DARK SOULS 3 Abyss Watchers: How to Beat Both Phases

Prepare for the Fight in Farron Keep

The DARK SOULS 3 Abyss Watchers punish you for attacking before their combos finish. Turn their infighting into openings during phase one, then punish the flaming Watcher’s recovery in phase two. Save Estus for the flaming sword phase by waiting for clear openings before attacking.

To reach the arena:

1. Extinguish the three flames scattered throughout Farron Keep to open the large stone gate.
2. Continue through the gate toward the building beyond the Ghru and patrolling Darkwraiths.
3. Activate the Farron Keep Perimeter bonfire in the nearby side building before approaching the boss entrance.

The Darkwraiths fight the Ghru outside. Let them engage before moving through, and watch for survivors rather than rushing into the middle of their battle.

Upgrade your main weapon or casting catalyst, and equip armor with fire absorption for the second phase. If you block, compare your shield’s fire protection as well as its physical protection: the flaming sword adds another damage type to defend against.

Official page: DARK SOULS™ III (bandainamcoent.com)

Abyss Watchers Weaknesses and Critical Attacks

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Lightning is their main elemental weakness. They resist Dark damage and bleed buildup, and they are immune to Poison and Toxic.

Apply a lightning buff to a compatible weapon if you have one available. Avoid spending FP on poison spells or building your strategy around Dark damage.

Their other major vulnerability is their humanoid moveset: you can backstab them, parry suitable attacks, and stagger them.

Use those openings deliberately:

• Backstabs: Move behind the main Watcher while he recovers from a committed attack.
• Parries: Practice recognizable sword swings if you already use a parrying tool.
• Staggers: Punish recovery with a heavy weapon, then leave enough stamina to evade the response.

Do not assume that every hit will interrupt an attack already in progress. Wait for a clear recovery animation before committing to a slow swing.

Phase One: Use the Red-Eyed Watcher

The fight begins against one Watcher. As it continues, two additional Watchers can join the arena, creating a maximum of three active opponents.

Image: Steam / FromSoftware, Inc.

Their roles matter:

Watcher	Behavior	Your priority
Main Watcher	Carries the boss health bar	Focus your damage here
First additional Watcher	Joins the attack against you	Evade or separate him
Red-eyed Watcher	Fights the other Watchers and can attack you	Let him distract your opponents

Only damage to the main Watcher reduces the boss health bar. Attacking the others can create breathing room, but repeatedly killing them wastes resources because they return.

Survive the two-on-one stretch

While the main Watcher is alone, bait a sword combo, evade its final attack, and land a short punish. Watch for thrusts and sliding approaches; standing farther away does not prevent him from reaching you.

When the first additional Watcher rises, switch your attention to positioning. Move through open space and keep both enemies visible. Avoid committing to an attack while the second enemy approaches from outside your view.

Once the red-eyed Watcher appears, give him room to engage the others. Stay clear of his swings: he is a distraction, and he can still hurt you.

Attack while the boss is occupied

When the main Watcher turns toward another opponent, approach from behind for a backstab or a short attack sequence. Casters can use the same distraction to land spells without starting a cast directly in front of an incoming sword combo.

Watch for the boss changing targets after you hit him. Stop attacking when he turns back toward you, reposition, and let the fight between the Watchers develop again.

Depleting the first health bar triggers a cutscene and the second phase. Preserve your remaining Estus—the encounter continues.

Phase Two: Dodge the Sword and Its Fire Trail

The additional Watchers stop rising during phase two. You now face one opponent with a flaming greatsword, longer-reaching attacks, and delayed fire effects.

Image: Steam / FromSoftware, Inc.

The dangerous change is the space his attacks cover. A dodge that clears the blade can still leave you inside the flames following it.

Create space during advancing combos

Roll backward to create space during advancing combos, and be ready for a second roll when the sequence continues. Keep enough stamina available to finish dodging before you counterattack.

After a dash, move away from the line of flame left behind. Do not immediately chase the boss along the same path.

Keep enough distance to see his full movement, but stay ready to dodge a sudden approach. Distance gives you time to react; his lunges can still close it quickly.

Punish the jumping combo finisher

Watch for the sequence that ends in a jumping sword slam. The landing creates an opening to move behind him, attempt a backstab, or land a controlled hit.

Use this sequence:

1. Evade the opening swings without attacking between them.
2. Move around the jumping finisher.
3. Check that you are clear of the fire.
4. Backstab or strike during recovery.
5. Reposition before the next combo begins.

Use an opening to heal when you need health. Trying to drink while he is approaching leaves you exposed to his gap-closing attacks.

Adjust Your Tactics to Your Build

Fast melee weapons

Use short attack sequences after completed combos. Straight swords and similar weapons let you take a small opening without committing to a long recovery.

Resist extending the punish just because the first hit staggers him. Save stamina for the moment he resumes attacking.

Heavy weapons

Wait for slams, missed lunges, and other clear recoveries before swinging. Heavy weapons can interrupt the Watchers, but starting a slow attack into an active combo risks a damaging trade.

In phase one, position yourself so the additional hostile Watcher cannot strike you during your recovery.

Sorcery

Use the red-eyed Watcher’s distraction to cast Great Heavy Soul Arrow during phase one. Keep track of the main boss so you do not spend FP hitting a returning add.

During phase two, consider Great Soul Arrow when you need a shorter casting commitment. Cast after a missed approach or completed combo, then move again.

Pyromancy

Upgrade your Pyromancy Flame and take advantage of phase-one distractions.

During phase two, wait for a missed slide or slam before casting. Carry a melee weapon for openings that are too short to fit a spell safely.

Summons and Quest Steps Before You Advance

Use an Ember before checking for NPC summon signs.

Summon Black Hand Gotthard to help with the fight. Summoning him also teaches By My Sword.

Londor Pale Shade appears near the Farron Keep Perimeter bonfire when you have five Dark Sigils. Summoning the Shade teaches Duel Bow.

Yellowfinger Heysel requires defeating her invasion and offering a Pale Tongue to Rosaria. Summoning her teaches Proper Bow.

Summoned allies can divide the boss’s attention, though they also increase his health.

If you want Yoel’s free levels, use his services before taking on the boss. Handle this before the boss fight to avoid overlooking it afterward.

Rewards and Where to Go Next

Defeating the boss awards the Soul of the Blood of the Wolf and Cinders of a Lord.

Hawkwood can award you the Farron Ring.

The victory also unlocks the Lords of Cinder: Abyss Watchers achievement.