Knight Artorias Dark Souls Guide
Last update: 24 May 2016
Artorias is a very dangerous opponent. Its attacks are capable of inflicting lots of damage. Before you start the battle, you need to obtain as many healing as possible, and also a good armor.
Attacks and weaknesses
1) Jump attack - Artorias jump up, into the air, and tries to stab you with his sword. Right before the attack finishes, try to skip away from the blow.
2) Double spinning slash - Artorias performs a double spin with his sword up in the air. The best thing to do is skip away and, after the attack finishes, deal your blow.
3) AoE attack - at some point, Artorias kneels and starts loading an AoE attack. Get away then. The loading process takes some time so, if you have a good bow on you, you may be capable of firing 2-3 arrows at him.
4) A series of swings - the opponent will perform a series of sword attacks. You can block them with a good shield.
5) Heaving attack - Artorias heaves the sword over the ground, for a moment, and performs n attack from below. The best behavior here is a dodge.
Hints
1) Prepare healing elements - Artorias's blows deal a lot of damage. Prepare an Estrus Flask and start a bonfire to the highest level, before the battle.
2) Wear the right armor - to alleviate damage dealt by the opponent, wear a strong armor. If your character's statistics allow that, also wear the Havel Set.
3) Perform dodges - to the extent to which it is possible, try performing dodges, instead of shield blocks. If you feel that you have mastered dodges, you can equip a two-handed sword.
4) Prepare a good bow and arrows - at the moment at which Artorias is loading the AoE attack, you can deal additional damage with the bow. You will be capable of sending 2-3 arrows at a time.
Tactic
Before the fight, obtain a lot of healing elements. Artorias deals quite a lot of damage so, it is not worth taking the risk of running out of Estus Flasks halfway through the battle. To the extent it is possible, try to dodgem, instead of blocking with the shield. The best way to fight Artorias, is to circle around the arena and dodge right before he finishes his attack. Then, attack his back. At the moment at which you notice him kneeling, run away to gain your distance and fire the bow to deal additional damage. You should especially pay attention to the double spin slash. After you kill the enemy, you receive Artorias Soul.