The Ballista is an environmental hazard in Dark Souls III.
Description[]
The ballista is an enormous contraption resembling the Avelyn, having three ballistas stacked on top of one another. It fires giant bolts that home in on the Ashen One while in the shallow lake section of the Smouldering Lake.
Strategy[]
The ballista will fire each of the three bolts in a rhythmic pattern with a slight delay between each hit, as well as a considerably longer delay after the three shots while it reloads.
If one goes through the Demon Ruins, they can reach the ballista and deactivate it using the lever at its base.
Notes[]
The ballista will damage enemies and players alike, which can be used to the player's advantage, especially when trying to take down the Carthus Sand Worm.