How to Defeat the Last Boss in Bloodborne: A Best Guide – Bloodborne is a critically acclaimed action role-playing game known for its challenging gameplay and dark, gothic atmosphere. One of the game’s most formidable challenges is its final boss, Gehrman, the First Hunter. Defeating Gehrman requires skill, strategy, and perseverance. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough on how to overcome this final hurdle in Bloodborne, ensuring you can claim victory and conclude your journey in Yharnam.
About Gehrman, the First Hunter
Gehrman, the First Hunter, serves as the last boss in Bloodborne, representing the culmination of your struggles throughout the game. As an experienced hunter, Gehrman is equipped with formidable weapons and swift, aggressive combat tactics. Understanding his move set and patterns is crucial to defeating him.
Preparing for the Battle
Before facing Gehrman, it’s essential to ensure you are adequately prepared. Here are some tips to help you get ready:
1. Level Up
Ensure your character is at a high level, preferably above 70, to increase your chances of survival. Focus on boosting your health (Vitality) and stamina (Endurance), as well as your primary damage-dealing stats, such as Strength, Skill, or Arcane, depending on your build.
2. Equip the Right Gear
Choose armor that offers good physical and arcane resistance. While the defense is essential, prioritize gear that allows for mobility, as dodging Gehrman’s attacks is crucial. The Hunter set or the Crowfeather set are excellent choices.
3. Stock Up on Consumables
Make sure you have plenty of Blood Vials and Quicksilver Bullets. Blood Vials are necessary for healing, while Quicksilver Bullets are required for parrying Gehrman’s attacks. Additionally, bring along Fire Paper or Bolt Paper to enhance your weapon’s damage temporarily.
Gehrman’s Attack Patterns
Understanding Gehrman’s attack patterns is key to defeating him. His attacks are swift and can deal significant damage, so knowing when to dodge and counter-attack is crucial.
1. Phase One
In the first phase, Gehrman wields a scythe and uses a combination of sweeping and thrusting attacks. His moves are quick, and he often follows up with a second strike. Some notable attacks include:
- Lateral Sweep: Gehrman swings his scythe horizontally. Dodge to the side to avoid this attack.
- Vertical Slam: Gehrman jumps into the air and slams his scythe down. Dodge backward to evade this move.
- Quick Step Slash: Gehrman quickly dashes forward and slashes. Watch for his quick step and dodge to the side.
2. Phase Two
When Gehrman’s health drops to around 50%, he transitions into the second phase. In this phase, he becomes more aggressive and gains new attacks:
- Charged Slash: Gehrman charges his scythe and performs a powerful slash. This move has a wind-up animation, giving you time to dodge.
- Scythe Spin: Gehrman spins his scythe in a wide arc, hitting multiple times. Back away to avoid getting caught in the spin.
- Quickstep Combo: Gehrman dashes and performs a series of rapid slashes. Maintain your distance and be ready to dodge multiple times.
3. Phase Three
In the final phase, Gehrman becomes even more relentless, often chaining his attacks together. He also gains the ability to charge his scythe with energy, increasing its damage. Key attacks in this phase include:
- Energy Slash: Gehrman charges his scythe with energy and performs a powerful slash. This attack has a long wind-up, making it easier to dodge.
- Aerial Dive: Gehrman leaps into the air and dives toward you. Roll to the side at the last moment to evade this attack.
- Rapid Slashes: Gehrman performs a series of quick, consecutive slashes. Stay on your toes and dodge continuously to avoid getting hit.
Strategy to Defeat Gehrman
Now that you understand Gehrman’s attack patterns, here are some strategies to help you defeat him:
1. Stay Close and Personal
While it may seem counterintuitive, staying close to Gehrman can make it easier to dodge his attacks. Many of his moves have long wind-ups or follow predictable patterns, allowing you to react quickly. Stick close to his side or back and wait for openings to strike.
2. Utilize Parrying
Parrying is a crucial technique in Bloodborne, and it’s particularly effective against Gehrman. Use your firearm to interrupt his attacks and create opportunities for visceral attacks. Look for his charged and telegraphed moves, as these are the easiest to parry.
3. Manage Your Stamina
Gehrman’s relentless attacks can quickly deplete your stamina. Make sure to manage your stamina carefully, reserving enough to dodge and counter-attack. Don’t get greedy with your strikes; focus on a few well-timed hits and then retreat to recover.
4. Use the Environment
The battlefield where you fight Gehrman has various objects and structures. Use these to your advantage by positioning yourself behind them to block some of Gehrman’s attacks. This can provide a brief respite and allow you to heal or reposition.
Post-Defeat: The Moon Presence
After defeating Gehrman, you may encounter another formidable foe, the Moon Presence, depending on your actions throughout the game. If you consumed three Third Umbilical Cords before the final battle, the Moon Presence will appear, initiating the true final boss fight. Be prepared for another challenging battle and apply the same principles of patience, observation, and strategy.
Conclusion
Defeating the last boss in Bloodborne, Gehrman, the First Hunter, is a significant achievement that requires skill, strategy, and perseverance. By understanding his attack patterns, preparing adequately, and employing effective combat techniques, you can overcome this formidable foe and complete your journey in Yharnam. Remember, patience and practice are key, so don’t be discouraged by initial failures. Keep honing your skills, and victory will be within reach.