Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin
Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin

How to Beat Freja, the Duke's Dear

Defeat Freja, the Duke's Dear, a massive two-headed spider in Dark Souls II. Exploit its weakness to fire damage and manage its attacks and adds.

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Boss: Freja, the Duke's Dear

The Duke's Dear Freja is a massive, two-headed spider found deep within Brightstone Cove Tseldora. This boss can be a significant challenge due to its wide-reaching attacks and the constant threat of smaller spiders. Patience and careful positioning are key to overcoming this arachnid horror.

Preparation

  • Equipment: Freja is highly susceptible to Fire damage. Consider bringing Pyromancies or weapons infused with Fire. The Flame Butterfly consumable can also be useful for quick bursts of fire.
  • Defense: Freja's attacks deal Standard and Magic damage. Equip armor with good Magic defense, such as the Hexer's Set or Black Witch Set if available. A shield with high Magic block can also be beneficial, though dodging is generally preferred.
  • Consumables: Bring plenty of Estus Flasks and Lifegems. Green Blossom can help with stamina regeneration, which is crucial for dodging and attacking.
  • Summons: Lucatiel of Mirrah can be summoned for this fight. Her summon sign is located near the Lower Brightstone Cove bonfire, after you've exhausted her dialogue in Aldia's Keep. She can be a valuable distraction, though she may struggle to survive the entire fight.

Walkthrough and Strategy

The arena for Freja is a large cavern with a central platform. The primary challenge, beyond Freja itself, is the constant stream of smaller spiders that will harass you throughout the fight. Dealing with these adds is paramount.

Phase 1: Dealing with the Adds
  1. Clear the Path: As soon as you enter the arena, you'll be swarmed by numerous smaller spiders. Prioritize eliminating these immediately. They are fragile but can quickly overwhelm you if ignored. Area-of-effect attacks or quick weapon swings are effective.
  2. Maintain Distance from Freja: While dealing with the adds, try to keep a moderate distance from Freja to avoid its initial attacks.
Phase 2: Engaging Freja

Freja has two heads, and only one is vulnerable at a time. You must attack the glowing head to deal damage. After taking enough damage, Freja will switch which head is vulnerable.

Freja's Attacks:
  • Leg Sweeps: Freja will sweep its legs across the ground. These have a wide arc. Roll *into* the attack to dodge effectively.
  • Head Slam: One of Freja's heads will slam down. This is a good opportunity for a few hits if you dodge it.
  • Web Spit: Freja can spit webs that slow your movement. Roll to avoid these.
  • Laser Beam (Magic): This is Freja's most dangerous attack. It will charge up a powerful magic beam from one of its heads. When you see a head glowing intensely, immediately sprint or roll to the side. This beam can one-shot unprepared players.
  • Acid Spray: Freja can spray acid, which deals damage over time and degrades equipment. Avoid standing in the puddles.
Combat Strategy:
  1. Target the Glowing Head: Always focus your attacks on the head that is glowing. This is its only vulnerable spot.
  2. Hit and Run: After Freja performs an attack, quickly move in, get a few hits on the vulnerable head, and then roll away to reposition and avoid its next move. Do not get greedy.
  3. Manage Adds: The smaller spiders will continuously respawn. Periodically clear them out to prevent them from becoming a nuisance. They are especially dangerous when you are trying to heal or focus on Freja.
  4. Dodge the Laser: The laser beam is telegraphed by a bright glow from one of its heads. As soon as you see this, sprint perpendicular to Freja or roll repeatedly to evade the beam.
  5. Exploit Fire Weakness: If you have Pyromancies or Fire-infused weapons, use them. They will significantly increase your damage output.
  6. Patience is Key: This is a battle of attrition. Don't rush, manage your stamina, and prioritize dodging and clearing adds.

Post-Fight

After defeating Freja, you will receive the Soul of the Duke's Dear Freja. interact with the primordial bonfire in the back of the arena to claim the Great Soul. Before leaving, look around the arena for any lingering items or secrets. In the Scholar of the First Sin edition, a path will open up leading to the Memory of a Dragon, where you can acquire the Dragon Aerie Key.