The Curse-Rotted Greatwood is one of the most memorable early-game bosses in Dark Souls III. This enormous, grotesque tree-like creature hides deep within the Undead Settlement and challenges players with its unique weak points and destructive attacks. While the fight can be overwhelming, especially for beginners, there is an NPC summon available to help make the battle more manageable. Understanding how to summon the NPC for the Curse-Rotted Greatwood and how to use that ally effectively can make a big difference in surviving this encounter and progressing through the game.
Overview of the Curse-Rotted Greatwood
Before diving into the NPC summon, it’s important to understand the nature of the Curse-Rotted Greatwood itself. This boss resides in the lower courtyard of the Undead Settlement, surrounded by several hollows who appear to worship it. At first, the Greatwood seems like a harmless, decayed tree, but as players get close, it reveals its monstrous form. The fight takes place in two phases starting in the village courtyard and then continuing in a pit after the ground collapses.
Unlike many other bosses, the Curse-Rotted Greatwood has a very specific weakness the large, white sacs or cysts that grow from its body. Attacking these sacs is the only way to deal significant damage. This design makes the encounter unique, requiring players to target vulnerable areas rather than relying on standard combat tactics.
Locating the Boss Arena
The boss fight is located in the Undead Settlement, beyond the area where players first encounter the Evangelist enemies and several hollow workers. To reach the boss arena, proceed through the settlement past the bonfire called Dilapidated Bridge. From there, continue toward the large open courtyard where the Greatwood rests in the center. It’s a one-way fight once you trigger the boss, you won’t be able to summon or leave easily, so preparation is key.
The NPC Summon Sword Master
The NPC summon available for the Curse-Rotted Greatwood is none other than Sword Master, a skilled fighter who can significantly aid the player during this encounter. Sword Master is a recurring summonable NPC who wields a powerful curved sword and exhibits swift, aggressive fighting moves. If you’ve already encountered him near Firelink Shrine earlier in the game, you may remember his distinctive fighting style.
How to Unlock Sword Master as a Summon
Before you can summon Sword Master for the Curse-Rotted Greatwood fight, you must first find and defeat him as a hostile NPC outside Firelink Shrine. He can be found on the cliff to the left of the Shrine’s entrance, near the tower path. Defeating him will grant you his equipment the Uchigatana and the Master’s Attire set. Once he’s defeated, his summon sign will become available for specific boss fights later in the game, including the battle with the Curse-Rotted Greatwood.
Where to Find the Summon Sign
Sword Master’s summon sign for the Curse-Rotted Greatwood can be found just outside the boss arena. To locate it
- Start from the Dilapidated Bridge bonfire.
- Proceed toward the large open courtyard where the Greatwood is located.
- Before entering the area fully, look near the broken stone wall on the right side of the entrance.
- You should find Sword Master’s golden summon sign on the ground.
Keep in mind that you must be in human form (using an Ember) to see and activate the summon sign. If you’re still hollowed, use an Ember to restore your health and allow NPC and player summons to appear.
Preparing for the Fight
While Sword Master can assist you greatly, the battle against the Curse-Rotted Greatwood still requires strategy. The fight is long, with several enemies and unpredictable boss movements. Before summoning, make sure you’ve cleared the surrounding area of minor hollows they can quickly overwhelm you and your ally before the boss even awakens.
Once the fight begins, focus on targeting the white sacs on the boss’s body. The most accessible weak point in the first phase is the one located on its right leg. Hitting this area will cause the Greatwood to stagger and eventually trigger the second phase of the battle.
Transition to the Second Phase
After enough damage is done, the ground will collapse, plunging both you and the boss into a lower arena. At this point, the fight becomes more chaotic, as the Greatwood grows additional limbs and new sacs appear on its arms, torso, and back. Sword Master will continue to assist by drawing the boss’s attention, allowing you to target weak spots safely.
Be cautious of the boss’s massive sweep and slam attacks, which can crush both you and your NPC ally. Staying mobile and keeping an eye on Sword Master’s positioning can help balance aggression and survival during this phase.
Benefits of Summoning Sword Master
Sword Master’s summon is particularly helpful for players who struggle with the boss’s unpredictable movements. He acts as a distraction, giving you time to target the vulnerable cysts. His quick and agile combat style allows him to evade many of the Greatwood’s attacks, though he can still take significant damage if cornered.
Advantages
- Draws the boss’s attention, making it easier for you to attack weak points.
- Deals consistent melee damage, especially during the first phase.
- Provides backup if you need to heal or reposition.
Limitations
- Sword Master can die if not supported, especially in the second phase.
- He occasionally focuses on minor enemies instead of the boss early in the fight.
- Summoning him increases the boss’s health, slightly extending the battle.
Overall, Sword Master is best used as a distraction rather than the main damage dealer. His presence allows players to safely hit the weak spots while avoiding the Greatwood’s crushing blows.
Solo vs NPC-Assisted Strategy
Fighting the Curse-Rotted Greatwood solo offers a different kind of challenge compared to using an NPC summon. Without an ally, you’ll need to manage the crowd of hollows, dodge the boss’s attacks, and locate its weak points all on your own. While this can be rewarding, it’s also riskier for players still learning the game’s mechanics.
With Sword Master’s help, however, the pacing of the fight changes. You can focus more on positioning and less on constant dodging. When the Greatwood targets Sword Master, use that opportunity to attack the sacs on its arms or lower body. If he falls, continue to circle the boss carefully and strike during openings.
Recommended Weapons and Items
- WeaponsFast weapons like straight swords, curved swords, or spears work best for hitting weak points quickly.
- FirebombsUseful for clearing out hollows before the boss awakens.
- Estus FlasksEnsure you have enough healing charges to survive both phases.
- EmberNeeded to summon Sword Master and boost your health.
Rewards for Defeating the Curse-Rotted Greatwood
Once you defeat the Curse-Rotted Greatwood, you’ll receive the Soul of the Rotted Greatwood and the Transposing Kiln, a key item that allows you to trade boss souls for special weapons and spells. This victory also unlocks new possibilities for character progression and equipment customization.
If Sword Master survives the battle, you’ll receive full credit for the victory, and he will return to his usual summonable locations later in the game. While he doesn’t affect story outcomes, his assistance is invaluable in this challenging early-game encounter.
Tips for Success
The Curse-Rotted Greatwood can be unpredictable, but preparation and strategy go a long way. Keeping calm and understanding attack patterns are more important than brute force. Here are some final tips to ensure success
- Clear the area of hollows before the boss awakens.
- Summon Sword Master only after preparing your gear and healing items.
- Focus attacks on the sacs, not the body or limbs.
- Watch for the ground collapse move to safe ground before it happens.
- Stay behind or beside the boss to avoid its front sweeps and belly slams.
Summoning Sword Master for the Curse-Rotted Greatwood fight in Dark Souls III can turn a chaotic battle into a more controlled encounter. His presence provides both offensive and defensive support, giving players the breathing room needed to target the boss’s weak spots effectively. Whether you’re new to the series or a veteran looking for an easier route through the Undead Settlement, using the NPC summon adds an extra layer of strategy and teamwork to one of the game’s most iconic early bosses. With preparation, awareness, and a bit of patience, the Curse-Rotted Greatwood can be brought down with confidence and skill.