How To Beat Laurence The First Vicar

Alright, friend, let's talk Laurence. Laurence the First Vicar, that is. You know, the flaming cleric who's basically a bonfire with anger issues? Yeah, that guy.

He's from the Old Hunters DLC for Bloodborne. And let’s be real, he's not exactly a walk in the park. More like a fiery sprint through hell. But hey, who doesn't love a good challenge? Especially one that ends with you finally silencing that infernal roar!

Why Laurence? Why Now?

Because he’s awesome! Okay, maybe "awful" is more accurate while you’re fighting him. But his lore is deep. He’s a key piece of Bloodborne’s twisted puzzle. Plus, bragging rights, duh! Beating Laurence is like wearing a badge of honor in the Bloodborne community. A badge forged in fire and frustration, of course.

Ever notice how his screams sound like a mix of agony and righteous fury? It's truly unsettling. He was the first Vicar after all. Imagine the pressure!

The Prep Work: Gearing Up for Glory (or Death)

First, level up. Seriously. Don't be a hero. Pump those Vitality and Strength/Skill stats. You'll thank me later.

Next, fire resistance is your best friend. Equip armor with high fire defense. The Charred Hunter Set is a solid choice. Also, consider the Fire Resistance Rune. Every little bit helps against that flaming frenzy.

Bring some Bolt Paper too. It might seem counterintuitive against fire, but hear me out. In his second phase, Laurence loses his legs. Guess what's left? A big, gross, slimy body. And guess what that's weak to? You guessed it, Bolt!

Finally, stock up on Blood Vials and Quick Silver Bullets. You will be using a LOT of them. Consider farming a bit if you're running low. Nobody wants to wipe because they're out of healing items!

The Battle: Dancing with the Devil (Literally)

Phase one is all about patience. Laurence has long, telegraphed attacks. Learn his attack patterns. Dodge into his attacks, not away. This gives you a better chance to get behind him for a counter-attack.

Don't get greedy! One or two hits, then back off. He hits like a truck. And that truck is on fire. I repeat, do not get greedy!

Pay attention to his roars. They often signal a powerful attack. Get ready to dodge!

Phase two is where things get… messy. Laurence loses his legs and becomes a crawling monstrosity, leaving trails of lava. Fun, right?

This is where the Bolt Paper comes in. Apply it to your weapon. Then, focus on hitting his head. It's the only vulnerable spot. Stay mobile! The lava pools are your enemy here. Don't get cornered!

Use the pillars to your advantage. They can provide temporary cover from his attacks. But don't rely on them too much. He can break them.

His lava spew attack is particularly nasty. Watch for the tell and dodge to the side. Getting hit by that is almost always a one-shot kill.

Cheese Strat? Maybe…

Okay, confession time. There's a little "cheese" strategy. But hey, desperate times, right? If you stand near the fog gate (where you entered the arena), some of Laurence's attacks won't reach you. This gives you a chance to heal or reload your weapon. It's not a guaranteed win, but it can help.

But remember, true hunters earn their victories! Use the cheese sparingly. Learn the fight. Overcome the challenge. You’ll feel so much better afterwards.

You Died. A Lot. That's Okay!

Seriously, don't get discouraged. Laurence is tough. You will die. A lot. We all did. It's part of the Bloodborne experience. Embrace the pain. Learn from your mistakes. And keep trying!

Each death is a lesson. Figure out what went wrong. Adjust your strategy. And go back in there with renewed determination.

Victory! (Finally!)

And when you finally beat him? Oh, the sweet, sweet victory! That feeling of accomplishment is unmatched. You’ve conquered one of the hardest bosses in Bloodborne. Take a moment to savor it.

You can now proudly say that you've faced Laurence the First Vicar and lived to tell the tale (and maybe even write a guide about it!). Now go forth, hunter, and cleanse this wretched world!

Plus, think of all the insight you'll gain! You'll be seeing squid-headed aliens everywhere!

So, what are you waiting for? Go get 'em!