Boss
Erdtree Burial Watchdog
Type
Statue-like construct with feline features
Location
Stormfoot Catacombs, Limgrave
Summary
The Erdtree Burial Watchdog, despite its name, is a feline-like statue boss with stiff, mechanical movements. This unique boss is encountered at the end of the Stormfoot Catacombs in Limgrave. Known for its eerie demeanor and abrupt attack patterns, the Erdtree Burial Watchdog is a recurring enemy throughout the Lands Between, appearing in various forms with different abilities.
Description
The Erdtree Burial Watchdog is located at the end of the Stormfoot Catacombs, which can be accessed by following the direction indicated by the Guide and Gatekeeper statue found on the west side of Limgrave.
Behavior and Attacks
This boss generally moves slowly, and its attacks are fairly predictable. However, the Erdtree Burial Watchdog’s strikes are powerful and often repeated in quick succession. The boss uses a variety of attacks, including:
- A sword stab (charge attack)
- A vertical slash
- A hovering vertical impale attack that generates a shockwave upon impact
- A fire-spewing attack, during which the boss breathes fire directly at the player
Although some of these attacks can be blocked, it is generally safer to dodge roll out of harm’s way for the best chance of survival.
Strategy
The Erdtree Burial Watchdog can be defeated using either melee or ranged attacks, but the easiest strategy is to rely on ranged combat. The boss’s slow movement and predictable attack patterns allow players to stay at a safe distance while consistently dealing damage.
During the fire attack, players have an excellent opportunity to fire 3–4 arrows while the boss is immobile. Timing is key when using flasks to heal; activating a flask while the boss is attacking may negate the healing effect if the player is hit mid-animation.
For melee combatants, patience and precise dodging are crucial. Focus on evading the boss’s attacks and strike during its recovery periods.
Difficulty
The Erdtree Burial Watchdog can be considered an “easy” boss when using a ranged strategy. Its slow movements and predictable attack patterns make it manageable to defeat from a distance.
A melee approach, however, is significantly more challenging, as it requires precise timing to close the gap for attacks while avoiding its charge and fire abilities. For melee classes, even using a basic bow or crossbow can simplify the fight. Patience is key—don’t overcommit or get greedy for extra damage, as the boss can punish mistimed attacks harshly.
Reward
Defeating the Erdtree Burial Watchdog yields the following rewards:
- Runes: 1,300 (in normal mode)
- Item: Noble Sorcerer Ashes
