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Is the Smelter Demon Necessary in Dark Souls 2? A Comprehensive Guide

The question of whether the Smelter Demon is a necessary boss in Dark Souls 2 is a common one amongst players venturing through the fiery depths of the Iron Keep. The answer, in short, is no, the Smelter Demon is not strictly necessary to progress through the game’s main storyline. He is an optional boss. However, the situation is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. While you can technically bypass the fight, doing so comes with both advantages and disadvantages, making your choice a strategic one. This article will delve into the intricacies of this boss encounter, examining its role in the game, how you can avoid it, and why you might choose to engage it anyway.

Navigating the Iron Keep

The Iron Keep is a challenging area renowned for its lava-filled corridors and hordes of Alonne Knights. The Smelter Demon resides deep within, past a drawbridge heavily guarded by these knights. He stands as a powerful gatekeeper, and while not mandatory in the strictest sense of the word, his presence significantly impacts your progression through the area.

The Drawbridge Dilemma

Reaching the Smelter Demon normally involves crossing a drawbridge. This drawbridge is the traditional route and, for many players, the only one they are initially aware of. However, this route comes with a risk. If you choose to proceed this way without facing the Smelter Demon, you’ll have to face a particularly challenging gauntlet, which also includes a fall hazard, and you will be stuck with a single bonfire to rely on until you reach an area with more bonfires, which is well past the Smelter Demon.

The Optional Route: Bypassing the Demon

Fortunately, there is a way to skip the Smelter Demon altogether. After defeating the Iron Keep’s first boss, you can extinguish a fire in the room on the right, near where the drawbridge is raised, which will reveal a ladder. By climbing this ladder, you bypass the area with the Smelter Demon entirely, placing you on the other side of his location. This shortcut lands you near another bonfire. This is a safer, and more convenient method of bypassing the boss, but that is not without its costs.

Trade-offs and Considerations

The advantage of taking the ladder shortcut is obvious: you avoid a difficult boss fight and the potential loss of souls and resources. This path also saves time. However, a notable downside exists. The door on the far side of the Smelter Demon’s room that would have granted you access to a bonfire and shortcut is locked if you bypass him. So while the ladder puts you near the bonfire after the Smelter Demon, it also removes the opportunity to easily return to the Smelter Demon’s area, and a bonfire directly before the door. This means that by taking the ladder, you’re also preventing yourself from accessing a bonfire that is right next to the Smelter Demon’s area, something that can be very useful if you intend to return for farming, co-op, or any other reasons.

Why Fight the Smelter Demon?

Given that the boss is optional, why would a player choose to face the Smelter Demon? There are several reasons. First, defeating him grants you his soul, which can be used to create powerful weapons and items. This reward is significant, particularly for players who enjoy trying out different builds. Second, he is a good learning experience for mastering Dark Soul’s combat, and many feel that it is a rite of passage. Third, facing and defeating the Smelter Demon provides a sense of accomplishment, which can be incredibly rewarding. Fourth, players might wish to explore the whole of Iron Keep and clear the boss before moving on. Fifth, by killing him, you gain an easy and fast access point for both the bonfire before and after the area. Lastly, returning to the Smelter Demon’s arena after his defeat, also respawns The Pursuer as a regular enemy, who grants a significant amount of souls, making the area a great place for soul farming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are 15 related FAQs to provide even more clarity on the topic of the Smelter Demon and the Iron Keep:

Is the Blue Smelter Demon mandatory?
No, the Blue Smelter Demon, found in the DLC Crown of the Old Iron King, is also an optional boss. He does not need to be defeated to progress in the DLC or the main game.
What is the Smelter Demon weak against?
The Smelter Demon is most vulnerable to Strike damage. He is resistant to Fire and immune to Bleed. Magic like Soul Arrow can also work effectively for a ranged option.
Is the Smelter Demon weak to lightning?
While the standard Smelter Demon is not particularly weak to lightning, the Blue Smelter Demon is indeed weak against Lightning damage.
Can the Smelter Demon be poisoned?
Yes, both the standard and Blue Smelter Demon can be poisoned using items or spells. Toxic and Poison Mist are effective strategies.
Where do I go after the Smelter Demon?
After defeating the Smelter Demon, proceed through the opening in the boss arena. There is a bonfire to light upstairs.
What type of damage does the Blue Smelter Demon do?
The Blue Smelter Demon primarily deals Magic damage, as opposed to the standard Smelter Demon, who focuses on fire damage.
Can you skip Demon Firesage?
Yes, you can skip the Demon Firesage in Dark Souls by using a shortcut that is unlocked by joining a covenant.
What are the weaknesses of the Iron Keep boss (the other one)?
The primary boss of the Iron Keep (the Old Iron King) is weak to Poison, and Magic.
What gets you banned in Dark Souls 2?
Modifying game files or using cheats can result in a softban. A “penalized message” at the title screen indicates that you have been banned.
Is the Smelter Demon a DLC boss?
The regular Smelter Demon is a boss in the core game, the Blue Smelter Demon is found in the Crown of the Old Iron King DLC, and resides in the Iron Passage.
Can you skip Asylum Demon?
Yes, the Asylum Demon in Dark Souls can be skipped by depleting his health in the first encounter (before the fight actually begins) and quitting out before he is killed. This allows the player to leave the asylum without technically having killed him, making him an optional boss.
What does the Pharros mask do?
The Pharros Mask soaks the wearer, increasing Fire Defense by 100 points and lowering Lightning Defense by 100 points.
Are lightning weapons worth it in Dark Souls?
Yes, Lightning weapons can be very effective, as many enemies in the game are vulnerable to lightning damage.
Where is the Blue Smelter Demon located?
The Blue Smelter Demon is found within the Iron Passage, a challenging area in the Crown of the Old Iron King DLC.
Who is the first boss in the Iron Keep?
The Smelter Demon is the first boss of the Iron Keep that many players encounter, which is a large, powerful demon in heavy armor.

Conclusion

The Smelter Demon, while not a mandatory boss encounter in Dark Souls 2, plays a vital role in the overall experience of the Iron Keep. He is a formidable foe, whose challenge can be bypassed but at a cost. Choosing to fight him offers rewards, whereas choosing to skip him provides a faster but less beneficial route. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to engage the Smelter Demon comes down to your preferred playstyle and the level of risk you’re willing to take. Understanding the pros and cons of each option will allow you to make the most informed choice for your adventure through Drangleic.

Is Smelter Demon necessary?