The optional dungeons found in FromSoftware games like Bloodborne present a significant amount of anticipation and effort required from players to access them. Take Cainhurst Castle, for example. The satisfaction of reaching this location primarily lies in the formidable boss battle against Martyr Logarius, who proves to be as challenging to defeat as he is to locate.
In Bloodborne, players have the opportunity to reach Cainhurst Castle soon after conquering Vicar Amelia and departing from the Grand Cathedral, specifically in the Forbidden Forest. However, both the intense encounter with Martyr Logarius and the arduous journey leading to him serve as compelling reasons for players to consider returning at a later stage, once they have boosted their character's level and acquired a more formidable weapon.
The Path to Martyr Logarius in Bloodborne
The path to Martyr Logarius is a prime example of FromSoftware's intricate questlines, requiring players to revisit previous areas to uncover the entrance to Cainhurst Castle. If attempted too early, players may be forced to confront imposter Iosefka to obtain the Cainhurst summons item. However, this can be avoided by defeating Bloodborne's Rom, the Vacuous Spider, before proceeding. Afterwards, a swift journey through Hemwick Charnel Lane and an encounter with an inconspicuous obelisk triggers a cutscene transporting the player to Cainhurst Castle.
Upon arrival at the castle, players must navigate a treacherous area filled with formidable enemies and surprise attacks that can easily catch them off guard. From bloodlickers guarding the castle gates to ghosts lurking in the shadows, poised to strike with a sudden knife slash, the castle poses a significant challenge. And then there is the daunting boss battle against Martyr Logarius, a formidable opponent capable of overwhelming players and swiftly sending them back to the Hunter's Dream.
Logarius as the Reward for the Runaround
Cainhurst Castle offers more than just a few armor sets or weapons as rewards, the ultimate prize being the thrilling battle against the formidable Martyr Logarius. As one of the toughest bosses in Bloodborne, Martyr Logarius embodies the thrilling elements that players adore in FromSoftware's games. With his lightning-fast moves and the ability to control the battlefield, he keeps players on their toes throughout both punishing phases of the fight.
Martyr Logarius harnesses his control over the space by unleashing a barrage of glowing, red skulls that can be launched towards the player. Some of these skulls possess chasing capabilities, forcing players to swiftly dodge or outrun them until they disappear. However, the boss doesn't give players the freedom to evade these skulls without consequences, often following them up with punishing swings from his scythe or sword. This eerie spectacle of a mummified Logarius pursuing players amidst a flurry of flying skulls creates one of the standout and spookier boss fights in Bloodborne.
In addition to Martyr Logarius' fierce agility and power, players must also face a second phase where the boss plants his sword in the ground and summons ghostly blades to relentlessly pursue them. This forces players to divert their attention from the boss, disrupt the sword's placement, and avoid being attacked from every direction. This intense situation elevates Martyr Logarius as one of Bloodborne's memorable and legendary adversaries, despite the possibility of some players not discovering him in Cainhurst Castle. Bloodborne is currently accessible on PS4.