How to Beat Grave Warden Duelist in Murkwater Catacombs

Struggling with the Grave Warden Duelist in Murkwater Catacombs? Learn his attacks and the best strategies to defeat him in Elden Ring with this expert guide.

Alright, Tarnished! So you've made your way through the Murkwater Catacombs and now you're staring down the Grave Warden Duelist. Don't sweat it, this guy looks tough but we can totally handle him. He's chilling at the very end of the catacombs, which you'll find north of the Murkwater Cave site of grace, deep in that ravine.

Stats / Weaknesses:

• Weapon: Two Warhammers
• Damage Type: High stamina damage
• Key Weakness: Can be parried (Overhead Swing), vulnerable after certain big attacks (Double Hammer Slam).

Attacks to Watch Out For:

1. Stab and Drag: He'll stab with one hammer and drag it back. Pretty easy to block, and you can usually counter if he doesn't immediately follow up.
2. Grab: If you get too close, he'll grab you and deal massive damage. Try not to stand directly in front of him.
3. Ground and Pound: He slams his hammers into the ground up to four times. Best to just back off and let him finish this one. It usually comes after a three-hit combo.
4. Hammer Swing Combo: A series of up to four wide swings with one hammer. Keep your distance and wait for the end.
5. Dual Hammer Swing Combo: Similar to the single swing, but he uses both hammers, swinging side-to-side before a final double slam. Again, distance is your friend here, or you'll run out of stamina blocking.
6. Overhead Swing: He winds up for a big overhead smash. This one has a long wind-up, making it a prime candidate for a parry if you're feeling brave!
7. Double Hammer Slam: He leaps into the air and slams down with both hammers. This is a great opening! You can try for a backstab, or just get a couple of hits in while he recovers.
8. Braggart's Roar: Around the halfway point, he'll buff himself with an attack and defense boost, plus faster stamina recovery. You'll see a red glow around him.

Strategy:

• Summon Your Allies: Seriously, don't underestimate your Spirit Calling Bell. Summoning spirits, especially the Northern Mercenary Ashes, is a game-changer. They'll draw aggro and deal extra damage, giving you breathing room.
• Shield and Counter: If you're using a shield, blocking his attacks is a good start. But the real magic happens when you counter! Successfully blocking and then using a strong attack can stagger him. Three good counters can knock him down for a critical hit.
• Ranged Harassment: For most of his multi-hit combos, he stays pretty still. If you're a ranged build, this is your chance to chip away at his health from a safe distance.
• Patience is Key: This guy is aggressive, and it can feel like you never get a hit in. The best advice is to stay calm, watch his patterns, and wait for those openings, like after his Double Hammer Slam. Chip away at him, don't get greedy, and you'll take him down.