Vordt of the Boreal Valley in Dark Souls 3 can be considered the second boss of the game. This is also the first time you may encounter the Frostbite status effect in the game. 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 Vordt in Dark Souls 3.
To create opportunities for counterattacking, it is recommended to stay underneath and behind Vordt, dodging his slow attacks. Additionally, you can summon two phantom NPCs for this boss fight: the Sword Master and Lion Knight Albert. It is a relatively easier fight in Dark Souls 3.
Let’s take a look at the best strategies and fighting tactics for taking down Vordt of the Boreal Valley in Dark Souls 3.
Is Vordt of the Boreal Valley Optional?
You must defeat Vordt of the Boreal Valley in Dark Souls 3 to progress to the Undead Settlement. He is not optional.
Strategies for Defeating Vordt of the Boreal Valley
Here are some strategies for defeating Vordt that you can use depending on the build you opted for in Dark Souls 3:
Melee Strategy
For a melee build, the best approach to fighting Vordt is to stay close to him, roll through his attacks, and position yourself underneath him. An excellent weapon choice is the Deep Battle Axe, which can be found in the room below the Lothric Wyvern. It is effective when wielded with two hands and is suitable for almost every starting class.
During the first phase, focus on staying underneath and behind Vordt as much as possible. Seize the opportunity to attack after his second wide swipe, but avoid standing in front of him at all costs.
His lightning-fast lunge attack is nearly impossible to dodge. If you happen to find yourself in front of him, quickly close the distance while moving to his left.
At half health, Vordt enters his second phase and will initiate a back-and-forth charge attack. Make sure to conserve some stamina to roll if you anticipate your attacks will bring Vordt to this threshold.
To handle these charges, remain locked onto him and dodge accordingly, ensuring he remains in your line of sight. Typically, he will charge three times.
After these charges, he will prepare his breath attack. This is your cue to close the distance, move to his left, and execute a charged two-handed power attack.
While staying beneath Vordt is still advantageous during the second phase, it does not grant invulnerability as in the first phase. Be cautious of his standing-up motion and other attacks.
Magic/Pyromancy Strategy
In the first phase of this fight, adopt the melee approach discussed earlier, where attacking and evading Vordt is safest when positioned under his belly or behind him.
Utilize your most powerful spells (such as Heavy Soul Arrow or Fireball) to deal damage to him, but ensure you maintain enough stamina to roll away if the situation becomes precarious.
As you transition to the second phase, disregard everything done in the previous phase and prioritize keeping a distance from Vordt while maintaining target lock.
Seize the opportunity to attack him at the beginning of this phase, and be prepared to roll out of his way during his charging attacks, which will occur three or four times. Always roll to the side, avoiding rolling into or away from his path.
The safest moment to strike during the second phase is when Vordt starts charging his frost attack, which follows his charges. Position yourself on his side, avoiding standing in front of him, and unleash your strongest spells.
Prepare to dodge his charges once more if he manages to survive. Typically, he will be defeated before his second wave of charges occurs.
What is Vordt of the Boreal Valley Weak To?
Vordt is weak to the following damage types:
- Dark
- Strike
What is Vordt of the Boreal Valley Resistant / Immune to?
Vordt is resistant and immune to the following damage types:
Resistant to:
- Standard
- Slash
- Thrust
- Magic
Immune to:
- Poison
- Toxic
- Bleed
- Frost
Can You Parry Vordt of the Boreal Valley?
You cannot parry Vordt.
However, in his second phase, you can stagger and open Vordt for a riposte by dealing heavy damage to his head while he charges his frost breath.
Can You Cheese Vordt of the Boreal Valley?
There are no ultimate cheesing methods for this boss. It is a relatively easy boss, and simply staying and attacking his back will do the trick.
If you dodge his attacks timely, especially the second phase charge attacks, look out for the Frostbite buildup, and stay on his back, you will be done with this fight in around 2 mins.
Vordt of the Boreal Valley is another early and easy boss encounter in Dark Souls 3. You can make quick work of him simply by staying underneath him and flailing your weapon. Just keep an eye out for the Frostbite status effect in the second phase, and you will be good to go in no time.