Prisoner Gorecyclops is an Enemy in Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen. It is a gigantic enemy boss chained to a wall that, upon its first health bar dropping to 50% or its helmet is removed, will free itself and will pick up a giant spiked club to engage the Arisen and party. A Condemned Gorecyclops shares similar features to a regular Gorecyclops, but it is significantly taller, with a longer reach and its attacks are much more damaging. Like its brethren, it is weak against Ice-based attacks.
This particular enemy can be very difficult and time consuming as it has both high health and defense. Be very wary when casting spells as it will frequently rampage.
The Cyclops strategy scrolls will grant knowledge (and therefore Stars) for all members of the Cyclops family which includes the Gorecyclops.
In addition to witnessing these techniques, it is necessary for Pawns to participate in killing 50 Gorecyclopes either with their own Arisen or while travelling with others.
Remarks :
Gorecyclops and Condemned Gorecyclops are considered as the same enemy type, thus share the same characteristics (knowledge, kill-count), in a similar way as Cyclops Vs Armored Cyclops.
Unlike normal Armored Cyclops, this enemy's body armor cannot be torn off or rent asunder. However, the helmet can be removed by destroying the strap at the back of the neck.
Notes
Vulnerable to Torpor and Poison. Use a Rusted Weapon to inflict both debilitations simultaneously. The higher the enhancement of the Rusted weapon, the higher chance it will debilitate with each strike. Torpor will last for 25 seconds before it must be re-inflicted. The buttocks of the Gorecyclops is the least armored part of the beast, making it the best target for Rusted Bows and Longbows.
Vulnerable to knockdown/stagger from Blast Arrows. Shoot the mask strap with blast arrows to instantly remove the helmet, then crticical-hit it directly in the eye for a very quick kill. If the Arisen is using a Gold Dragonforged Revenant Wail, Blast Arrows and 4x strength booster such as Conqueror's Periapts or Tagilus's Miracles, it is possible to kill a full-health Condemned Gorecyclop in two to five shots of Tenfold Flurry.
In a like manner, Fivefold Flurry with a GDF Darkening Storm, Blast Arrows and 4x strength boosters takes a few more shots to critically hit the eye since all shortbow damage drops off the further away from the target, less base strength from the bow, and there are five less Blast Arrows per shot.
Vulnerable to Blind and Tarred in Oil. Use an Aneled Weapon to inflict both debilitations simultaneously. The higher the enhancement of the Aneled weapon, the higher chance it will debilitate with each strike.
The spiked armor CANNOT be removed from the body, except for the mask. The spikes throughout the body will inflict damage on climbers.
The mask will fall off by striking at the harness holding the mask on the top of its head. The strap at the back of the head can be easily cut to release the facemask.
How to climb a Condemned Gorecyclops (demonstration)
The party has already eliminated all the weaker enemies in the room before engaging the 2 Condemned Gorecyclops. The Arisen uses a Goldforged Rusted Bow to inflict Torpor on the giants for 25 seconds each, making them easier to climb. The Arisen has equipped the augments Adhesion, Arm Strength, Opportunism, Proficiency, Clout and Vehemence for this demonstration. Wait for the pawns to reach the face mask before slashing off the strap located on the back of its neck. The party may then attack the head until it is slain.
From the outset, stand behind one of its ankles while it is still chained up and shoot it from behind with a GoldforgedRusted Bow to slow it down and render it easier to climb. The higher the enhancement of the weapon, the higher the chance of inflicting Torpor. Torpor will nullify its berserker flailing to throw off clinging allies. Climb an ankle up to the back of its head. One slash will remove the helmet, then hack away with Thousand Kisses or Dire Gouge (Assassin) to kill it in seconds. This same technique is also very effective against Daimon's first and second forms.
Hit the beast with an Aneled Weapon to inflict Blind and Tarred. The higher the enhancement of the Aneled weapon, the higher chance it will debilitate the target with each strike. Blinding it will make it impossible to target the Arisen, and Tarring it will make it more susceptible to catching Fire.
High stagger gear (such as the Cursed King's Belt) can stun-lock the monster. To avoid being grabbed off, there is a position that the Arisen may take up on the lower half of the face where the Condemned Gorecyclops, instead of grasping at its head, will grab at its chest and miss the Arisen consistently. Be sure to bring stamina curatives such as Staminal Drench, Kept Giant Rank Fish, Kept Sour Ambrosial Meat, Liquid Vim, or Kept Golden Eggs if the Arm-Strengthaugment is not yet available.
Two Condemned Gorecyclops slain in 12 seconds. 3 shots fired.
A Strider demonstrating the easy road with Blast Arrows, 4 Tagilus' Miracles, 4 Salomet's Secrets and Hailstorm Volley with a Dragon's Ire bow. Her equipped augments were Clout, Vehemence, Acuity, Attunement.
Blast Arrows fired at the ankles/feet will cause the brute to fall over, making it easy prey or give Warriors the time they need to deliver a charged attack.
Always try to stand near the instep of the Condemned Gorecyclops' right foot. By standing underneath or behind the right foot, it is possible to avoid nearly all attacks. The Condemned Gorecyclops always stomps twice with the left foot, which leaves a longer window of opportunity to deal damage to the right foot without being staggered by the quakes following the stomps. However, characters focusing on the feet should possess a considerably high physical attack power or considering using Conqueror's Periapts.
2 Condemned Gorecyclops slain with only Rusted Daggers. No armor, buffs, curatives or Wakestones. Hard mode. (A)
An Assassin demonstrating the hard road, using only Rusted Daggers in order to simulate a low level Arisen. The handicapped Arisen must rely upon her pawns to deliver most of the damage here, while contributing to the battle by inflicting Torpor on both Condemned Gorecyclops every 25 seconds. The Torpor debilitation will quell their rampages and buy time for the Strider pawn to unleash Downpour Volley and the Sorcerer pawn to cast Miasma and Comestion spells.
Alternately, the Arisen may secure an elevated position and just continue to barrage the Gorecyclops with Downpour Volley and the strongest bow possible. This is a much safer (but a time consuming and stamina taxing method) to kill a Gorecyclops.
The Condemned Gorecyclops is vulnerable to knockdown/stagger from Blast Arrows. Go higher in the arena and take out the smaller enemies first. Shoot the mask strap with Tenfold Flurry and Blast Arrows to instantly remove the helmet, then critical-hit it directly in the eye for a very quick kill. If the Arisen is using a Gold Dragonforged Revenant Wail, Blast Arrows and 4x strength booster such as Conqueror's Periapts or Tagilus's Miracles, it is possible to kill a full-health Condemned Gorecyclop in two to five shots of Tenfold Flurry.
Clairvoyance and Masterful Kill can disarm the beast, knocking its weapon to the ground and causing it to resort to fighting with its bare hands for the remainder of the battle. While this makes its attacks slightly more erratic, it also severely reduces both the damage and range of its attacks. Both these skills also have a chance of staggering or knocking it down—especially when used on its feet during its stomping attacks—which makes it highly vulnerable to follow-up attacks.
While it is certainly safer to attack Condemned Gorecyclops from afar with Great Cannon, a Mystic Knight can also engage them at close quarters with Abyssal Anguish. Remember to stand near the instep of the right foot and observe their foot stomp patterns in order to predict incoming attacks : right foot stomp, left foot forward, left foot back. All physical attacks from these giants can be Perfect Blocked. Removing their face masks early with Great Cannon exposes them to more damage from overhead attacks like Downpour Volley, High Levin, and High Maelstrom. When fighting 2 Condemned Gorecyclops simultaneously, it can be helpful to stand near a wall in order to limit the number of incoming attack directions. Beware of "clipping" issues where the monsters can actually strike through the body of the other, or "push" each other and cause a "warp" effect from one location to another. Try to keep both enemies in view at all times in order to avoid taking damage from blind spots.
While the Condemned Gorecyclops is chained to the wall, equip a staff and aim High Ingle or High Levin at the weak spot on the neck to remove the mask.
Magick Cannon/Great Cannon along with the Magick Shield skill Ice Enchanter or a permanently enchanted Ice weapon can deal devastating damage. Two or three Great Cannons can easily damage around half to a full health bar. The Mystic Knight can use upper walkways or balconies to rain destruction down on the Condemned Gorecyclops in almost perfect safety.
Employ the Fighter tactic of standing near the right foot to avoid stomps from the left foot to cast sigils and spells, or to attack with Abyssal Anguish.
High Maelstrom can be effective (especially once the helmet is removed), but be sure to cast it in safety from high ground. The augment Emphasis will increase Maelstrom's ability to knock down the Condemned Gorecyclops.
A Holy Focused Bolt can deal great damage to the Gorecyclops, in addition to staggering or even knocking it down. If standing above the Gorecyclops, the Focused Bolt can remove the face mask.
Tactics (Defensive)
The primary, general defensive strategy in Dragon's Dogma is to first eliminate all weaker enemies first.
Solo Mystic Knight vs Condemned Gorecyclops
A Mystic Knight demonstrating a "circle left" defensive strategy. At close range, the instep of the right foot is a safe place to stand and attack. The giant will try to rotate leftward (clockwise) so that it can strike characters standing in this right foot instep area. Circle to the left (clockwise) in sync with the giant as it rotates left (clockwise) in order to stay inside the right instep. Continue circling left (clockwise) and attacking until it's slain.
The Condemned Gorecyclops is usually accompanied by either Corrupted Pawns or Hellhounds. Kill the Corrupted Sorcerer Pawns first, as they can quickly group-cast High Maelstrom and High Seism, whch will annihilate the Arisen and party.
If climbing the monster and it reaches up to grab, Instant Reset can be used as an emergency dismount to avoid being grabbed and eaten. It is possible to re-grab a lower part of the body on the way down and immediately climb back up to the head.
Sorcerers: High Gicel aimed at its its head from an elevated position. Enough blows to the helmet can dislodge it. If the eye is directly hit, a full healthbar of damage may be incurred.
Here's a safe and easy tactic for bow-wielding vocations: Every area where one encounters a Gorecyclops has an elevated position to fire arrows from. First climb on its head and remove the helmet (one strike just above the back of the neck), then retreat to a higher position and spam him with arrows.
In The Forgotten Hall, a Mystic Knight may employ Stone Jungle standing near the edge of the second level main balcony. Since the attack is level to its head and eye, Stone Jungle can inflict up to a full health bar of damage. It can even cause them to fall down, vulnerable to more attacks or easier climbing. Standing too close to the edge may enable the beast to grab the Arisen, so stand near the ledge, but not on it.
One "cheap" way of battling the Gorecyclops is to fight it for a little while, then retreat somewhere to 'save and continue'. One such area is from the second floor in the Midnight Helix, across the wooden bridge over the poisonous red river. Exit and save to the main menu then reload the game. The Gorecyclops will mysteriously be chained up again but with all the damage already accrued to its health bar from previous attacks. This tactic is useful for aiding unconscious pawns without running the risk of getting hit and for gaining some breathing room for healing. This method will let the Arisen get some seriously cheap shots in before the Condemned Gorecyclops breaks free and can fight back.
The fastest way to dispose of a Condemned Gorecyclops is to equip a Ranger Arisen with a Gold DragonforgedRevenant Wail. By boosting the Arisen's strength with either 4x Tagilus' Miracles or 4x Conqueror's Periapts and using Blast Arrows with Tenfold Flurry, it is easy to remove the face mask with the first shot and critically hit the Condemned Gorecyclops in the eye for a kill with the second or third shot. This is possible even with a low strength stat; the Revenant Wail's knockdown/stagger stat is extremely high and will help compensate for possible lack of strength.
Tactic for Sorcerers in The Forgotten Hall is simply stand on any of the balconies and cast High Bolide until everything on the ground floor is dead, corrupted pawns, eliminators, gorecyclops, nothing can hit you up there. Also, the cyclops cannot fit through the really large northern entryway to the first floor. Cast anything you want from there, I recommend Gicel. For the Rotunda of Dread simply stand on the eastern side of the entrance to the first floor and High Gicel the guy to death from relative safety. For max efficiency for both tactics use a full team of sorcerers. The pawns will follow your magic casting lead regardless of their inclinations.
While not an ideal choice against a Condemned Gorecyclops, Fighter and Warriors pawns can nevertheless contribute to the battle with Dragon's Maw, Corona Slash, and Indomitable Lunge on the beast's ankles. When the Gorecyclops is knocked down, the damage inflicted by these vocations greatly increases.
Unequipping a Strider pawn's bow will encourage them to climb, but usually only while the Gorecyclops is bound. Once it's unbound, pawns are unlikely to climb. The face mask should be removed by the Arisen (with High Ingle or arrows, for example) once the Strider pawn has climbed up to the head in order for the pawn to inflict head strikes, as climbing pawns will not usually slash the face mask headband by themselves.[Note 1]
From an elevated position, a Strider pawn equipped with Brain Splitter can be grabbed and thrown down onto a Condemned Gorecyclops. A well aimed throw can remove the face mask and inflict considerable damage on the way down. The thrown pawn will sustain fall damage from the height.
In The Forgotten Hall, slay all the enemies within while leaving the two Condemned Gorecyclops unmolested. Move within striking range, allowing the pawn to climb up the leg to the helmet. Once the helmet is removed (such as with High Ingle or a Magic Archer's Sixfold Bolt), the Strider pawn can destroy the Gorecyclops with Thousand Kisses directly to the face. Repeat the process on the second Gorecyclops.
In the Midnight Helix, slay all the enemies within while leaving the Condemned Gorecyclops unmolested. Then stand on the lowest wooden bridge, almost directly over the Gorecyclops' head. Grab and throw the Strider pawn (preferably equipped with Thousand Kisses and the climbing augments Adhesion and Opportunism) at the feet of the Gorecyclops and let the pawn climb up to the face. Remove the face mask with a well aimed Tenfold Flurry, Fivefold Flurry, Focused Bolt or High Ingle to the strap latch at the back of its head. Continue attacking until the Gorecyclops breaks free from its bindings. The Strider pawn can then destroy the Gorecyclops in seconds with Thousand Kisses directly to the face.
High Levin will remove the face mask, useful as a set up for a Strider pawn to climb up to the face and destroy the Gorecyclops with Thousand Kisses, or a Ranger pawn's Tenfold Flurry (Rangers will also immediately climb up to the face to strike at the eye like Striders do, if their bow is removed).
