Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesiTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
You can fight Vendrick without collecting or using any Souls of a Giant. The efficient opportunity is immediately after defeating Velstadt: continue straight to Vendrick without resting at a bonfire or leaving the area. In that sequence, his resistance is reported to be close to zero. If you have already rested or left, you can still challenge him, but expect a much longer fight because of his extreme defense.
Take the immediate route after Velstadt
- Defeat Velstadt.
- Continue directly to Vendrick. Do not rest at a bonfire or leave the location between the two encounters.
- Fight Vendrick without Souls of a Giant. Gamepressure’s guide says that in this immediate sequence his resistance is close to zero, so ordinary attacks can deal damage without those items. This is a timing-dependent opportunity, not a permanent change to Vendrick’s defense. Gamepressure’s Vendrick guide was updated May 11, 2016.
This route requires no Souls of a Giant in your inventory. A Soul of a Giant is also distinct from the Last Giant’s boss soul and the Giant Lord’s soul.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin - PlayStation 4 | $21.39 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Dark Souls II Game Guide: Complete Walkthrough, Secrets, and Strategies to Master Every Boss, Build,... | $17.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Dark Souls II: Design Works | $28.34 | Buy on Amazon |
If you have already rested or left
You can still fight Vendrick without any Souls of a Giant, but the fight becomes an endurance challenge. Gamepressure reports that damage is reduced 32-fold, while the Dark Souls II Wiki describes Vendrick’s defense with zero Souls of a Giant as 32 times its base. Those descriptions indicate the same severe penalty; they do not mean the fight is impossible.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteThe wiki says the effect returns Vendrick’s defense to base at five Souls of a Giant. That figure is context for the mechanic, not a requirement for the no-soul route described above. The guides’ advice about the immediate post-Velstadt sequence is the alternative to collecting them.
#1 Best Overall
- All 3 DLC Pack Contents: Crown of the Sunken King, Crown of the Old Iron King, Crown of the Ivory King
- Additional NPCs Added For Enhanced Story Experience To Assist Guiding Players Through Level
- Parameter Setting Adjustments for Improved Balance
- Augmented Item Descriptions
- Increase in Maximum Online Players
Use a cautious attack-and-reposition loop
GameSpot’s walkthrough recommends staying close behind Vendrick, around his left rear side, and waiting for him to attack before you commit. Gamepressure also advises getting behind him, slightly to the right, and returning there after evading his leap. Treat these as walkthrough recommendations rather than guarantees: stay mobile and adjust your position after each attack.
- Hold behind him. Avoid attacking from the front; the walkthroughs warn that acting first can give Vendrick time to turn and strike.
- Dodge the attack sequence. His horizontal slashes can chain one to three times and sweep broadly. He can also use a vertical strike, a leap strike, and a curse projectile.
- Punish briefly. Attack only after evading his move or sequence, then stop before he can turn or begin another attack.
- Reposition behind him. In particular, move back to his rear after dodging the leap rather than staying in front of him.
GameSpot notes that Vendrick’s health bar may take a few minutes of attacks to appear before the fight starts properly. If you are attempting the later, zero-soul fight, the reported defense penalty can make this opening stretch especially lengthy. GameSpot’s walkthrough was published April 1, 2014.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which no-soul approach should you choose?
| Approach | What it requires | Defense and damage | Practical expectation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Go straight from Velstadt | Defeat Velstadt, then continue without resting or leaving | Gamepressure says Vendrick’s resistance is close to zero in this sequence | The efficient no-soul opportunity |
| Fight after resting or leaving | No Souls of a Giant required, but the immediate sequence has passed | Gamepressure reports damage reduced 32-fold; the Dark Souls II Wiki describes zero-soul defense as 32 times base | A severe endurance fight |
The cited strategy guides date from 2014 and 2016. Their advice concerns encounter mechanics; edition-specific differences were not independently established, so the exact behavior across editions is not confirmed here.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Quick Recap
Rank #3
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
