Mastering Cainhurst: Cheesing The Bloody Crow With Proven Tactics

how to cheese the bloody crow of cainhurst

In the hauntingly beautiful yet treacherous world of *Bloodborne*, players often seek unconventional strategies to overcome its formidable challenges, and one such tactic is cheesing the Bloody Crow of Cainhurst. This notorious boss, known for its aggressive attacks and relentless pursuit, can be a significant hurdle for even seasoned hunters. Cheesing, a term used to describe exploiting game mechanics or environmental advantages to gain an unfair edge, offers a way to bypass the intended difficulty of the fight. By leveraging specific strategies, such as using the environment to limit the boss's movement or exploiting its AI behavior, players can neutralize the Bloody Crow's threats and secure victory with minimal risk. While purists may frown upon such methods, cheesing provides an accessible alternative for those looking to progress without mastering the boss's intricate patterns, making it a popular approach for both casual and determined hunters alike.

Characteristics Values
Boss Bloody Crow of Cainhurst
Location Cainhurst Castle, Upper Cathedral Ward
Game Bloodborne
Cheese Strategy Lure the boss to the stairs near the fog gate and use ranged attacks (e.g., firearms, pebbles, or Molotov cocktails) to damage it from a safe distance.
Recommended Weapons Firearms (e.g., Repeating Pistol, Cannon), throwing knives, or Molotov cocktails
Recommended Runes High Arcane for fire damage, or high Strength/Skill for physical damage
Boss Weaknesses Fire damage, slow movement, and limited range
Boss Resistances Bolt damage, arcane damage (excluding fire)
Key Mechanics to Exploit The boss's slow movement and tendency to get stuck on the stairs
Recommended Level 70-80 (depending on build and skill)
Notes This strategy requires patience and precision, as the boss can still deal significant damage if it gets close. Be prepared to dodge its attacks and maintain distance.

cycheese

Exploit Crow's Slow Start: Use quick attacks to stagger and stun before it becomes aggressive

The Bloody Crow of Cainhurst is a formidable foe, but its initial sluggishness offers a critical window of opportunity. During the first few seconds of the encounter, the crow’s movements are deliberate and slow, making it vulnerable to rapid, well-timed attacks. This phase is your chance to gain the upper hand by exploiting its lack of aggression and imposing your rhythm on the fight.

To maximize this opening, prioritize weapons or tools that deliver quick, successive strikes. Daggers, thrusting swords, or even fast-casting spells like *A Call Beyond* can stagger the crow before it fully engages. Aim for at least three to four uninterrupted hits within the first five seconds. This not only depletes a portion of its health but also disrupts its AI, delaying its transition into a more aggressive state.

However, timing is crucial. The crow’s slow start lasts only briefly, and overcommitting can leave you exposed to its devastating counterattacks once it becomes active. Position yourself at medium range, slightly to the side, to avoid its initial swipe while staying within striking distance. If you’re using a weapon, opt for light attacks over heavy ones to maintain speed and stamina efficiency.

A practical tip is to equip the *Hunter Pistol* or a similar parry tool as a backup. If the crow begins to animate faster than expected, a well-timed gun parry can stun it momentarily, resetting the encounter to a more manageable pace. This strategy requires practice but can turn the tide in your favor, especially in higher-difficulty playthroughs or when under-leveled.

In summary, the key to exploiting the crow’s slow start lies in speed, precision, and restraint. By delivering a controlled burst of damage during its initial vulnerability, you can dictate the fight’s tempo and significantly reduce its overall threat. Master this approach, and the Bloody Crow of Cainhurst becomes less of a nightmare and more of a calculated challenge.

cycheese

Abuse Poison Knives: Throw poison knives repeatedly to drain its health over time

Poison knives offer a methodical, attrition-based approach to defeating the Bloody Crow of Cainhurst, leveraging the boss’s inability to resist poison damage over time. Unlike direct combat, this strategy prioritizes consistency and patience, making it ideal for players struggling with the boss’s aggressive combos and phase transitions. The key lies in the cumulative effect of poison, which bypasses the need for high damage per hit, instead relying on sustained, incremental health reduction.

To execute this strategy, equip a weapon capable of applying poison, such as the Poison Knives or a dagger infused with a poison gem. Position yourself at medium range, just outside the boss’s melee reach, and throw knives during openings or when the boss is recovering from an attack. Aim for a rhythm of 2–3 throws per safe window, ensuring a steady buildup of poison. Each successful application inflicts 10–15 damage per second, stacking up to 60–90 damage per second at full effect. Monitor the boss’s health bar closely, as the poison will visibly drain health even during its most aggressive phases.

A critical aspect of this method is resource management. Carry 20–30 Poison Knives to ensure sustained pressure, and pair them with Antidotes to counter any accidental self-poisoning. If knives are scarce, supplement with a poison-infused dagger for melee attacks, though this increases risk. Avoid greedily pursuing throws; prioritize survival and wait for clear openings, such as after the boss’s leaping slash or during its slow wind-up for the spinning scythe attack.

Comparatively, this strategy contrasts with traditional high-damage builds or parry-focused tactics, which demand precision and risk. Poison knives offer a forgiving alternative, trading speed for reliability. While the fight may extend to 10–15 minutes, the reduced pressure allows players to focus on dodging and positioning rather than landing critical hits. This makes it particularly effective for lower-level characters or those lacking optimized gear.

In conclusion, abusing poison knives against the Bloody Crow of Cainhurst is a tactical, low-risk approach that exploits the boss’s vulnerability to status effects. By maintaining distance, managing resources, and prioritizing consistency, players can bypass the need for mechanical mastery, turning a daunting fight into a manageable test of endurance. This method proves that sometimes, the slowest path is the surest.

cycheese

Arcane Bolt Spam: Use high arcane damage spells to bypass its physical defenses effectively

The Bloody Crow of Cainhurst is a formidable foe, known for its high physical defense and relentless aggression. To counter this, arcane bolt spam emerges as a tactical exploit, leveraging the boss’s lower arcane resistance to bypass its primary defenses. This strategy hinges on the consistent, high damage output of arcane spells, particularly the Arcane Bolt, which can be cast rapidly and with precision. By focusing on arcane damage, players can minimize the fight’s duration, reducing exposure to the boss’s dangerous attacks.

Executing this strategy requires careful preparation. Equip the Hunter’s Tools with the highest arcane scaling possible, and ensure your Arcane stat is sufficiently leveled (ideally 40 or higher for maximum efficiency). Stockpile Quicksilver Bullets to maintain casting speed, as the boss’s aggressive behavior demands quick reactions. Positioning is critical—maintain medium range to avoid melee strikes while staying within casting distance. When the boss lunges, sidestep and immediately resume casting to maximize damage windows.

A key advantage of arcane bolt spam is its consistency. Unlike physical attacks, which are often mitigated by the boss’s defenses, arcane damage deals reliable chip damage with each bolt. This method is particularly effective during the boss’s slower, more predictable phases, such as its sweeping attacks or brief pauses after combos. Pairing this strategy with the Arcane Sage’s Crystalary (a tool that boosts arcane damage) can further amplify its effectiveness, turning the fight into a manageable, if not trivial, encounter.

However, this approach is not without risks. Arcane bolt spam relies heavily on stamina management, as continuous casting can deplete resources quickly. Players must balance aggression with caution, ensuring they have enough stamina to dodge or parry if the boss closes the distance. Additionally, this strategy requires a significant investment in arcane-focused builds, which may not be optimal for all playstyles. For those committed to this path, though, the rewards are clear: a swift, efficient takedown of one of the game’s most challenging bosses.

cycheese

Backstab Strategy: Circle behind and backstab during its long, slow attacks for massive damage

The Bloody Crow of Cainhurst's slow, deliberate attacks present a golden opportunity for the Backstab Strategy. This tactic leverages the boss's predictable wind-ups, allowing you to circle behind and deliver a critical backstab for massive damage.

Execution: During the boss's lengthy overhead slam or sweeping strikes, sprint in a wide arc behind it. Time your movement to avoid the attack's range, then position yourself directly behind the Crow. Initiate the backstab animation (typically a light attack from behind) just as the boss commits to its attack. This ensures you capitalize on the vulnerability window.

Risk Mitigation: While effective, this strategy requires precise timing and awareness. The Crow's second-phase aggression introduces faster combos, so prioritize backstabs during its slower, more telegraphed attacks. If you misjudge the timing, roll away immediately to avoid counter-attacks.

Optimization: Equip weapons with high critical multipliers (e.g., the Ripper or Rakuyo) to maximize backstab damage. Pair this with the Blood Gem for visceral attack damage (+27.2% or higher) and the Bloodtinge stat (aim for 50+). Consume a Bold Hunter's Mark for a 20% damage boost, and use the Beast Roar Hunter Tool to stun the boss if it turns unexpectedly.

Takeaway: The Backstab Strategy is a high-reward tactic that exploits the Bloody Crow's methodical combat style. Mastery of positioning, timing, and build optimization transforms this cheese into a reliable, efficient method for defeating the boss with minimal risk.

cycheese

Summon Ally Distraction: Use a summon to draw aggro, allowing safe, uninterrupted attacks

In the realm of Bloodborne, the Bloody Crow of Cainhurst is a formidable foe, requiring strategic thinking to overcome. One effective tactic to gain the upper hand is by employing a summon ally distraction. This technique involves using a summon to draw the enemy's attention, creating an opportunity for you to launch safe, uninterrupted attacks. By doing this, you can significantly reduce the risk of taking damage and increase your chances of emerging victorious.

To execute this strategy, start by summoning an ally, such as the Hunter's Nightmare's Old Hunter Henchman, at a safe distance from the Bloody Crow. Position yourself in a location that allows you to observe the battle without being detected. As the summon engages the enemy, the Bloody Crow's aggro will shift towards it, giving you a window of opportunity to strike. Aim for high-damage attacks, such as charged R2 strikes or visceral attacks, to maximize your damage output during this brief period. Be mindful of your summon's health, as it will eventually be defeated, and time your attacks accordingly.

The key to success with this approach lies in understanding the enemy's behavior and aggro mechanics. The Bloody Crow of Cainhurst has a tendency to prioritize targets that deal significant damage or pose an immediate threat. By using a summon to draw its attention, you can exploit this behavior and create a distraction that lasts long enough for you to deal substantial damage. Experiment with different summon types and positioning to find the most effective combination for your playstyle. For instance, placing your summon near the entrance of the arena can force the Bloody Crow to move, potentially exposing it to additional attacks or environmental hazards.

A cautionary note: while this strategy can be highly effective, it's not without its risks. Over-reliance on summon ally distraction can lead to a lack of engagement with the enemy's attack patterns, making it difficult to adapt if the summon is defeated quickly. To mitigate this risk, practice observing the Bloody Crow's movements and attacks while your summon is active. This will enable you to anticipate its behavior and react accordingly, even if your summon is no longer drawing aggro. Additionally, be prepared to switch to a more aggressive approach if the summon is defeated earlier than expected, using your knowledge of the enemy's patterns to avoid taking damage.

In conclusion, the summon ally distraction technique is a powerful tool for cheesing the Bloody Crow of Cainhurst. By understanding the enemy's aggro mechanics and positioning your summon effectively, you can create opportunities for safe, uninterrupted attacks. Remember to balance your reliance on this strategy with active engagement, observing the enemy's behavior and adapting your approach as needed. With practice and patience, you'll be able to master this tactic, increasing your chances of success against this challenging foe. As you refine your skills, consider experimenting with different summon types and positioning to develop a personalized approach that suits your playstyle and maximizes your effectiveness in battle.

Frequently asked questions

The Bloody Crow of Cainhurst is a challenging boss in *Bloodborne*. "Cheesing" refers to using unconventional or easy strategies to defeat it quickly, often to avoid its difficult combat mechanics.

One popular method is to use the Hunter Pistol + Fire Paper and shoot the boss from the stairs at the entrance of the arena. This keeps you out of melee range and exploits its slow movement.

Yes, the Hunter Pistol, Fire Paper, and enough Quicksilver Bullets are essential. Optionally, bring Sedatives to recover from any damage taken during the fight.

While it’s possible to minimize damage, the boss’s attacks can still hit you if you’re not careful. Staying at range and timing your shots is key to reducing risk.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment