Ludwig
The Samurai of horror game comedy.
Ludwig is a boss in Bloodborne's The Old Hunters DLC. He was the first of many Healing Church hunters, many of whom were clerics, and under his leadership the Healing Church gained its own core of hunters. Ludwig wielded a mystical greatsword that he himself discovered, allowing him to channel the abyssal cosmos, and he looked to the sword and the tiny beings of light that surrounded it for guidance. He eventually succumbed to bloodlust and mutated into a horrifying beast, a terrible cross between horse, wolf and man, and was trapped in the Hunter's Nightmare.
Quick Facts
- Role
- Church Hunter; Boss
- Affiliation
- Healing Church (Former)
- Location
- Ludwig's Courtyard
- Status
- Corrupted Beast
- Weapon
- Ludwig's Holy Blade
- Phase count
- Two
Lore & Background
CoryxKenshin began uploading videos to YouTube in 2009, originally creating comedy sketches before shifting to horror games like Five Nights at Freddy's (2014) and Bloodborne (2015). He also created the "Spooky Scary Sunday" horror short film reaction series and played other genres, including AAA games such as Elden Ring (2022). His video of the rhythm game Friday Night Funkin' (2020) became the fifth most-viewed video in the United States in 2021.
IGN Africa described the video as "part music video, part playthrough" and praised his use of comedy. Beyond let's plays, he is known for his humor and energetic, light-hearted personality. Williams has been noted for frequently taking hiatuses from uploading videos, ranging from several days to months. In 2018, he took a four-month break from YouTube.
In 2019, he uploaded a video discussing his struggles with mental health due to the pressures of content creation, which was cited in an article from The Verge in the wake of YouTuber Etika's death. On December 13, 2024, after a 17-month hiatus, he posted a video announcing his original manga series titled Monsters We Make, which he wrote. Two days later, on December 15, his channel reached 20 million subscribers.
Reader's Guide
CoryxKenshin's content focuses on comedic playthroughs of horror games, with his Friday Night Funkin' video becoming the fifth most-viewed in the U.S. in 2021. He is known for his energetic, light-hearted personality and frequent hiatuses. In 2020, he stopped uploading temporarily due to anxiety, burnout, and depression, describing that year as "the worst year of [his] life," citing the COVID-19 pandemic and the murder of George Floyd. His 2022 video on YouTube's alleged racism and favoritism sparked widespread support from other creators and reached No. 1 on the trending tab. In December 2024, after a 17-month hiatus, he announced his original manga series Monsters We Make and reached 20 million subscribers.
Did You Know?
- CoryxKenshin was born with ectodermal dysplasia, a rare genetic disorder that caused him to lack a full set of teeth and diminished hair growth on his arms and legs.
- He attended Michigan State University for his freshman and sophomore years, then transferred to the University of Michigan in 2012, where he changed his major to computer science and had to start over as a freshman.
- In April 2015, he took a one-year break from university to focus on YouTube, giving his channel until May 1, 2016, to become a viable source of income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ludwig in Bloodborne lore?
He served as a high-ranking hunter for the Healing Church who led the first generation against the beast plague. Over time, he became corrupted by the blood he used to fight monsters.
Where is Ludwig located in the game?
You find him as a boss within Ludwig's Courtyard, situated beneath Old Yharnam past the Byrgenwerth gate. This area was once his personal hunting ground before it fell into decay.
What weapon does Ludwig wield?
He fights using the Ludwig's Holy Blade, a massive sword that shifts shape during combat phases. This weapon is a direct reference to his past role as a Church hunter.
Why did Ludwig become a beast?
His prolonged exposure to beast blood eventually infected him despite his efforts to control it. He represents the tragic fate of those who rely on forbidden power to protect Yharnam.
How many phases does the Ludwig boss fight have?
The battle consists of two distinct stages where he transforms after taking significant damage. In the second phase, his appearance becomes more monstrous while retaining his holy blade.
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