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

How to Beat Velstadt, the Royal Aegis

Defeat Velstadt, the Royal Aegis, in Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin. This guide details tactics for the Undead Crypt boss and his dark chime hammer.

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Boss: Velstadt, the Royal Aegis

Velstadt, the Royal Aegis, is a formidable boss found deep within the Undead Crypt. He guards the path to King Vendrick and presents a significant challenge with his heavy armor, massive chime hammer, and dark magic abilities. Defeating him requires patience, precise dodging, and an understanding of his attack patterns.

Location and Access

Velstadt is located at the very end of the Undead Crypt. To reach him, you must navigate through the crypt's various traps, including bell-ringing enemies that summon phantoms, and numerous Leydia Pyromancers and Witches. The nearest bonfire is the Undead Crypt Entrance bonfire, though the Undead Crypt - Undead Ditch bonfire offers a slightly closer run if you've activated the shortcut.

Preparation

  • Armor: Velstadt deals primarily physical and Dark damage. Equip armor with high physical and Dark defense. The Havel's Greatshield or Rebel's Greatshield (infused with Dark) can be very effective for blocking.
  • Weapons: Velstadt is vulnerable to Strike damage. Weapons like the Craftsman's Hammer, Mace, or Great Club are excellent choices. Infusing your weapon with Lightning or Fire can also provide a damage boost.
  • Spells/Miracles:
    • Magic Users: Velstadt has decent Magic resistance, but spells like Soul Spear or Great Heavy Soul Arrow can still be effective if you find openings.
    • Faith Users: Lightning Spear miracles are a good option. Consider using Sacred Oath for a damage buff.
    • Pyromancers: Great Combustion or Flame Swathe can deal significant damage up close.
  • Consumables: Bring plenty of Estus Flasks. Green Blossom can help with stamina recovery, and Brightbug can provide a temporary stat boost if you're struggling.
  • Summons: The NPC summon Grave Warden Agdayne can be found right before the boss fog gate. He is a valuable tank and can draw Velstadt's aggro, allowing you to get in free hits. Make sure you have spoken to him previously in the Undead Crypt to unlock his summon sign.

Boss Strategy

Velstadt has two distinct phases, with his second phase beginning once his health drops to approximately 60-70%.

Phase 1: The Royal Aegis

In this phase, Velstadt primarily uses his massive chime hammer for slow, powerful physical attacks. His attacks are well-telegraphed, making them predictable once you learn the timing.

  • Attack Patterns:
    • Overhead Slam: Velstadt raises his hammer high and brings it down. This is a slow attack; dodge to the side or roll forward to get behind him for a counter-attack.
    • Horizontal Swings: He performs wide, sweeping attacks. These have a long reach. Roll through them or away from him.
    • Charge Attack: Velstadt will sometimes charge forward with a powerful hammer swing. This can be difficult to dodge if you're directly in front of him. Try to roll to the side.
    • Backhand Swing: If you stay too close, he might perform a quick backhand swing. Be ready to block or dodge.
  • Strategy:
    • Stay Close: The safest place to be is often directly behind or to his side. This allows you to avoid most of his frontal attacks.
    • Dodge and Punish: Roll through his attacks and get 1-2 hits in before backing off. Don't get greedy.
    • Stamina Management: Velstadt's attacks drain a lot of stamina if blocked. Prioritize dodging to conserve stamina for your own attacks.
Phase 2: Dark Infusion

Once Velstadt's health is low enough, he will kneel and infuse his hammer with Dark magic, significantly increasing his damage and adding new Dark-based attacks. This is a critical moment; if you can get a few free hits in during his infusion animation, do so.

  • New Attack Patterns:
    • Dark Orb Projectile: Velstadt will cast a slow-moving Dark orb that tracks you. This can be dodged by rolling to the side.
    • Dark AoE Slam: His overhead slams now create a small Dark explosion upon impact. Roll away or to the side to avoid both the hammer and the AoE.
    • Dark Sweep: His horizontal swings will also have a Dark trail, increasing their hitbox and damage.
    • Dark Aura: He may emit a short-range Dark aura, dealing damage to anyone too close.
  • Strategy:
    • Increased Caution: His attacks are now much more dangerous. Prioritize dodging over blocking, especially the Dark-infused attacks.
    • Maintain Distance (briefly): For the Dark Orb, create some distance to give yourself more time to react and dodge.
    • Exploit Openings: The fundamental "dodge and punish" strategy remains, but the windows for attack are slightly smaller due to the added Dark effects.
    • Agdayne's Role: If Agdayne is still alive, he will continue to draw aggro, making this phase much more manageable. Use this opportunity to attack Velstadt's back.

Rewards

Upon defeating Velstadt, the Royal Aegis, you will receive:

  • Soul of Velstadt
  • 50,000 souls (NG)

The Soul of Velstadt can be traded with Straid of Olaphis for the Velstadt's Chime or the Sacred Chime Hammer. You can also proceed past his arena to find King Vendrick.