Dark Souls - Kalameet boss strategy, and where to use the Crest Key to find Hawkeye Gough
How to unlock Kalameet using Hawkeye Gough and the Crest Key in Dark Souls.
Kalameet and Hawkeye Gough are optional encounters within the Artorias of the Abyss DLC in Dark Souls after exploring the Royal Wood.
If you're looking for more help, our Dark Souls walkthrough and guide can help with all other areas of the game, including the dreaded Taurus Demon, Capra Demon, Ornstein and Smough bosses.
Finding Hawkeye Gough using the Crest Key and how to unlock Kalameet
From the Oolacile Bonfire, you want to take the shortcut lift down, then head back into the room with the two Witches and residents, then hang a left before the large staircase to go through the illuminated Staircase, you will need a Skull Lantern or Cast light here, as when you reach the top to a dead end, you will unlock an illusory wall that will lead to another room with a Red Titanite Chunk.
Head back into the other room, and then you'll see a wooden path that stops, with a small balcony to the left. Roll down here and kill the resident and mimic to get the Crest Key.
From here, warp to the Township Bonfire using a homeward bone. Then, turn around and head right up the stairs. Follow the path along and unlock the door using the Crest Key that we just got ahead. Head up the ladder and exhaust all of Hawkeye Gough's dialogue. Then, we're going to make our way to Kalameet for the first time.
Make your way out of the tower and head through Artorias' towards the building to your right.
Head down the slope on the left and walk forwards until you encounter three dogs. Kill them all and proceed ahead. You will pass through a doorway, and see Kalameet taking flight. To the left will be a ladder. Head down here and towards the corpses. Kalameet will come and kill you. Then, head back to Hawkeye Gough.
Gough will ask you two questions, answer both of them and you will gain access to the Kalameet boss fight in the same arena that we encountered it before. Be sure to have everything ready, this is the hardest boss in all of Dark Souls.
If you're looking for more help, our Dark Souls walkthrough and guide can help with all other areas of the game, including the dreaded Taurus Demon, Capra Demon, Ornstein and Smough bosses. Meanwhile, we have explainers on how to access DLC Artorias of the Abyss, the best gift and best class in Dark Souls, Dark Souls' best weapons, Dark Souls Covenants, Dark Souls Estus Flasks locations, Dark Souls Titanite Slab locations and NPC quests including Lautrec of Carim.
Kalameet boss strategy
First things first. Kalameet is not affected by magic, lightning or fire. You will instead want to roll with the hardest hitting weapon you have, fully upgraded. With regards to equipment, you will want to equip an armour set that is resistant to both Magic and Physical, due to the flame attacks from Kalameet doing both types of damage.
Ensure all your bases are covered, including wearing the Grass Crest shield to keep up your Stamina Regeneration and any other items that will restore your stamina quickly. Two-hand and rely on dodges for this fight, as if you try to defend from any of Kalameet's attacks, it will be useless and just deplete your stamina.
Next, the arena you fight Kalameet in is huge, and you want to fight this one at a close range. He has a variety of attacks that we will go through now- we recommend reading this before you head into the fight.
The first attacks that you want to be aware of are the fire attacks. The first of which is a flying blast that spreads across the ground with an area of effect, to dodge this, simply try to run away.
The second one will have Kalameet on the ground, with a forward-facing fire blast. This has long range, so head left or right and leave plenty of room to react. The third fire blast is a sweeping one, covering the arena you are in, so we will recommend that you try to outrun it.
The next one is a downwards fire blast, here, you will need to watch out for the tell that make Kalameet stand up on its hind legs, then head left or right to dodge it.
As demonstrated by the sweeping fire attacks, be sure to position yourself with lots of wiggle room for this fight, or else it could end incredibly badly. Watch the walls and corners, as you will not want to be left stuck by these attacks or unable to dodge out of the way.
Especially since Kalameet has a charging attack where it will leap ahead and breathe fire from behind you. So again, remember to dodge out of the way. The best openings to attack Kalameet during these attacks is when it stands on its hind legs, the windup is long and the timing is tight- but close the distance to dish out some damage.
Next, Kalameet will have some physical attacks, and one main one you need to be aware of- the Telekinesis attack will have Kalameet rise on its hind legs and emit a field in front of it, where you will be caught in its attack and be debuffed. To avoid this, roll left twice and then head to its hind legs to dish out some damage.
This fearsome dragon also has physical attacks, including a Tail Pound which will have Kalameet slam its tail into the ground. Here you will need to ensure that you lay out of the way. The area of effect is small and cooldown is large, leaving you okay to dish out some meaty hits.
There are also a few swipes that Kalameet can perform with its head, including a basic one, and another that also includes a lunge. We recommend that you head to the side of Kalameet during this to avoid it. If you see Kalameet fly up and hover, it will dive towards you, again- rolling is key here, don't worry about doing any damage, just avoid this one to not be hit by a folllowup. From there there is also a simple foot stomp and tailswipe.
In terms of damaging Kalameet, position yourself to the side or behind it in order to hit it for damage, while avoiding its fire attacks. This is one of the most, if not the most difficult boss in Dark Souls, so we stress again- do not even try to take this on without a fully upgraded weapon.