How to Beat Yhorm the Giant in Dark Souls 3
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How to Beat Yhorm the Giant in Dark Souls 3
Tips
Yhorm is intentionally designed as a relief fight — after the demanding gauntlet leading through Pontiff Sulyvahn and the Profaned Capital, the Storm Ruler gives players a satisfying power fantasy moment. The fight’s brevity is the point. Once Yhorm is down, his Cinders of a Lord join those of the other Lords, and the path toward the final confrontation opens up — all roads lead back to Firelink Shrine for the endgame.
Frequently Asked Questions
⚡ Quick Answer
How to Beat Yhorm
Pick up the Storm Ruler greatsword from the throne at the back of the boss room. Hold the strong attack button to charge it up fully, then release for a wind blast that deals massive damage — roughly 3–4 charged shots defeat Yhorm regardless of your level or stats. This is the intended mechanic and turns a potentially brutal fight into a 60-second formality.
1
Enter the boss room and immediately run to the throne at the far end. The Storm Ruler sword is on the ground in front of the throne — pick it up. Yhorm will begin attacking as you move, so dodge his first ground slam and keep running.
2
Equip the Storm Ruler in your main hand. Stand near Yhorm at medium range and hold the strong attack button (R2/RT). A wind effect builds around the sword over about 2 seconds — do not release early or the shot will be weak.
3
When fully charged, release to fire a wind slash at his chest or head. Each hit deals 2,000–3,000+ damage and staggers him briefly — significantly more than any normal weapon strike regardless of your build.
4
Dodge his attacks while charging — Yhorm’s cleaver slams are slow and well-telegraphed. Step to his side when he raises his weapon, then resume charging immediately after the swing passes.
5
Repeat 3–4 times and Yhorm falls. If Siegward of Catarina has been freed from his questline prison, he appears automatically wielding his own Storm Ruler, dealing additional damage and splitting Yhorm’s attention.
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Aim at Yhorm’s face — shots aimed at his head deal more damage than hits to his legs or lower body. Position yourself in front of him at chest height to land clean headshots with each charge.
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The Storm Ruler’s charged skill only deals massive damage to Yhorm specifically — against any other enemy in the game it does weak, normal damage. Don’t invest in upgrading or keeping it after this fight.
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If you’re fighting without Siegward, stay at medium range between shots — too close and Yhorm’s wide cleaver sweeps clip you; too far and you need to spend time closing distance to recharge.
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If you’re attempting the fight without the Storm Ruler, use Lightning weapons — Yhorm has lower Lightning resistance than Fire or Physical. See our best weapons guide for options that work on resistant bosses.
Where is the Storm Ruler in Yhorm’s arena?
The Storm Ruler is on the ground in front of the large throne at the far end of the boss room, directly ahead when you enter. It’s a glowing item pickup — impossible to miss if you run straight toward the throne as soon as the fight starts.
Can I beat Yhorm without the Storm Ruler?
Yes, but it takes significantly longer. Yhorm has enormous HP and high fire/physical resistance. A Lightning-infused weapon is your best option without the Storm Ruler. Expect a long, attrition-style fight at any normal SL range.
Is Yhorm the Giant required?
Yes — Yhorm is one of the four Lords of Cinder on the main path. His Cinders of a Lord are required to progress toward the Kiln of the First Flame and the game’s endings. He cannot be skipped.
What does Yhorm drop?
Yhorm drops the Soul of Yhorm the Giant — transpose it at Ludleth for Yhorm’s Great Machete (a colossal cleaver) or Yhorm’s Greatshield. He also drops 45,000 souls. After his death, the way to the Kiln of the First Flame is accessible once all four Lord souls are collected.