Mastering the Impossible: A Dark Souls 2 Player's Unconventional Victory

Embrace the Blade: Victory Through Self-Sacrifice

The Underestimated Gem of the Souls Series: Dark Souls 2's Unique Legacy

While often seen as the less favored sibling among the FromSoftware titles, Dark Souls 2 holds a special place for a discerning few. It introduced mechanics and concepts that, as acknowledged by Hidetaka Miyazaki himself, significantly influenced future entries like Elden Ring, proving its innovative spirit despite initial reception. Yet, even its staunchest defenders would concede that its downloadable content bosses presented a brutally difficult challenge.

Sir Alonne: A Symphony of Sadistic Design in Dark Souls 2's DLC

Among the pantheon of cruel DLC bosses, Sir Alonne from the Crown of the Old Iron King stands out. This character embodies a fusion of compelling archetypes: the melancholic knight, the wandering samurai, and the enigmatic figure who vanished at the peak of his power. His combat mechanics were, by the standards of 2014, exceptionally punishing, featuring delayed attacks designed to trick players into mistimed dodges, sweeping dashes that drained stamina, long-range assaults, and the ability to nullify shields and parry attacks. The arduous journey to his arena was arguably more frustrating than the fight itself, indicative of a DLC design that often favored cooperative play, leaving solo adventurers facing immense odds.

An Audacious Strategy: Defeating a Legend with Self-Inflicted Wounds

Despite the immense difficulty posed by Sir Alonne, one player, known as DSelizabeth, defied convention with an astonishing and seemingly absurd approach. Donning Sir Alonne's own attire and wielding his signature sword, DSelizabeth embarked on a remarkable endeavor to defeat the boss on NG+7 solely by employing the sword's unique 'seppuku' skill. This ability, typically used to enhance the weapon's attack rating and bleed damage by stabbing oneself, was repurposed for an indirect assault.

The Power of a Pulse: Slowly Eroding the Enemy's Resolve

Ordinarily, the damage enhancements from the self-inflicting blade are crucial for direct combat. However, in DSelizabeth's groundbreaking strategy, these buffs were secondary. The core of the tactic revolved around the subtle area-of-effect pulse that emanates from the sword upon performing seppuku, dealing minimal damage to nearby enemies. To conquer the formidable Sir Alonne on NG+7 using this method, DSelizabeth had to perform this ritualistic self-stab a staggering 47 times.

A Testament to Mastery: Precision, Patience, and Unyielding Determination

While a few of these attempts missed their mark, the overall execution was a breathtaking display of strategic prowess. This victory was not just about enduring the fight but mastering animation timings, precise character positioning, and diligently managing resources like health and repair items. More than anything, it showcased the cold, unyielding determination required to defeat a formidable foe by inflicting damage upon oneself, repeatedly, under the gaze of an enemy clad in the very armor you mimic—a truly unparalleled and psychologically potent form of combat.