In the Elden Ring expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, there are many challenging bosses whose fights will test your skills, patience, and resource management. However, defeating them rewards you with valuable experiences, skill upgrades in souls-like games, and various rewards such as equipment or resources that can be exchanged for weapons or armor.
Among the simpler bosses, which require less time, resources, and nerves to defeat, is Demi-Human Swordmaster Onze.
Demi-Human Swordmaster Onze Location
You can find the Demi-Human Swordmaster Onze at the bottom of Belurat Gaol. This boss is optional, so you may miss it if you do not thoroughly explore the area. The entrance to this zone can be found by heading to the lake east of Belurat Tower Settlement.
Along the way, you will encounter some obstacles and dangers. To reach the boss, look for the hanging clay pots and carefully descend the platforms, navigating through the hazardous terrain until you see the yellow mist-covered doors indicating the domain of Demi-Human Swordmaster Onze.
Battle with Demi-Human Swordmaster Onze
Swordmaster Onze, though small, has a very high speed of strikes and movement. Once you pass through the foggy gates, you will see the boss. He won't greet you with any extraordinary attacks, giving you a window to summon a spirit for assistance, although it is not necessary. The spirit can distract the boss.
Onze’s attacks are varied and dangerous. His main moves include a series of rapid strikes ending with an aerial attack, single jump attacks that can throw off your autofocus, and teleportation, which makes him difficult to track. The key to defeating him is to maintain pressure and stay close, minimizing his chances to teleport and initiate his more destructive sword strikes.
Onze's defense is relatively weak, making him vulnerable to prolonged attacks. With the help of your spirit ashes, you can interrupt his movements and break his stance, leading to a quick defeat. Defeating Onze rewards you with 80,000 runes and the Demi-Human Swordsman Yosh Spirit Ash.
Attacks of Demi-Human Swordmaster Onze
The boss has many different moves, and you need to be prepared for each of them.
Teleporting Magical Leap Strike: Onze jumps into the air, teleports to you, and delivers a glintstone-infused strike. To avoid this attack, roll left or right as soon as you catch the timing.
Regular Leap Attack: A standard attack where the boss jumps forward and strikes.
Magical Grab: The boss can perform a magical grab with a shimmering effect. When you see him preparing for this attack, roll to the side.
Spinning Slash: Onze performs a double spinning slash. Block, parry, or dodge to avoid the attack.
Frost Sphere: Onze charges his sword and performs a piercing strike forward, creating an AoE freeze. Roll back to avoid the attack.
Magical Sword Combo: The boss executes a fast series of strikes with potential follow-up leaps and spinning attacks.
Slash Combo: Watch for the boss's attacks; he will perform ascending strikes that are best avoided by rolling backward.
Counterattack: Sometimes, if you deal enough damage or attacks to the boss, he may counterattack with a double strike.
Overhead Combo: Onze starts a series of overhead strikes followed by a leap. Dodge the strikes with rolls or retreat backward, then to the side.
Piercing Strike: Another attack in the boss’s moveset is the piercing strike, after which Onze takes a step and transitions into the next combo.
Strategy for Fighting Demi-Human Swordmaster Onze
Onze’s speed and agility make him a formidable opponent, especially for those using heavy gear that slows down the hero, without the aid of spirits. The primary strategy is to knock the boss down with constant attacks and dodge his frequent counterattacks. You can use the brief window to land a few hits on the boss by timing your moves and dodging teleportation attacks.
One annoying move of the boss is his tendency to jump back after performing a combo. Ranged attacks are ineffective as the boss can dodge and block them. However, mages can summon agile allies like Black Knife Tiche to unbalance Onze and then cast spells on the enemy. In such a situation, summoning spirits will be an important step to make the boss more vulnerable.
Be cautious when summoning allies and using flasks, as Onze’s agility makes it difficult to maintain distance. The best opportunities for these actions arise at the end of his combos when he jumps back. Keep patience and calm, and time your actions correctly to avoid getting caught in a series of enemy strikes.
General Tips for the Battle with Demi-Human Swordmaster Onze
Onze’s quick, varied attacks and teleportation make it difficult to keep your distance, so be prepared to constantly dodge his swift moves. Blocking and parrying can be effective, but be mindful of the frost buildup effect. The best strategy against Onze is to knock him down, allowing you to deal more damage, especially if your weapon causes bleeding.
Onze’s long combos require precise reactions and timing. By memorizing his attacks and timely using summons, you can more easily defeat the boss. Break the enemy's stance, anticipate counterattacks, and strike at the end of the enemy's combos.
In conclusion, the battle with Demi-Human Swordmaster Onze in the Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree expansion is a tense moment at times but not as difficult as most other boss fights, especially since he has only one phase.
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