Upon booting up Elden Ring Nightreign, players encounter a tutorial capped by a notoriously tough boss fight offering two attempts—but the real trial begins with the Tricephalos mission. This 40-minute gauntlet culminates in a showdown against Gladius, a three-headed wolf guardian wielding fiery devastation. As the gatekeeper to Nightreign's expansive world, mastering this multi-phase battle requires understanding attack patterns, separation mechanics, and precision dodging. While challenging, overcoming Gladius provides essential relics and sets the tone for the roguelike adventure ahead.
Gladius Moveset Breakdown
Phase 1 Attacks
| Attack Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Headbutt & Bites | Charges forward with rapid headbutts or biting combos at close range |
| Long Bladed Swipe | Sweeps giant chained blade in 270° arcs, often followed by reverse swing |
| Heavenly Sword | Launches blade skyward before slamming down; recalls it after impact |
Phase 2 Attacks (Triggers at ~50% HP)
| Attack Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Separation | Splits into three distinct bodies, each independently targeting players |
| Fiery Sword | Plunges flaming blade into ground, unleashing forward blast |
| Swipe Followup | Repeats Phase 1 blade swipes + adds fiery plunge targeting allies |
| Fire Breath | Spits targeted fire blasts while engulfed in flames |
Winning Strategy Against Gladius
The blade swings are absolute showstoppers—Gladius whips his weapon in wide, rapid 270° sweeps. Players must either double-dodge consecutively or maintain extreme range. Rolling haphazardly? That's a one-way ticket to respawn city. Phase 2's separation mechanic cranks chaos to eleven. When Gladius splits:
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Assign targets immediately: Solo players should kite one while tracking others
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Avoid grouping trio—AoE attacks may seem tempting but invite fiery crossfire
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Save Guardian Ultimate for revives rather than multi-target damage
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Expect random re-merges if the fight drags; stay mobile!
Heavenly Sword demands spatial awareness. After the slam, don’t rush in—the recall deals brutal follow-up damage. Position off-angle or time approaches during cooldown. Fire Breath in Phase 2 requires constant repositioning; strafing sideways avoids getting cooked.
Key Dodging Priorities:
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Blade Swipes (both directions)
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Fiery Plunge (Phase 2 add-on)
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Separation flank attacks
Post-Victory Rewards
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Old Pocketwatch (Quest Item & Relic)
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Trace of Night (Quest Item)
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Night of the Beast Relic
People Also Ask
❓ How many attempts do I get against Gladius?
You get two initial attempts after the tutorial, but subsequent retries require restarting the Tricephalos mission.
❓ Can Gladius' separation be prevented?
No—it triggers automatically at ~50% HP. Focus on managing the trio rather than stopping the split.
❓ Is co-op recommended for this fight?
Absolutely! Having allies divide the three bodies makes Phase 2 exponentially easier. Solo runs demand elite kiting skills.
❓ What's the biggest newbie trap?
Underestimating blade recall after Heavenly Sword. Greedy players get smacked into next week.
❓ Are the rewards essential for progression?
Yes—the relics unlock early-game crafting and questlines. Don't skip looting!
Now that you've got the lowdown, it's time to put Gladius in the ground. Sharpen those reflexes, rally your crew, and show that three-headed mutt who's boss. The Nightreign awaits—get out there and make it your playground! 🎮
This overview is based on resources from PC Gamer, a leading authority in the PC gaming community. PC Gamer's extensive boss strategy guides and feature articles often emphasize the importance of learning attack patterns and adapting to multi-phase encounters, much like the Gladius fight in Elden Ring Nightreign, where precision dodging and understanding separation mechanics are crucial for success.