Vordt of the Boreal Valley is the first major boss encountered in Dark Souls III, serving as a significant test of a player's combat fundamentals. This imposing knight wields a massive great hammer and possesses a chilling frost aura that can inflict the Frostbite status effect, which rapidly depletes stamina and deals damage. Understanding his attack patterns is paramount to victory.

Phase 1 Strategy

During the first phase of the fight, Vordt is relatively slow but hits with immense force. His primary attacks involve wide, sweeping swings with his great hammer and occasional lunges. The most effective strategy is to stay close to his hind legs, specifically near his rear. From this position, most of his hammer attacks will pass harmlessly overhead. You can then land several hits before needing to reposition. It is crucial to be aware of his frost breath attack, which he unleashes by lowering his head and exhaling a cone of freezing mist. This attack has a moderate range, so maintaining a position directly behind him can mitigate this threat. Dodging to the side or away from the breath is advised if caught at a distance.

Phase 2 Strategy

Upon depleting Vordt's health to roughly 50%, he will enter his second phase. This transition is marked by a roar and an increase in his aggression and speed. Vordt will begin to charge frequently across the arena, often chaining these charges together. His frost breath attack also becomes more potent and covers a wider area. The core strategy of staying close to his hind legs remains viable, but it requires more precise timing and quicker reactions to dodge his rapid charges. When he charges, it is often best to dodge *towards* him and slightly to the side, aiming to end up behind him once the charge concludes. This allows for continued offensive pressure. be prepared to dodge multiple times in quick succession during this phase. Vordt is susceptible to Dark damage, making weapons or spells imbued with this element particularly effective.