Rykard 2nd Phase

[Mackenzie]

I just finished beating this boss for the first time and while that's all good and well, it feels like the game forced me out of using my 2H melee-only playstyle I've been sticking to and to instead, use the gimmick weapon for the 2nd phase. The first phase is easy enough to 2H, sometimes I even no-hit it. The second phase the boss never seems to not have a pool of lava, preventing the whole not getting hit thing (which is my ultimate goal in a fight) so it seems like the 2H isn't an option for that scenario.

My question, however, is during the 2nd phase - how players are supposed to beat it with no or minimal damage if they only use their 2H weapon that is not the gimmick slicer?

[Dollmaker]

I heard that having tons of poise to not get staggered as easily and fire resist make it possible

[Mackenzie]

Originally posted by Dollmaker:

I heard that having tons of poise to not get staggered as easily and fire resist make it possible

Oh I'm absolutely positive that it's possible, if you're tanking lava damage and good at anticipating his attacks... but what about no-hitting it?

[Star Taker]

upgrade the spear, use mimic and run away while hes doing the skull thing
i killed him in ng+ without him even starting that thing, i had my spear at +9

[Dollmaker]

Originally posted by Mackenzie:

Originally posted by Dollmaker:

I heard that having tons of poise to not get staggered as easily and fire resist make it possible

Oh I'm absolutely positive that it's possible, if you're tanking lava damage and good at anticipating his attacks... but what about no-hitting it?

Oh that? yeah dont think its possible has melee

[Mackenzie]

Originally posted by Oreo Boy:

upgrade the spear, use mimic and run away while hes doing the skull thing

The boss itself is quite easy once you learn the moveset, I'm not asking how to beat it or cheese it. Upgrading the spear is completely unnecessary. I'll say it again, I'm doing a 2H curved greatsword only run, no summons, no magic no fancy shenanigans. The game seems to make that nigh impossible to no hit the 2nd phase under these conditions, which is what I created this thread for - to see if there's something I'm missing or could improve at.

Originally posted by Dollmaker:

Oh that? yeah dont think its possible has melee

Really? No one's done it or found a way? Hmm... This surprises me. I've heard people have club only'd every boss at level 1 and such by now. But yeah, that's the goal is to 'git gud' enough at it to get a flawless victory with whatever playstyle or weapon restriction choices are present. I appreciate the response.

[Dollmaker]

Originally posted by Mackenzie:

Originally posted by Oreo Boy:

upgrade the spear, use mimic and run away while hes doing the skull thing

The boss itself is quite easy once you learn the moveset, I'm not asking how to beat it or cheese it. Upgrading the spear is completely unnecessary. I'll say it again, I'm doing a 2H curved greatsword only run, no summons, no magic no fancy shenanigans. The game seems to make that nigh impossible to no hit the 2nd phase under these conditions, which is what I created this thread for - to see if there's something I'm missing or could improve at.

Originally posted by Dollmaker:

Oh that? yeah dont think its possible has melee

Really? No one's done it or found a way? Hmm... This surprises me. I've heard people have club only'd every boss at level 1 and such by now. But yeah, that's the goal is to 'git gud' enough at it to get a flawless victory with whatever playstyle or weapon restriction choices are present. I appreciate the response.

You sure it was all bosses and not just main bosses?

Cause Rykard is an optional boss.

[Mackenzie]

Not really sure, I didn't look into it. Trying to avoid any sort of video or guide, these were just things I've heard amongst my friends. It's quite possible that's what it is.

Really? He's optional? I'm still quite new to the game and don't really understand everything that's happening yet. I was under the assumption that any of the great rune dropping bosses were mandatory. I see. Cheers for the info. Does that mean this volcano manor level is optional as well?

[Sparhawk 59]

Its a gimmick boss like Yhorm

[Dollmaker]

Originally posted by Mackenzie:

Not really sure, I didn't look into it. Trying to avoid any sort of video or guide, these were just things I've heard amongst my friends. It's quite possible that's what it is.

Really? He's optional? I'm still quite new to the game and don't really understand everything that's happening yet. I was under the assumption that any of the great rune dropping bosses were mandatory. I see. Cheers for the info. Does that mean this volcano manor level is optional as well?

Yeah, all of Mount Gelmir is optional stuff.

Only mandatory stuff is killing at least two shardbearers, Leynel Capital, Fire Giant, Maliketh, and Ashen Capital

[Mackenzie]

Right. That makes sense. This is good information, thank you. Still going to thoroughly comb through each region the best I can for now, since it's my first time playing it after all.