Royal Wood

A comprehensive guide to navigating the Royal Wood in Dark Souls Remastered, including strategies for the Sanctuary Guardian boss fight and essential tips for progression.

First things first, head to Andre in Undead Parish. You want to wear the Sage's Robes and upgrade the Balder Shield to +7 or as high as possible if you can. Make your way down to where we rescued Dusk in Darkroot Basin. It is by the Hydra monster and around the back. If you have rescued Dusk, there should now be a black hole that you can interact with to take you to the DLC. Rest at the Bonfire. However, the first thing in this DLC is a boss.

Stats / Weaknesses:

• The tail can be cut, removing the poison threat and making the boss easier.
• The boss is fast and has few stationary openings.
• The arena has water that can amplify lightning attacks.

Phases:

1. Initial Phase: The boss uses a mix of melee, tail swipes, shockwaves, and lightning attacks. The tail is intact and can poison.
2. Tail Cut: After cutting the tail, the boss loses its poison ability and becomes slightly easier to damage.

Strategy:

• Preparation: Wear Sage's Robes and upgrade the Balder Shield to +7 or higher. Head to the black hole in Darkroot Basin (near the Hydra) after rescuing Dusk to access the DLC.
• Arena Hazards: Be aware that lightning attacks hitting the water can create lingering damaging pools.
• Dodging: The boss is very fast. Dodge its combos, headbutt (roll to the side), jumping attack (block or roll), mule kick (don't stay behind it), and flying divebomb (roll into the jump).
• Tail Cut: This is a priority. Abuse the divebomb attack by rolling into it to create an opening to hit the tail. This is difficult due to the boss's speed and the tail's height.
• Post-Tail Cut: The fight becomes faster. Focus on strafing to the side during its melee combos to get hits in. Be patient, as damage windows are tight.
• Weapon Choice: While the Halberd can work, consider a weapon like a Fire Claymore for easier hits.
• Patience: This boss fight can be a slog, especially if prioritizing the tail cut. Stay patient and persistent.

For defeating it, you will get the Guardian Soul and a Humanity. If you cut off the tail, you will get the Guardian Tail. Continue onward and rest at the Bonfire at Oolacile Sanctuary. Hiding behind a large stone to the right of the Bonfire is a Humanity. Be human and kindle if you wish. Level up to Level 81 and have 13 Dexterity. To the left is a talking mushroom.