- The Bloodborne Cleric Beast is the first major boss, found on the Great Bridge in Central Yharnam.
- Stay at its sides and hind legs — never fight directly in front of it.
- Fire damage and Molotov Cocktails are its key weakness; saw weapons add serrated bonus damage.
- Summon Old Hunter Father Gascoigne near the fog gate to split its attention.
- Watch the camera in the enraged phase and keep a clear escape route from the bridge edges.
Cleric Beast Overview: Your First Great Hunt
The Cleric Beast is the towering, deformed guardian of the Great Bridge and, for most players, the first true test in Bloodborne. It is an optional boss — you can skip it and head straight to Father Gascoigne — but defeating it grants a valuable Blood Echo reward, the Sword Hunter Badge, and an early confidence boost before the Tomb of Oedon.
Approach the arena by climbing the Central Yharnam route past the mob-filled streets, lighting the lantern shortcuts along the way, and pulling the lever at the top of the tower to extend the bridge path. When you step onto the fog-covered bridge, the Cleric Beast drops down from the cathedral above.
Video Highlights:
- See the Great Bridge approach and lantern shortcuts in action
- Watch side-positioning tactics against wide swipes and grabs
- Fire Paper and Molotov usage against the beast's weakness
Before crossing the fog, stock Molotov Cocktails from the Yharnam fountain merchant and equip the Saw Cleaver. Its serrated edge deals bonus damage to beasts, giving you an edge before any upgrades.
Attack Patterns and Phase Changes
The Cleric Beast fight has two distinct phases, and each punishes a different mistake.
| Attack | Tell | Counter |
|---|---|---|
| Overhead slam | Raises both arms high | Dodge sideways, punish recovery |
| Wide swipe combo | Winds one arm outward | Roll toward its hind leg |
| Leaping grab | Crouches and roars | Roll backward twice |
| Charge grab | Arm extends forward | Stay at the flank, never front |
| Enraged chain swipes | Roars, body flames with rage | Keep distance, bait and punish |
Opening phase: The beast relies on wide swipes, overhead attacks, leaps, and grabs. Position near its sides or behind its limbs. Each missed attack leaves a recovery window long enough for two quick strikes.
Enraged phase: Below roughly half health, its attacks become faster and cover more of the bridge. Maintain a clear escape route — getting cornered against the bridge walls or the cathedral stairs is the most common cause of death here.
Fighting directly beneath the boss hides its wind-up animations and ruins lock-on. Unlock the camera, back off to mid-range, and let the beast come to you during the enraged phase.
Best Weapons and Items for the Fight
Saw Cleaver
- Serrated damage bonus against beasts
- Fast attacks fit short punish windows
- Best all-around first-run choice
Hunter Axe
- Transformed sweep controls spacing
- Charged attacks stagger limbs
- Slower but forgiving reach
Fire Toolkit
- Molotov Cocktails for burst damage
- Fire Paper adds flat fire damage
- Oil Urn plus fire doubles the burn
| Loadout Slot | Recommendation | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Trick Weapon | Saw Cleaver (or Hunter Axe) | Serrated bonus, fast recovery |
| Firearm | Hunter Pistol / Blunderbuss | Marginally useful; parries rarely land |
| Consumables | 4-6 Molotov Cocktails | Exploits the beast's fire weakness |
| Buff | Fire Paper or Oil Urn + fire | Sustained damage boost |
| Attire | Any set with decent beast defense | Mobility matters more than armor |
Repeated attacks to the Cleric Beast's limbs can stagger it, opening an extended damage window. Focus one arm instead of spreading hits across its body.
Step-by-Step Battle Strategy
Open the fight at the flank
Walk through the fog and immediately strafe right toward its hind leg. Landing at the side avoids the opening roar-swipe and gives you a free punish window.
Punish only after committed attacks
Wait for the overhead slam or leaping grab to whiff, then land two fast attacks and reset your position. Greedy third hits are the top cause of early deaths.
Burn through the health bar
Throw Molotovs during recovery animations or apply Fire Paper before the fog. Combine with Oil Urns for heavy burst damage against its fire weakness.
Manage the enraged phase
At low health the beast chains swipes and leaps. Back off, keep the bridge center open behind you, and pick off single punish windows until it falls.
Collect the Sword Hunter Badge
Defeating the Cleric Beast awards the Sword Hunter Badge, unlocking the Kirkhammer and Hunter's Chief emblem purchases in the Hunter's Dream.
Pre-Fight Checklist:
- Stock 4-6 Molotov Cocktails from the fountain merchant
- Equip the Saw Cleaver or Hunter Axe
- Apply Fire Paper before crossing the fog gate
- Light both Central Yharnam lantern shortcuts for quick returns
- Note the Gascoigne summon sign near the arena
Rewards, Summons, and Next Steps
| Result | Reward | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Boss defeat | Blood Echoes (scaling) | Early leveling fuel |
| Key item | Sword Hunter Badge | Unlocks Kirkhammer purchase |
| Trophy | Cleric Beast (Bronze) | Required for platinum |
| Optional | Summons: Old Hunter Father Gascoigne | Near fog gate, when available |
If the fight proves too difficult, summoning Old Hunter Father Gascoigne near the fog gate splits the boss's aggression and creates free backstab windows. After the victory, spend your echoes at the Hunter's Dream, upgrade your weapon with any Blood Stone Shards collected in Central Yharnam, and head to the Tomb of Oedon for the Father Gascoigne encounter — a faster, more parry-focused duel.
The Cleric Beast can be skipped entirely via the shortcut route to Tomb of Oedon, but the Sword Hunter Badge and echo payout make it worth the detour on a first playthrough.
FAQ
Q: Is the Cleric Beast mandatory in Bloodborne?
No, the Cleric Beast is optional. You can reach Father Gascoigne in the Tomb of Oedon without crossing the Great Bridge, but defeating the Cleric Beast grants the Sword Hunter Badge and a strong Blood Echo reward.
Q: What is the Cleric Beast's main weakness?
Fire damage. Molotov Cocktails and Fire Paper are highly effective, and saw-type weapons like the Saw Cleaver deal bonus serrated damage against beasts.
Q: Can I summon help for the Cleric Beast fight?
Yes. Old Hunter Father Gascoigne can be summoned near the fog gate when the summon sign is available, drawing the boss's attention and opening punish windows.
Q: Why do I keep dying in the second phase of the Cleric Beast?
Most deaths come from being cornered against the bridge edges or fighting directly in front of the boss. Stay at its flank, keep an escape route open, and only attack after its swipes whiff.