Thread:Ohgodwhatisthat/@comment-26505987-20150617162103/@comment-3236835-20150617183930

The first time I fought Aava, he used me as a rag doll. Really, in my first 5~7 attempts, I couldn't connect EVEN A SINGLE HIT on him. Needless to say, I (literally) was screaming out in frustration, and I swear I could have destroyed my gamepad right there if I got a little bit angrier. However, once you learn to identify each one of his attacks and know how to evade them, it's really not a difficult fight and I usually beat him without taking even a single hit now. How about if I tell you that later you'll have to deal with two "Aavas" at once? (see here).

First of all, Aava is weak to both Slashing and Fire, so you should choose a weapon that has both of these attributes. I generally use a Fire Greatsword (I've carefully studied all tables and it's one of the best ultra greatswords you could use). A Fire Fume Ultra Greatsword+5 is better, but to get it you must complete most of the Crown of the Old Iron King first. These two weapons scale with Strength primarily, but I suppose your character is mostly Strength-based, right?

Now, even if you're used to handle your weapon with both hands, it's quite advisable to bring a greatshield which has excellent stability, and there's simply none better than the Havel's Greatshield for that matter. Just make sure your overall weight is under 70%, as rolling properly is very important while fighting Aava.

While walking the long corridor toward Aava, don't sprint all the way or you'll end up without stamina. As soon as he climbs down and engages in battle, try to keep your shield up at all times, except for when recharging your stamina.

His most common attack are two swipes with his frontal paws. He delays these attacks, taunting you into rolling prematurely, thus making it 100% certain you'll take a hit. However, there's an easy way to evade this attack: when he's building up, you'll suddenly see his paw raising behind him; at this exact moment you should roll (and roll again if you see he'll chain the second swipe). While recovering from your roll(s), attack, in order to perform a wide swing which will most likely hit him. Don't get greedy, though, attack him just once, raise your shield and start retreating to recharge your stamina.

Generally, every time you attack him successfully, he'll retaliate with a 180° claw swipe. This can be avoided easily as long as you have good timing. Roll away from him (not to his sides).

Eventually, he'll take some distance from you. At this point, he'll perform one of these three attacks: Every once in a while, he'll stop and roar. Get away from him as this means he'll perform an area-of-effect attack. Take this opportunity to heal.
 * He'll stop for a moment and pounce on you with a claw swipe. Simply roll forward and to one of his sides, and attack while recovering from your roll.
 * He'll stop for a moment and jump while attempting to bite you. This attack is very dangerous and should be avoided at all costs; however, it's also easily avoidable. Same as before, just roll forward and to one of his sides and attack while recovering.
 * He'll stop and roar, casting a variation of Homing Crystal Soulmass. Run toward him and don't stop until you're at his back. You can then either attack him or take this opportunity to heal, as all the crystals will miss you.

Always try to position yourself on his left side (your right), as most of his attacks start with his right paw.

Don't summon any phantoms to aid you. Aava gains more health for each phantom summoned and you'll get 25% less souls if you brought anyone to the fight.

If the fight proves to be too difficult, you could eat a Brightbug just before he climbs down (although I prefer to save them for other bosses). Also, make sure you unequip any items you're not going to use from your belt (to avoid having to juggle between them at mid-fight).

As for rings, I usually wear these:
 * Chloranthy Ring+2
 * Third Dragon Ring (to have weight under 70%)
 * Ring of Blades+2
 * Covetous Silver Serpent Ring+2

Good luck!