Before you post: I am trying to keep this thread spoiler free. Please do not reveal info regarding the alternate opening to the game or later events. If you wish to discuss this please create a new thread.
INTRO
Every person who plays Demon's Souls is familiar with it's seemingly insurmountable odds. Most of us get our first taste of this when we step through the massive fog door in "The Journey to the Nexus". One minute your killing your first Blue Eye Knight and feeling like a champ, the next your lying face down on the ground with your head smashed in by an ax bigger that you are. Some will say it's impossible to destroy to the goliath that is Vanguard, but it can be done. and it is definitely worth it. Her is you chance to turn skill into one of Demon's Souls most rewarding experiences.
~~Tutorial~~
Character Choice
Before I continue, I need to straighten out a common myth. It IS possible to survive a hit from Vanguard. It may be surprising to learn, but a Royalty starting class (yes, the Soul Level 1) with full health can survive a hit from Vanguard. You will need to heal immediately after the blow as you will only have 5HP remaining, but you will not die. I have yet to test this with other builds, but here are some more reason's to choose Royal.
Royalty
Start with Wizard armor set: Good balance of weight and protection.
Start with Fragrant Ring: Will aid greatly in 1-1.
Start with Soul Arrow: Deals insane damage to Vanguard
Start with Silver Catalyst and Silver Coronet: More than enough magic to take him down.
Start at Soul Level 1: Allows you to build a character better to your liking without wasting points.
For these reasons, I personally suggest using a royal as a starting character if you wish to take down Vanguard.
Pre-Battle Preparation
It is always a good idea to prep your inventory before a boss battle. On your way to the boss, only use Crescent-Moon Grass because you will not have much time to heal and Half-Moon Grass may be the difference between winning and loosing. Before you step through the door, make sure you only equip Half-Moon Grass. This will allow more room for concentration on dodging and attacking.
Boss Moves
Vanguard is a big dude with a wide range, but with careful observation you will be able to read every one of his attacks. Vanguard has 4 different attacks. Here is a list of them and how to dodge/avoid them.
Vertical/Overhead Smash
Vanguards very first attack. Very narrow attack range with devastating effects. If this hits you, you will die! Luckily, it is very easy to avoid and has a 3 second wind up.
Common Trigger: This is his longest ranged attack. He will use this if you get too far from him and occasionally at random.
Wind Up: Pulls his ax up past his head. As soon as you see this get out of the way.
How to Dodge: Roll left or right. Do not roll backwards because the impact sends out a shock wave directly in front of it. I am unsure if the shock wave can kill you instantly, but a direct hit is unsurvivable.
Horizontal Swipe
His most common attack. He will use this for over half of the battle. Very awkward to dodge and can be easily confused with his Fury Attack. It will drain most of your health if you chose the Royal, but shouldn't kill you.
Common Trigger: Medium range spacing. Most common attack.
Wind up: Pulls ax across his upper waist.
How to dodge: Very tricky, and timing is key. Just as he lets loose his swing, dodge roll into his attack, this is key. If done correctly, his ax will pass through you and nothing will hit you. If you roll in the same direction as his swipe the very end of the animation is very likely to hit you as you come out of the roll. Rolling backwards is another option, but will give you less time to attack him and could trigger his Vertical Smash.
Fury Attack
A rare attack, but will probably be the one that does you in. I can be survived with full health, but unfortunately it's his follow up after knocking you down.
Common Trigger: After being knocked down, and rarely at random.
Wind up: Nearly identical to the Horizontal Swipe, but much faster.
How to dodge: Rolling backwards is your best bet. It can be dodged in the same manner as the Horizontal Swipe, but is extremely difficult to time and not suggested. If you are on the ground as it comes at you, spam the O button and pray it doesn't hit you. If anyone can give a better alternative to avoiding this attack, please post it below.
Ground Pound
Close range, very small AoE (area of effect). If he tries to pull this, this is your time to show him how your soul arrow works. Note: This attack, however easy to avoid, will destroy you instantly.
Common Trigger Standing very close to Vanguard.
Wind up: He starts flapping his undersized wings and lifts himself up in the air. About 5-6 second prep.
How to dodge: Dodge roll backwards as soon as he starts flapping and you'll be fine. It has a small AoE that does tons of damage, but only goes out about 1 foot from his body.
How to Beat Him Down
The key to beating Vanguard is timing and careful attack management. It may take a while, but if done correctly, he'll be wishing you never came to Bolitaria.
There is a time to attack and a time to wait. I HIGHLY suggest using Soul Arrow as it does massive amounts of damage to him relative to other attacks. Note: Fire toss may do more damage, but I have yet to face Vanguard with a Mage starter. The only problem is that fire toss takes a bit of time to cast compared to Soul Arrow, but that may not be an issue.
Here is a list of times to bring the pain. I will list both magic and melee opportunities and attack amounts. Be very careful because Vanguard cannot be stunned and will attack you full force if you are casting/recovering.
Here is the format: Boss Attack - Times to cast soul arrow/Times to melee
Vertical/Overhead Smash - 1/Don't attack
Horizontal Swipe - 1/2
Fury Attack - No attacking, only defense
Ground Pound - 2 or 3/ 3 or 4 times after he lands
(These are just suggestions. Skill and timing can change these numbers)
Notes for Melee Attackers: Never get caught with 0 Stamina. Vanguard has a nasty habit of using his fury attack if he catches you trying to roll with no stamina.
Tips and Tricks to give you the Edge
- As soon as you start the battle, run straight into the middle of the room. Getting caught in the doorway is suicide.
- Try to direct Vanguards attacks into the 4 pillars in the room. Knocking them down will give you much more room to roll in. Don't worry about the rubble, it doesn't seem to have collision properties so it wont stop you.
- Always stay at 100% health. If you have a choice between healing and attacking, only choose attacking if it will be the killing blow.
- Don't rush the battle. Once you get confident of your dodging abilities its easy to get carried away with your damage dealing. The one time you try to get that extra hit will be the one time you misjudge the attack. Murphy's law: what can go wrong will go wrong.
- I have yet to see Vanguard flinch, so don't count on it happening.
"OMG! I WON, I WON! Now what?"
Enjoy your reward. Your hard battle was not fought in vain. Take your rewards and experience the epic opening that is rightfully yours. Congratulations!
~~Final Notes~~
Feel free to discuss the tutorial below. Comments and critique are gladly accepted. If you wish to contact me directly, my PSN ID is "Darkfox90" I usually get on every day, so i should respond quickly. Please do not just send me a friend request for no reason. If you feel I have missed something or that this tutorial was placed in the wrong area, please make a post below.
Thanks for viewing my first Demon's Soul tutorial!
"Irony is what separates humor from tragedy." - Aron Maguire
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