Ruin Sentinels: Patiently arc around these predictable bosses, launching spells only after both sentinels have finished a combo.
See the review of Dark Souls 2 here.
Psychologically you need to realize these guys aren’t a big deal. Your first time seeing three boss meters you might have been terrified. That attitude is holding you back. Each boss is of medium strength on their own and follows a very predictable pattern where each move is easily telegraphed to you by the “wind-up” of the Ruin Sentry’s arms. If you roll back, block or just stay slightly outside of the range of the first sentry while rotating around the boss, you will easily kill each Ruin Sentry. You must realize the truth, if you can take down one boss, you can take down three. These are just computer programs engaging in patterns.
Psychologically you need to realize these guys aren’t a big deal. Your first time seeing three boss meters you might have been terrified. That attitude is holding you back. Each boss is of medium strength on their own and follows a very predictable pattern where each move is easily telegraphed to you by the “wind-up” of the Ruin Sentry’s arms. If you roll back, block or just stay slightly outside of the range of the first sentry while rotating around the boss, you will easily kill each Ruin Sentry. You must realize the truth, if you can take down one boss, you can take down three. These are just computer programs engaging in patterns.
In fact, the first time you enter the arena, you should just try to survive as long as possible. That is your objective, not to damage the bosses but to survive. Play with patience as your main principal and focus on simply surviving. Your next task is to make sure that the Ruin Sentries are in view at all times. That means if you can only see one, your number one priority is to change position to put them both in view at the same time. During the entire fight you should slowly draw out a wide arc around both Ruin Sentries, being careful to never step in between them.
Both Ruin Sentries have long cooldowns after their swings giving you enough time to launch a spell (heavy soul arrow, or soul arrow) at range. The majority of your effort should be staying alive in between these vulnerable periods. You should err on the side of not taking shots and slowly chip away at their health.
For the first part of the fight. You will position yourself close enough to the Ruin Sentinel so that you draw out very predictable moves. During the wide sweeps, you should roll backwards (careful not to fall down) out of range, especially since these attacks are very stamina draining. Then move in with a moderately fast weapon for one or two shots. Then back off. Keep “rotating” around the sentries, but remember Yahim’s sweeps are wide enough that you can’t simply rotate to avoid getting hit.
Equipment Upgrades:
Consider getting the fire-longsword from the outside area of the Forest of Fallen Giants. Upgrade it a few times and that will be enough to take down the Ruin Sentries on NG. I beat them using this and you should be able to. A large leather shield is fine, however if you want 100% physical block, go to the hole next to the Pursuer boss and you can pick up the Drangleic shield. The most important thing is to have light armor equipped so that you can roll fast repeatedly. Speed trumps armor. If you are a spellcaster, upgrade attunement for spell slots. Visit No-man’s wharf and buy as many spells as you can on the docks. With high intelligence you should have sufficient long-range damage spells to win.
Ruin Sentinels: If you stay far enough away, they throw their shields at you and are defenceless for the rest of the fight.
Their Moves:
On the balcony:
Avoid falling off. If Yahim falls off, stay clear from the edge.
After the first one goes down, you can take a few spellshots at the incoming Ruin Sentry. Then back off before he jumps back on. Repeat the strategy for Yahim. Once the last sentry jumps up on the balcony, run off the balcony, give yourself a bit of distance, quaff an estus for the fall and then reposition yourself so both sentries are in view.
On the ground:
Shield Throw: Ruin Sentry throws shield at you from long-range for heavy damage and stamina drain. The shield lodges in wall making Ruin Sentry defenceless for rest of the fight. You WANT to bait a Ruin Sentry into throwing their shield away, as they are defenceless for the rest of the fight.
Two wide sweeps:
One hit downward followed by wide sweep:
Jumping downward pound:
Jumping onto balcony: This is one of the most dangerous moves they have. When you are on the upper balcony and see the Ruin Sentry below, stay far away from the edge when the Ruin Sentry is jumping. This hits for massive damage and can almost one-shot you.
Super-Spin: Very stamina-draining spin move that closes the gap. If you stay too far both sentries will do this and chase after you.
Weapon choice:
The large leather shield and a fire longsword are fine. Additionally, great heavy soul arrow is fine as well. This isn't about clever weaponry, but attrition.
If you truly can’t play solo:
If you are going to summon phantoms, don’t pay attention to the phantoms. Pay attention to the bosses and play as if you were solo. Your goal is still to monitor positions, keep away from the bosses, monitor cooldowns and slowly chip away at health.
