Overview
Anor Londo is a test of patience and execution. This guide covers:
- Navigating the rotating bridge and rooftops.
- Dealing with the **silver knight archers**.
- Strategies for **Ornstein & Smough** (both kill orders).
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Phase 1 – Arrival & Rotating Bridge
1. After being carried by the gargoyles, rest at the first bonfire.
2. Proceed up the stairs, fight the gargoyles, and learn:
- Their delayed swings.
- The risk of fighting near ledges.
3. Use the rotating bridge elevator to change heights:
- Note each position and attached doorways.
- Unlock the **shortcut bonfire** inside the cathedral.
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Phase 2 – Rooftop Gauntlet & Archers
Rooftops
- Carefully walk the buttresses.
- Use shield + patience vs the **painting guardians**.
Infamous Silver Knight Archers
1. Run up the buttress and take cover near the right archer.
2. Raise your shield and inch closer until he switches to melee.
3. As he draws a sword/halberd, block one hit then:
- Kick to destabilize.
- Or roll around for a **backstab**.
Secret: You can lure the knight into attacking off the ledge, but don't rely on it; learning to fight him teaches core movement discipline.
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Phase 3 – Exploring the Interior
Key points:
- Clear the cathedral for **giant blacksmith** access.
- Unlock multiple **shortcuts** to the Ornstein & Smough fog gate.
- Farm **silver knights** for souls and titanite.
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Phase 4 – Ornstein & Smough Strategy
General Principles
- Always keep **both bosses in view** as much as possible.
- Use the central pillars to break line-of-sight and manage charges.
Kill Order 1 – Kill Smough First (Super Ornstein)
1. Focus on Smough:
- Bait horizontal swings.
- Roll through and punish with 1–2 hits.
2. Watch Ornstein's lunges; back off when he winds up.
Phase 2 (Super Ornstein):
- Expect **huge lightning AoEs** and lunging grabs.
- Stay mid-distance; roll into attacks, never away.
Kill Order 2 – Kill Ornstein First (Super Smough)
1. Focus Ornstein:
- Circle strafe to his shield side.
- Punish after lightning slams.
2. Keep Smough stuck behind pillars when possible.
Phase 2 (Super Smough):
- Avoid shockwave butt slams by rolling **toward** his legs then backing away.
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Phase 5 – After the Fight
- Don't forget to talk to **Gwynevere** and make your decision about the covenant.
- Explore hidden secrets if you choose to reveal **Gwyndolin's** chamber.
Anor Londo is the point where many players quit; clearing it solidifies your understanding of Dark Souls' rhythm and opens the path to the endgame.