as the Pulley Crossbow or Shortbow, and pair it with arrows that exploit Rykard’s weaknesses—Poison Arrows, for instance, can capitalize on his susceptibility to rot-based damage. Alternatively, spells like Carian Slicer or Glintstone Pebble offer consistent ranged damage without the need for ammunition. Position yourself at the edge of the arena, just within range of your weapon or spell, and maintain a steady stream of attacks. Avoid greedily aiming for critical hits; focus instead on consistent, uninterrupted damage to prevent Rykard from closing the distance.
While this method is effective, it’s not without risks. Rykard’s arena is treacherous, with environmental hazards like rot pools that can drain health over time. Players must balance dealing damage with avoiding these hazards, often requiring quick rolls or strategic repositioning. Additionally, Rykard’s ranged attacks, such as his rot breath or homing projectiles, can disrupt the rhythm of your spam. To counter this, time your attacks to exploit his recovery frames after these moves, and use the environment to block line-of-sight when necessary.
The beauty of ranged spam lies in its simplicity and accessibility. Unlike more complex strategies that rely on specific builds or timing-based exploits, this method can be executed by a wide range of characters, from dexterity-focused archers to intelligence-based mages. It’s particularly effective for players who struggle with Rykard’s aggressive phase transitions, as it allows them to dictate the pace of the fight. However, success hinges on preparation: bring ample ammunition or FP-restoring items, and ensure your gear is upgraded to maximize damage output.
In conclusion, ranged spam is a reliable, low-risk strategy for defeating Rykard, ideal for players who prioritize survival over speed. By staying at max distance and maintaining consistent damage, you can wear him down without exposing yourself to his deadliest attacks. While it may not be the flashiest or fastest method, its effectiveness and accessibility make it a go-to choice for many. With careful execution and resource management, even the most daunting encounters can be reduced to a methodical exercise in attrition.
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Gravel Charm: Equip Gravel Charm to reduce Rykard's serpent damage significantly during the fight
The Gravel Charm is a game-changer for anyone looking to minimize damage from Rykard's serpent attacks. This talisman, when equipped, significantly reduces the impact of his serpentine assaults, turning a potentially overwhelming fight into a manageable encounter. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to mitigate the specific type of damage Rykard’s serpent deals, making it a must-have for players struggling with this phase of the battle.
To maximize the Gravel Charm’s potential, ensure it’s equipped before engaging Rykard. Pair it with other damage reduction talismans or armor sets that boost poison or physical resistance, as Rykard’s serpent attacks often combine these elements. While the charm alone won’t make you invincible, it drastically reduces the chip damage that can lead to a quick demise. Positioning is still key—stay behind Rykard whenever possible to avoid frontal strikes, even with the charm active.
Comparatively, other strategies like summoning NPCs or using poison resistance flasks can help, but the Gravel Charm stands out for its simplicity and effectiveness. Unlike consumables, it doesn’t require constant replenishment, and unlike summons, it doesn’t rely on AI behavior. It’s a passive solution that frees you to focus on dodging and attacking without worrying about sudden spikes in damage.
A practical tip: farm the Gravel Charm early in the game if possible. It’s obtainable in the Lake of Rot, an area accessible before facing Rykard. While the Lake is hazardous, the charm’s utility justifies the risk. If you’re struggling to obtain it, consider leveling up your poison resistance temporarily with flasks or cooking items until you can acquire the charm. Once equipped, test its effectiveness in shorter encounters with serpent enemies to familiarize yourself with its impact before the Rykard fight.
In conclusion, the Gravel Charm is a strategic tool that shifts the odds in your favor against Rykard’s serpent. Its damage reduction is substantial enough to let you focus on offense rather than survival, making it an essential item for any player aiming to cheese this boss fight. Pair it with smart positioning and resistance boosts, and Rykard’s serpent will become a far less intimidating threat.
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Frequently asked questions
The easiest way to cheese Rykard is to use ranged attacks or spells from the elevated platforms in the arena, staying out of his melee range while chipping away at his health.
Yes, summoning NPCs or using a summon sign can distract Rykard, allowing you to attack him from a safe distance or focus on healing and dodging.
The elevated platforms on either side of the arena are ideal for cheesing Rykard, as they provide safety from his melee attacks and allow for easy ranged attacks.
Ranged weapons like bows, crossbows, or spells like Carian Slicer or Glintstone Pebble are effective for cheesing Rykard from a distance.
While it’s possible to minimize damage by staying on the platforms and using ranged attacks, Rykard’s AoE attacks may still hit you, so dodging and healing are still necessary.
