Bloodborne - Cannon Executioner, Butcher set, Madaras Twin summon, Nightmare Church

This article explains how to survive the Cannon Executioner in Bloodborne: The New Hunters.

If you're interested in more advice, our complete Bloodborne walkthrough and for the DLC our The Old Hunters guide and walkthrough can help.

As you reach the crest of the hill, the church bells will chime once more. Continue forward and wind your way down to the ledge below. Approach the ladder leading back to the river of blood and, before descending, take a moment to survey the area.

How to kill the Executioners

Up ahead, you'll spot another of the white-cloaked Executioner enemies that you encountered earlier. This one, however, is a little different and carries an enormous cannon that's capable of launching powerful, explosive shots from a considerable distance. As soon as you near him, he'll open fire, meaning you'll constantly need to dodge around to avoid the impact blasts. Making matters worse, there's a second executioner (identical to the one you encountered outside the cathedral) concealed behind a rock immediately to the left of the first enemy.

There are a couple of way to deal with these two creatures, but the easiest method, arguably, is as follows: first, descend the ladder then run toward the gun-toting enemy, dodging its incoming fire. Keep moving forward until you aggro the second creature behind the rock then immediately race back to the ladder and climb on up.

Once you do, the gun-toting Executioner should stop firing, and the second creature should come to a halt midway between you and his chum. Now, you can leap down and deal with the axe- wielding enemy without aggro-ing the other - provided that you don't stray passed the mid-point, of course. Once your first opponent is down, you're free to turn your attention to the second.

Be wary of this second creature, however: not only are his cannon-blasts powerful, he's pretty deadly in close quarters too. He has two main melee moves: a single swipe that's easy to dodge and a triple combo that ends with him slamming his weapon down in front of him. Remain vigilant and be ready to slip out the way, as this second attack can do significant damage.

Note, also, that your opponent's head may begin to glow during the fight. If this happens, he's preparing to fire his mouth tendrils right at you - another move that's capable of significant damage if you don't manage to step out of the way in time.

Where to find the Butcher equipment

When both enemies are down, it's time to explore the area. First, head over to the coral-like outcrop that concealed the axe-wielding creature earlier. Once you arrive, locate the narrow path nearby, running alongside the crooked chapel. Follow it along and you'll discover a corpse at the end, holding the Butcher Mask, Butcher Garb, Butcher Gloves and Butcher Trousers. Provided that you've equipped the Impurity Caryll rune, you'll also be able to summon Madaras Twin here. When you're ready to continue, head back along the path.

Next, look left and locate the tall statue in the centre of the area. You'll find a corpse holding some Madman's Knowledge behind it. From here, make your way toward the large, sealed gate in the distance. As you approach the gate, you'll spot a path leading off either side.

Light the Nightmare Church lamp

First, climb the grassy slope to the right, moving toward the large church entrance. Head up the steps and enter the building. Next, locate the lamp in the far left-hand corner of the room. Light it and the Nightmare Church location will be added to the headstone back in the Hunter's Dream.

- The next part of our walkthrough explains how to locate Bloodborne's Whirligig Saw.

- Head back to the first page for the rest of our Bloodborne: The Old Hunters guide.