When starting a game that requires a real effort of the Soul , as we say in our analysis of Dark Souls III, you have to be prepared that you are going to find very hard challenges even from the beginning, which already gives us an idea that FromSoftware does not want to make it easy for us , as usual. To help you in this first task, in this guide we are going to explain how to complete the Cemetery of Ashes and defeat the “first” boss (if we do not count the one in the tutorial) Iundex Gundyr .
Dark Souls III Ash Graveyard
Primary Objective : Defeat Iudex Gundyr
Optional Objective : Defeat the katana NPC
Bonfires
- Ash Cemetery
- Iudex Gundyr
Important objects
- Titanite flake
- Ash Estus Flask
After awakening as a dormant , you must progress through the graveyard to reach Firelink Shrine . Throughout this tutorial, you will learn the basics of combat and exploration.
Get to the first bonfire
The path from where you appear to the first bonfire is almost linear, clearly marked by a ravine in the background. But until then, practice with the enemies that the game suggests. They are not strong, nor fast, but it is interesting to learn how they handle each type of weapon.
It’s important that you also pick up the Ash Estus Flask from the corpse leaning against what appears to be a fountain. You’ll need it to replenish HP and cast spells and special attacks.
Learn some exploration tricks as well : from the starting point, going down a path to the right, you’ll find a powerful crystal lizard that’s much bigger and more dangerous than the others you can normally find in the game. Additionally, learn to find items from corpses and nearby points and read the controls and tips that other users leave on the ground.
Crystal Lizard Challenge
As in Dark Souls II, the tutorial hides a powerful optional enemy that is suitable for veteran fighters. The crystal lizard can be found on an esplanade following the path to the right, before reaching the gorge.
It is resistant to elemental damage and can hit very hard with its tail, face, and even crystalline breath. Some attacks can leave a damaging trail of crystal on the ground. To kill it, it is recommended that you keep a safe distance, even in melee, and attack only once or twice when it tires. You will obtain a titanite scale that will be useful later at the blacksmith.
Crystal Lizard Challenge
As in Dark Souls II, the tutorial hides a powerful optional enemy that is suitable for veteran fighters. The crystal lizard can be found on an esplanade following the path to the right, before reaching the gorge.
It is resistant to elemental damage and can hit very hard with its tail, face, and even crystalline breath. Some attacks can leave a damaging trail of crystal on the ground. To kill it, it is recommended that you keep a safe distance, even in melee, and attack only once or twice when it tires. You will obtain a titanite scale that will be useful later at the blacksmith.
Way to the boss
From the “Cemetery of Ashes” bonfire you will have to advance along the path from which a single enemy comes. But you can get some supplies if you decide to detour to the right, going down the ravine. You will find some enemies – some unaware, others even setting a trap for you – but also souls of some corpses. The embers allow you to enter the ember host state in which you have maximum HP and can summon allies.
Remember that just before the architectural arch that precedes the boss challenge you can take a detour to the left to jump on an enemy that might otherwise bother you while you get rid of the crossbowman guarding the entrance.
Dark Souls III Boss Iudex Gundyr
After removing the sword from his body – you’ll need it to light the bonfire at the shrine – Iudex Gundyr will rise and attack you. The burly warrior is armed with a massive halberd, and as you might expect, he packs a punch.
Although he is slow and gives enough room to predict his attacks, the execution of these is fast and lethal. Remember that when he hits horizontally with the halberd you must protect yourself with the shield, if you have one, or move backwards; and if it is vertical you must roll to the side instead. He complements most of his attacks with a shoulder charge that can still do damage even if it is easy to dodge, so do not be overconfident.
When his HP reaches 60% , his body mutates and comes under the control of a more powerful host. If you attack him during the mutation, he can become stunned and open to a frontal parry. His attacks become faster in this state, and he does more aerial executions. Don’t give him any respite during the mutation and you might be spared that suffering.
From here, all that remains after dispatching him is to go up the path straight to the open entrance of the shrine. There’s really nothing more to it, although as before you can take short detours to the left and right to find some useful supplies.