Beat The Abyss Watchers' Second Phase: A Guide
Alright guys, let's talk about the Abyss Watchers. This fight in Dark Souls III can be a real roadblock for many players, and the second phase? That's where things get really spicy! You've probably battled your way through the first phase, maybe with a few close calls, and then BAM! The Lord of Cinder ignites, and suddenly you're facing an even more aggressive, fire-wielding monstrosity. Don't sweat it, though. This guide is here to break down exactly how to overcome the Abyss Watchers' second phase and send them back to the grave. We'll cover their new moves, the best strategies, and how to stay alive when the heat is truly on. Stick with me, and you'll be past this challenge in no time!
Understanding the Abyss Watchers' Second Phase Attack Patterns
So, you've made it past the first phase, which is already an accomplishment! Now, the Abyss Watchers' second phase really kicks into high gear. The main thing you'll notice immediately is that the Watcher you're fighting is now empowered by the Abyss, giving him a fiery aura and a whole new set of devastating attacks. This isn't just a minor power-up, guys; this is a complete transformation. He becomes significantly faster, his reach extends with fiery trails, and his aggression level goes through the roof. You can't just rely on the same tactics that worked before, because he's not playing fair anymore. He'll often start the phase with a powerful, leaping attack that covers a surprising amount of ground, often catching players off guard. Pay close attention to his lunges; they're telegraphed by a brief moment where he rears back before lunging forward.
One of his most dangerous new moves is a series of rapid, fiery sword slashes. These can come out in quick succession, and if you get caught in the combo, you'll likely lose a significant chunk of health. The key here is not to panic roll. While dodging is crucial, spamming the roll button will drain your stamina, leaving you vulnerable. Instead, try to roll through his attacks, timing your dodges to pass through the swings. Another terrifying attack involves him plunging his sword into the ground and causing fiery explosions to erupt around him. This is a prime example of how his area-of-effect attacks have become much more potent. When you see him start this animation, you need to create distance immediately. There's a slight delay between him plunging the sword and the explosions, giving you a small window to react, but it's tight. He also gains new aerial attacks, leaping into the air and crashing down with a fiery explosion. These are often followed by more ground-based combos, so be ready to adapt. The key to surviving this phase is observation and reaction. Learn the tells, understand the timings, and don't get greedy with your attacks. It's better to land one safe hit and disengage than to try for multiple hits and get punished severely. Remember, patience is a virtue in the Abyss Watchers' second phase.
Strategies for Success: How to Effectively Counter the Watchers
Now that we know what we're up against, let's dive into the effective strategies for beating the Abyss Watchers' second phase. This is where we put our knowledge to work, guys! The most crucial aspect is positioning and stamina management. Because the Watcher is so aggressive and his attacks have increased range and speed, staying too close for too long, or getting cornered, can be a death sentence. Aim to stay at a medium distance where you can react to his lunges and sweeping attacks, but also have enough space to dodge away from his fiery ground effects. When he lunges, dodging sideways or towards him (depending on the attack) is often more effective than rolling backward, as it allows you to get in a quick hit or two before he can recover. Don't get greedy, though! One or two hits are usually all you can safely land before needing to reposition or defend again.
Stamina management is paramount. You absolutely cannot afford to run out of stamina. Always leave enough stamina to dodge away from an incoming attack, especially when he's performing his rapid combos or fiery ground attacks. If you find yourself in a situation where you've overcommitted to an attack and your stamina is low, prioritize dodging over trying to get another hit in. It's a harsh lesson, but one that will keep you alive. Regarding offensive strategies, exploiting his recovery frames is key. After certain powerful attacks, like his leaping slam or a long combo string, the Watcher will have a brief moment of vulnerability. This is your window to strike. Learn to recognize these openings and capitalize on them. If you're using heavier weapons, you might only get one hit in during these windows. Faster weapons might allow for two.
Another excellent strategy is to use the environment to your advantage, though it's limited in this arena. However, keeping your spacing can effectively create distance. If you're struggling with his close-range onslaught, try to bait out his lunging attacks, which give you more room to maneuver. When he uses his fiery ground effect attacks, moving to the edges of the arena can sometimes provide a safer space. Summoning help is also a viable option if you're really hitting a wall. The NPC summon, Londor Pale Shade, can be a distraction and draw aggro, giving you breathing room to heal or land hits. If you're playing online, other players can also significantly change the dynamic of the fight. However, if you're aiming for a solo victory, the core principles remain: patience, precise dodging, and smart aggression. Don't be afraid to take a step back, observe, and wait for the perfect moment to strike. You’ve got this!
Gear and Preparation: What to Bring into the Fight
Before you even think about stepping into the fog gate for the Abyss Watchers, proper gear and preparation are absolutely essential, especially for that challenging second phase. You don't want to walk in under-geared and get steamrolled, right? Let's talk about what you should be considering. First off, your weapon upgrade level is super important. Ideally, you want your primary weapon to be at least +3 or +4 by this point in the game. A higher upgrade level means more damage per hit, which is crucial for ending this fight faster and minimizing exposure to the Watcher's relentless attacks. If you haven't been upgrading, make sure to find the Titanite Shards and Large Titanite Shards you need.
When it comes to armor, while it's not as critical as your weapon or dodging skills, having a decent set can help mitigate some of the chip damage you might take if you mistime a dodge or get caught by a stray hit. Look for armor that offers a good balance of physical and fire resistance. Since the Watcher gains fire attacks in his second phase, any boost to fire defense will be beneficial. However, don't sacrifice your roll speed for heavy armor; staying agile is far more important than tanking a few extra hits. Your shield, if you use one, should ideally have good stability and decent physical block percentage. Blocking can be a lifesaver, but be aware that your stamina will drain quickly against his aggressive combos. It's often safer to dodge, but a well-timed block can save you from a nasty hit. Some players prefer a 100% physical block shield.
Rings are where you can really optimize your build. The Chloranthy Ring is almost a must-have, as it boosts stamina recovery speed. More stamina means more dodging and more opportunities to attack. The Ring of Favor is also excellent, increasing your HP, stamina, and equip load, giving you more flexibility. If you're struggling with survivability, the Estus Ring (which increases HP regained from Estus Flasks) can be a good addition. For offensive boosts, consider the Lloyd's Sword Ring (increases attack power at full HP) or the Flynn's Ring (if you're going for a lighter equip load build). Don't forget your Estus Flasks! Make sure you've allocated them appropriately between HP and FP (if you use spells or weapon arts). Having a good number of HP Estus is non-negotiable for this fight. Finally, consider your consumables. Items like Green Blossoms can further boost your stamina recovery, stacking with the Chloranthy Ring. If you're particularly worried about the fire damage, bringing Fire Resins for your weapon might seem like a good idea, but remember the Watcher is already imbued with fire; it might be better to stick to your weapon's innate damage or a standard buff. The most important preparation, however, is understanding the fight itself. Watch some videos, read up on his moveset, and go in with a plan. This preparation will make a world of difference when you face him.
Staying Calm and Learning from Mistakes
This might sound a bit generic, guys, but staying calm and learning from mistakes is perhaps the most critical element when facing the Abyss Watchers' second phase, or really any tough boss in Dark Souls III. It's easy to get frustrated. You die, you get angry, you rush back in, make the same mistake, and die again. This cycle is the enemy of progress. The first thing you need to do when you die is to take a deep breath. Seriously. Take a moment, maybe step away from the game for a few minutes if you're feeling particularly tilted. Then, reflect on why you died. Was it poor stamina management? Did you roll too early or too late? Did you get greedy with attacks? Were you caught by a surprise fiery explosion? Identifying the specific reason for your failure is the first step to correcting it.
Every death is a learning opportunity. The Abyss Watchers' second phase is a test of your patience and your ability to adapt. If you're consistently getting hit by a particular combo, try focusing solely on dodging that combo in your next attempt. Don't even worry about attacking. Just focus on perfectly dodging it. Once you can do that reliably, then you can start thinking about incorporating counter-attacks. This methodical approach, learning one piece of the puzzle at a time, is far more effective than blindly repeating the same strategy and hoping for a different outcome.
Furthermore, don't be afraid to change your approach. If your current weapon isn't working, or your strategy of dodging left consistently is failing, try something new. Maybe try dodging to the right more, or focus on parrying if you're feeling bold (though parrying the Watcher can be risky). Perhaps a different weapon with a faster attack speed or a wider swing could be more beneficial. The beauty of Dark Souls III is the flexibility in builds and strategies. Embrace the challenge and view each death not as a failure, but as a step closer to understanding and overcoming the obstacle. The Abyss Watchers are designed to teach you about aggression, timing, and recognizing attack patterns. By staying calm, analyzing your mistakes, and adjusting your tactics, you'll not only beat this boss but also become a significantly better player. The satisfaction of overcoming a tough boss like this, especially after a string of deaths, is one of the greatest feelings in gaming. You've got this, keep pushing!
