The PS5 launched with just a few exclusives. Most who managed to grab the new platform early purchased the remake of FromSoftware’s 2009 classic, Demon’s Souls. The game retains almost every facet of the original, including the brutal difficulty. Fortunately, some aspects of the experience are made significantly smoother, mostly thanks to the ridiculously fast load times from the PS5’s SSD.
Those new to the game and genre might need some help getting past some of the harder challenges. If you are stuck at the Shrine of Storms’, or the fourth Archstone, first boss, the Adjudicator, the following guide should help you best this beast. Fortunately, this monstrosity is one of the easier bosses in Demon’s Souls. Whether you are a long-range class like a mage or archer, or a melee-centered character, Adjudicator should not cause you any sleepless nights., especially considering it is further into the adventure than harder bosses like Flamelurker.
Level 4-1
Harder than the Adjudicator boss is the level leading up to the fight. It is filled with Skeletons and Storm Beasts. While this level can be tackled immediately after defeating Phalanx, the very first boss, we recommend first doing at least 2-1 and 3-1 beforehand. If you are still having trouble, a hidden shortcut lets you bypass the hardest parts. Shortly into the area there is a fortress wall with two archers on it. Climb the stairs to reach this area and head to the other stairway opposite from where you came. From here you can roll over the gate into the area below, which normally is not accessible without traditionally progressing through the area. You need a running start to successfully complete the roll. From here it is a short jaunt to the Adjudicator Boss.
If you choose to go through the level traditionally, be prepared to take on some tough enemies, including a mini boss called the Vanguard. However, this mini boss can also be bypassed by yet another hidden route. After going up the same staircase to the fortress wall, head the other direction opposite the two archers to reach a hidden indoor area. Graverobber Blige is sitting in a path here, and he is a valuable merchant to have in this Archstone. He is inconvenient to reach, but he shows up in the level 4-2 to sell his wares near the Bonfire.
Adjudicator For Mages
For mages it is possible to defeat this boss without even hitting the ground floor. Normally the Adjudicator cannot take damage without first staggering it, but from above you can shoot magic directly at the crow on its head, which is the only area that receives damage. The only attack you really have to watch out for is the tongue, which swipes across the level from where you are attacking. It also progressively knocks down the platforms on the upper levels, so you have to be aggressive if you want to kill it before losing the high ground. The Adjudicator is quick work with a high enough magic stat and sufficiently strong spells.
To learn strong spells, you may want to consider first rescuing Yuria the Witch from level 1-3 and Sage Freke in 3-1. The former requires all the pieces of the Fat Official’s uniform, looted from their corpses, while the latter is found in a prison cell. Spell casters will want to find these two as soon as possible, since they unlock some of the best, most powerful spells in the game, some of which make quick work of even the most powerful bosses.
Adjudicator For Melee Builds
For melee characters the battle is a little bit harder and more dangerous, but it is still nothing compared to some of the most challenging encounters like the Maneater or the False King. If you start hacking away at it do not be alarmed to find no damage being done. As previously mentioned, the only way to reduce its health bar is by attacking the crow on top of its head, and the only way to reach it with a close range character is by staggering the beast. To do so, you have to attack a giant wound on the left side of the Adjudicator’s stomach with a blade stuck inside (to your right). You know your attack is hitting if blood spurts from the wound. Anywhere else the attacks just bounce off.
While any weapon will suffice, you want to pay attention to a few things if you want the most from your attacks. Certain arms grow more powerful depending on your Strength and Dexterity stat. For example, the Uchigatana is a great weapon for a build more focused on Dexterity and Endurance, while a Crushing Battle Axe is a solid weapon for a high Strength stat. The latter especially becomes more powerful with a higher Strength stat.
As for the Adjudicator’s attacks, it is not fast and telegraphs the moves from miles away. It is mighty powerful, but honestly you should be able to defeat it without taking a single hit. Once the hands start moving you know to move away, because the Adjudicator will then swipe its sides or start chopping. Either roll out of the way or be far enough to the side to avoid it completely. Feel free to coat your weapon with flame or magic for some increased damage, making the bout shorter.
After The Adjudicator
With the Adjudicator now a thing of the past, you now have access to level 4-2. This area is even harder than the first, filled with opportunities to fall to your death while traversing the side of a large cliff. To make matters worse, Storm Beasts are constantly shooting at you while you have to contend with the skeletal enemies. The indoor areas are not much easier, with enemies like the Reaper raining on your parade. There are several good things about this level, however. The Reaper at the start is a great way to farm some souls at this point in the adventure. Better farming spots are available later on, but this is the best you can find up to this point.
