Who is Champion Gundyr and His Role in Dark Souls III?
Champion Gundyr: Role and Lore in Dark Souls III
Champion Gundyr used to be a champion, tasked with linking the fire. However, he ultimately arrived too late at the shrine, finding the place darkened and with the fire keeper dead. After being defeated by an unknown warrior (presumably you), he became a judge (iudex) to serve as a test for those that seek the flame. In short, he failed to link the fire and after you defeat him in the past (Champion Gundyr), he becomes Iudex Gundyr.
Champion Gundyr, also known as the Belated Champion, is an optional boss in Dark Souls III. He fights aggressively with a large moveset, enhanced attacks, and the ability to perform counter-combos. His second phase is marked by intense aggression and complex combos, making him a formidable challenge for players.
He was an Ashen One who came to Firelink Shrine but found a flameless Shrine and a dead Fire Keeper. Consequently, he became the Judge of Ash to test Ashen Ones before they access Firelink Shrine, as a task given by the Gods. He was even granted his Halberd by these same Gods in order to test the Ashen Ones.
Meanwhile, Iudex Gundyr is a heavily weakened version of Champion Gundyr, who still serves as a Judge and as a sheath for the Coiled Sword, which can be used to access the Kingdom of Lothric. This role as a Tutorial Boss fits perfectly into the lore.
Gundyr’s story is tragic; he was charged with the duty of linking the First Flame but found himself restrained by a chain that blocked him in his path. This led him to fall into an abyss and become lost in the folds of time. After his defeat, he transformed into an indestructible golem, serving as a test for those attempting to link the First Flame.
Over time, a literal arena complete with stands was constructed around his remains, where Iudex Gundyr would judge aspiring Lords, testing their strength and worthiness. The story of Gundyr’s failure became legendary among the local population of Lothric, creating a stain on the realm’s reputation. It is theorized that he may have been an ancient king of Lothric or served as their champion, with the arena’s proximity to Firelink Shrine playing a significant role in the tradition of Firelinking.
Gundyr is considered Lothric’s founder, embodying the stuff of legends. He possessed the soul of an iniquitous spirit, corrupted by the Abyss, and spent an eternity testing new unkindled heroes to determine if they have the strength and worthiness to link the First Flame.
What Are the Weaknesses and Strategies to Defeat Champion Gundyr?
Champion Gundyr Weaknesses:
- Weak to the following damage types: Strike Damage, Lightning, Frost, and Bleed.
- Becomes increasingly difficult after reaching his second phase, where his attacks become more aggressive.
- Resistant to Slash Damage, Poison, and Toxic. However, using Dorhy’s Gnawing can still be effective against him, despite his resistance to bleed.
Strategies to Defeat Champion Gundyr:
- Preparation: Equip the right gear and level your character effectively. Prioritize items that enhance your defense and agility.
- Consider using the Exile armor set for excellent poise without sacrificing mobility, which is essential for dodging his attacks.
- Timing and Strategic Planning: Success depends on precise timing and strategic planning—traits that must be honed through practice.
- Focus on increasing your vitality for better endurance during long dodges. Familiarize yourself with his attack patterns and maintain distance to observe his movements.
- Melee Strategy: In Phase 1, keep your shield up and circle to your right, only attacking once after a successful dodge or block.
- In Phase 2, anticipate aggressive attack patterns, including AoE knockback. Dodge to the right at the last second or dodge forward into him.
- Magic and Pyromancy Builds: Instead of staying at a distance, adopt a face-to-face approach. Roll behind him and cast fast firing spells during his longer recovery moves.
- Cheesing Strategy: Bait him back to the fog gate area. Use the tombstone wall for cover to hit him with attacks like Pestilent Mist or Poison Mist without direct engagement.
- Parrying: This is an efficient way to deal with him. Kiting him at medium range can help in parrying his halberd’s head, avoiding his more damaging attacks.
- In the first phase, maintain distance and use spells during his heavy recovery moves. Lightning/Sunlight Spears can deal considerable damage but require careful timing to avoid taking damage yourself.
Is Champion Gundyr an Optional Boss or Required for Game Completion?
Champion Gundyr is one of the few optional bosses in Dark Souls 3. He is found in a secret optional area known as the Untended Graves.
This fight is not required for game completion. Specifically, Champion Gundyr kneels inside a circle of candles, guarding the entrance to the dark Firelink Shrine. To obtain the Eyes of a Fire Keeper for the End of Fire Ending, he must be defeated.
As a large knight, Champion Gundyr has good physical defense but takes high damage from all forms of magic. Additionally, bleed damage is highly effective against him. Notably, he utilizes the same moveset as Iudex Gundyr, with the addition of new attacks.
Overall, understanding Champion Gundyr signifies that he is not just another obstacle; rather, he is a significant test of skill, patience, and strategy.
