Enter the Gungeon
Enter the Gungeon

Bullet King

Master the Bullet King in Enter the Gungeon. Learn his attack patterns and use Gungeoneering principles to defeat this first boss of the Keep of the Lead Lord.

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Bullet King

The Bullet King serves as the first major hurdle for Gungeoneers, often encountered as the boss of the Keep of the Lead Lord (Chamber 1). While he may seem imposing with his regal attire and loyal subjects, understanding his patterns and employing sound Gungeoneering principles will make him a manageable foe. Defeating him is crucial for progressing deeper into the Gungeon and proving your mettle.

Bullet King - Enter the Gungeon screenshot
The Bullet King, flanked by his loyal Bullet Kin.

General Strategy & Positioning

The Bullet King fight emphasizes mobility and target prioritization. The arena is typically a large, open space with some pillars or destructible objects. Use these for temporary cover, but don't rely on them too heavily as they can be destroyed or offer limited protection against his wide-ranging attacks.

  • Maintain Distance: While not strictly a long-range fight, keeping a moderate distance allows you more time to react to his bullet patterns.
  • Constant Movement: Never stand still. Continuous strafing and circling the arena will make you a harder target.
  • Prioritize Threats: The Bullet King himself is the primary target, but his summoned Bullet Kin can quickly overwhelm you if ignored.
  • Blank Usage: Don't be afraid to use Blanks! They are invaluable for clearing the screen of bullets during intense phases or when you're cornered. You typically start with two, and more can be found or purchased.
  • Weapon Choice: Any reliable weapon with decent damage output will work. Weapons with good crowd control or piercing capabilities (like the Shotgun or Crossbow) can be excellent for clearing his Bullet Kin shield.

Bullet King's Attacks & Counter-Strategies

1. Targeted Shot (Single Bullet)

The Bullet King will occasionally fire a single, relatively fast bullet directly at your current position. This is his simplest attack.

  • Description: A single, orange bullet fired straight at you.
  • Counter-Strategy: This is easily dodged with a simple sidestep or a short dodge roll to either side. Anticipate it and move perpendicular to his line of fire.
  • Common Pitfall: Getting complacent and trying to tank it, or rolling into another bullet pattern.

2. Spread Shot (Arc of Bullets)

This is one of his most common attacks, where he fires a fan of bullets in an arc.

  • Description: The Bullet King pauses briefly, then fires a wide arc of 5-7 bullets that spread out as they travel.
  • Counter-Strategy:
    • Find the Gaps: The bullets in this spread have small gaps between them. Try to weave through these gaps without dodge rolling if possible, saving your roll for more desperate situations.
    • Dodge Roll Through: If a gap isn't clear or you're too close, a well-timed dodge roll through the spread will grant you invincibility frames (i-frames), allowing you to pass through unharmed. Roll towards the Bullet King to close distance or away to create space, depending on your current positioning.
  • Common Pitfall: Rolling too early or too late, or rolling into the path of another bullet.

3. Bullet Kin Shield Summon

Periodically, the Bullet King will summon 2-4 standard Bullet Kin to protect him, forming a shield around himself.

  • Description: The Bullet King will stop attacking and glow briefly as 2-4 regular Bullet Kin appear around him, acting as a living shield. These Bullet Kin will fire their standard single-shot attacks.
  • Counter-Strategy:
    • Prioritize the Kin: Your absolute priority during this phase is to eliminate the Bullet Kin. They are a significant threat, not just because they block your shots to the King, but because their combined fire can quickly chip away at your health.
    • Weapon Choice: Weapons with a wide spread (like the starting Rogue Special or Shotgun), piercing rounds (Crossbow), or high fire rate are excellent for clearing the shield quickly.
    • Focus Fire: Target one Bullet Kin at a time to remove it from the fight as fast as possible.
    • Movement: Continue moving to avoid their individual shots while you focus fire.
    • Blanks: If you're overwhelmed or low on health, a Blank can instantly clear all active Bullet Kin, giving you a crucial reprieve.
  • Common Pitfall: Ignoring the Bullet Kin and trying to shoot through them, or getting hit by their combined fire.

4. Crown Attack (Radial Burst)

This is his most dangerous attack, typically used when he's at lower health or after a Bullet Kin shield phase.

  • Description: The Bullet King will raise his crown, which will glow intensely. After a brief charge-up, he unleashes a large, dense radial burst of bullets that spread outwards in all directions. This attack covers a significant portion of the arena.
  • Counter-Strategy:
    • Create Distance: As soon as you see him raise his crown, immediately try to put as much distance between yourself and the Bullet King as possible. The further away you are, the more space there will be between the bullets, making it easier to navigate.
    • Find Gaps & Weave: Look for the widest gaps in the bullet pattern. With enough distance, you can often weave through these gaps without needing to dodge roll.
    • Dodge Roll Through: If you're too close or a gap isn't clear, a perfectly timed dodge roll through a section of the pattern is your best bet. Aim to roll through the thinnest part of the bullet wall.
    • Blank It: This is an ideal situation to use a Blank if you have one. A Blank will instantly clear all bullets on screen, nullifying the entire attack and giving you a moment to reposition.
  • Common Pitfall: Being too close when he initiates the attack, or panicking and rolling into bullets.

Recommended Loadout & Synergies

While the Bullet King is beatable with the starting pistol, certain weapons and items can make the fight significantly easier.

  • High Damage/Burst Weapons: Weapons like the Shotgun, Crossbow, or any higher-tier pistol (e.g., Glock, Machine Pistol) can quickly dispatch Bullet Kin and deal consistent damage to the King.
  • Piercing Weapons: The Crossbow is exceptional for clearing the Bullet Kin shield as its bolts pierce through multiple enemies.
  • Blanks: Always save at least one Blank for the Bullet King's Crown Attack or if you get cornered during a Bullet Kin summon.
  • Active Items: Any active item that grants temporary invincibility (e.g., Amulet of the Pit Lord, Briefcase of the Cultist) or clears bullets (e.g., Bomb) can be a lifesaver.
  • Passives: Movement speed upgrades (e.g., Boots of Speed) are always beneficial for dodging. Damage upgrades (e.g., Bullet Kin's Eye, Alpha/Omega Bullets) will shorten the fight.

Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

  • Getting Overwhelmed by Bullet Kin: This is the most common cause of early deaths. Prioritize them! Don't let them build up.
  • Panicking During Crown Attack: Resist the urge to spam dodge roll. Try to find gaps first, and use a Blank if necessary.
  • Running Out of Ammo: While the Bullet King isn't a huge bullet sponge, ensure you have enough ammo for your primary weapon. Don't be afraid to switch to your starting pistol if your main weapon runs dry.
  • Ignoring Blanks: Many new players hoard Blanks. Use them! They are a resource designed to save you from taking damage, which is far more valuable than holding onto them.

By understanding his attack patterns, prioritizing threats, and utilizing your resources wisely, the Bullet King will soon be just another stepping stone on your journey to the bottom of the Gungeon.