In this Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree video, Fextralife provides valuable tips on how to defeat Commander Gaius, the first boss you’ll face in the game. The boss can be challenging due to his mobility and unpredictable attack patterns, but with the right strategies, players can overcome him. Fextralife breaks down the boss’s attacks and provides recommendations on how to dodge and counter them effectively.
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Key Takeaways:
- Commander Gaius has several attack combos, including a three-strike combo and a lance sweep combo.
- Players should dodge into Commander Gaius at the last second to avoid his initial charge attack.
- Gravity attacks can be dodged by timing the dodge when he thrusts his lance upwards.
- In Phase 2, Commander Gaius gains new attacks, such as a gravity ball attack that players must run away from.
Understanding Commander Gaius’s Attacks:
In the first phase of the boss fight, Commander Gaius has several attack combos. His three-strike combo starts with an overhead lance attack that players can dodge in any direction. It is followed by a delayed boar attack that can be dodged by moving to the right. The combo concludes with a delayed boar slam attack, which leaves a large opening for players to attack after dodging it. Fextralife recommends using a fast-attacking weapon to perform a dodge slash for extra damage and to maintain the timing for subsequent dodges.
Another attack to watch out for is when Commander Gaius circles the player and performs a side push attack with his boar. While not a major attack, it’s important to be aware of it to avoid taking unnecessary damage.
The boss also utilizes gravity attacks. One of his gravity attacks is a large area-of-effect attack that players can dodge by timing their dodge when he thrusts his lance upwards. He also has a ranged gravity lance attack, which he often uses when players attempt to heal. Additionally, he can hurl rocks at players from a distance, so dodging backwards is recommended to create some distance and avoid the projectiles.
Phase 2 and New Attacks:
Once Commander Gaius reaches about half of his HP, he enters Phase 2. In this phase, he starts with a small gravity explosion and follows it up with an overhead redon-type attack. Dodging this attack can be challenging, but Fextralife suggests trying to dodge a little early to avoid getting hit. After the comet move, players can capitalize on the opening to deal damage.
In Phase 2, most of Commander Gaius’s original attack combos remain the same, but any attack involving his boar slamming to the ground now triggers a gravity area-of-effect attack. He also gains a new charge attack, where he flies up and becomes faster. However, the core strategies for dodging and countering his attacks remain unchanged.
Players should also be wary of Commander Gaius’s gravity ball attack in Phase 2. If he summons one or two gravity balls, it’s crucial to run away to avoid being caught in a devastating combo while trapped in the middle.
By understanding Commander Gaius’s attack patterns and employing effective dodging and counterattacking strategies, players can emerge victorious in this challenging boss fight.
