Bloodborne Laurence Boss Guide: How to Beat the Vicar
Master the brutal fight against bloodborne laurence with our expert boss guide. Learn effective strategies, phase breakdowns, and optimal loadouts.
Published: Bloodborne Wiki Editorial Team
Table of Contents
Introduction to the First Vicar
Facing off against the toughest challenges in FromSoftware's masterpiece can test even veteran hunters, making the battle against bloodborne laurence one of the most infamous encounters in the entire DLC. If you are struggling to conquer this fiery beast, you are in the right place to learn the precise positioning and tactical adjustments needed to turn the tide. Overcoming this optional terror is essential for true completionists aiming to conquer every challenge the nightmare has to offer.
To initiate this punishing confrontation at the grand cathedral, you first need to acquire a crucial key item known as Laurence's Skull. According to community reports and player experience, you must defeat Ludwig, activate the nearby elevator, and ride it up before returning to Ludwig's boss arena lantern to retrace your steps and collect the skull from the elevator shaft. Once you possess this item, approaching the altar in the Grand Cathedral will trigger the cinematic and start the fight.
Preparation and Recommended Loadout
Proper preparation can drastically reduce the difficulty of fighting bloodborne laurence. Because this boss is already consumed by fire and heavily resistant to flame-based attacks, using fire paper or Molotov cocktails is entirely ineffective. Instead, veteran players recommend applying bolt paper to maximize your elemental damage output.
Equipment / Item
Purpose in the Fight
Optimal Usage
Saw Cleaver (+10)
Primary weapon
Fast swings with blood gems slotted for high physical damage
Bolt Paper
Elemental buff
Apply before entering the fog and reapply during safe phase transitions
Beast Blood Pellet
Damage amplifier
Boosts stagger potential and attack rating at the cost of defense
Fire-Resistant Armor
Defensive mitigation
Equipping high fire-defense attire helps survive late-game lava pools
According to player experience shared within the community, bringing a weapon like a fully upgraded Saw Cleaver combined with beast blood pellets allows you to deal massive chunk damage by targeting his limbs. Always ensure your quick-access item bar is properly organized before stepping through the fog.
Phase-by-Phase Battle Strategy
The encounter against bloodborne laurence is divided into three distinct phases that demand shifting tactics. Understanding health thresholds and behavioral cues will keep you alive when the arena fills with lethal flames.
Phase One (100% - 70% HP): Bait his wide conal swiping attacks, dodge out of his frontal cone, and strike his arms or back after he finishes a combo.
Phase Two (70% - 40% HP): Increase your aggression while watching out for faster lunges and potential head breaks that open him up for visceral attacks.
Phase Three (40% - 0% HP): Maintain distance to bait his crawling animations or lava spew attacks, then sprint to his side to unleash uninterrupted combos safely away from the pooling magma.
Managing your spacing around the perimeter of the arena is vital. As noted in community reports, circling down one side of the room and pivoting back when you run out of space prevents you from getting cornered against the walls by his sweeping arm attacks.
Breaking Limbs and Securing Visceral Attacks
One of the most reliable ways to control the tempo of the fight against bloodborne laurence is intentionally focusing your damage on specific hitboxes to trigger limb breaks.
Tip
You can break both of his arms and his head during the encounter. A broken arm will temporarily stun him for roughly two seconds, while a successful head break opens him up for a high-damage visceral attack.
If you struggle to land melee hits on his head during frantic combos, seasoned hunters suggest utilizing ranged tools such as throwing knives to accumulate posture damage safely from a distance. For official platform details and game availability, you can check the official PlayStation Store Bloodborne Page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What level should I be to fight bloodborne laurence?
Most players find success facing bloodborne laurence around character level 75 or higher, paired with a weapon upgraded to +10 and optimized blood gems.
Why is my fire damage not working on bloodborne laurence?
Laurence is engulfed in flames and possesses extremely high resistance to fire. You should use bolt paper instead to exploit his elemental weakness.
How do I trigger the boss fight with bloodborne laurence?
You must first defeat Ludwig, ride the elevator up, and pick up Laurence's Skull from the elevator mechanism before interacting with the altar in the cathedral.
