Smelter Demon | How to defeat a boss Dark Souls II Guide
Last update: 11 May 2016
Smelter Demon is an optional boss guarding the passage to one of the bonfires in Iron Keep. He is considered one of the most difficult bosses in the game so it's advisable to ask other players for help or go back to fight him later, when our hero is stronger.
It is quite a large opponent and the arena is small. He moves rather slowly, but his attacks are fast and his weapon has a large range. Additionally, Smelter Demon is highly immune to fire, so fire based attacks and pyromancy will not be very useful here.
Attacks:
- Single Horizontal Slash - One horizontal attack either from the left or from the right side.
- Double Horizontal Slash - The enemy performs two powerful slashes, first from left to right and then from right to left.
- Stabbing Lunge - Very quick attack with a large range. Can throw the hero off balance.
- Jumping Plunge - The demon performs a high jump and then slashes falling down. If the player is close to him during landing, a strong explosion will occur.
- Vertical Cleave - The opponent grabs his weapon with both hands, lifts it above his head and attacks. If his sword is on fire, a wave of flames will be sent additionally.
- Horizontal then Vertical Cleave - sword attack from right to left and then vertical slash.
Strategy:
Start with preparing yourself to the battle well. Get some equipment with high resistance to fire (Flame Quartz Ring, Hexer's Set). You can also use items like for example Small Orange Burr, or spells (Flash Sweat, Magic Barrier).
Smelter Demon has a lot of armor, so magic classes will have it easier here. The arena is small and the range of his attacks is quite large, so you have to be on the move all the time. If you're fighting on distance, try to stick to his flanks. Avoid his attacks and perform yours only during the short brake after one of his strong skills, like for example Jumping Plunge. You should be able to defeat him quite quickly by using spells or miracles. If you're using a bow, prepare magic arrows, as they deal the most damage in this fight.
This fight may be a bit more difficult for melee players. His attacks are very powerful and difficult to dodge. Always try to roll leftwards. By doing so, you have more chance of dodging an attack. If you have to block his attacks, equip a medium shield at least, preferably a greatshield. Perform your attacks immediately after his and try to stick to his flanks to get a few seconds for dodging or blocking. The only exception is Jumping Plunge. After landing, the opponent will take a short brake. It may look like a perfect moment to strike, but don't do that. Run away from the Demon as far as you can, because when you come near him after the landing, you will be hit by a strong explosion. It may even kill a hero with full health.
The last thing worth mentioning are his special "reinforcements" during the fight. He performs them two times, depending on the damage taken. During the first reinforcement, the enemy starts to roar and enhances his fire, which adds a little AoE damage. During the second one, he stabs himself in the torso setting his sword on fire, which greatly increases the damage of it. All damage dealt by the player when the boss is changing his stance are reduced by half.
Rewards:
- 32,000 souls/64,000 souls (NG+)
- Smelter Demon Soul