Cheesing Fume Knight: Strategies To Beat Dark Souls 2'S Toughest Boss

is there a way to cheese fume knight

Fume Knight, a notoriously challenging boss in *Dark Souls II*, is often regarded as one of the game's most punishing encounters due to his relentless aggression and devastating attacks. Players frequently seek strategies to cheese him—exploiting mechanics or glitches to gain an unfair advantage—to bypass the intended difficulty. While some methods, like using ranged attacks from specific safe spots or summoning NPCs to distract him, can make the fight more manageable, true cheese tactics are limited due to the game's design. However, discussions around cheesing Fume Knight highlight the creativity of the *Dark Souls* community in overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges, even if it means bending the rules.

Characteristics Values
Boss Name Fume Knight
Game Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin
Location Dragon Shrine
Cheese Strategy Possible with specific tactics
Recommended Tactics 1. Summon NPCs: Use the NPC summon "Dragon Knight" (found near the Dragon Shrine bonfire) to distract Fume Knight.
2. Range Attacks: Use ranged attacks (bows, magic) to chip away at his health while he focuses on the NPC.
3. Poise Break: Use heavy attacks or spells to poise break him, then follow up with a critical hit.
4. Pillars: Lure him near pillars to limit his movement and attack options.
5. Patience: Focus on avoiding damage and waiting for openings rather than aggressive play.
Difficulty Still challenging, but cheese tactics can significantly reduce difficulty
Rewards Fume Ultra Greatsword, 150,000 Souls
Notes Cheese strategies may require multiple attempts and practice to execute successfully. Fume Knight's attacks are fast and powerful, so timing and positioning are crucial.

cycheese

Exploit Arena Layout: Use pillars to block Fume Knight’s attacks and limit his movement effectively

The arena where you face Fume Knight is more than just a backdrop—it’s a tactical asset. Pillars, often overlooked, can be your greatest ally in this fight. By positioning yourself strategically behind these pillars, you create a physical barrier that blocks many of Fume Knight’s attacks, particularly his sweeping strikes and ranged projectiles. This method not only reduces damage but also forces him into predictable patterns, making his movements easier to anticipate and counter.

To execute this strategy, start by luring Fume Knight toward a pillar-dense area of the arena. Position yourself so the pillar is between you and the boss, ensuring it absorbs his attacks. Time your rolls and strikes carefully, using the pillar as cover when he initiates a combo. Be mindful of his teleportation ability, as it can bypass this tactic momentarily, but consistent pillar usage will significantly limit his offensive options.

One critical aspect of this approach is understanding Fume Knight’s attack range. His sword swings have limited reach, and the pillars effectively truncate that range further. However, his thrust attacks and magic projectiles can still pose a threat if you’re too close to the pillar’s edge. Maintain a safe distance while staying within the pillar’s protective shadow to maximize its utility.

While this method is effective, it’s not without risks. Over-reliance on pillars can lead to complacency, and Fume Knight’s agility means he can occasionally flank you. Always keep an escape route in mind, and be prepared to roll away if he closes the gap. Combining pillar usage with well-timed dodges and counterattacks will turn this exploit into a reliable strategy rather than a gamble.

In practice, this tactic shines in the later phases of the fight when Fume Knight’s aggression peaks. By funneling him into pillar-rich zones, you control the flow of battle, reducing the chaos that often leads to player deaths. It’s a methodical approach that rewards patience and spatial awareness, transforming a daunting encounter into a manageable—even predictable—challenge.

cycheese

Summon Overload: Bring NPC summons to tank damage while you focus on safe, consistent DPS

Fume Knight, a formidable foe in Dark Souls II, is notorious for his relentless aggression and devastating combos. While traditional strategies often involve dodging and punishing openings, the "Summon Overload" approach flips the script. By leveraging NPC summons, you transform the fight into a controlled siege, allowing you to focus on consistent damage while your allies absorb the brunt of Fume Knight’s fury. This method isn’t just about survival—it’s about efficiency, turning a high-risk encounter into a calculated, manageable battle.

To execute Summon Overload effectively, timing and positioning are critical. Begin by summoning NPCs like Benhart of Jugo or Creighton the Wanderer before engaging Fume Knight. Position yourself near the fog gate to ensure the boss doesn’t aggro on you immediately. Once the fight starts, maintain a medium distance from the boss, allowing your summons to draw aggro while you chip away at his health. Use ranged attacks or spells if available, but prioritize safety over speed. The goal is to avoid becoming the primary target, letting your summons act as damage sponges.

A key advantage of this strategy is its adaptability. If one summon falls, the others can still hold Fume Knight’s attention, giving you time to reposition or heal. However, be cautious of his area-of-effect attacks, which can decimate your allies if they’re grouped too closely. To counter this, spread your summons slightly apart, reducing the risk of simultaneous losses. Additionally, monitor their health bars and use healing items sparingly to keep them in the fight longer.

While Summon Overload may feel less "honorable" than soloing Fume Knight, it’s a practical solution for players struggling with his aggressive playstyle. It’s particularly effective for builds lacking high damage output or mobility. The trade-off is a longer fight, but the reduced risk of death often outweighs the time investment. Think of it as a tactical retreat from chaos, allowing you to dismantle the boss methodically rather than frantically.

In conclusion, Summon Overload isn’t just a cheese strategy—it’s a strategic rebalancing of the fight. By delegating tanking duties to NPCs, you free yourself to focus on consistent, safe DPS. This approach requires patience and coordination but rewards you with a more controlled and predictable battle. For those seeking a less stressful path to victory, Summon Overload turns Fume Knight from an unstoppable juggernaut into a manageable challenge.

cycheese

Poise Break Spam: Use heavy attacks to stagger Fume Knight, preventing his combo attacks entirely

Heavy attacks aren't just for damage in Dark Souls II. Against Fume Knight, they're your ticket to survival. His relentless combos can shred your health bar in seconds, but a well-timed poise break with a heavy weapon can shatter his rhythm. Imagine a sledgehammer meeting a porcelain vase – that's the effect you're aiming for.

Fume Knight's poise is surprisingly low, especially in the first phase. This vulnerability opens a strategic window. Equip a weapon with high poise damage (greatswords, ultra greatswords, or hammers are ideal) and time your heavy attacks to coincide with his wind-ups. A successful poise break will stagger him, interrupting his deadly combos and granting you precious breathing room.

This tactic isn't about brute force; it's about precision and timing. Observe his attack patterns, identify the moments when he's most vulnerable to interruption, and strike then. Don't spam mindlessly – a mistimed heavy attack leaves you exposed. Patience and practice are key.

Master this technique, and you'll transform Fume Knight from an unstoppable juggernaut into a predictable foe. His combos, once a source of dread, become opportunities to counter and control the fight. Remember, in Dark Souls, knowledge and strategy are your most powerful weapons.

cycheese

Range Advantage: Stay at mid-range to avoid melee and punish him during slow attacks

Fume Knight's relentless aggression and punishing melee range make him a formidable opponent in any direct confrontation. However, his attack patterns reveal a critical vulnerability: slow wind-ups and lengthy recovery animations. By maintaining a disciplined mid-range distance, you exploit this weakness, transforming his strength into an opportunity.

Position yourself just beyond his sword's reach, forcing him to commit to telegraphed, multi-hit combos. These attacks, while devastating up close, leave him exposed for extended periods. A well-timed roll or dash during these wind-ups creates openings for punishing counterattacks.

This strategy demands precision and patience. Resist the urge to close the distance, as Fume Knight's hyper-armor and poise make trading blows a losing proposition. Instead, focus on baiting his slower, more committed attacks. His sweeping horizontal slashes and overhead smashes are particularly exploitable, leaving him vulnerable for 1-2 well-placed strikes before you disengage.

Mastering this mid-range dance requires practice. Learn the rhythm of his combos, the telltale signs of his heavier attacks, and the precise timing needed to capitalize on his vulnerabilities. While not a guaranteed "cheese" tactic, this approach leverages Fume Knight's own design against him, turning a seemingly insurmountable challenge into a calculated, manageable encounter.

cycheese

Estus Timing: Bait his long combos, then heal during his recovery frames to survive longer

Fume Knight's relentless aggression can quickly overwhelm even seasoned players. His lengthy combos, often chaining together multiple strikes, leave little room for error. However, a strategic approach to Estus Flask usage can turn the tide in your favor. By understanding his attack patterns and exploiting his recovery frames, you can create crucial windows for healing and survival.

Here's the key: bait him into committing to his longer combos. These multi-hit sequences, while devastating, leave him momentarily vulnerable after their conclusion. As the final strike connects, his animation locks him into a brief recovery period. This is your moment. With practiced timing, you can activate your Estus Flask during this window, regaining precious health without fear of interruption.

This technique requires patience and observation. Study Fume Knight's combo patterns, identifying the telltale signs of his longer sequences. Look for wind-ups, specific weapon movements, or distinct audio cues that signal the start of a multi-hit attack. Once you recognize these patterns, position yourself to intentionally trigger these combos, knowing you'll have a brief opportunity to heal afterward.

Remember, this isn't a guaranteed strategy. Fume Knight's attacks are unpredictable, and mistiming your Estus activation can be fatal. Practice is crucial. Start by experimenting in a safe environment, gradually increasing the difficulty as you refine your timing.

The beauty of this approach lies in its simplicity. It doesn't rely on exploiting glitches or overpowered builds. Instead, it leverages your understanding of the enemy's behavior and your ability to react with precision. By mastering Estus timing, you transform Fume Knight's most dangerous attacks into opportunities for survival, chipping away at his health bar and ultimately claiming victory.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, there are several strategies to cheese Fume Knight, such as using the environment to your advantage or exploiting certain mechanics to minimize direct combat.

Yes, you can use the pillars to block Fume Knight's attacks and limit his movement, making the fight easier, though this requires precise timing.

Yes, summoning NPCs like Benhart of Jugo or other players can distract Fume Knight, allowing you to focus on dealing damage while they tank his attacks.

Yes, using ranged attacks or spells like Soul Greatsword or Dark Orb can allow you to chip away at his health from a safe distance, though this requires patience and mana management.

Yes, you can exploit his AI by staying close to him during certain attacks or baiting him into predictable moves, making it easier to avoid damage and counter-attack.

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

Leave a comment