Valiant Gargoyles PC Help: Strategy & Builds

Hey fellow Tarnished! Are you stuck on the Valiant Gargoyles in Elden Ring and pulling your hair out? Don't worry, you're not alone! These winged monstrosities have become a notorious roadblock for many players on PC. This guide will break down everything you need to know to conquer these challenging bosses, from understanding their attacks and weaknesses to strategies and builds that will give you the edge. Let's dive in and turn those Gargoyles into dust!

Understanding the Valiant Gargoyles

The Valiant Gargoyles are a duo boss fight encountered in the Siofra Aqueduct, a beautiful but deadly area beneath the Lands Between. You'll face two Gargoyles: one wielding a twinblade and the other a greatsword and shield. The fight starts with just one Gargoyle, but the second one joins the fray when the first one reaches around 50% health. This is where things get tricky, as dealing with two aggressive bosses simultaneously can be overwhelming. Before we jump into strategies, let's understand what makes these Gargoyles so challenging.

Gargoyle Attack Patterns

• Twinblade Gargoyle: This Gargoyle is fast and agile, utilizing a series of swift strikes and spinning attacks. Its attacks are less damaging individually but can quickly chip away at your health if you're not careful. It's essential to learn its attack patterns and dodge effectively. Pay close attention to its spinning attacks, which can cover a large area and inflict significant damage. Mastering the timing of your rolls is crucial to avoid getting caught in these whirlwind attacks. Additionally, this Gargoyle is more likely to use poison attacks, so be prepared to deal with that status effect.

• Greatsword Gargoyle: The Greatsword Gargoyle is slower but hits like a truck. Its attacks have a longer wind-up, but the damage is substantial, and they can easily stagger you. This Gargoyle also has a shield, which it will use to block attacks, making it harder to deal direct damage. Learning to recognize its attack patterns and finding openings to strike is key to dealing with this behemoth. Be especially wary of its jumping attacks and heavy slams, which can easily one-shot less tanky builds. Managing your stamina while facing this Gargoyle is vital, as running out of stamina can leave you vulnerable to its powerful blows.

The Poison Factor

Both Gargoyles can inflict poison, which can quickly drain your health if left untreated. The Twinblade Gargoyle is particularly adept at poisoning you with its quick, successive attacks. Having a way to cure poison (like Neutralizing Boluses) is essential for this fight. Don't underestimate the impact of poison buildup; it can quickly turn the tide of the battle if you're not prepared. Consider equipping gear that boosts your poison resistance, such as certain talismans or armor sets, to mitigate the effects of their venomous attacks. Staying vigilant about your poison status and reacting quickly will be crucial for survival.

PC-Specific Challenges and Considerations

Playing on PC can present unique challenges in this fight. Frame rate drops, input lag, and other technical issues can make dodging and timing your attacks even more difficult. Here are some things to consider:

Optimize Your Settings

Ensure your graphics settings are optimized for your system. Lowering settings can help maintain a stable frame rate, which is crucial for a fight that demands precise timing. Experiment with different settings to find the sweet spot between visual fidelity and performance. A smooth, consistent frame rate will make a significant difference in your ability to react to the Gargoyles' attacks. Disabling VSync or other post-processing effects might also help improve performance on lower-end systems.

Input Lag

Input lag can be a major issue on PC, especially in fast-paced fights like this one. Try using a wired controller or adjusting your mouse sensitivity to minimize lag. Some players have also reported that running the game in fullscreen mode can reduce input delay compared to windowed mode. Addressing input lag is critical, as even a slight delay can throw off your timing and lead to unnecessary damage. Test different input methods and configurations to find what works best for you.

Modding for Accessibility

If you're struggling with the fight due to difficulty, consider using mods. There are mods available that can make the game easier, such as reducing enemy health or increasing your damage output. While some players prefer to tackle the challenge without mods, they can be a valuable tool for those who are struggling or have disabilities that make the fight particularly difficult. Explore the modding community for Elden Ring and see if there's anything that can help you overcome this hurdle. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the game, and there's no shame in using available tools to do so.

Strategies for Victory

Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of how to actually defeat these Gargoyles. Here are some key strategies that can significantly improve your chances of success:

Summoning Allies

Summoning other players or Spirit Ashes can be a game-changer in this fight. Having a companion to draw aggro and deal damage can make the fight much more manageable. Spirit Ashes like the Black Knife Tiche or the Mimic Tear are particularly effective. Co-op summons can provide a substantial advantage by splitting the Gargoyles' attention and allowing you to focus on dealing damage. Remember to utilize the Furcalling Finger Remedy to reveal summon signs near the boss fog. Experiment with different summons to find what works best with your playstyle and build. The added support can turn a seemingly impossible fight into a victory.

Focus on One Gargoyle at a Time

When the second Gargoyle appears, it's tempting to try and divide your attention between them. However, it's generally more effective to focus on bringing down one Gargoyle as quickly as possible. This reduces the number of attacks you have to dodge and makes the fight significantly less chaotic. Prioritize the Twinblade Gargoyle first, as its speed and poison attacks can be more troublesome in the long run. Once one Gargoyle is down, the fight becomes much more manageable, allowing you to focus all your efforts on the remaining one. This strategy minimizes the risk of being overwhelmed by two powerful opponents simultaneously.

Utilize Jump Attacks

Jump attacks are a powerful tool in Elden Ring, and they're particularly effective against the Gargoyles. They deal significant poise damage, which can stagger the Gargoyles and create openings for critical hits. Jump attacks are also useful for closing the distance and interrupting the Gargoyles' attacks. Practice incorporating jump attacks into your rotation, especially against the Greatsword Gargoyle, which is more susceptible to staggering. Jumping also helps you avoid some ground-based attacks, providing an additional layer of defense. Mastering the timing and spacing of jump attacks can be a game-changer in this fight.

Exploit Weaknesses

The Gargoyles are resistant to most status effects, but they are weak to strike damage. Weapons like hammers and great hammers can be highly effective in this fight. Consider using weapons with strike damage as their primary attack type. Additionally, the Gargoyles are also vulnerable to certain weapon arts and spells. Experiment with different damage types and weapon skills to find what works best for you. Utilizing their weaknesses will allow you to deal significantly more damage and shorten the duration of the fight, reducing the opportunities for mistakes. Tailoring your equipment to exploit these vulnerabilities is a key element of success.

Recommended Builds and Equipment

Choosing the right build and equipment can make a huge difference in your success against the Valiant Gargoyles. Here are a few recommendations:

Strength Build

A Strength build with a heavy weapon like the Greatsword or the Greataxe is a solid choice. These weapons deal significant damage and can stagger the Gargoyles. Focus on leveling Strength and Vigor, and consider using talismans that boost your poise and stamina. Heavy armor can also provide valuable protection, allowing you to withstand more hits. The key to this build is dealing massive damage with each swing and staggering the Gargoyles to create openings for follow-up attacks. This build is particularly effective against the Greatsword Gargoyle, whose slow attacks can be punished with well-timed heavy strikes.

Dexterity Build

A Dexterity build with dual katanas or curved swords can also be effective. These weapons allow you to deal rapid damage and inflict status effects like bleed. Focus on leveling Dexterity and Endurance, and consider using talismans that boost your attack power and critical hit damage. Quickstep or Bloodhound's Step can be valuable Ashes of War for dodging attacks. The speed and agility of this build allow you to quickly reposition and avoid damage while continuously chipping away at the Gargoyles' health. The bleed buildup from dual katanas can be particularly effective in wearing down the Gargoyles over time.

Faith Build

A Faith build with incantations like Black Flame or Lightning Spear can be highly effective. These incantations deal significant damage and can be cast from a distance, allowing you to avoid some of the Gargoyles' attacks. Focus on leveling Faith and Mind, and consider using talismans that boost your incantation power and FP recovery. A strong melee weapon can also be useful for dealing with the Gargoyles up close. The versatility of a Faith build allows you to adapt to different situations, dealing damage from afar or up close as needed. Black Flame is particularly effective, as it deals both physical and fire damage, which the Gargoyles are less resistant to.

Equipment Recommendations

• Weapons: Greatsword, Greataxe, Dual Katanas, Curved Swords, Sacred Relic Sword
• Talismans: Green Turtle Talisman, Erdtree's Favor, Radagon's Soreseal, Marika's Soreseal
• Armor: Any armor with high physical defense and decent poise
• Consumables: Neutralizing Boluses, Warming Stones

Mastering the Fight: Practice Makes Perfect

Finally, remember that practice makes perfect. The Valiant Gargoyles are a challenging fight, and it may take several attempts to learn their attack patterns and develop a winning strategy. Don't get discouraged if you don't succeed on your first try. Keep experimenting with different tactics, builds, and equipment until you find something that works for you. Each attempt will teach you something new about the fight, and eventually, you'll emerge victorious. The feeling of finally defeating these challenging bosses is incredibly rewarding, so keep at it, Tarnished! You've got this!

Conclusion: Slaying the Gargoyles and Moving Forward

So, there you have it, folks! A comprehensive guide to conquering the Valiant Gargoyles on PC in Elden Ring. Remember to optimize your settings, understand the Gargoyles' attack patterns, utilize effective strategies, and experiment with different builds and equipment. Most importantly, don't give up! With perseverance and the right approach, you'll be able to overcome this challenging boss fight and continue your journey through the Lands Between. Happy hunting, and may the Great Runes be with you!