Where do I go after the Champion in Lords of the Fallen?

Every noteworthy soulslike game boasts a lineup of formidable adversaries to conquer, and Lords of the Fallen certainly doesn't disappoint in that regard. While most can be overcome with well-timed parries and a dose of patience, we all know executing that strategy is more easily said than done. Among the formidable roster stands the Champion, a giant creature wielding massive blades on its arms, employing them in close-range combat to swipe at you with menacing force.

Warning: Spoilers ahead.

Where do I go after the Champion in Lords of the Fallen?

After beating the Champion within the catacombs of Lords of the Fallen, the player needs to continue their journey to locate Antanas and Kaslo within the Monastery Citadel. The path demands patience, an attribute crucial in navigating the perils ahead. With the Champion vanquished, seize the Sealed Rune (Big) and the Sting weapon, invaluable artifacts for the journey ahead. It unfolds through diverse rooms and corridors, with encounters against various adversaries and the acquisition of quest essentials like Human Skulls and enlightening audio notes.

Along the way, players discover chests with weapons and armor, essential for their progress. The officer's room holds additional collectibles, enhancing the player's capabilities. Upon reaching the Monastery Citadel, the player confronts the formidable Temple Guardian, utilizing the Sealed Rune to unveil the passage leading to Antanas and Kaslo. Inside the Planetarium, post a conversation with Antanas atop the Citadel, the Concerned Monk awaits, adding depth to the unfolding narrative.

What is the bonus requirement for the Champion bout?

In this encounter, ensuring the Champion doesn't trigger Rage Mode is crucial for meeting the bonus requirement, except during phase transitions. Thus players should monitor the Rage Meter below his HP gauge closely. Once it reaches capacity, he unleashes Rage Mode, setting his sword ablaze, amplifying attack damage, and incorporating both physical and magical damage into his strikes.

The Rage meter fills up when subjected to fire-based attacks and taking hits from the Champion. To counter this, avoid employing fire-based attacks and maintain a safe distance until vulnerability emerges, typically post-attack. Seize these moments to engage and deal damage strategically. This tactical approach ensures a calculated equilibrium between offensive actions and evasive strategies for a successful encounter.

How many phases does the Champion bout have?

The Champion, a colossal creature armed with massive blades, engages in close-range combat, progressing through three distinct phases of attack modes. In Phase One, the boss initiates a charge, hurtling across the arena. If near a wall, the collision stuns him briefly. His second significant move is a ground pound, sending a narrow wave toward you.

Phase Two begins with the Champion buffing himself, regardless of the rage meter. While active, evade his attacks, and when the buff subsides, the boss reverts to Phase One's attack pattern. Phase Three modifies the previous wave attack, now transformed into razors that travel faster through the ground.

Although harder to dodge, they maintain a straight path. The boss may reapply the buff, necessitating evasion until it fades. Once the buff dissipates, resume regular attacks. Coax the Champion towards walls, stand close to invite melee attacks, and counter after his combo to secure victory. It's worth noting that his assaults are melee-based, allowing you to block them with a shield, though it consumes a substantial amount of stamina against his multiple hits.