Swollen Drowned are bloated undead variants in Windrose that use an area-of-effect toxic-spit attack. They are among the most dangerous trash mobs in the game because their primary attack is unblockable and covers a wide arc.
Primary Attack
The Swollen Drowned's signature attack is a black toxic substance spat in a 180-degree arc in front of them. The attack is telegraphed with a red-glow indicator (Windrose's standard "unblockable" signal), so it can be seen coming. Standing still or retreating straight backward is usually fatal because the arc is wide. The correct counter is to dodge laterally around the enemy and attack from behind, where the arc does not cover.
Counter Strategy
Lock on with T so dodges reorient relative to the enemy
Watch for the red-glow windup
Dodge to the side (not backward) when the windup begins
Complete a second dodge if stamina permits, circling behind the target
Pause briefly to let stamina regenerate before the attack window opens
Attack from behind where the toxic arc does not reach
Locations
Coastal Jungle - less common; typically guards points of interest
Cursed Swamps - substantially more common; often grouped with Drowners and Plague Thralls
Dungeon encounters - the 180-degree arc is especially punishing in narrow corridors
Tactical Notes
Do NOT try to block the toxic spit; blocking against unblockable attacks still consumes stamina without preventing damage
Lingering plague pools may remain on the ground briefly after the spit; stay mobile
Swollen Drowned have lower HP than some melee undead, so one post-spit attack is often enough to kill
Pair with a ranged weapon to bait the spit from a safe distance
See Also
Drowner - base undead variant
Enemies - full enemy roster
Combat - dodge and block mechanics
Soulslite Combat - unblockable attack system