SOUL OF CINDER

The final boss of Dark Souls 3. Four movesets in Phase 1, Gwyn's legacy in Phase 2.

Quick Jump

Overview

LocationKiln of the First Flame
Recommended Level80-100
HP~10,700 (Phase 1: ~6,500 / Phase 2: ~4,200)
WeaknessesDark, Lightning (Phase 2)
RewardSoul of the Lords, 100,000 Souls

Phase 1 — Four Movesets

The Soul of Cinder cycles through 4 movesets: Straight Sword, Spear, Curved Sword, and Staff/Pyromancy.

Straight Sword Mode

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  • Fast, combo-heavy. Similar to player's straight sword moveset.
  • Jump attack: Jumps and slams. Roll sideways.
  • Combo finisher: Ends with a delayed thrust. Roll late.

Spear Mode

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  • Long reach, thrust attacks. Stay close to his side.
  • Charge: Charges with spear extended. Roll sideways.
  • Spin attack: Spins spear in a circle. Roll backward.

Curved Sword Mode

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  • Fast, spinny attacks. Hard to parry. Create distance.
  • Spin combo: 4-5 spinning slashes. Back away.
  • Jump flip: Backflips and throws a fireball. Roll sideways.

Staff / Pyromancy Mode

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  • Casts Soul Spear, Great Combustion, and Chaos Bed Vestiges. Sprint sideways.
  • Healing: He casts a healing miracle. Interrupt him immediately.
  • Tip: This is your damage window. He is vulnerable while casting.

Phase 2 — Gwyn's Legacy

He abandons the weapons and uses Gwyn's moveset — fast, aggressive, and relentless.

Key Attacks

  • 5-hit combo: Fast slashes ending with a thrust. Roll backward through the combo.
  • Grab: Reaches out and grabs you. Unblockable. Roll sideways.
  • Jump slam: Jumps and slams sword. Roll sideways, punish the recovery.
  • Lightning storm: Slams sword, lightning rains down. Sprint away.
  • Charge thrust: Sprints and thrusts. Roll sideways at the last moment.

Phase 2 Strategy

  1. Roll backward. His combos are fast and forward-moving. Rolling backward keeps you safe.
  2. Punish the grab. After his grab misses, he recovers for 2 seconds. Hit him twice.
  3. Lightning storm = free damage. After the lightning storm ends, he is exhausted. Unload everything.
  4. Stay calm. His aggression is intimidating but his attacks are predictable after practice.

Pro Tips

Fire Resistance

Flash Sweat pyromancy + Flame Stoneplate Ring makes his fire attacks trivial. Highly recommended.

Summons

Summon Yuria of Londor or Londor Pale Shade. They tank and deal decent damage.

Weapon Buffs

Dark Pine Resin or Human Pine Resin adds significant damage. Apply before entering the fog gate.

Estus Management

Save Estus for Phase 2. Phase 1 is easier to heal through with careful play.