Watchdog of the Old Lords

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page revision: 39, last edited: 08 April 2021

Basic Information

Location														Required
Root Dungeon Base Level	2000	1696	100	120	100	100	160	9939	160	999	999	X	-	No
Root Dungeon Base Level \| Roaming	550	519	100	100	100	100	160	9939	160	999	999	X	-	No
For enemies that also appear (or exclusively appear) in dungeons, their stats will be shown at the base level, because their exact stats at any given point are calculated from these base values.
Pthumerian Labyrinth L3	3793	2612	112	134	112	112	179	11097	179	999	999	X	-	No
Cursed Pthumerian Defilement L2	23964	94881	157	188	157	157	250	15560	250	999	999	X	-	No

Discovery	Drop	Multipliers		Bonuses
No effect	Pthumerian Labyrinth L3; Central Pthumeru Chalice [100%]; + 0 Insight for encounter;+ 2 Insight for defeating the boss.	HP multiplier	1	Is beast	Yes
No effect	Cursed Pthumerian Defilement L2; Cursed and Defiled Root Chalice [100%]; + 0 Insight for encounter;+ 2 Insight for defeating the boss.	Arcane DMG multiplier	1	Is kin	No
Base	boss & roaming \| Random fire gem based on area x1 [100%]	Fire DMG multiplier	0.85	Is weak to serrated	Yes
439 discovery, no curse	boss & roaming \| Random fire gem based on area x1 [100%]	Bolt DMG multiplier	1	Is weak to righteous	No
110 discovery, curse	boss & roaming \| Random fire gem based on area x1 [100%]
439 discovery, curse	boss & roaming \| Random fire gem based on area x1 [100%]

Drop rate with Terrible curse (more information about it on Save-editing Chalice Dungeons wiki page) and 439 discovery is for boss & roaming Random fire gem based on area x1 [100%].

All information (HP, Echoes, Defences, Multipliers & Bonuses) was datamined directly from game files and can be accessed via archived spreadsheet. Updated on January 11th, 2020.

Root Chalice Dungeons (pools), can appear as a boss in: Pthumeru Root Chalice, Central Pthumeru Root Chalice, Lower Pthumeru Root Chalice, Sinister Lower Pthumeru Root Chalice, Cursed and Defiled Root Chalice, Pthumeru Ihyll Root Chalice, Sinister Pthumeru Ihyll Root Chalice, Hintertomb Root Chalice, Lower Hintertomb Root Chalice, Sinister Hintertomb Root Chalice, Ailing Loran Root Chalice, Lower Ailing Loran Root Chalice and Sinister Lower Loran Root Chalice

Description

In-game Name

(multi-language)

English

Japanese

German

Spanish

French

Italian

Internal Name

Japanese

Translation

A giant watch dog, with its withered stone-like body covered in a scorching hot flame, which watches over the underground ruins. It is said that these unique guards cover themselves in a densely heated flame in order to fulfill their duties as guards of the ruins. They are the most ancient of beings that reside within the ruins.

Preparation

Stock up on Blood Vials and bring an upgraded weapon with a damage bonus against beasts, such as the Saw Cleaver or Saw Spear. Be sure to fortify your weapons with blood gems that increase your physical damage or provide attack bonuses against beasts; don't bother with Fire or Bolt Paper, as they will do little to increase your damage against this boss. Small firearms are practically useless against this boss, as it cannot be staggered, but if you have a Cannon, stock up on Bone Marrow Ash and Quicksilver Bullets to put your ammunition to good use.

Overview

The Watchdog of the Old Lords is a large flaming beast; as its appearance would indicate, it incorporates fire into the majority of its attacks and has high defense against this element. Its defenses to both elemental and arcane attacks are strong, and due to these high defenses Molotovs, Fire Paper and Bolt Paper will do very little against it; using a decently upgraded weapon fused with physical attack-increasing Blood Gems is imperative for putting out me your good damage. It is slightly weak to thrust attacks, so the Saw Spear is a very good choice. It will almost constantly attempt to move into close range to use its side-to-side bites and Flame Bark Combo.

During its third phase it will chase you even more aggressively and begin to use a massive area-of-effect explosion. When standing in to put front of it, it may use a rearing paw slam or stomping combo, during which its head will be left wide open to your attacks. Its Flame Wave swipe can be used from close to mid range and will become a Double Flame Wave Swipe during its second phase. It is possible to get behind it, though this is more often than not a waste of time, as it will very quickly turn around to face you. Occasionally from any range it will use its Lava Vomit, which leaves it extremely vulnerable during its long buildup.

Strategy

By hitting its head and each of its four legs separately, these parts can be injured once per fight and will receive 50% more damage as a result. Injuring its head or any of its limbs will also cause it to stumble, opening it to your attacks. You'll need to move out again quickly, though, as it will use a medium range explosion once it has stood up. The Cannon is extremely effective for injuring the boss' limbs; the best time to fire is as it recovers after its attacks. The only safe position from which to fight this boss is in front of it - you'll have to wait for an opening in its attacks and strike during its recovery.

Environment

The Watchdog of the Old Lords is fought in a massive circular arena which gives plenty of space to maneuver toward it and back away from its attacks. The boss area is completely empty, save for the statues lining its walls, and provides no obstructions to be used as cover. Consequently, you will need to fight the Watchdog of the Old Lords head - on and out in the open.

Notes

Despite Watchdog of the Old Lords having 999 Slow Poison & Rapid Poison resistances it is still vulnerable to such status. [video]

Rally immunity: Watchdog of the Old Lords is immune to rally from fire damage type.

Video: Bloodborne Boss Strategy Guide - Watchdog of the Old Lords (Defiled Chalice) made by Sanadsk

In various Root Dungeons you can rarely come across to Roaming Version who will act as strong enemy on your way to the layer boss

∼ GALLERY PAGE ∼

	Pungent Blood Cocktails don't attract this enemy, making the item ineffective.
	Shaman Bone Blades don't affect this enemy, making the item ineffective.


100	160	999
120	9939	X
100	160	-
100	999

Cooperation & Boss' HP

Having a summoned ally doesn't alter the health or difficulty of the enemies you'll fight, but it does affect the bosses. To ensure they are still a challenge, boss health is increased to 1.5x when a second co-op player enters your world, and to 2.0x when a third enters.

+ [BOSS GUIDE] Defiled Version [Urban Garlic]

Video: Bloodborne Detailed Boss Strategy - Watchdog of The Old Lords (Defiled) by Urban Garlic

FULL REVIEW OF HIS MOVES

The Defiled Watchdog of Old Lords actually has a very simple attack pattern to map out. Depending on your position and distance between him, he will do specific attacks that leave him open. All you have to be careful for is his Dash attack, which I will go into detail later.

PHASE 1 COMBO: Right Sweep, Left Sweep when you see him sweep to the right, he will follow up with a Left sweep if you move in too close. Sometimes, he will only do a Left Sweep. Your objective is to hit him after he does a LEFT sweep, because its the end of his combo

Breaking his head armor: ONLY ATTACK HIM ONCE MORE OR GET AWAY. He will always use a Chomping Get-up Attack which will stun-lock and kill you. Now that you broke his armor, his head will do more damage every time you hit him for a short time. Keep your distance and get ready for phase 2.

PHASE 2 COMBO: Right Sweep, Left Sweep, Up Lift, Corkscrew BE CAREFUL. After you break his head armor, he will now do a new attack pattern. He will NOW FOLLOW UP AFTER HIS LEFT SWEEP. So instead of a 2-hit combo, he will now do a 4-hit combo rotation. Also, just like before, he can use any of the attacks at anytime, so keep an eye out for his CORKSCREW attack. his full pattern is as follows: Right Sweep, Left Sweep, Up Lift, Corkscrew. Once you see an Up-Lift, you can bait him to do a corkscrew then back up and attack after he attacks. Continue to do this and you will eventually take him down.

CHARGE UP AoE: BACK UP. You will see him charge and its obvious that he's doing it, so you have lots of time to back up safely.

LAVA SPIT/VOMIT: once you see him initiating it, you can attack him 1-2 times then back up. his lava will stay on the ground for a while and he may either attack, walk towards you, or even Dash attack. just be aware and cautious.

LEFT/RIGHT ARM SWING (FLAME SURGE): Just focus on evading the attack. the fire isn't too damaging if you get hit, but make sure you have enough HP before getting hit. It's pretty easy to dodge, but keep in mind he can act out of that attack so if you do get hit don't Heal right away or you could get hit with a dash attack (and yes, he will do it at point blank).

CHOMP/BARK COMBO: This move is dangerous if you get hit from the start. just back up and attack him when he finishes his attack.

DASH ATTACK: It is his most unpredictable and most powerful attack aside from his AoE. He will almost always start the boss fight with it, and he will use it anytime he wants. Just pay attention to when he is about to do it. I noticed he'll charge fire and shake his head before he dashes, but as i said just don't let your guard down because it looks similar to when he is going to do his Chomp combo, the hitbox on it sucks, and it will end your run real quick if you are too greedy, so be very careful.

OTHER THINGS TO POINT OUT

STAT INVESTMENT: The only important stat for this boss fight is Vitality, as this chalice dungeon halves your maximum HP. 40-50 vitality i think is recommended with 1 or 2 HP Carryl Runes. Your weapon of choice should be a long weapon, as I've shown in the video I killed him with both the Saw Spear and Church Pick. He is a beast, so Beast-hunter Gems or Serrated Weapons are beneficial, but do not use fire because he is obviously immune.

WEAPON ANALYSIS: Long range weapons or projectiles are also a nice touch because you can hit him if he is far away, but only after he's finished an attack or while he is using his Lava Spit/barf because he could interrupt you with a dash attack while you're locked in animation.

Notes

This boss will do certain attacks based on where you are to his position. If you try to attack his legs or get too close to his sides or back, he will do a different attack set. This Head-shot strategy locks him into doing his longer ranged attacks, which is much safer with halved HP due to his ability to one shot you.

Not much farming is involved for this boss, as you can kill him with the Blood Gems you find near the endgame, and if your patience and reflexes are good enough, you could even kill him at a much weaker level if you so choose.

Attack Patterns Phase One

Key Attack	Interrupt	Notes
Flame Wave Swipe	No	Left swipe sending a wave of fire outward. Quickstep to either side or through the wave.
Flame Bark Combo	No	Barks quick bursts of fire ahead multiple times; quickstep repeatedly backward to avoid this.
Lava Vomit	No	Vomits lingering pools of lava ahead. Back away during its long build-up to avoid walking into the lava pools.
Flaming Charge	No	Lights up and charges; quickstep to either side and out of the way.
Pounce Attack	No	Pounces with heavy tracking. Dash or quickstep forward past it while it's airborne.
Stomping Combo	No	Stomps multiple times with its front and hind legs when standing against them. Quickstep backward to avoid.

Phase 1 Strategy: During this phase the Watchdog of the Old Lords will trot at a pace slightly slower than your own running speed. If you need to heal, you can outrun it by dashing, though generally you should keep close to avoid triggering its dangerous Pounce Attack or Flaming Charge. Stay at mid range to bait its attacks while continuously backing up from them. Occasionally it will use its Flame Wave Swipe, which will send a wave of fire outwards; quickstep directly through this to counter attack and quickstep back to retain your distance ahead of it. During the brief recovery periods after its attacks, strike the head using the transformed mode of your weapon, before quickstepping back out; if you have successfully injured the head, lay in as many hits as possible before moving out from its counter attack as it stands back up. When its throat begins to swell in preparation for its Lava Vomit, run in and attack its legs, as this will serve as a prime opportunity to deal some damage and possibly cancel the attack by injuring it.

Attack Patterns Phase Two

Key Attack	Interrupt	Notes
Double Flame Wave Swipe	No	Same as the Flame Wave Swipe, but followed by a delayed second hit from the right paw. Quickstep left twice during the first swipe to move out of the second's range.

Phase 2 Strategy: When The Watchdog of the Old Lords' health has dropped to 70% it will begin to use its Double Flame Wave Swipe. Quickstep left twice during the first swipe to move out of the reach of the second and attack the Watchdog's side during its swing. It will also begin to use a further-reaching forward bite which can be used by itself or inserted into its biting combos; give yourself a bit more space when backing up to avoid this. Aside from these two new attacks, the strategy during this phase will remain largely the same as the first: continue to bait its attacks from ahead while backing up and counterattack during its recoveries.

Attack Patterns Phase Three

Key Attack	Interrupt	Notes
Explosion	No	Absorbs heated particles before using a massive explosion. Gain as much distance possible by repeatedly quickstepping backward.

Phase 3 Strategy: Once you have reduced its health to 40%, be ready to quickstep immediately and repeatedly away to avoid its massive Explosion, which will signal the beginning of its final phase. Its Explosion will be used occasionally throughout the remainder of the fight, so be ready to escape at a moment's notice. From here on out, it will attack more aggressively and move towards you at a faster pace, though you will only need to quickstep backward as you are backing up to keep your distance when it gets too close. Like the previous phase, the general strategy will remain largely the same.

Base Level: Blood Echoes, HP, Damage and Def. Multipliers

For enemies that also appear (or exclusively appear) in dungeons, their stats will be shown at the base level, because their exact stats at any given point are calculated from these base values. The basic formula is: Total Value = Base x A x B x C x D. Multipliers written down below were datamined directly from the game files. Multiplier A represents depth (1 - 5) of the chalice dungeon; multiplier B is layer (1 - 4) of the specific chalice dungeon; multiplier C is used when dungeon is Pthumeru Ihyll; multiplier D is for calculating blood echoes when additional curse rite is used.

Blood Echoes Multipliers	HP Multipliers	Damage Multipliers	Defense Multipliers
Total Value = Base x A x B x C x D	Total Value = Base x A x B x C	Total Value = Base x A x B x C	Total Value = Base x A x B x C
Multiplier A - Depth Depth 1: 1.399999976158142 Depth 2: 3.2568421363830566 Depth 3: 10.551578521728516 Depth 4: 44.402103424072266 Depth 5: 63.250526428222656	Multiplier A - Depth Depth 1: 1.7640000581741333 Depth 2: 2.558000087738037 Depth 3: 6.763999938964844 Depth 4: 11.41100025177002 Depth 5: 12.204999923706055	Multiplier A - Depth Depth 1: 1.6239999532699585 Depth 2: 1.9140000343322754 Depth 3: 2.5899999141693115 Depth 4: 2.989000082015991 Depth 5: 3.1050000190734863	Multiplier A - Depth Depth 1: 1.100000023841858 Depth 2: 1.149999976158142 Depth 3: 1.4249999523162842 Depth 4: 1.5499999523162842 Depth 5: 1.5750000476837158
Multiplier B - Layer Layer 1: 1.0000000000000000 Layer 2: 1.0499999523162842 Layer 3: 1.100000023841858 Layer 4: 1.2000000476837158	Multiplier B - Layer Layer 1: 1.0000000000000000 Layer 2: 1.0499999523162842 Layer 3: 1.0750000476837158 Layer 4: 1.149999976158142	Multiplier B - Layer Layer 1: 1.0000000000000000 Layer 2: 1.0750000476837158 Layer 3: 1.100000023841858 Layer 4: 1.149999976158142	Multiplier B - Layer Layer 1: 1.0000000000000000 Layer 2: 1.0099999904632568 Layer 3: 1.0149999856948853 Layer 4: 1.0175000429153442
Multiplier C - Ihyll Ihyll: 1.36899995803833	Multiplier C - Ihyll Ihyll: 1.1039999723434448	Multiplier C - Ihyll Ihyll: 1.0870000123977661	Multiplier C - Ihyll Ihyll: 1.0149999856948853
Multiplier D - Additional Rite Cursed Offering: 1.2000000476837158

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