Mastering Father Gascoigne: A Comprehensive Guide To Defeating Bloodborne's Second Boss

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Okay, by now Bloodborne has probably gotten its hooks into you, likely to the point where you're having that ridiculous mental debate over whether you should forgo work or sleep in order to continue playing. While we can’t possibly advise putting your health and/or livelihood at risk in order to play a massive game (though you totally don’t have to shower if you don’t want to), we also can’t blame you for getting addicted so quickly.

Bloodborne's second boss, Father Gascoigne, is notably more difficult than its predecessor due to his speed, high damage output, and three-stage attack plan. Finding him is relatively simple since he is located at the end of the path in Central Yharnham that houses the fireball-rolling ogre. On the way to the fight, players must choose between battling a massive pig near the mouth of a sewer tunnel or avoiding five possessed citizens and a rolling ball of fire—choosing the former path is typically the best option.

As mentioned in the Cleric Beast guide, caution is key when it comes to leveling up your character, weapons, and items. Bloodborne is brutally unforgiving, yet it rewards players who take the time to combine patience and effort. Therefore, maximizing crucial items like Blood Vials and Quicksilver Bullets is essential for success. To effectively defeat Father Gascoigne, we’ll need to break down each of the three sections of this battle individually, as employing a shifting strategy is crucial.

What You Will Learn

The importance of patience and preparation before facing Father Gascoigne.
How to navigate the challenging arena effectively.
Strategies for each phase of the battle against Father Gascoigne.
The rewards for defeating this formidable foe.

Before diving into the specifics of the battle, it’s worth noting that the setting of this boss fight, Central Yharnham’s cemetery, is filled with tombstones and trees that can corner players quickly. It’s crucial to keep at least one direction open for side-stepping since getting trapped between Gascoigne and one of his deadly combos can lead to certain death. Furthermore, due to his high attack speed, it's advisable to have a full stock of Blood Vials and a significant amount of Quicksilver Bullets, particularly for the final stage of the fight. If your health drops below half, use a locked-on side-step to give yourself time to heal.

The first segment of the battle introduces players to fighting a Hunter with similar skills and equipment. Armed with a one-handed axe and a blunderbuss, Gascoigne aims to draw players in and unleash a flurry of melee attacks. Backing away increases the likelihood of being hit by bullets, complicating dashing. The key is to stay close enough for quick dashes to his side or back while maintaining a safe distance to avoid constant hits. This part of the battle should be approached slowly, as a single misstep can deplete your entire health bar. Wait for Gascoigne to attack, dash away from his swing, hit him one to three times with your melee weapon, and repeat until you drain the first third of his health bar, prompting him to switch to his two-handed Trick Weapon.

This next portion of the fight may seem easier if you take your time; however, rushing can lead to quick defeat. Father Gascoigne’s two main two-handed attacks consist of a spinning side-swipe and a powerful downward swing. While some additional attacks may occur, they are generally easy to avoid. It’s critical to stay locked on to him to set up the most effective damage-dealing strategies. If you’re not confident in your ability to perform Visceral Attacks, the side-stepping attack method previously mentioned is an excellent alternative. If you prefer a quicker end to the battle, a well-timed gunshot during his downward swing can trigger an easy Visceral Attack combo.

After completing the two-handed phase, prepare to watch Gascoigne undergo a transformation into a monstrous beast for the final stretch. During this transformation, it's wise to use the opportunity to launch a charge attack or retreat to heal with a Blood Vial. Although Gascoigne is vulnerable during this time, being overly aggressive can lead to devastating consequences. Fortunately, this last segment of the fight is the simplest, as the slower Beast Gascoigne will repeat the same attacks before reaching you, allowing ample time to learn his movements and time your gunshot effectively.