Astral Clocktower · Updated 2026-10-24
How to beat Lady Maria
Lady Maria waits in the Astral Clocktower after the Living Failures. Examine the seated body to begin. Her second phase extends her blades with blood; the third adds damaging trails of fire. These are separate changes, not one blood-fire phase.
These notes distinguish the phase mechanics recorded in the Bloodborne Wiki from a personal no-hit strategy. Maria can be interrupted with a firearm, but firing from far away usually makes her dodge rather than exposes her to a visceral.
Three phases and safe openings
In phase one, bait a committed sword swing at medium range. Shoot during its windup, or quickstep diagonally past it and punish the recovery with a short combo. Keep the duel near the middle of the room instead of the stairs or a corner.
Her self-impalement announces phase two. Back away from the transition blast. Blood extends the reach of familiar swings, so the old safe distance is no longer safe. Avoid healing directly in front of her; use the recovery of a slow attack.
In phase three she rises before another area blast, then her attacks leave fire trails. Give the transition space and do not assume passing the blade also clears the lingering fire. Take a short opening, keep stamina for escape, and reset rather than trading through a full combo.
Rewards and damage types
The damage table separates physical/thrust attacks in phase one, blood attacks in phase two, and blood plus fire trails in phase three. After victory collect the Celestial Dial to open the clock face toward the Fishing Hamlet; Maria's attire also becomes available at the Insight shop.
Questions
When can I fight Lady Maria?
Defeat the Living Failures, enter the Astral Clocktower, and examine the seated body. The Old Hunters DLC is required.
Does the fire start in phase two?
No. Phase two adds blood-enhanced range. Phase three adds the lingering fire trails; do not treat the two transitions as identical.