Elden Ring: How to Defeat Festering Fingerprint Vyke

Festering Fingerprint Vyke is an NPC Invader in Elden Ring that invades the player’s world outside the Church of Inhibition in North Liurnia of the Lakes. Defeating this Tarnished foe will reward adventurers with a Furlcalling Finger Remedy, Vyke’s War Spear, and a Fingerprint Grape, a Key Item required for completing Lightseeker Hyetta’s questline in Elden Ring. Imbued with Frenzyflame Thrust, Vyke’s War Spear is a Great Spear scales primarily with Dexterity and Faith. While the reward drops are undoubtedly appealing, defeating Festering Fingerprint Vyke is moderately challenging due to his consistent application of the Madness status effect on Elden Ring players.

Defeating Festering Fingerprint Vyke In Elden Ring

To defeat Vyke the Invader in Elden Ring, Tarnished fighters are recommended to use fast-casting spells or heavy attacks to interrupt him from casting his Madness-spreading abilities. As a Tarnished humanoid, his Poise is relatively low, making him vulnerable to being staggered. An optimal strategy would be to fight aggressively, leaving him no time to recover from interruptions.

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The primary attacks that Elden Ring players should be cautious of when fighting Festering Fingerprint Vyke are Flame of Frenzy, Frenzied Burst, and Driving Spear Jab. The Driving Spear Jab, in particular, can be tricky to dodge out of, especially if the player accidentally rolls backward instead of to the side. Nevertheless, always strike quickly whenever the Madness Incantation symbol appears above his head, as that is when he is most vulnerable. 

Alternatively, there are two ways to cheese this NPC Invader in Elden Ring. The first way is by climbing onto the western crumbled wall within the Church of Inhibition’s interior. When the player is in this elevated position, Vyke can still cast ranged Incantations. Yet, the objective should be to lure him onto the lower section of the wall and continually punish him whenever he charges up an attack. The second way to cheese Festering Fingerprint Vyke is by leading him to the cliff southwest of the church. Swiftly ascend the tallest stone pillar and wait for him to fall down to his death.

Elden Ring is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.