Artorias the Abysswalker
Legendary Dark Souls Knight Returns
One of the most beloved FromSoftware bosses makes his Nightreign debut
Artorias the Abysswalker, the legendary knight from Dark Souls, returns in The Forsaken Hollows DLC wielding his iconic greatsword and commanding the power of the Abyss. One of the most beloved FromSoftware bosses makes his Nightreign debut with enhanced mechanics and devastating new attacks.
Boss Information
How to Find Artorias
Artorias appears in The Forsaken Hollows DLC as part of the Great Hollow exploration. To reach him:
- Own The Forsaken Hollows DLC
- Unlock access to The Great Hollow area
- Navigate to the Fissure in the Fog beneath the Spirit Shelter ruins
- Artorias guards a critical path in the DLC progression
Phase 1: The Abyssal Knight (100%-50% HP)
Core Mechanics
Artorias fights with incredible speed and aggression, utilizing wide-reaching greatsword combos and gap-closing abilities. His attacks punish slow animations and reward quick reflexes.
Signature Attacks
Abyssal Charge
A gap-closing leap that covers massive distance. Leaves lingering darkness damage on impact.
Counter: Dodge toward and past him at the last moment; rolling away extends the chase.
Dark Spiral
AoE attack that spirals outward from Artorias's position. Expanding radius catches players who dodge away.
Counter: Roll through the spiral toward Artorias, not away from him.
Spinning Slash
360-degree blade spin dealing damage in Artorias's immediate radius. Creates a brief opening after the spin completes.
Counter: Back away during the spin; rush in immediately after to attack.
Somersault Slam
Artorias leaps upward, performs a somersault, then slams down at your location. Can be performed twice in succession.
Counter: Watch for the upward leap; dodge at the apex of his jump; be ready for a potential second slam.
Lunge Thrust
Artorias crouches briefly, signaling an incoming dash thrust. High damage and tracking.
Counter: Recognize the crouch animation; prepare to dodge laterally.
Howl Telegraph
Before certain major attacks, Artorias howls. Signals an incoming powerful combo.
Counter: Prepare to block or create distance when you hear the howl.
Phase 1 Strategy
Weapon Choice
Bring quick weapons or bleed builds. Katanas, curved swords, and fast-hitting weapons excel here.
Positioning
Stay at medium-close range to bait predictable attacks. Never over-commit to long combo chains.
Timing
Learn attack rhythms. The spinning slash and somersault slam have specific telegraphs.
Phase 2: Rage Unleashed (50%-0% HP)
Power-Up Transition
At approximately 50% HP, Artorias enters his power-up animation. He crouches and channels dark energy, creating a large AOE explosion. This animation buffs his speed and strength dramatically.
Critical Window: Artorias is vulnerable during this power-up; punish hard before the Rage Phase fully activates.
Enhanced Mechanics
- Increased Speed: All attacks execute faster with reduced telegraphing
- Higher Aggression: Artorias chains combos more frequently with less recovery time
- Homing Projectiles: Dark energy summons projectiles that track your movements
- Dashing Sword Combo: New multi-hit dash combo with rapid slashes
Phase 2 Strategy
Defensive Play: Phase 2 demands more conservative play. Wait for clear openings rather than forcing damage.
Spirit Ashes: Summons with stagger potential can give you crucial breathing room. They distract Artorias long enough to heal or reposition.
Projectile Management: The dark projectiles are slower than they appear. Don't panic roll; wait for them to close distance, then dodge at the last moment.
Interrupt the Power-Up: If you're aggressive and skilled, you can deal massive damage during his power-up animation before Rage Phase fully activates.
Recommended Builds
Melee Builds
- Weapons: Katanas (Uchigatana, Nagakiba), Curved Swords, Rapiers
- Focus: Bleed buildup; Artorias is susceptible to hemorrhage
- Talismans: Green Turtle Talisman, Dragoncrest Shield Talisman
- Strategy: Hit-and-run tactics; one or two strikes per opening
Tank Builds
- Weapons: Medium shields with high stability; one-handed swords or spears
- Focus: Blocking his combos and counter-attacking during recovery
- Talismans: Greatshield Talisman, Dragoncrest Shield Talisman
- Strategy: Block initial hits; dodge final heavy strikes; counter immediately after
Magic Builds
- Spells: Fast-casting sorceries (Glintstone Pebble, Swift Glintstone Shard)
- Focus: Ranged chip damage during recovery animations
- Talismans: Magic Scorpion Charm, Graven-Mass Talisman
- Strategy: Maintain distance; punish after somersault slams and spinning slashes
Co-op Team
- 1 Agile DPS: Bleed build to pressure Artorias
- 1 Tank/Support: Draw aggro and create openings
- Scholar (Optional): Use Analyze to debuff Artorias
Essential Preparation
Consumables & Gear
- Darkness Resistance: Mottled Necklace, Stalwart Horn Charm
- Physical Defense: Dragoncrest Shield Talisman
- Stamina Regen: Green Turtle Talisman
- Crimson Tears: Maxed flasks
Relic Loadout
- Relics boosting dodge i-frames or roll distance
- Physical damage negation passives
- Attack power buffs for bleed weapons
Rewards
- ✓ Artorias's Greatsword
Legendary weapon with unique Abyssal Charge skill
- ✓ Abyss Walker Armor Set
Medium armor with excellent darkness resistance
- ✓ Remembrance of the Abysswalker
Can be exchanged for unique items
- ✓ Achievement/Trophy
"Knight of the Abyss Defeated"
Quick Tips
- Bring quick weapons; slow animations = death
- Roll through Dark Spiral, not away from it
- Punish hard during his power-up animation before Rage Phase
- Spirit Ashes with stagger help immensely
- His openings are narrow; patience wins
- The crouch signals a lunge thrust
- Howls warn of major attacks
- Projectiles in Phase 2 are slower than expected
- Bleed builds are extremely effective