Oliver Collins Strategy
Oliver Collins, the first true test of your mettle in the desolate city of Vein, presents a multi-phase encounter that demands careful observation and precise execution. His initial phase is characterized by swift, sweeping sword attacks and a powerful lunging thrust. Dodge *through* his swings rather than away from them, aiming to position yourself behind him for a few quick hits. His "Crimson Barrage" ability, where he unleashes a rapid series of slashes, can be interrupted by a well-timed Guard Break if you have sufficient stamina. Keep an eye on his posture; a successful parry will open him up for a devastating critical hit, significantly reducing his health pool. Remember to utilize your Blood Code's active skills, such as the "Shadow Rush" from the Stinger Blood Code, to quickly close the distance after dodging his more telegraphed attacks.
As Oliver's health drops below 50%, he will enter his second phase, becoming more aggressive and introducing new attacks. He gains a devastating overhead slam that creates a shockwave, requiring a well-timed jump or a quick dash backward. He also gains a fiery aura, enhancing his sword strikes with additional fire damage. This is where your defensive buffs become crucial. Equipping the "Flame Resistance" passive ability or consuming a "Flameproof Charm" can mitigate a significant portion of this extra damage. During this phase, prioritize creating openings by baiting his lunging attacks, then immediately counter with a charged heavy attack from your chosen weapon. If you're struggling with his increased aggression, consider using a "Stasis" spell to briefly slow him down, allowing you to reposition or land a few extra hits. Managing your ichor for these defensive and offensive skills is paramount; do not waste it on less impactful abilities.
A common mistake players make is to continuously attack during his aggressive flurries, leading to being staggered and taking massive damage. Instead, focus on surviving his combos and only attacking during the brief recovery windows. If you find yourself running low on healing items, such as "Regenerating Mistle," consider retreating to a safe distance to use a "Blood Pack" before re-engaging. His final attack in this phase, a charged explosion, has a clear wind-up animation; sprint away immediately to avoid its wide area of effect. Successfully defeating Oliver Collins will reward you with the "Collins' Blood Code," granting access to powerful new abilities.