Boss Fight Phases:
Phase 1 - The First Encounter:
Gladius will start the fight with a combination of Elden Ring Items fire-breathing and sword whip attacks. He will focus on targeting a single Nightfarer, and players must dodge or block his attacks while looking for openings to counterattack.
His multi-bite lunges and whip attacks are his primary methods of attack in this phase.
Phase 2 - The Split (Red Glow Phase):
As Gladius nears half health or after a specific time, he will glow red, signaling that he’s about to split into three wolves.
Timing and positioning are key during this phase, as the three wolves will not immediately attack. This is your chance to heal, revive teammates, or use items without immediate danger.
Duchess’s Ultimate ability, Restage, can be used to avoid aggro while dealing damage from a distance.
Phase 3 - The Three Wolves:
Once split, the three wolves are fast, agile, and difficult to hit. They will work together to overwhelm your team, so stay mobile and use jump attacks or quick combos to get hits in.
It can be hard to keep track of all three wolves, so communication and teamwork are essential.
Tips for Fighting Gladius:
Let the Tanks Handle Aggro: Assign Wylder or Guardian to tank Gladius, as they have the best defenses and can absorb his powerful attacks. This allows the Duchess and Recluse to attack from a distance without being overwhelmed.
Dodge and Stay Mobile: Gladius has a lot of AoE attacks, especially when using his flaming sword strike and fire breath. Staying mobile and dodging at the right time is crucial to avoiding damage.
Avoid Grouping Up: While Gladius is strong, his individual wolves are still dangerous. If you’re in the split phase, try to spread out to avoid being overwhelmed by multiple wolves focusing on the same player.
Utilize Safe Windows: When Gladius splits into three, there is a brief window of time where the wolves don’t immediately attack. Use this time to heal, revitalize, or re-equip your items.
Conclusion:
Gladius, Beast of Night, is a dynamic and powerful boss that tests both your individual combat skills and your teamwork with your Nightfarer party. Mastering his attack patterns, understanding the timing for when he splits into three, and managing aggro are all key to overcoming him. This fight requires both strategy and precision, but with the right preparation, you can defeat this fiery Nightlord and Elden Ring Runes continue your expedition in Elden Ring Nightreign.