Mastering Simon's Cheesing Strategy In Bloodborne: A Comprehensive Guide

how to cheese simon bloodborne

In the challenging world of *Bloodborne*, players often seek unconventional strategies to overcome tough bosses, and one such method is cheesing Simon, the final form of the Cleric Beast. Cheesing involves exploiting mechanics or glitches to defeat enemies with minimal risk, and Simon’s fight is a prime candidate due to its difficulty. Players commonly use tactics like luring Simon into specific areas where his attacks are less effective, such as the stairs near the lamp, or exploiting his AI to get him stuck in corners. Another popular method involves using the environment to your advantage, like positioning him near the edge of the arena to trigger fall damage. While these strategies may not align with the intended gameplay, they offer a practical solution for hunters struggling to defeat Simon through conventional means.

Characteristics Values
Boss Simon, the Female Werewolf (in Bloodborne)
Location Upper Cathedral Ward, after obtaining the Upper Cathedral Key
Cheese Strategy Lure Simon into the narrow staircase area near the lamp
Recommended Level 40-50
Suggested Weapons Any weapon with good range (e.g., Threaded Cane, Repeating Pistol)
Key Mechanics Simon's limited mobility in tight spaces, exploiting her slow attacks
Steps 1. Lure Simon to the staircase near the lamp.
2. Stay at the top of the stairs, just out of her reach.
3. Attack her when she's stuck or slow to react.
4. Repeat until defeated.
Risks Getting hit by her grab attack or failing to maintain distance
Rewards 38,000 Blood Echoes, Radiant Sword Hunter Badge
Notes This strategy relies on Simon's AI and the environment, not pure skill.

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Exploit Simon's slow start-up attacks by dodging and punishing with visceral strikes

Simon, the Old Iron Side, is notorious for his deliberate, methodical combat style in *Bloodborne*. His attacks, while powerful, suffer from a glaring weakness: slow start-up animations. This lag between his wind-up and actual strike creates a golden opportunity for players to exploit. By mastering the art of dodging and visceral attacks, you can turn Simon’s predictability into your greatest advantage.

Step 1: Identify the Pattern

Simon’s attacks are telegraphed by distinct movements. For instance, his heavy slam begins with a noticeable shoulder shift, while his thrust attack involves a slow, deliberate step forward. Observe these cues during the first phase of the fight. Once you’ve memorized his tells, you’ll know exactly when to act.

Step 2: Time Your Dodge

Dodging too early leaves you vulnerable; too late, and you’re hit. Aim to dodge at the *peak* of Simon’s wind-up. This is when his attack is fully committed but hasn’t yet connected. Practice this timing in the first phase, where his attacks are slower and less punishing. Use the game’s i-frames (invincibility frames during a dodge) to your advantage—a well-timed roll will leave you unscathed and in prime position to counter.

Step 3: Punish with Visceral Strikes

After a successful dodge, Simon’s slow recovery animation leaves him wide open. Immediately close the distance and land a charged R2 attack to trigger a visceral strike. This deals massive damage and staggers him, disrupting his attack flow. Aim for his side or rear, as these angles maximize your damage output and minimize the risk of retaliation.

Caution: Don’t Get Greedy

While this strategy is effective, overconfidence can lead to disaster. Simon’s second phase introduces faster, more aggressive attacks, and his grab can instantly kill if you’re caught off guard. Always prioritize survival over damage. If in doubt, dodge away and reset the engagement rather than risking a visceral strike.

Exploiting Simon’s slow start-up attacks isn’t about brute force—it’s about precision and patience. By dodging at the right moment and punishing with visceral strikes, you can whittle down his health bar efficiently. This method not only conserves resources but also minimizes your exposure to his devastating combos. Master this technique, and Simon’s iron defenses will crumble under your calculated assault.

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Use the environment to stun Simon near walls or cliffs for easy damage

Simon, the final phase of the Martyr Logarius boss fight in Bloodborne, is a formidable opponent with devastating attacks and relentless aggression. However, his aggression can be turned against him by exploiting the environment. Walls and cliffs, often seen as obstacles, become your greatest allies in this strategy.

By positioning yourself near these environmental features, you can bait Simon into charging attacks that will cause him to slam into the wall, stunning him momentarily. This brief window of vulnerability is your opportunity to unleash a flurry of attacks, dealing significant damage.

The key lies in understanding Simon's attack patterns. His sweeping sword strikes and lunges often have him commit fully, leaving him vulnerable to environmental hazards. Watch for his telltale wind-ups and position yourself accordingly, ensuring he has a clear path to a wall or cliff edge.

This tactic requires patience and precision. Don't greedily attack when Simon is approaching the wall; wait for the stun animation to fully trigger. A well-timed visceral attack after the stun can deal massive damage, significantly shortening the fight. Remember, this strategy is most effective during Simon's first phase when his attacks are more predictable. As he transforms, his movements become more erratic, making environmental stuns less reliable.

Mastery of this technique hinges on observation and timing. Learn Simon's attack rhythms, anticipate his movements, and use the environment as your silent partner in this deadly dance. With practice, you'll turn the Hunter's Nightmare into Simon's personal hell.

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Equip high rally potential weapons to regain health during Simon's long recovery phases

Simon, the final boss of Bloodborne's Chalice Dungeons, is a grueling test of endurance. His relentless attacks and massive health pool demand a strategy that goes beyond simply dodging and striking. This is where equipping weapons with high Rally Potential becomes a game-changer, allowing you to turn the tide during Simon's lengthy recovery animations.

Here's how to exploit this mechanic effectively:

Understanding Rally Potential: Rally Potential is a hidden stat that determines how much health you regain when you land a visceral attack after parrying or during an enemy's recovery. Weapons like the Kirkhammer, Burial Blade, or the transformed modes of the Saw Cleaver and Hunter Axe boast high Rally Potential, making them ideal for this strategy.

Exploiting Simon's Vulnerabilities: Simon's attacks are powerful but often leave him vulnerable for extended periods. His sweeping strikes, ground slams, and even his projectile attacks have noticeable recovery times. During these moments, a well-timed visceral attack with a high Rally Potential weapon can not only deal significant damage but also restore a substantial portion of your health, keeping you in the fight.

Timing is Crucial: Mastering this technique requires precise timing. Observe Simon's attack patterns and identify the moments when he's most exposed. Anticipate his wind-ups and be ready to strike during the brief window of opportunity. Remember, a mistimed attack will leave you open to counter, so patience and practice are key.

Weapon Choice and Build: While any weapon with high Rally Potential can work, consider your playstyle and build. The Kirkhammer's wide arcs and powerful transforms make it excellent for crowd control and staggering Simon, while the Burial Blade's quick strikes and high damage output allow for rapid Rally Potential activation. Invest in Skill and Strength stats to maximize your weapon's damage and Rally Potential effectiveness.

Don't Neglect Defense: While focusing on Rally Potential is crucial, remember that survival is paramount. Maintain a healthy supply of Blood Vials and consider equipping the Hunter's Pledge or other runes that boost health regeneration. Dodging and parrying remain essential skills, as they allow you to create openings for your Rally Potential attacks while minimizing damage taken. By combining strategic weapon choice, precise timing, and a balanced approach to offense and defense, you can turn Simon's long recovery phases into opportunities for healing and domination, ultimately claiming victory in this grueling battle.

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Abuse the parry window with the gun to stagger Simon repeatedly in phase 1

Simon, the first proper boss of Bloodborne, can be a brutal introduction to the game's unforgiving combat. His aggressive moveset and relentless pursuit often leave players scrambling for survival. However, a clever exploit exists in phase 1 that leverages the parry mechanic with your gun, allowing you to stagger him repeatedly and gain a significant advantage.

Here's how to master this cheese tactic:

Understanding the Parry Window: Bloodborne's parry system is notoriously precise, requiring impeccable timing. When Simon winds up for an attack, a brief window opens where a well-timed gun shot will not only interrupt his animation but also stagger him, leaving him vulnerable. This window is incredibly short, often just a fraction of a second before his attack connects.

Practicing against weaker enemies beforehand is crucial to internalize the timing.

Execution and Strategy: Position yourself at medium range, just outside Simon's immediate melee reach. As he begins his wind-up animation, anticipate the attack type (overhead swing, horizontal slash, etc.) and time your gun shot accordingly. A successful parry will produce a distinct sound effect and visually stagger Simon, leaving him open for a visceral attack or a few quick strikes. Repeat this process, focusing on maintaining distance and capitalizing on every stagger opportunity.

Remember, this tactic is most effective in phase 1, before Simon gains his more devastating attacks.

Cautions and Limitations: While this cheese tactic can significantly simplify the fight, it's not without its risks. Missing the parry window leaves you vulnerable to Simon's powerful attacks. Additionally, relying solely on this strategy can hinder your overall combat skill development. Use it as a tool to gain an edge, but don't become overly dependent on it.

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Stay close to avoid his ranged blood attacks and maintain offensive pressure

Simon, the final form of the Witch of Hemwick in *Bloodborne*, is a formidable foe known for his devastating ranged blood attacks. Counterintuitively, the key to minimizing damage lies in staying close to him. At medium to long range, Simon’s blood projectiles and area-of-effect spells become nearly unavoidable, turning the fight into a frustrating dance of dodging and whittling down his health slowly. By maintaining proximity, you force Simon into a melee-focused combat style, significantly reducing his ability to cast ranged attacks. This strategy not only limits his options but also allows you to capitalize on openings for consistent damage.

To execute this tactic effectively, position yourself just outside Simon’s melee range, but close enough to dash in for quick strikes. Aim for 2-3 hits during his recovery animations after casting spells or swinging his staff. Be mindful of his teleportation mechanic—when he vanishes, quickly reposition to maintain your optimal distance. Using a fast weapon like the Saw Cleaver or the Kirkhammer in its trick mode ensures you can deliver rapid, high-damage combos before retreating. Avoid greedily pursuing extended combos, as Simon’s counterattacks are punishing.

One practical tip is to equip the Blood Rapture hunter tool. This allows you to regain health by consuming blood vials mid-fight without breaking your offensive rhythm. Since staying close increases the likelihood of taking chip damage, this tool becomes invaluable for sustaining your aggression. Pair it with the Bloodtinge gem-infused weapon for added damage, as Simon is particularly vulnerable to this scaling.

Comparatively, this strategy contrasts with the typical approach of kiting bosses in *Bloodborne*. While distancing oneself works against enemies like the Cleric Beast or Father Gascoigne, Simon’s ranged capabilities make this a losing strategy. By flipping the script and closing the gap, you transform the fight from a defensive struggle into an offensive opportunity. This shift in mindset is crucial for turning the tide in your favor.

In conclusion, staying close to Simon neutralizes his most dangerous abilities while maximizing your damage output. It requires precision, timing, and a willingness to abandon conventional tactics. Master this approach, and what once felt like a cheese-worthy challenge becomes a calculated, rewarding victory.

Frequently asked questions

Cheesing refers to using strategies or exploits to defeat an enemy or boss with minimal risk or effort. For Simon, this often involves tactics that minimize direct combat or abuse mechanics to gain an advantage.

You can lure Simon to the edge of the arena near the fog gate and use the environment to your advantage. By positioning yourself correctly, you can bait his attacks and dodge them while punishing him with ranged attacks or quick strikes.

Yes, summoning Alfred can help distract Simon, allowing you to focus on dealing damage from a safe distance. However, this method is less reliable as Simon may ignore Alfred and target you directly.

While the Poison Knife can be effective, it’s not a guaranteed cheese method. Simon’s high health pool makes status effects less reliable, but you can try combining poison with other tactics to wear him down.

The most consistent cheese method is to use the environment to your advantage, baiting his attacks and exploiting his slow recovery animations. Pair this with ranged attacks or quick strikes to minimize risk and maximize damage.

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