Darks Souls 2 guide: Crown of the Ivory King - Aava, the King's Pet boss battle

Armed with the Eye of the Priestess, it's time to defeat Aava, the King's Pet.

Darks Souls 2 guide: Crown of the Ivory King - Aava, the King's Pet boss battle

Boss Battle: Aava, the King's Pet

Reward: Soul of Aava, the King's Pet

At the Frozen Eleum Loyce, Outer Wall bonfire be sure to equip anything that boosts you magic defense. Something like Havel's Greatshield, which absorbs 90% magic damage, is ideal. A Spell Quartz Ring will also help.

Go down the path to find an alley summon point - totally summon an ally - then through the door. Go to the second summon point on the left for some more help, then through the mist door.

Avaa sits on a ledge at the end of the path, and it may be difficult to see depending on the snowstorm. Get Aava's attention with a ranged attack or just get close.

Aava has a handful of long-range attacks and close attacks. Even the basic claw attack is magic based. Close up you should look for her brief prone pause - this means you're about to be on the receiving end of a magic burst so get ready to evade.

There are two different magic projectile attacks - a series of floating crystals that fire magic bolts at the target is the first to look out for. Once the first bilt hits you, you'll be knocked down and the rest will miss. Or you can block them if you have a magic absorbing shield. You can dodge but it's not easy. Once the bolts have shot, small pillars of flame erupt.

The other projectile attack puts magic points on the floor around aava, and when they're all in place they erupt into pillars of flame. Just keep your distance from these

Aava also has the ability to charge you from a distance and jump with a biting attack that your shield cannot stop. If this happens be prepared to dodge either left or right. If you're not at full health this attack can be fatal.

Your best approach is to attack Aava at close range or use ranged attacks from as far away as possible when your allies are causing a distraction. Use your shield is Aava focuses back on you with a ranged attack.

When up close attack Aava's hind legs. Only hit once or twice depending on your weapon as Aava can turn quickly and claw you. Once you've got a couple of blows in, be ready to dodge.

Aava runs around a lot, so you'll need to keep on your toes and alternate between melee and ranged attacks. Aava doesn't have a lot of health but you'll still need to have a decent magic defence and shield attacks.

Once Aava is dead, go through the opening on the far side. In the small room there's a door that doesn't open from this side. Go up the stairs instead, and enter the Grand Cathedral.

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