Tar Golem Summary
This enemy serves as the game's tutorial boss, found at the end of the Disciple's Grotto. You need to defeat Tar Golem to get the trophy, "No, You Still Can't Win." This trophy is missable. This is your only chance.
| Location | Disciple's Grotto |
| Rewards | • Vatra's Seal • Achievement: No, You Still Can't Win |
Where to Find Tar Golem
[1] The Tar Golem is located after a beacon at the end of Disciple's Grotto.
After beating a tutorial enemy for the Perfect Guard mechanic, ascend the platform and talk to Ruk. It will mention that something is wrong due to the stillness in the air, as if something dangerous is nearby.
Follow the path and head to the warp gate. After interacting with the torch, a cutscene triggers and the boss appears.
Tar Golem Attack Patterns
The table below lists the attack details of the Tar Golem.
| Attack | Description |
|---|---|
| Leaping Axe Slam |  The Tar Golem leaps forward and slams its axes in front of it. This attack cannot be guarded so dodge right before it lands to avoid it. |
| Double Axe Slam |  This attack has two variations, a normal slam and one that produces a scorching line. The normal slam can be blocked but the latter must be completely avoided. |
| Axe Chop |  Tar Golem chops the area in front of it four consecutive times. The attacks can be blocked and are an excellent source for building break. |
| Axe Charge |  It slams its axes forward and proceeds to charge the player. This cannot be blocked so dodge at the last moment before it reaches you. |
| Four-Hit Swing |  Tar Golem raises both axes before swinging them four consecutive times. Reposition immediately by dodging backward or attempt to block the incoming attacks. |
| Five-Hit Swing |  Tar Golem swings its axes five times in a row. Reposition immediately by dodging backward or attempt to block the incoming attacks. |
How to Beat Tar Golem
[1] Use or equip the Burnt Effigy as a passive item.
The item is obtained from Tainted Vestige, earlier mini-boss encountered at the Disciple's Pass. The table below lists the following effects it provides depending on how it is used.
| Active | Passive |
|---|---|
| Cures Burn and grants +50% Burn Mitigation for 30s | Grants 15% Burn Mitigation |
[2] Use Naylshotte for dealing damage at a distance.
Shoot the boss while it is performing a move or when you can't reach it with your sword. Perform melee attacks to replenish your Resolve, then rinse and repeat.
[3] Use your shell's ability: Stone Stun to deal Break Damage.
Cast Stone Stun to quickly petrify the boss and deal Break Damage. Fully building the bar enables the player to perform a Riposte, inflicting extra damage.
Tar Golem Rewards
Defeating the Tar Golem unlocks the "No, You Still Can't Win" achievement. Regardless of the outcome, the battle also grants Vatra's Seal.
It is NOT NECESSARY to beat the Tar Golem, as you get the same cutscene if you lose and the game still progresses. However, the player gains the "No, You Still Can't Win" trophy upon defeating the boss.
Related Guides
List of All Bosses
| Bosses | |
|---|---|
 Magdalena, the Lady of the Woods |  The Lost Child |
 The Nameless Captive |  Sir Isaac, the Scholar-Prince |
 Hexapod |  The Monolith |
 Droeg, the Conquerer |  Malborn Offspring |
 Orrem, the Reclaimed |  Zmey, the Unbidden |
| Mini Bosses | ||
|---|---|---|
| Gloombound Ritualist | Tainted Vestige | Tar Golem |
| Great Arbiter of Flesh | Vrannic, the Grand Illusionist | Grisha |
| Vrago, Solikar Champion | Bloodcursed Lithopod | The Warden |
| Rabid Grisha Pack | Lucian, the Thirsting Knight | Pale Grisha |
| Circle of the Grasping Root | The Wandering Shepherd | Tarblighted Stoner |
| Vellen, High Lord of Mammon | Twin Sesters | Stray Sesters |
| Sester Secundus | Bor, the Deluded Monarch | Sariel, the Endless |
| Gloombound Wraith | Starved Harridan | Viletongue |
| Batushka | Subjugated Guardian | Infested Miner |
| Prophet of Profane Infinities | Tishina's Confessor | Gloombound Legion |
| Strange Grisha | Urrig, the Executioner | Caged Grisha |
| Tyrant's Sycophants | Servants of the Scholar Prince | Solnir, the Gloom Seeker |
