DARK SOULS II - How to beat the Pursuer

This guide will help new players take on and beat the Pursuer, and hopefully it will make your struggles fewer.
This gravity defying being is a powerful knight, who was cast out of his homeland due to his unforgivable sins.
He was chosen, as were many others, to hunt down and kill any other cursed beings, this might seem strange due to the fact that his blue tinted sword is able to curse an individual even further.

Load-out

A new player will most likely don the strongest weapon in their inventory, this is not necessarily a bad thing, strength > speed is what your'e thinking right? 

Wrong.

The Pursuer is hella speedy, his attacks include a quick jab with his oversized great-sword, or a three hit combo that would end your life if you don't act fast enough.

He also has this infuriating attack that curses you, and drains some of your health.

This attack is not very lethal, but it can be quite effective.

You, the chosen undead, needs to equip a balanced weapon, one that will provide enough power, and enough speed altogether.

As for armour, any armour is fine, I however advise you to equip the gear that would protect you the most.

A good place to get armour is from the smug bastard 'Maughlin the Armourer' in the off putting town of Majula.

Buffing your weapon is advised, The Pursuer is weak to lightning and fire damage, so if available, buff your chosen weapon with that.

There will be little to no time for using your trustworthy estus flasks, so life gems of any kind are more useful.

Plan A

The arena isn't unique, but it isn't dull either. The game decided to help you out by placing two Ballistas around the arena.

Thank you From Software, very epic.

Right, so if you want to apply some well thought strategy, you would want to run towards the front of the closest Ballista, the Pursuer will start out the fight with a classic lunge. Lucky for us, we are able to parry the Pursuer, if you time the parry just right, you can stun the Pursuer for 5 seconds, and if you make like sonic and go fast, you just might be able to shoot the Pursuer with the Ballista... Lowering his health for a hefty amount.

Thank's From Software, very cool.

Plan B if plan A misfires.

I'f plan A misfires, there is luckily a plan B.

Messing up the parry doesn't mean your a bad player, even players who have dedicated their life to mastering this game mess up a bit.

So, back to plan B.

The Pursuer, like many other bosses are right handed, meaning that their strong side is on their right side.

So if you stick to the left of him (Your right, his left) wait for him to finish his life draining combos, you can get one or two hits in.

This method will always work, just be sure to time your attacks/dodges perfectly, and be wary of the hole in side of the arena.

Guide by PumpkinPm