Father Gascoigne is one of Bloodborne’s first major boss fights—and one of its most iconic. He’s fast, aggressive, and meant to teach you how to play like a hunter. This guide breaks down his phases, how to counter each one, and several tips (including cheesing strategies) to help you win—whether you’re a first-time player or returning to Yharnam.

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1. Meet the Young Girl and the Music Box

Before you face Gascoigne, talk to the young girl in Central Yharnam. She’ll give you a music box—a key item that plays a tune her father (Gascoigne) once loved.

• Effect in Battle: When used during the fight, the music box temporarily stuns Gascoigne. However, each use brings him closer to beast transformation, so use it sparingly.

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2. Phases of the Fight

Gascoigne has three distinct phases, each with different tactics:

🔪 Phase 1: Human Form (Short Axe)

• Behavior: Quick melee attacks with his axe and gun.
• Strategy:
  • Stay aggressive and close; his short-range makes him easier to read.
  • Use charged R2 attacks when he approaches to potentially stagger.
  • Conserve bullets—you’ll need them later.

🪓 Phase 2: Extended Axe

• Behavior: His axe gains reach and becomes more punishing.
• Strategy:
  • Keep your distance—his swings cover wide arcs.
  • Parry with your gun during long wind-ups.
  • Punish him after lunges or heavy spin attacks.

🐺 Phase 3: Beast Transformation

• Behavior: Fast, erratic, highly aggressive, with boosted poise.
• Strategy:
  • Use the music box now to stagger him for a free charged R2/backstab.
  • Focus on gun parries—timing is crucial but rewarding.
  • Dodge sideways, not backward—you’ll get trapped on gravestones.

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3. Cheesing Gascoigne (Optional)

Struggling? Here are safer strategies:

🪦 Gravestone Tactic

• Lure him around gravestones in the arena to block his movement.
• Use long-range weapons like the Threaded Cane (whip mode) or Hunter’s Axe (extended) to hit him from safety.
• During beast phase, lure him toward the tree and statue at the back of the arena to create distance and avoid his combos.

🗡️ Recommended Weapons

• Threaded Cane: Ideal for poking through obstacles.
• Hunter’s Axe: Versatile and great for range in extended mode.

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4. Advanced Tips for Victory

• Heal Smart: Always heal behind gravestones to avoid gunfire.
• Exploit His Aggression: Let him charge you—then counter with a charged R2.
• Molotov Cocktails: Effective in beast phase if you’re low on ammo.
• Recovery Tip: If knocked down, mash dodge (Circle) to escape quickly.

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5. What the Fight Teaches You

Gascoigne is more than a boss—he’s a tutorial in disguise:

• Learn to time dodges, ripostes, and charged attacks.
• Practice stamina management.
• Study enemy behavior patterns—a skill you’ll use all game.

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6. Share Your Strategy

Everyone defeats Gascoigne differently—some outplay him in open combat, others use the terrain to their advantage. What worked for you?

📣 Join the conversation or share your tips in the comments, or visit the Fextralife wiki for more community tactics.

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Final Thoughts

Father Gascoigne is a brutal test—but a fair one. Whether you beat him by skill, smarts, or a bit of cheese, the victory always feels earned. Once he falls, you’ll know you’re ready to take on the horrors that lie ahead in Bloodborne.

Good luck, Hunter. And remember: fear the old blood.