Horace the Hushed

Learn how to find and defeat Horace the Hushed in Dark Souls III. This guide covers his location, drops, and the strategy needed to overcome this challenging foe.

Alright, so you've made your way to Smouldering Lake. It's a pretty wild area, right? Once you're in, look for a side tunnel off to the right of the lake's main entrance. That's where you'll find Horace. Unfortunately, he's gone a bit mad, and you'll have to put him down.

Stats / Weaknesses:

• Horace is a hollowed NPC, meaning he's essentially a tougher enemy encounter.
• He's generally weak to Frostbite and Bleed.
• He's resistant to Dark and Lightning damage.

Phases:

1. Phase 1: Horace fights using a combination of his shield and sword, along with some pyromancies. He's fairly aggressive and will try to close the distance.
2. Phase 2: If you manage to survive his initial onslaught, he might start using more powerful pyromancies, like Fire Orb or Great Combustion. His melee attacks remain dangerous.

Strategy:

• When you enter the tunnel, he'll likely be waiting. Keep your distance initially and observe his attack patterns.
• His sword swings are predictable, and his shield can block a lot, so look for openings after his combos.
• If he starts casting pyromancies, dodge sideways or backwards to avoid the flames. The Great Combustion is a close-range burst, so be ready to roll away if he gets too close while casting it.
• Try to bait out his attacks and punish him during his recovery animations. Don't get greedy; land a hit or two and back off.
• Using a weapon that applies Frostbite or Bleed can really help wear him down faster.
• If you're struggling, consider summoning help if you have any available phantoms nearby, though this is an NPC encounter, so it's unlikely.

• Upon defeating Horace, you'll receive 2,000 Souls.
• He also drops the Llewellyn Shield, which is a pretty decent medium shield.