Depending on a player's style, the Lava Bow can play a crucial role in making this already testing experience a lot easier. Not needing particularly high stats to back up the high damage it can deliver and getting more powerful with the magic stat, this bow is the perfect choice for mages who need a little physical boost in different situations.
Though getting the bow is no easy task, its added fire damage at range can make the difference in the mid-game. When mages don't have mana efficient tactics or run low on support items, the Lava Bow can take over and deal heavy damage despite the lack of physical stats where most magicians fall short. Luckily, the boss that players will eventually face has key weaknesses to magic and plays right into the hands of aspiring spell casters that aren't willing to bet the house on their mana holding up.
Set Up Gear
Not only will players need to set up the best chance possible against the Armor Spider, they also have to make their way through the Smithing Grounds beforehand. Besides all the technical mechanics, getting the best equipment possible will make this boss fight so much easier. Especially important will be making the best use of magic, probably the most powerful overall method of battle in the game.
From raising the players mana as much as possible to equipping a fire resistant shield, offense and defense have to be considered when coming against the eight legged freak. Seeing as mana at this stage in the game isn't the easiest thing to come by, focusing on not running out of juice in this fight is crucial. Try to get as much physical defense as possible just in case players get stuck in a sticky situation and need to withstand some damage.
Visit The Filthy Man Merchant
He can be found at the beginning of the Smithing Grounds in the Stone Fang Tunnel, a merchant that can provide one of the last chances to upgrade equipment before delving into the battle. Selling Clearstone, Dragonstone and variations of Hardstone to reinforce the characters gear and help them survive the other enemies that will make themselves known before anyone gets a chance at the big boss.
He's pretty easy to find, sitting on the floor and to the right of a Crystal Lizard players will have to fight in the tunnel, players will know where his name came from as soon as they see him. A chariot in front will also provide an Unknown Hero Soul making this small section of play one of the most important before taking on the challenge.
The Smithing Grounds
Directly after stocking up on supplies, players will be forced to fight through the Miner's Path, from Fat Officials to a seemingly endless amount of Scale Miners. Near every corner of this dank corridor is an opportunity to get taken out before reaching the fog door. Once players are through the door, it's smart to clear most of the level before proceeding so all resources available can be farmed and used at the end. Going down the elevator once the area is cleared will take players down to Blacksmith Ed, who can either upgrade weapons or forge new ones, working in alliance with The Filthy Man to prepare the player.
As soon as all gear is upgraded, head back up the elevator and through the second fog door to the right. Through the workshop and taking out all the Scale Miners, it's time to cross the platform after travelling down the tunnel and drop back down to the foot path. Turning left will lead players through hordes of Scale Miners, reaching a staircase and directing the character upwards and towards a wooden structure. Following through the structure, a Fat Official will appear with a fog door behind him. It's time to travel up through the large elevator on the other side, heading down and finally reaching the fog door to the Armor Spider.
Armor Spider Boss
Even before entering the main room, players will have to look out for the flaming webs and fireballs that will be sent flying down the mineshaft. If there not blocked then players will be slowed down and take way more damage. This is where the fire resistant equipment will come into play, defending the attacks that will come from the boss's behind and mouth. Keeping range is an important part of the battle as its most powerful attack will cover the ground in flame and force the character to retreat into the entrance.
Soul Arrow is a great attack, the spider being mainly vulnerable to magic and staying away from the dangerous leg attacks. Using magic or ranged attacks is definitely the safest way to play it, the only thing being finding the range where the player's attacks land and the boss's are easily dodged. Hugging the walls to stay away, the melee strategy is dependent on an almost constant use of the shield to block the onslaught while taking out the main body. Waiting for the body slam or big attacks to fall back is the best time to get in big damage moves. Once the spider is defeated, take the Hard Demon Soul and head to Blacksmith Ed to create the Lava Bow.