Master the bloodborne orphan of kos fight with our expert strategy guide. Learn phases, backstab tricks, and best loadouts to conquer the DLC.
Facing the bloodborne orphan of kos is widely considered the ultimate test of skill in FromSoftware's masterpiece. This grueling confrontation closes out the Old Hunters expansion, making it vital to understand his erratic movement patterns and devastating attacks if you want to finally put the Fishing Hamlet nightmare to rest.
Before stepping into the arena, proper preparation can drastically shorten your attempts against the bloodborne orphan of kos. Community reports and veteran player experience highlight specific loadouts that maximize damage output and survivability against this relentless adversary.
| Equipment / Item | Purpose / Effect | Recommended Usage |
|---|---|---|
| +10 Saw Cleaver | High base physical damage with serrated bonus | Primary weapon for fast R1 combos and quick recovery |
| Fire Paper | Adds flat fire damage to weapon | Apply before entering and during phase transitions |
| Beast Blood Pellet | Boosts physical damage as the meter fills | Use alongside fire paper for massive burst damage windows |
| Blood Rapture Rune | Restores health upon visceral attacks | Equip to gain crucial HP back after backstabs and parries |
During the first phase, the bloodborne orphan of kos alternates between a passive "chill" mode and an aggressive sprint mode. When he is slowly pacing around, you can use throwing knives to provoke him into his aggressive stance, setting up predictable punish opportunities.
- Check His Stance: Observe whether he is walking casually or sprinting toward you to determine his current combat mode.
- Bait the Jump Attack: When he is aggressive, wait for his signature overhead leap rather than his close-range uppercut.
- Position Carefully: Casually walk underneath him while he is airborne to avoid rolling away, which places you too far for a punish.
- Execute Backstab: Land a fully charged R2 attack directly into his back, followed immediately by an R1 press for a high-damage visceral attack.
For more details on PlayStation 4 and backward-compatible PlayStation 5 action RPGs, check out the official PlayStation Store Bloodborne Page.
When the bloodborne orphan of kos triggers his second phase with a mighty scream, his speed and aggression skyrocket. Staying at a distance is extremely dangerous because it prompts him to unleash massive projectile explosions across the arena floor.
Tip
Stay extremely close to his body during phase two. Remaining in melee range prevents him from utilizing his wide-area magic ball explosions, forcing him to rely on dodgeable physical swipes instead.
| Attack Type | Phase | Counter Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Overhead Slam | Phase 1 | Walk underneath, charge R2, and execute visceral |
| Magic Plop Balls | Phase 2 | Time your dodge forward just before impact |
| Kos Lightning | Phase 2 | Run away from the corpse until the shockwave passes, then rush back in |
Warning
When the bloodborne orphan of kos screams and summons lightning from the corpse in the distance, sprint away from the center of the arena immediately. Once the lightning clears, close the gap instantly to resume close-quarters pressure.
Once you finally deplete his health bar, the fight is not technically over yet. Make sure to head toward the dark phantom shade lingering over the water and strike it once to trigger the "Nightmare Slain" message, successfully completing the DLC storyline.
Post-Fight Checklist
Strike the glowing shadow near the corpse to officially end the encounter, secure your completion status, and unlock the final secrets of the DLC area.
What level should I be to fight the bloodborne orphan of kos?
Most players find success facing the bloodborne orphan of kos around character level 70 to 90, paired with a fully upgraded weapon and optimized blood gems.
How do I trigger a visceral attack on the bloodborne orphan of kos?
You can trigger visceral attacks by walking underneath his jump attack in phase one, landing a charged R2 backstab, or occasionally parrying his standard combos with a firearm.
Why does the boss spam magic explosions in phase two?
If you create too much distance during the second phase, the bloodborne orphan of kos will frequently use his ranged projectile and explosion attacks. Staying close in melee range mitigates this behavior.
Do I need to do anything after defeating the boss?
Yes, after defeating the bloodborne orphan of kos, you must hit the dark shadow hovering over the water to get the "Nightmare Slain" notification and officially complete the expansion.
