Iudex Gundyr

Iudex Gundyr
NG	HP	Souls
0	1,037	3,000
1	3,561	15,000
2	3,917	16,500
3	4,095	16,875
4	4,273	18,000
5	4,629	18,375
6	4,807	18,750
7	4,985	19,125
Weaknesses
Weak to Fire during his second phase. Weak to Frostbite. Can be parried.
Resistances
Resistant to Dark. Resistant to Bleed.
Immunities
Immune to Poison. Immune to Toxic.

Lore

A mysterious figure who guards the Coiled Sword and the entrance to Firelink Shrine.

General Information

This is the "tutorial boss" for Dark Souls III. He must be fought to access Firelink Shrine, which means the player cannot level before defeating him.

This boss fight is mandatory.

Location

Found in the Cemetery of Ash on the route to Firelink Shrine. He is an immobile statue until you pull the Coiled Sword from his chest.

Summons

• None.

Drops

• Coiled Sword

Moveset

Phase 1

Strong Sweep: he will sweep his halberd in front of him. The attack is delayed, so delay your roll so you aren't caught out.
Jump and Smash: when the player is too far from him, he will jump forward and smash his halberd at the player's position.
Fast Sweep: similar to Strong Sweep but faster. Used as a recovery move.
Jump and Pierce: similar to Jump and Smash, but he will pierce the ground rather than smash it. Recovery from this move is slow, so use it as a opportunity to attack.
Rapid Slice: slices the ground in front of him quickly, multiple times. Used as a follower from Jump and Smash.

Phase 2

Upon dropping below 50% health, Iudex Gundyr will mutate into a dark, serpentine creature, with a massive claw and tail. He will attack with both of his appendages, which greatly extend his reach.

Sweep: he will use his tail to sweep across the arena. Get behind him to avoid the sweep.
Overhead Smash: he will jump towards the player and smash his tail down. Dodge to the side to avoid this.

Strategies

Melee

As the first boss of the game, blocking is a poor strategy due to the player's lack of Stamina early on. Dodging through his sweeping attacks will greatly increase your odds of success. He is parryable during his first phase.

For his second phase, it is best to roll forward through his sweeping attacks, avoiding his grab and utilising invincibility frames to survive.

Ranged

Keep at a distance and attack during his recovery phases. During his second phase be careful of his extended reach.

Using Firebombs or similar fire consumables will help deal damage to him during his second phase.

Notes

• Must be defeated before the player can reach Firelink Shrine and to receive the Coiled Sword, the item allowing instanteous travel between bonfires.
• "Iudex" is Latin for "Judge."
• His armor set bears a strong resemblence to Old King Dorian from Demon Souls.
• His crown is similar to that worn by Ludleth of Courland.

Videos

• Iudex Gundyr Melee Strategy
• Iudex Gundyr Boss Fight Tutorial
• An attempt on youtube that may help https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5ChUCNRrDE
• Boss #1 - Iudex Gundyr - NO DAMAGE