Unlocking the Lost Crowns: A Guide to Accessing Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin DLC

So, you’re ready to delve into the deeper mysteries of Drangleic and face challenges even the base game couldn’t throw at you? Excellent! Accessing the Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin DLC isn’t as straightforward as simply finding a doorway. It requires a bit of preparation and knowing where to look. Here’s your comprehensive guide:

The key to accessing the DLC lies in obtaining the correct keys (key items) and knowing the location of the portals to each of the three individual DLC areas: Crown of the Sunken King, Crown of the Old Iron King, and Crown of the Ivory King. Let’s break it down step-by-step:

1. Download and Install: First and foremost, ensure the DLC is actually installed. For physical copies of Scholar of the First Sin, the DLC should be pre-installed. For digital versions, double-check your platform’s store (PlayStation Store, Xbox Marketplace, Steam) to confirm it’s downloaded and activated.

2. Acquire the DLC Key Items: Each DLC requires a specific key item to activate the portal:

   • Dragon Talon (Crown of the Sunken King): This key is found in the Black Gulch. After defeating The Rotten, explore the area further. You’ll find a hidden passage leading to a cave. The Dragon Talon awaits inside.

   • Iron Key (Crown of the Old Iron King): This key is located in Iron Keep. After defeating the Old Iron King, venture into the area just past the boss room. You’ll find the Iron Key on a corpse.

   • Frozen Flower (Crown of the Ivory King): This key item is located in the Shigo Shrine, which is located after the Majula area. You’ll encounter a merchant, purchase the frozen flower from the merchant.

3. Locate the DLC Portals: With the key items in your possession, you can now access the portals:

   • Crown of the Sunken King (Shulva, Sanctum City): After defeating The Rotten and lighting the Primal Bonfire, return to the antechamber. Examine the obelisk in the back. This teleports you to the entrance of Shulva, Sanctum City.

   • Crown of the Old Iron King (Brume Tower): After defeating the Old Iron King and lighting the Primal Bonfire, go to the Iron Keep. Look for a petrified statue near the bonfire. Interact with the statue to use the Iron Key, which will start a scene that transports you to Brume Tower.

   • Crown of the Ivory King (Frozen Eleum Loyce): After defeating The Lost Sinner, Old Iron King, The Duke’s Dear Freja, and The Rotten (necessary for opening the Shrine of Winter) travel to the Shrine of Winter. There you can find the entrance to Frozen Eleum Loyce and the Ivory King DLC.

4. Prepare for the Challenge: The DLC areas are designed to be challenging, even for seasoned Dark Souls players. Ensure your character is adequately leveled and geared before venturing into these dangerous lands.

Delving Deeper: Tips and Tricks

Here are a few extra nuggets of wisdom to consider before diving into the DLC:

• Explore Thoroughly: The DLC areas are packed with secrets, hidden items, and challenging enemies. Take your time and explore every nook and cranny.
• Adapt Your Build: The enemy compositions in the DLC areas differ from the base game. Consider adapting your build to better suit the challenges you’ll face. For example, lightning damage is particularly effective against the Ivory King.
• Summon Help: Don’t be afraid to summon other players for assistance. The DLC bosses can be incredibly difficult to solo.
• Read Item Descriptions: Item descriptions in Dark Souls are often cryptic, but they can provide valuable insights into the lore and mechanics of the game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions players have about accessing the Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin DLC:

How do I know if I have the Scholar of the First Sin version?

• Check the game title screen. It should clearly state “Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin.” Also, the Scholar of the First Sin version has different enemy placements and an additional NPC named Aldia throughout the game.

Do I need to beat the main game to access the DLC?

• No, you don’t need to beat the entire main game. However, you do need to defeat specific bosses (The Rotten, Old Iron King) to acquire the key items and access the Primal Bonfires.

Can I access the DLC areas in any order?

• Yes, you can access the DLC areas in any order, as long as you have the corresponding key item.

What level should I be before attempting the DLC?

• Ideally, you should be around SL 80-100 before attempting the DLC. However, skilled players can certainly attempt it at lower levels.

Is the DLC content different in the original Dark Souls 2 compared to Scholar of the First Sin?

• The DLC content itself is the same, but the Scholar of the First Sin version integrates the DLC areas more seamlessly into the main game.

Are the DLC areas harder than the base game?

• Yes, the DLC areas are generally considered to be more challenging than the base game.

What are the best weapons to use in the DLC?

• Powerful weapons that deal physical damage are generally effective. Weapons with lightning damage are especially useful against the Ivory King.

Can I respec my character in Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin?

• Yes, you can respec your character by using a Soul Vessel at Things Betwixt.

How many bosses are in each DLC?

• Each DLC contains 3-4 bosses, including optional bosses.

What is the Frozen Flower used for besides accessing the Ivory King DLC?

• The Frozen Flower’s sole purpose is to activate the portal to the Frozen Eleum Loyce, the area for the Ivory King DLC.

Do I need to kill Aldia to fully complete Scholar of the First Sin?

• Defeating Aldia is optional but doing so achieves the “true” ending of Scholar of the First Sin.

Can I play the DLC in co-op mode?

• Yes, you can summon other players for co-op assistance in the DLC areas, just like in the base game.

What are the benefits of completing the DLC?

• Completing the DLC rewards you with powerful weapons, armor, spells, and a deeper understanding of the lore of Dark Souls 2. Each DLC ends with the acquisition of a Crown that, when worn together at the end of the main game, negates the hollowing effect.

Where can I find more information about Dark Souls lore and strategies?

• There are many online resources available, including wikis, forums, and video guides. Communities such as the Games Learning Society provide valuable insights and discussions about game mechanics and lore. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org!

Is it worth playing the Dark Souls 2 DLC?

• Absolutely! The Dark Souls 2 DLC offers challenging gameplay, compelling lore, and valuable rewards. It’s a must-play for any fan of the series.