The Ultimate Bloodborne DLC Access Guide: Ludwig, the Unstoppable Wall

Highlights

The Old Hunters DLC in Bloodborne introduces challenging bosses and new gear, with Ludwig being a formidable enemy that may be best faced later in the game.

Ludwig presents a formidable challenge for novice players due to his intricate set of moves and unyielding assault. His second phase, featuring FromSoftware's renowned Holy Moonlight Sword, adds an alluring incentive for players to persevere and acquire the weapon. However, it is recommended to tackle him later in the game for better chances of success.

The inclusion of The Old Hunters DLC in Bloodborne brought forth an array of exceptional bosses and sought-after hunter gear. Nonetheless, a significant portion of this new content is concealed behind an adversary that serves as a formidable obstacle for less experienced players. This obstacle takes the form of Ludwig, the Accursed, a character deeply intertwined within Bloodborne's captivating and extensive lore. His transformation into a beastly creature presents a challenge that is perhaps better confronted at a later stage, rather than immediately upon encounter.

Ludwig is just one example of the numerous demanding bosses scattered throughout the entirety of Bloodborne, both within and outside of the DLC. However, his specific placement within the game serves as a focal point of interest throughout players' journeys. The impact of Ludwig's placement becomes even more pronounced as players progress and, upon reducing his health bar by half, are confronted with a second phase that wields a weapon iconic to the renowned FromSoftware catalog.

Ludwig's Accursed Moveset Against Green Builds

Ludwig, the Accursed, is known for his complex moveset, which includes a variety of attacks that complement his monstrous form. From slashing with his claws to shooting a mysterious liquid from a second head on his neck, Ludwig's relentless attacks quickly bridge the gap between him and the player. Even if players attempt to create distance, using firearms for long-range damage isn't the most effective strategy in Bloodborne.

This results in a frantic battle against an opponent who rarely relents, leaping across the arena and dealing excessive damage to low-level builds. However, this is not a flaw in Ludwig's design but rather a deliberate feature of the DLC. It is intended to be tackled later in the game or even during New Game Plus after experiencing one of Bloodborne's intense endings. Therefore, players who venture into the Old Hunters content as soon as it becomes available may want to explore the base game first, reaching a point where they can acquire twin-bloodstone shards regularly and deal reasonable damage.

Ludwig's Moonlight is Half Deterrent and Half Incentive

Saving Ludwig for later is a smart strategy to ensure players have the necessary firepower. However, in the boss' second phase, something extraordinary happens—the iconic Holy Moonlight Sword is unveiled. This legendary weapon becomes Ludwig, the Holy Blade's primary means of attack as he regains his senses and abandons his chaotic swings for more deliberate strikes. This adds a new layer of complexity to the battle, introducing a calculated adversary who aims to catch players off guard with swift sword slashes and a range of area-of-effect attacks.

To maintain Ludwig's reputation as a formidable opponent, these sword strikes now inflict even greater damage, posing a grave threat to low-level players. However, the upshot is that Ludwig's refined movements become somewhat predictable, enabling astute players to evade danger more easily. Nevertheless, a single mistake can prove disastrous, as succumbing to a hit during this focused onslaught will promptly transport players back to Bloodborne's Hunter's Dream.

In addition to the risks posed by the new phase, Ludwig also presents the potential to serve as a tempting incentive to further progress, given the coveted Holy Moonlight Sword that is essential for any Arcane build. Dedicated followers of FromSoftware's games, in particular, may feel compelled to swiftly confront Ludwig in order to acquire this iconic weapon. Nonetheless, it is advisable to save Ludwig for later, as the gratification of obtaining the Holy Moonlight Sword is best experienced in the late stages of the game.

Bloodborne can now be played on PS4.