Many players have been exploring the Souls-like side of gaming, and Bloodborne is one of the most popular. However, Bloodborne is a mix-up compared to the typical Souls formula. The bosses can be brutal for traditional Dark Souls players or new players, and the game is faster than the other entries. While it can be frustrating getting destroyed time after time, especially with the DLC, we decided to help by making a guide on how to, hopefully, make your life easier.
Base Game Bosses
This list will be comprised of all bosses in the base game, which will include the health stats, weaknesses, item drops, and blood echo drops.
Cleric Beast
Stats
HP: 3015
Vulnerability: Fire, Serration
Immunity: Blunt, Arcane, Bolt
Drops
Blood Echo’s: 4,000 (NG+)
Items: Sword Hunter Badge
Insight: 1 for discovery, 3 for killing
Cleric Beast is the first optional boss encountered in Central Yharnam, located at the end of the great bridge past some wolf beasts and crows. There is an optional summon for the fight if you have the Old Hunter Bell, which is Father Gascoigne. He is located near the fountain by the Brick Troll. This boss has four moves, some of which are deadly. These consist of a grab telegraphed by a left-arm grapple, a forward leap, a forward slam, and a normal combo. For the most part, you want to memorize the patterns of each move and dodge accordingly. Use Molotov Cocktails and Oil Urns to deal with some serious fire damage. Try to keep behind the boss, punish between his attacks as much as possible, and attack his limbs to stagger him for more punishment. The boss is vulnerable to visceral attacks, and you need to aim at his head with your gun and shoot about two or three times.
Note that this boss can regenerate limbs, but not health.
Father Gascoigne
Stats
HP: 2031
Vulnerability: Tiny Music Box, Fire, Serration (in beast form)
Immunity: Arcane (beast form), Blunt (beast form)
Drops
Blood Echo’s: 1,800
Items: Oedeon Tomb Key
Insight: 1 for discovery, 2 for killing
Father Gascoigne is the first main boss of the game and is located at the end of Central Yharnam, past the sewers. The other optional way is the shortcut, which is an elevator unlocked via the bridge with the fireball. He has quite a few nasty attacks in his arsenal and utilizes a Hunter Blunderbuss and Hunter Axe. This fight will consist of three phases; his human, changed ax, and beast form. For his human attacks will be that of a hunter’s and are as follows: his scattergun burst, a charged spin, a jump attack, horizontal chops, and a spark uppercut. In addition, his jump attack can be blocked, but, ultimately, every attack he has we recommend dodging away from except for his scattergun burst. For that attack, we want you to roll into it to avoid it or use the surrounding tombstones to block his attack. His Hunter Axe will not transform until you knock him down between 75% and 80% health allowing his charged spin. Luckily, while he is human, he can be easily staggered by items and is vulnerable after certain attacks. We recommend utilizing the tombstones to eat his attacks and running in to punish him while he recovers. Once he falls under 50% HP, he will transform into his beast form. This will leave him even more vulnerable to fire damage and serration. He can also now be parried. You can either use Molotov Cocktails and urns or just parry all of his attacks aside from his aerial dive. Shooting him during his slashes leaves a huge opportunity to plant some lead in his face and get that visceral attack. The other option is utilizing the music box, which will ultimately stun him. If you have 30 points dumped into strength, you can use the music box, use a fully charged swing to open up for a visceral attack and rinse and repeat until he dies.
Blood-starved Beast
Stats
HP: 3,470
Vulnerability: Fire, Pungent Blood Cocktail
Immunity: Arcane and Bolt
Drops
Blood Echo’s: 6,600
Items: Pthumeru Chalice
Insight: 1 for discovery, 3 for killing
Note you can summon Alfred if you have not killed Vicar Amelia yet. He will be near the first staircase in the chapel
Note that this is the second optional fight
For this big guy, we highly advise bringing antidotes and equipping them into your quick slot. If possible, wear the Black Church Set to prevent slow poison damage. This boss will have three stages, but, in every stage, his attacks can be parried. A great method to sort cheese the boss is using the Flamesprayer (which does not eat stamina). You need only to dodge his chain of attacks, run in and spray to wrack up damage while he is immobile and rinse and repeat. Another method that uses a little more resources is to simply parry all of its attacks. The boss is easy to parry, but you will need to monitor your resources such as bullets, and do not get too greedy. Otherwise, you can be easily punished. Worse comes to worst, you can dodge his attacks and safely move in to get a few hits in.
Vicar Amelia
Stats
HP: 5,367
Vulnerability: Fire, Numbing Mist
Immunity: Arcane, Bolt, and Blunt
Drops
Blood Echo’s: 15,000
Items: Gold Pendant
Insight: 1 for discovery, 3 for killing
Amelia is located in the Grand Cathedral. She can be a bit of a pain, but is also weak to fire and can be parried when she lowers her head and a certain sound plays. Annoyingly enough, she can also heal herself, but using Numbing Mist will prevent that, so bring it as a must. She can only heal during the second phase when she is down to 50% HP. If you do not have Numbing Mist, it is possible to stagger her out of the healing using Bone Marrow Ash and the Repeating Pistol. You can also use Molotov Cocktails and other fire-based items to wrack on more damage. Another method is to trigger the visceral attacks by attacking her legs until she drops, triggering the head drop. Then use the Numbing Mist as needed. She will have an aggressive move set between ground pounds, leg sweeps, a nasty bite, and grab attacks. Each move will require dodging different ways, so it is best to go in and learn the move set knowing you will probably die.
The Witch of Hemwick
Stats
HP: 2,611
Vulnerability: –
Immunity:-
Drops
Blood Echo’s: 11,800
Items: Bloodshot Eyeball x4
Insight:1 insight for discovery, 2 for killing
Note that though optional, you can get the Rune Workshop Tool
There are two witches here, and you can only see the second one’s health bar by killing the first one. However, that does not mean you are not damaging the second one. During the second phase, the second witch can revive the first witch with 20% health, so it is important to take them out quickly. The best method is to locate the areas the witches tend to stick around and try to land backstabs or strong attacks. The Kirkhammer and Ludwig’s Holy Blade are two great heavy weapons to deal both enough damage to try and finish them off around the same time. This will prevent any revives if you are fast enough and time your damage wisely.
Shadow of Yharnam
Stats
HP: 2,046/ 2,602/ 3,645
Vulnerability: Two of them are weak against Bolt and Arcane
Immunity: Bolt and Arcane (third one)
Drops
Blood Echo’s: 20,460
Items: Blood Rapture
Insight: 0 for discovery, 2 for killing
These guys are located at the very bottom of the Forbidden Woods, and you must beat them to progress in the game. If you have the Impurity rune equipped, you can summon Younger Madras Twin, and if you die during the fight, you can summon Henryk if he has not been killed. This fight can be a huge pain if not dealt with carefully, for these three can easily swarm you using a scimitar, katana (which is a candle that works similar to the Flamesprayer), and a pyromancy flame. They will all gain additional abilities if they drop to 40% health, and if two of them die, the third one will summon snakes that can kill you in one hit. It is best to try and keep the bosses away from the pyromancy user. Kill the Katana user first by parrying his attacks, and if you see him transform into a snack, dash in to finish him off before the transformation. Then quickly dispose of the scimitar wielder. The pyromancer will die the fastest, so you can then rush in to finish him off after the other two are killed. You can wear highly resistant fire gear, and you should try to kill the caster first, but the strategy is a little more dangerous compared to the first killing strategy.
Rom the Vacuous Spider
Stats
HP: 5,058
Vulnerability: Arcane, Fire, Bolt
Immunity:-
Drops
Blood Echo’s: 24,860
Items: Kin Coldblood x12
Insight: 2 for discovery, 2 for killing
*Note that Master Willem is before Rom, and you will gain two insight for talking to him, and the Eye rune for killing him*
Rom is located in Moonside Lake and is the next required boss to progress in the game. Shaman Bon Blades do prove to be effective for the fight, as well as wearing Arcane Reduction attire. you can also use the Flamesprayer buffed with Bone Marrow Ash or bring Bolt Paper. When fighting Rom, solo kill the lesser spiders carefully using a blunt weapon. Ludwig’s Holy Blade is an excellent weapon for the fight as well. Attack her during teleportation, as she is extremely vulnerable mid teleport. During the second phase of the fight, Rom can use attacks that explode, so tread carefully, but you should try to bait them to get in some hits.
The One Reborn
Stats
HP: 10,375
Vulnerability: Bolt, Fire
Immunity: Arcane
Drops
Blood Echo’s: 36,300
Items: Yellow Backbone x3
Insight: 1 for discovery, 3 for killing
The One Reborn is a required boss located in the Advent Plaza after killing Rom. There is a NPC summon, Old Hunter Defector Antal, right by the crashed carriage near the fog door. This boss has a few attacks, all being swings, dropping dead bodies from himself, and spraying discharge around the arena. First and foremost, you must kill the chime maidens that are aiding him up the stairs. Use a weapon with heavy knockback to help stagger the boss and aim for the midsection. Utilize any bolt or fire damage to aid the fight and kill him faster. This fight is usually easy, just be mindful of the arena when he drops corpses or uses his discharge attack.
The Darkbeast Paarl
Stats
HP: 4,552
Vulnerability: Arcane, Fire
Immunity: Blunt, Bolt
Drops
Blood Echo’s: 23,100
Items: Spark Hunter’s Badge, Bold Hunter’s Mark (If already defeated)
Insight: 1 insight upon entering room (Djura will become friendly)
*Note you can perform a special attack on its head to knock it down, and follow up with a regular attack to the head when it is downed. This will kill a third of its health bar*
Paarl is located in Hyprogean Gaol, down the spiral staircase, and past the room with two witches. Head out the hole in the room and hop down the ledge. It is highly recommended to wear bolt resistant gear for this fight due to the boss dealing strong bolt damage. A good set would be Henryk’s Hunter Set as it is effective against Paarl. The best two strategies for the fight are utilizing Molotov Cocktails or using a two-handed Hunter’s Axe. We prefer the Molotov concoction as it will sometimes knock Paarl off balance, allowing you to run in and swing at the legs until he gives out. Once he tries to regain his balance, he will try and charge his Bolt Aura which leaves him vulnerable to another stun-lock attack. Otherwise, use the two-handed axe method to run under him and cut off his legs to stun-lock. Look out for his swipe attacks and slams, they cover more ground than expected. Also, take him out when he charges for his Electric Nova, otherwise it can deal high damage and possibly kill you. This is the best time to stun lock him.
Amygdala
Stats
HP: 6,404
Vulnerability: Arcane, Fire, Bolt
Immunity: Blunt
Drops
Blood Echo’s: 21,000
Items: Ailing Loran Chalice
Insight: 3 for discovery, 3 for killing
This nasty fight is optional, and located in the Nightmare Frontier near a shortcut guarded by a Silverbeast. This boss has a number of attacks, including vomit that deals fire damage. However, note that it is very weak to A Call Beyond. This tool summons a nova that fires homing projectiles. It is also important to remember that only the head and front legs are vulnerable to melee attacks. The safest method is staying still when it jumps. If you stay behind the tail, wait for it to jump then using a transformed form Hunter Axe start charging for a spin attack, after it lands roll back to the tail to avoid being hit. Once the boss hits around 30% of its health, it will rip its arms off. Keep to the left rear and once it jumps, run after it and attack the middles or rear hand then keep to the back left again. The other method is to keep mobile and try to cut off its arms for big damage. It is riskier but faster until the second phase. Try and aim for the head after it does a two armed smash towards you. It will start thrashing, but you will need to get under it until it finishes its tantrum. After this, attack its head a few more times until the visceral attack triggers. During the third phase try to keep under it to avoid its crazier attacks where it beats you with its torn off arms. Keep close and hit when it is safe until you beat it.
Micolash, Host of the Nightmare
Stats
HP: 5,250
Vulnerability: –
Immunity: –
Drops
Blood Echo’s: 48,400
Items: Mensis Cage
Insight: 2 insight for discovery, 2 for killing
Micolash is located in the Nightmare of Mensis, on the pathway to the castle, after the long bridge with two Ethereal Walkers. This fight will consist of chasing him through a library and avoiding his very annoying attacks. Micolash will use a midrange attack summoning tentacles or arcane missiles that can one shot you. Your best bet is to use a friend, otherwise try to kill him in the first phase. In order to do this, you can chase him up the stairs until he jumps down a ledge, BUT do not follow him. Turn back to the stairs to hit him until he runs down in which you can follow him and hit him again. Then he will disappear, meaning you will have to return to the place that he jumped down. Once he sees you, he will run to the ledge. You should return to the room where he will land. Get a few hits in as he jumps down. He will then disappear and spawn on floor two, meaning you can trigger the jump again until he dies. Note that poison knives and cannons are also a very effective to kill him fast.
Mergo’s Wet Nurse
Stats
HP: 14,081
Vulnerability: Fire, Arcane, Rapid Poison, Bolt
Immunity: –
Drops
Blood Echo’s: 72,000
Items: One Third of Umbilical Cord
Insight: 3 for discovery, 3 for killing
The Wet Nurse is one of the Great Ones, and one of the three possible Final Bosses. She is located in the Nightmare of Mensis, after the loft. The key for this fight is to keep to the Wet-nurse’s back as it will not only deal a lot of damage, but you also avoid her attacks as she slowly becomes more aggressive and you take away her health. At one point, she will summon a clone and fog, but the clone will die in one hit if you are fast enough. Evade counter clockwise during the fog while you stay locked on her to avoid being hit. The fog itself usually lasts around a minute, but you can also stagger her out of summoning it. Using poison knives is a very effective strategy.
Martyr Logarias
Stats
HP: 9,081
Vulnerability: –
Immunity: Fire, Arcane, Bolt
Drops
Blood Echo’s: 25,600
Items: Crown of Illusions
Insight: 1 for discovery, 3 for killing
*Note that you should have the Castle lamp lit, otherwise you will respawn at the horses before fighting him*
Logarius can be one of the hardest bosses in the game if handled incorrectly. Located in the Cainhurst Castle, he is optional and he can be very challenging, but he is also rewarding. This jerk can kill you in one combo due to his frequent aggressive attacks. Upon entering the boss room, Logarius will summon an energy ball that will slowly track you, so run to the side of the roof and use the pillars as a shield. You can then either try and dodge his attacks with throwing in some hits or use the more dangerous parry method. It is important to keep the fight close, otherwise he will summon a ball of energy again that will track you. Once you take away around 50% of his health, he will use AOE attacks. This can be dodge if you time it correctly, otherwise it will take away half of your health. About around him having only a third of his health bar, he will slam his staff into the ground and charge. Immediately run in and wail on him until it triggers a visceral attack, which will take away a huge chunk of his health. The most important tip is to not get greedy and take your time.
Celestial Emissary
Stats
HP: 2,764
Vulnerability: Bolt, Fire
Immunity:-
Drops
Blood Echo’s: 24,640
Items: Communion
Insight: 0 for discovery, 2 for killing
The Celestial Emissary is the next Great One, and he is located in the Orphanage in Upper Cathedral Ward using the orphanage key. This fight will have three phases, the first being a lot of celestial mobs. Try to find the right alien and hyper focus on them. Around 50% of his health being gone, the Emissary will grow in size and get more aggressive with some new attacks. These attacks will range from his normal stomps and dropping his body, to some swipes. His last phase will show him transforming with newly spouted tentacles on his head. The tentacles will shoot cosmic energy at you, just be patient, dodge when necessary, and use wide range attacks to keep the mobs under control. It is also possible to one shot him from behind when he is transforming. During this, land a charge attack and follow it up with a visceral.
Ebrietas
Stats
HP: 12,493
Vulnerability: Bolt, Fire
Immunity: –
Drops
Blood Echo’s: 28,800
Items: Great Isz Chalice
Insight: 3 for discovery, 3 for killing
Ebrietas is an optional Great One, located in the Altar of Despair in the Upper Cathedral Ward. After defeating the Emissary, you can break the window in the boss room and take an elevator down. She has deadly ranged attacks which are summoning arcane missiles, her aura that deals damage over time to the player, and spitting blood causing frenzy. She can also fly annoyingly enough, and has an arsenal of close range attacks between a grab, flying head slam, normal head slam, and tentacle swings. Her charge attack can be the most nasty, and it can even one shot you if dealt with incorrectly. There are a few ways to deal with it, such as eating the damage close range by staying still, dodging left at midrange and attacking for punishment, or just run left or right at midrange. The safest way to fight is by keeping midrange and using Ludwig’s Holy Sword (transformed into the great sword) to attack her head when she uses head slam. Make sure you do not lock on and circle her, slowly chipping away until she dies. Another method you may use is to cross over her chest and keep close enough to trigger her head slam. Use this method back and forth, and, if you get hit, focus on healing. Do no get greedy, otherwise you can be severely punished.
Gerhman, The First Hunter
Stats
HP: 14,293
Vulnerability: –
Immunity: –
Drops
Blood Echo’s: 128,000
Items: Old Hunter Badge
Insight: 1 for discovery, 3 for killing
Gehrman is one of the three final boss fights in the game. Upon entering the Hunter’s Dream, you will be faced with a choice between submitting your life or refusing. If you refuse, or attack before dialogue, it will trigger the fight. Gehrman utilizes a scythe, pistol and Blunderbuss to use deadly attacks such as his visceral attack, his scythe pull, and even wind gust. Luckily for us, he can be easily parried and there are a few easy methods to dispose of our friend. Simon’s Bowblade is one of the best ways to cheese if you want the easy way out, for you can just walk backwards and shoot him until he drops, if you carry enough blood vials with you. Gatling Gun is another way to stagger him off the bat in the first phase so long as you prevent him from buffing with quickening. Otherwise, if you want the fair fight, equip runes that gain stamina bonuses and health return for visceral attacks. Try to pay attention to his attack patterns, and remember he will fight like you and any other player. Parry and dodge as needed, and if you can land a visceral attack off the back, you already started off great. During this time, he will try to use the Quickening Buff and turn invisible when dodging. The key is to remain locked on and follow your same routine.
Moon Presence
Stats
HP: 8,909
Vulnerability: Bolt, Fire
Immunity: –
Drops
Blood Echo’s: 230,000
Items: –
Insight: 5 for discovery, 5 for killing
The Moon Presence is an optional boss, and can only be fought if you have consumed three out of the four possible umbilical cords. You then must refuse and beat Gehrman, which is good since his Burial Blade is pretty effective. The fight is way easier than Gehrman, but keep a good amount of vials on hand. This boss is susceptible to Visceral attacks as well as bolt and fire. The boss will chase you down and use a three hit combo which is easily dodged, in which you should respond by getting behind the boss and hitting the tail. The tail sweep attack is another annoyance, but there is no follow up after, leaving you time to get out of the area. When it becomes low on health, under half, it will use two new attacks that can be annoying, but will not kill you. One is an attack leaving you with one hit point, and the other is its tail secreting black liquid that will prevent you from healing. Otherwise, just run in with a fire imbued weapon and wail on him by getting behind, and dodge when needed.
DLC: The Old Hunters
Ludwig the Accursed/ Holy Blade
Stats
HP: 16,658
Vulnerability: –
Immunity: –
Drops
Blood Echo’s: 34,500
Items: Guidance, Holy Moonlight Sword
*Note, if you joined the League you can summon Valtr if you equip the Impurity rune*
Ludwig is the first boss of the DLC, and found in the Research Hall. The brutal fight consists of two phases, the first being Ludwig as a crawling beast with several breakable body parts. Around 75% health he will then gain a spewing attack that deals arcane damage and a charge that is deadly. His head leaves him vulnerable to visceral attacks so we can use that to our advantage. During phase two, around 50% health, he will stand up and draw his sword. You will be moved to a certain spot in the arena, but summoned help will not be moved. He will now have new moves, but still have breakable body parts that can trigger visceral attacks. Lastly, when he is down to 25%, he will raise his sword to the heavens and blast a massive shockwave. The majority of this fight will be dodging, so make sure to have a stamina rune equipped, the best one preferably. Running away will be lethal, so try to keep on him and stay under him if possible since most of his attacks will miss. Try to attack his sides or attack his head to stagger him for a visceral attack.
Laurence, The First Vicar
Stats
HP: 21,242
Vulnerability: –
Immunity: –
Drops
Blood Echo’s: 29,500
Items: Beast’s Embrace
*Note you can also summon Valtr for this fight with the Impurity rune equipped*
Laurence is located in the Hunter’s Nightmare, after the flaming boulder in the Grand Cathedral. Once his skull is acquired, it will trigger the fight when you enter the arena. His fight will consist of three phases, starting with acting similar to the Cleric Beast. The only difference is that he is on fire, and has breakable body parts. Attacking his head will also leave him open for visceral attacks. Phase two will consist of him gaining a new move set around 70% health, and phase three will start around 40% health. He will then crawl around on the floor and leave a trail of lava behind him. We recommend for close fighters to wear fire resistant gear like the Charred set. Target his head with your gun to try and gain a stagger, and stick to his back if you want to get a few hits in. When he starts to crawl, try to circle him clockwise and hit him as you move. Rinse and repeat the method until he is defeated.
Living Failures
Stats
HP: 20,646
Vulnerability: Bolt
Immunity: –
Drops
Blood Echo’s: 22,000
Items: Astral Clocktower Key
*Note if you kill Yamamura in his cell, you can summon him for this fight*
These alien-like beings are in the Lumenwood Gardens, and as you enter, a new one will appear every four seconds, capping at four at a time. There are two different kinds of Living Failures, one being the melee fighter that follows you and the other being a caster. The casters use magic orbs and homing bolts to harass you, and will headbutt you if you get close. The second phase can be more dangerous, for, around 60% health, they will all raise their hands to the sky and summon a meteor shower of sorts. The room will darken and the sky will turn into a cosmos-like setting, but they will not retaliate if attacked making it the prime time to take at least one out. The best method is to focus on one at a time, and be mindful of the others in the room. Try to run counter clockwise and use the tree as a shield for when they summon meteors, and avoid being surrounded no matter what. Have bolt paper at the ready since they are weak to it.
Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower
Stats
HP: 14,081
Vulnerability: Thrust
Immunity: –
Drops
Blood Echo’s: 39,000
Items: Celestial Dial
Lady Maria is located in the Astral Clocktower, and her fight consists of three phases. In the first phase, she will fight normally with her weapon Rakuyo in both modes. Sometimes she will use her gun, but not often, and then phase two will begin as her health lowers. In phase two, she will stab her chest with both blades and coat her weapons with her blood, and of course she will start using aggressive blood based attacks. In her last phase, she will lift off the ground using a blood explosion attack. Her attacks now have fire properties which increases the range of her hit boxes. Luckily, most of her attacks can be dodged by moving left, and she can be parried. There are two cheese methods by using either the Threaded Cane or the Augur of Ebrietus. The Augur will knock her down if timed correctly, and you can use a visceral attack. The Threaded Cane actually stun-locks her which allows combos. The easiest non-cheese method is to get her near a wall, roar, and then hit her four to five times, and then in phases two and three stick to her left side, hit twice, then run around behind her and repeat the method.
Orphan of Kos
Stats
HP: 19,217
Vulnerability: –
Immunity: –
Drops
Blood Echo’s: 60,000
Items: Kos Parasite
Kos is a Great One, and the most aggressive and final boss of the DLC. This fight will be two phases, and is extremely difficult. Kos has a variety of moves, and they only get larger with new moves for phase two. The best way to stay safe is to keep to his left side and hug it, mid range is dangerous. The Augur of Ebrietas is a godsend for phase one, and luckily most of his move set can be parried. When he uses his lightning AOE, create distance, but for the majority of the fight stay close. It is also recommended to take him to the water in phase two. Having fast weapons will be the best way to get any damage in since he will be frequently attacking with little to no downtime. Use parries to try and get an advantage, but overall stay patient and calm. Some of the attacks will have some charge time so you can dodge and heal. The windows of opportunity for phase one will be that he is slower and it is easier to get behind him. Phase two windows will be fewer but consist of mostly his jump attacks and jump combos, for you can move in behind his back if you dodge them all.
Good Luck Hunter
Bloodborne is a beautiful masterpiece, but also a brutal one. Patience is key, but don’t forget to also take in your surroundings. The environment is a beautiful work of art, and is so based off of Cthulu Mythos. Hopefully this guide can serve as some help to our fellow Hunters.
Veteran gamer, tech nerd, comic addict, anime lover, and just your average introverted weeb.
