Dark Souls III: Iudex Gundyr and Vordt

Iudex Gundyr teaches the game’s first useful rule: dodge a committed swing, then respond once or twice. Do not empty stamina because the boss is briefly still. When the second form changes the silhouette and reach, stop trying to stand at sword range. Stay mobile, look for the end of the larger swings, and use the same short punish.

Vordt adds frost pressure and long forward movement. Stay close enough to read the mace rather than retreating all the way across the arena. During the charge sequence, concentrate on surviving the passes; trying to force damage during every movement usually leaves you in front of the next one. Once it ends, the boss gives a clearer recovery window.

Both fights reward a reinforced starter weapon and a roll with stamina behind it. Spend souls at Firelink, set your Estus allocation for how you actually fight, then return. Winning Vordt opens the Undead Settlement route; Base-Game Progression gives the next landmarks.