If you’re facing off against the giant and you’re aiming to assert your dominance, here are some straightforward pointers to help you emerge victorious with minimal hassle. All you need is to prepare a few essentials.
Weapons
Antspur Rapier
(For the right hand if you plan on using AoW)
Obtained by defeating Maleigh Marais, the hostile NPC guarding the Shaded Castle. He lurks in the fields west of The Shaded Castle, nestled between Altus Plateau and Mt. Gelmir, beneath the bridge to the north. (He also tosses in a cool helmet.)
Consider infusing it with Ash of War, which you can acquire from Fort Haight by taking down Godrick’s Knight. Even if you opt out of AoW, having it sit on the rapier can be beneficial, inflicting Bleed and Scarlet Rot to your advantage.
Rogiers Rapier +8
(For the left hand)
Granted by Sorcerer Rogier on the balcony in Roundtable Hold after vanquishing Godrick the Grafted. Swap out his Ash of War for something toxic or another bleed variant, just for the variety.
Maximize their potential with upgrades (+12 recommended). Prioritize obtaining Smithing Stone Bell Bearings early on; they’ll come in handy.
- 1st-grade Raya Lucaria Crystal Tunnel in Liurnia, next to Howl’s walking Mausoleum and his neighbor Totoro.
- 2nd-grade Sealed Tunnel in Altus Plateau, situated high above the church (south of the Capital).
Dagger
Available for purchase from twin maiden husks at RH for 400 runes.
Talismans
Dragoncrestshield
Located beneath the Beastial Sanctuary on the lowest level.
Flamedrake
Base talisman dropped by the boss in Groveside Cave in Limgrave.
Alternatively, upgrade to +2 dropped by the boss in Dragonbarrow Cave.
Kindred of Rot’s Exultation
Obtained from the duo boss in Mt. Gelmir’s Seethewater Cave, accessible from Altus Plateau.
Winged Sword Insignia
Dropped by the boss in Stillwater Cave, situated south of Liurnia behind Medusa.
Other Items
Golden Vow
(Any, but it’s preferable to obtain AoW and apply it to a dagger.) Use it before the fight or during transitions.
Don’t forget the Shrimp from Boggart.
You might also want to consider Rotten Breath or Pest Threads, although their effectiveness in this particular battle is somewhat overstated.
All these items can be obtained before confronting the giant.
Tactics
It’s advisable to have at least 35-40 points in Vigor and around 20 in Endurance.
Essentially, aim to dodge his attacks. If you’re on horseback, maneuver yourself to close the distance swiftly. While you can summon tankier spirits, it’s not necessarily required. Focus on employing dual-wielded attacks with both rapiers, and before you know it, the hefty behemoth will be merely admiring the flowers underground.
