Church of the Good Chalice

Learn how to defeat the Blood-starved Beast in Bloodborne. This guide covers its attacks, weaknesses, and strategies for all phases to help you acquire the Pthumeru Chalice.

Alright, so you've made it to the Church of the Good Chalice, and that means one thing: it's time to face the Blood-starved Beast. Don't let its name scare you too much; with a little preparation and by following these tips, you'll be through this fight in no time. Make sure you've hotkeyed some Antidotes before you head in, because things can get a bit… poisonous later on.

This beast has a pretty big weakness to fire, so if you've got a Flamesprayer that's seen some upgrades, or even just some Oil Urns and Bone Marrow Ash, you're in for a good time. These can deal some serious damage.

Boss: Blood-starved Beast

Stats / Weaknesses

• Weakness: Fire

Phases

1. Phase 1: The beast telegraphs its attacks clearly. Stay at mid-range and watch for it to raise its right arm over its head – this is your cue to counter with your gun for a visceral attack. If you're low on health, use the pillars in the area to block its attacks and get a safe heal. Be aware of its different attack telegraphs: the arm raised over the head is a good counter opportunity, while the arm swung out to the side (Lunging Slash) is much harder to stun.
2. Phase 2 & 3: Once the Blood-starved Beast hits 50% health, it enters Phase 2. It gets faster and more agile, and its attacks start building up Poison. The core attacks are similar, so you can use the same strategy but with extra caution. Be ready to dodge more often. When it drops below 25% health, it enters Phase 3 and goes absolutely wild. At this point, using the environment for cover to heal or cure Poison is crucial. Dodge its frantic attacks, and when it misses and exposes its back, that's your opening to get some hits in.

Strategy

• Phase 1 Strategy: Focus on recognizing the 'Slow Combo' (right arm raised over head) to land gun counters for visceral attacks. Use pillars for cover and healing.
• Phase 2 & 3 Strategy: Prioritize dodging and healing using environmental cover. Punish openings when the beast misses its wild attacks and turns its back.
• General Tips: Keep Antidotes hotkeyed. Utilize fire damage if possible. Use the pillars for cover, especially when healing or curing poison in later phases.

Attacks

Phase 1 Attacks:

• Slow Combo: Slowly raises its right arm over its head. This is the best attack to counter for a visceral attack.
• Fast Combo: A rapid succession of three hits that deals heavy damage.
• Lunging Slash: Swings its right arm out to its side and then rushes forward with a slash. Harder to stun than the Slow Combo.

Phase 2 & 3 Attacks:

• Poison Grab: Rears up on its hind legs and lunges forward for a poisonous bite.
• Rage Combo: A rapid succession of five hits that deals heavy damage.
• Poison Blast: Creates a cloud of poison around itself that deals damage and builds up Poison.
• Jump Combo: Hops forward for two quick slashes that deal moderate damage.

Defeating the Blood-starved Beast grants you the Pthumeru Chalice, which is essential for sealing the catacombs deep beneath Yharnam. Keep at it, and you'll get this done!