Ending 2

Learn how to defeat Gehrman, the First Hunter, in Bloodborne to achieve Ending 2. Master his phases and attacks to secure the 'Honoring Wishes' ending and earn your rewards.

Alright, so you've made it to the end, and you're aiming for Ending 2, the 'Honoring Wishes' ending. This means you're going to face off against Gehrman, the First Hunter. Honestly, this fight is all about patience and timing. Don't get greedy, or he'll absolutely wreck you with his crazy combos. Your firearm is going to be your best friend here, letting you interrupt his attacks for crucial visceral attacks.

Phase 1

In the first phase, Gehrman is fast, but he won't dodge your attacks much. His scythe has a massive reach, and he can easily combo you to death or pull you in for a big jumping cleave. The key here is to backstep his attacks – usually twice, just to be safe – and wait for his Scythe Charge. This move has a really long wind-up. You absolutely have to wait until he pulls his scythe back almost to the ground before you shoot him. If you shoot too early, you'll just interrupt him without getting the stagger.

Keep your distance and watch out for his scythe's reach. When he starts the Scythe Charge, wait until the very last second to fire your firearm.

Phase 2

Once Gehrman drops below 75% health, he'll switch his scythe for a sword. This means a whole new set of attacks. The good news is his sword attacks don't track as well and have shorter range than his scythe. While he's easier to dodge, you still can't just rush him. He can still hit through your attacks for serious damage.

Instead, focus on baiting out his standard roll. He almost always follows up a roll with either a melee attack or a firearm shot. No matter which one he chooses, you can shoot him right as he finishes his roll for an easy stagger, leading into a visceral attack.

Keep your distance, dodge his firearm shots, and then stagger him after his roll for a visceral attack.

Phase 3

When Gehrman hits below 50% health, he'll start using his Advanced Quickening spell, making him invisible during his quicksteps. He can use either weapon in this phase, and you can stick to the same strategies, but you've got some new tricks to watch out for:

• Air Blade: He'll leap into the air with his scythe and hover for a moment before sending a horizontal wave of air across the arena. This always comes from his right. Your best bet to avoid it is to quickstep back and to the left a few times.
• Moonlight Wave: Gehrman will face the moon and start charging a massive area-of-effect attack that surrounds him. This leaves him vulnerable, but if you're too close when it explodes after about 5 seconds, you're toast. Wait until the attack is over and he's recovering, then get in a few hits.
• Stagger Shot: He'll transform his left-hand weapon into a sleeker version and fire a laser-like bullet instead of a scattershot. This will instantly stagger you, leaving you wide open for a visceral attack. Keep your distance so you have time to recover before he can close the gap.

Watch out for his Air Blade, which only happens in scythe mode. Also, avoid the Moonlight Wave charged attack, and only attack after it's finished.

Defeating Gehrman will net you 128,000 Blood Echoes and the Old Hunter Badge.