Iudex Gundyr is the first boss and essentially the tutorial boss of Dark Souls 3. He can be one of the easiest or one of the toughest bosses for a beginner. How to defeat the boss? What he is weak to? What strategies can you use to beat it? All will be answered in this ultimate guide to beating Iudex Gundyr in Dark Souls 3.
To swiftly defeat Iudex Gundyr in Dark Souls 3, it is advisable for players to exploit his vulnerability to Fire Damage by utilizing the Firebombs acquired in the tutorial area.
Iudex Gundyr is an introductory boss who uses numerous telegraphed attacks that players can consistently sidestep, dodge, or parry, encouraging their familiarity with the game’s distinctive combat mechanics.
Let’s take a look at the best strategies and fighting tactics for taking down the Iudex Gundyr boss in Dark Souls 3.
Is Iudex Gundyr Optional?
Iudex Gundyr is the first boss in Dark Souls 3 and is not an optional boss. He has to be defeated in order to access the Firelink Shrine.
Strategies for Defeating Iudex Gundyr
Here are some strategies for defeating Iudex Gundyr you can use depending on the build you opted for in Dark Souls 3:
Melee Strategy
After removing the Coiled Sword, the player will have the opportunity to launch a few attacks before the Boss retaliates. It is recommended to utilize a Weapon with a Weapon Art that acts as a buff before removing the sword.
In this boss fight, which aims to teach new players the basics of combat, it is impossible to consistently block all of his attacks with one of the starting classes. Instead, it is crucial to roll through or parry his attacks to secure victory. Take the time to learn the boss’s attack patterns and strike when he’s vulnerable.
To effectively evade most of Gundyr’s attacks, a useful technique is to circle around to the right while keeping your shield up. This maneuver allows the player to evade most attacks, but be prepared to dodge out of the way of his grab.
During the second stage of the fight, the Boss will increase in both speed and range.
If the player is having difficulty defeating him, it is advisable to maintain distance and bait him into easily dodged attacks, seizing the opportunity to leave him vulnerable. Alternatively, sticking to his left side or back provides an easier path to victory.
Once he undergoes his transformation, it is recommended to maintain the same strategy. However, now that he is weak to Fire, utilizing the Firebombs found in the tutorial area becomes highly recommended.
Magic/Pyromancy Strategy
Sorcerers and pyromancers can easily maintain maximum distance, resulting in a significant advantage. This tactic typically provokes Gundyr’s Jump and Slice attack, which is relatively easy to evade, especially in the second phase when tracking his attacks becomes challenging. During Gundyr’s recovery period after this attack, it is safe to cast spells.
For sorcerers, the powerful Heavy Soul Arrow can be unleashed during Gundyr’s waking animation. They can continue casting it throughout the fight, provided they maintain a proper distance and cast it during Gundyr’s longer recovery intervals. Alternatively, Soul Arrow is also a viable option.
Pyromancers rely on Fireball for their primary source of damage, taking advantage of Gundyr’s susceptibility to fire. However, even more than sorcerers, pyromancers must exercise caution in choosing the opportune moment to cast their spells and should only cast one orb at a time.
Once again, baiting Gundyr into his Jump and Slice attack and utilizing the recovery time to cast spells is an effective tactic.
Throughout both phases, Gundyr remains vulnerable to Fire damage. Therefore, employing Pyromancy or utilizing Firebombs will yield exceptional damage output.
In both types of magic, the fight is likely to conclude quickly.
What is Iudex Gundyr Weak To?
Iudex Gundyr is weak to the following damage types:
- Fire
- Strike
- Lightning
- Bleed
- Frostbite
- Farron Greatsword
What is Iudex Gundyr Resistant / Immune to?
Iudex Gundyr is resistant and immune to the following damage types:
Resistant to:
- Dark
Immune to:
- Poison
- Toxic
Can You Parry Iudex Gundyr?
Yes, Iudex Gundyr can be parried quite easily in Dark Souls 3. If you are within striking range, he typically initiates his first attack upon waking up with a one-handed thrust. This move is among the more easily parried attacks he uses.
Poise breaking him does not enable performing a riposte. However, he experiences a brief period of increased damage.
Can You Cheese Iudex Gundyr?
This is the first boss of the game and is designed to show you the ropes of the game’s combat mechanics. He is an easy boss and thus doesn’t need to be cheesed.
Simply learn its easily identifiable attack patterns and react accordingly. He is a tutorial boss and the lessons you’ll gain from learning his moves and your response will be invaluable for you in the latter part of the game.
The fight against Iudex Gundyr in Dark Souls 3 is easy if you are willing to learn. He is a tutorial boss and should be a straightforward fight. The Firebombs or Pyromancy works really well against this boss so use that to your advantage and you will be done with him in no time.