Who is Dark Souls’ Manus? It’s a question that sparks curiosity, especially after being pulled through a mysterious portal by a shadowy hand. If you're already familiar with this notorious character, you might be eager to understand the towering brute who awaits you at the bottom of a dark cave. Dark Souls’ Manus is often regarded as one of the toughest bosses in the entire Dark Souls trilogy, not just the first game.
There's much more to DS’ Manus than what initially meets the eye, and this article is here to share his lore, the intricacies of his boss fight, and the broader world of Lordran that surrounds him. If you're interested in diving deeper into the Age of Fire or learning about other characters that inhabit the fading lands, guides on Dark Souls’ Gwyn, Ornstein, Quelaag, Nito, and Solaire are available. Praise the Sun!
Who is Dark Souls’ Manus?
Also known as the father of the abyss, Manus is a primordial human whose story intertwines with the dark history of Oolacile. Under the influence of an unknown primordial serpent, presumed to be Kaathe, the townspeople are drawn into exploring the abyss—a realm of pure darkness—where they encounter the dreadful Manus.
When the townspeople meet Manus, he becomes enraged, eager to conquer the area while searching for his lost jewelry, notably the broken pendant that players use to access the Artorias of the Abyss DLC. This explains why Manus grapples players with the ferocity of Homer Simpson reaching for a donut. The abyss transforms the locals into terrifying red-eyed monsters, leading to the decay of Oolacile, and as a player, you serve as a reluctant exterminator of the abyss, ultimately confronting what remains of Artorias.
Interestingly, the name Manus is Latin for "hand," and you'll quickly become acquainted with his enormous, hairy, deformed left arm as he swings it towards you with alarming speed and deadly intent.
Where to Find Dark Souls’ Manus
Manus is the final boss of the Artorias of the Abyss DLC, making your journey to find him a lengthy and challenging one. Before you can even think about confronting Manus, you must first defeat Artorias the Abysswalker.
After taking down the fallen knight and entering Oolacile, you must navigate through the once-thriving town, ultimately arriving at the final location of the expansion—a dark, foreboding cave known as the Chasm of the Abyss. Though this area may seem daunting due to its darkness and the presence of humanity sprites, reaching Manus is straightforward if you know your way around. With a bit of caution, you shouldn’t face too much trouble on your first visit to the cave.
To aid your journey, it's wise to equip a skull lantern to illuminate your path. Alternatively, using a Sunlight Maggot as a headpiece allows you to keep your shield or off-hand weapon. These items can prevent you from falling into the abyss, which you’ve likely experienced enough of in the Tomb of the Giants.
Dark Souls Manus Boss Fight
Many players consider Manus one of the hardest bosses in Dark Souls, as he hits like a freight train while moving surprisingly fast for his size. To prepare for this battle, it’s recommended to bring a sturdy shield and stamina-boosting buffs; the Cloranthy ring and green blossom consumable item work wonders here.
Most of Manus’ attacks come from his enormous left arm, capable of devastating grabs and ground-smashes. The best strategy is to circle around to his left (his right) towards his staff to dodge his attacks. He emits a loud roar before initiating a five-hit juggling combo, where your priority should be to use your shield and back away, managing your stamina carefully to prevent him from breaking through your defenses.
In the second phase of the fight, Manus utilizes his staff to cast various dark magic attacks. While dodging through his assaults is an option, one key item can significantly help you: the Silver Pendant found in Oolacile Township. Timing your use of this item can deflect Manus’ dark magic attacks, akin to a parry mixed with the Force miracle. Manus has no straightforward weaknesses, so any advantage you can gain while dealing damage will be crucial.
Don't forget, you don’t have to face Manus alone! You can summon Sif, the small sword-wielding wolf, who can be found behind several illusionary walls in the Chasm of the Abyss. By following the spirit of Alvina and defeating the Humanity attacking Sif, you can summon him to assist you in the boss fight.
Is Manus the Last Boss?
Dark Souls’ Manus is indeed the final boss of the Artorias of the Abyss DLC, but he is not the last boss of the entire game; that title belongs to Gwyn. You cannot defeat Gwyn and then pursue Manus to make him the final boss of your adventure, as defeating Gwyn will trigger the final cutscene, leading you into New Game Plus.
In summary, there is much to learn about Dark Souls’ Manus, and if you’re ready to step out of the abyss and into the light of Anor Londo, be sure to check out guides on Gwynevere and Gwyndolin. The journey through Dark Souls is filled with challenges and mysteries, and understanding characters like Manus adds depth to your experience.
