How to Beat Erdtree Burial Watchdog in Stormfoot Catacombs

Learn how to defeat the Erdtree Burial Watchdog in Elden Ring's Stormfoot Catacombs. This guide details its attacks and provides strategies for dodging and striking.

Stats / Weaknesses:

• The Erdtree Burial Watchdog is a mechanical boss, making some animations difficult to judge.
• It is considered one of the easier bosses in Elden Ring.

Phases:

1. The boss has a single phase but its attack patterns can vary slightly, with the Vertical Slash Combo appearing more frequently at lower HP.

Strategy:

• Pounce: The Watchdog leaps and slams its sword down. After it lands, quickly get in one attack before it jumps again.
• Pyro Spin: The boss breathes fire in a circle. Stand to its right, attack, and then sprint away in a circle as the fire approaches, getting in a few hits.
• Thrust: A quick forward thrust. This can be blocked, rolled away from, or jumped over. You can get a couple of hits in after it.
• Sword Spin: A quick 180-degree spin with its sword. Watch for the animation where it lowers its sword hand. Jump over or block if in melee range; roll backward if further away.
• Standing Chop: The Watchdog stands on its hind legs and chops down. This is easy to avoid by blocking or moving to the side. It's a good opportunity to heal.
• Swipe: A simple horizontal swipe. Roll towards the boss or block it.
• Sword Slam: A two-handed weapon slam that deals significant stamina damage if blocked. Avoid melee range when it prepares this attack.
• Tail Slam: Occurs if attacking from behind. Avoid attacking from behind for more than one hit to prevent this. It can be blocked with quick reflexes.
• Vertical Slash Combo: A three-hit combo (two slams, one thrust) that can track. Roll away from the boss to avoid it.
• General Tips: Most attacks can be blocked or rolled away from. The Pounce and Pyro Spin offer the best damage windows. Heal during the Standing Chop or when you have created sufficient distance. Be aware of its janky animations, which can make timing difficult.