Abyss Watchers Phase 2: Your Ultimate Guide

Alright, guys, let's talk about one of the most iconic and, let's be honest, frustrating boss fights in Dark Souls 3: the Abyss Watchers. You've probably already smashed Phase 1, feeling pretty good about yourself, maybe even a little cocky. But then... BAM! Phase 2 hits, and suddenly, you're back to square one, dodging and weaving like you're in a chaotic dance-off. Don't sweat it, though! Today, we're diving deep into how to beat Abyss Watchers Phase 2 and emerge victorious, leaving those fiery knights in their fiery dust. We'll break down their moves, look at the best strategies, and get you past this hurdle so you can continue your glorious journey through Lothric. Remember, every Dark Souls boss is a puzzle, and the Abyss Watchers are just another challenge to overcome with a bit of knowledge and a lot of perseverance. This guide is your key to unlocking that victory.

Understanding the New Threat: What Changes in Phase 2?

So, you've defeated the first wave of Abyss Watchers, and you're probably expecting a similar fight. But nope! When the Lord of Cinder rises again, he's not just slightly stronger; he's fundamentally different. The biggest change, and the one that catches most players off guard, is his increased aggression and a brand-new moveset. In Phase 1, you might have had a bit of breathing room, a chance to observe his patterns. Phase 2? Not so much. Our main man is now wielding his flaming greatsword with renewed ferocity, and his attacks come out faster and hit harder. He's less predictable, incorporating lunging attacks, devastating sweeps, and even some fiery AoE (Area of Effect) bursts that can catch you if you're not paying attention. The infamous phantom summons are gone, which, while removing some of the chaos from Phase 1, means you're facing a singular, hyper-aggressive opponent. This shift forces you to adopt a more defensive yet opportunistic playstyle. You can no longer rely on distracting phantoms to create openings; you need to create those openings yourself by precisely dodging his relentless assaults. Understanding this fundamental shift in his combat style is the first crucial step to conquering Phase 2. It's not just about surviving; it's about recognizing that the fight demands a different approach, a more focused and reactive strategy. He’s basically powered up, angry, and ready to put you through your paces. So, pay attention to the tells, learn the new timings, and get ready to dance.

The Abyss Watchers' Phase 2 Moveset: A Closer Look

Let's get down to the nitty-gritty, guys. To truly master how to beat Abyss Watchers Phase 2, you need to know their new tricks inside and out. The fire-wielding Lord of Cinder is now a force of nature, and his attacks are designed to overwhelm you. First up, we have the enhanced lunging attacks. He'll often take a few steps back and then perform a lightning-fast lunge with his flaming sword. These are telegraphed, but their speed can be deceptive. The key here is to dodge into or to the side of the attack, not away from it. Dodging backward often leaves you vulnerable to the follow-up. Next, he's got some seriously nasty spinning sweeps. These are usually wide, covering a significant area, and often end with a flourish. Again, timing is everything. You'll want to dodge through the swings, getting close to him after the initial swing passes. Getting too far away can put you in the path of the next swipe or, worse, a potential ground slam. Speaking of ground slams, he'll often leap into the air and bring his flaming sword down with immense force, creating a fiery explosion upon impact. This is your cue to get out of Dodge immediately. The visual tell is him raising his sword high and jumping. Don't be greedy with your hits after this; the lingering fire can still hurt. He also has a series of quicker, less telegraphed combo attacks. These can chain together multiple sword strikes, often ending with a thrust or a sweep. The best defense here is to stay relatively close but not too close, allowing you to react to each individual swing. Backing away completely is usually a death sentence as he’ll just keep pressing forward. Finally, watch out for his flaming aura. While not a direct attack, his sword constantly emits flames, and getting too close during certain animations can still tickle your health bar. The biggest takeaway is that his attacks are more fluid and less spaced out than in Phase 1. He's less about distinct, easily readable patterns and more about relentless pressure. Anticipation and reaction are your best friends here. Learn the subtle animations that precede each attack, and train yourself to dodge instinctively. It might take a few tries, but once you start recognizing these moves, you'll feel much more in control.

Essential Strategies for Phase 2 Victory

Now that we've dissected the beast, let's talk about how to actually slay it. Winning the Abyss Watchers Phase 2 isn't just about dodging; it's about being smart and opportunistic. The most effective strategy revolves around patience and precision. Forget trying to Rambo your way through this fight. Instead, focus on creating small, safe openings for yourself. Stamina management is absolutely crucial here. You need enough stamina to dodge his relentless combos and still have a bit left over for a quick counter-attack. Don't get greedy! Hit him once or twice after a successful dodge, and then be ready to dodge again. Trying to squeeze in an extra hit is often the quickest way to get punished. Positioning is another key element. While staying too far away invites his lunging attacks, staying right on top of him can get you caught in his sweeps. Find that sweet spot where you can react to his swings but are close enough to punish him when he overextends. Learning the dodge timings is non-negotiable. Each attack has a specific window for a perfect dodge. Practice rolling through his attacks, often ending up behind him, which is a prime opportunity for a couple of quick hits. When he performs his leaping slam, get out fast, then wait for the explosion to dissipate before moving back in. If you're struggling with his speed, consider using a faster weapon. Weapons with shorter wind-up times allow you to get hits in during smaller openings without committing too much. Think daggers, straight swords, or even curved swords. Conversely, if you prefer slower, heavier weapons, you'll need to be even more disciplined with your timing and only strike when you have a guaranteed opening after a significant combo. Shields can be useful, but don't rely on them entirely. His attacks deal significant stamina damage, and even with a good shield, you can get guard-broken. Use your shield for blocking a single hit if absolutely necessary, but your primary defense should always be the dodge roll. Fire resistance gear might offer a slight advantage due to his flaming sword, but it's generally not a game-changer compared to mastering his moveset. Ultimately, Phase 2 is a test of your reaction time, your patience, and your ability to capitalize on small mistakes. Stay calm, focus on dodging, and only attack when it's safe. You've got this!

Gear and Build Recommendations

Alright, let's talk about kitting yourself out for success, because the right gear can make a world of difference when you're figuring out how to beat Abyss Watchers Phase 2. While Dark Souls 3 allows for a ton of build diversity, certain setups can make this particular fight significantly more manageable. First and foremost, let's consider your weapon. As mentioned before, faster weapons are generally your friend here. A straight sword, a curved sword, or even a dagger can be excellent choices. Their quick attack animations mean you can get in a hit or two during those brief openings after he dodges your dodges, and then immediately roll away before he can retaliate. Weapons like the Longsword, Broadsword, or Sellsword Twinblades (if you've got the stats for them!) are fantastic. If you're committed to a heavier weapon, like a greatsword or ultra greatsword, you'll need to be extremely patient. You'll likely only get one hit in per opening, maybe two if you're lucky and he stumbles. Focus on timing your swings after his combos finish and be prepared to immediately dodge. Upgrading your weapon is, of course, paramount. A fully upgraded weapon will significantly shorten the fight, reducing the number of mistakes you can afford to make. Armor is less critical than your weapon choice or understanding the boss's moves, but medium armor that offers a balance of physical defense and good roll speed (keeping your equip load below 70%) is ideal. Don't sacrifice your dodge roll for heavy armor. If you're opting for magic or pyromancy, remember that the Abyss Watchers are quite mobile, making it harder to land spells. Fast-casting spells like Great Soul Arrow or Great Chaos Fire Orb can be effective if you find a good opening, but don't rely on them solely. Melee is generally the more consistent approach for this fight. Rings can provide a nice boost. The Ring of Favor (increases HP, Stamina, and Equip Load) is always a solid choice. The Chloranthy Ring is invaluable for stamina recovery, which is crucial for constant dodging and attacking. If you're having trouble with survivability, the Estus Ring (increases Estus Flask healing) or even a Life Ring can help you survive an extra hit. Consider the Pontiff's Right Eye if you're using fast, multi-hit weapons like the Sellsword Twinblades, as successive attacks increase your damage. Shields? As discussed, they're secondary. If you use one, make sure it has good stability and 100% physical damage reduction. However, remember that blocking drains stamina rapidly against his combo attacks. For Estus allocation, aim for a good balance. Maybe 10-12 Estus Flasks, with a few of those being Ashen Estus if you're using weapon arts or spells frequently. The key takeaway here is to ensure your equip load is below 70% for a medium roll at minimum, and ideally below 30% for a fast roll if your build allows. Focus on upgrading your weapon and choosing one that complements your playstyle and the boss's aggression. Don't overthink it; simple, effective choices often win the day.

Final Tips and Tricks to Seal the Deal

Alright, you're prepped, you've studied the moves, and you're ready to face the flaming Lord of Cinder once more. But before you dive back in, let's run through a few final tips and tricks to really nail down how to beat Abyss Watchers Phase 2. First and foremost, stay calm. Panic is your worst enemy in this fight. When he starts his relentless assault, take a deep breath, focus on your dodges, and wait for the opening. Rushing in when you're stressed will only lead to mistakes. Secondly, don't get greedy. This is probably the most repeated advice, but it bears repeating. A single, well-timed hit is better than trying for three and getting punished for two of them. Chip away at his health; don't try to burst him down too quickly. Third, use the environment, subtly. While there aren't many interactive elements in this arena, being aware of your surroundings can help. If you find yourself cornered, try to maneuver out. Sometimes just repositioning can give you the breathing room you need to dodge a critical attack. Fourth, manage your Estus Flasks wisely. Don't chug Estus mid-combo unless it's an absolute emergency. Try to heal after you've successfully dodged a major attack or during a brief lull. If you have the stats and the item, Resins or Bundles for your weapon can give you a temporary damage buff. Lightning or Dark damage tends to be effective against most enemies in the game, though the Abyss Watchers themselves are more resistant to Dark. Fire or Lightning buffs could give you that extra edge. Finally, and this is a big one: don't be afraid to die. Seriously. Every death is a learning opportunity. Analyze what went wrong. Did you dodge too early? Too late? Get caught by a combo? Miss an opening? Each attempt brings you closer to understanding the fight. The Abyss Watchers, especially in Phase 2, are designed to test your adaptability and reaction. They are a skill check. Once you overcome them, you'll feel a massive sense of accomplishment, and you'll be a much better player for it. Keep at it, guys, focus on your dodges, be patient with your attacks, and victory will be yours. Good luck, Ashen One!