Can You Access Dark Souls DLC After Beating the Game? A Soulful Deep Dive
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The burning question that plagues many a Dark Souls adventurer: Can you embark on the downloadable content (DLC) journeys after felling the final boss, Gwyn, Lord of Cinder? The answer, thankfully, is a resounding yes… mostly. The specifics depend heavily on which Dark Souls game you’re talking about. Understanding the nuances can save you from accidentally triggering New Game Plus (NG+) prematurely and missing out on the enriching experiences the DLC offers. Let’s break it down.
In Dark Souls 1: Remastered, and Dark Souls 3, you absolutely can tackle the DLC content after defeating Gwyn. The game presents you with the option to begin NG+ after the credits roll. Choosing “no” allows you to continue exploring the world in its current state, free to access and complete the Artorias of the Abyss DLC in Dark Souls 1, or the Ashes of Ariandel and The Ringed City DLCs in Dark Souls 3. This provides a perfect opportunity to experience the full scope of the game before escalating the difficulty.
Dark Souls 2, however, takes a slightly different approach. Once you defeat the final boss and trigger the ending, the credits will roll and the game automatically dumps you into the NG+. The game does warn you prior to the final boss so that you can go finish the DLC before you beat the game.
The following are some of the common questions that most players may ask.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Dark Souls DLC
How do I access the DLC in each Dark Souls game?
- Dark Souls 1: Remastered (Artorias of the Abyss): You need to have killed the Hydra in Darkroot Basin and placed the Lordvessel. After that, a new enemy spawns in the Archives. Defeating this enemy grants you an item that unlocks access to the DLC.
- Dark Souls 2 (Crown of the Sunken King, Crown of the Old Iron King, Crown of the Ivory King): You are automatically given the keys to open the gates that lead to the DLC areas.
- Dark Souls 3 (Ashes of Ariandel, The Ringed City): Access points appear in the world after meeting certain conditions. For Ashes of Ariandel, speak to an NPC at the Cleansing Chapel in Cathedral of the Deep. For The Ringed City, either complete Ashes of Ariandel or find a bonfire near the final boss of the main game.
Can I go back and do DLC if I accidentally started NG+?
Yes, but with a major caveat. The DLC will now be significantly harder, scaled to the difficulty of NG+. While experienced players might relish the challenge, newcomers might find it overwhelmingly difficult. You will need to reacquire the necessary keys or items to open the DLC areas in NG+.
What level should I be to tackle the DLC?
This depends on the specific DLC and your skill level. However, a general guideline is:
- Dark Souls 1 DLC: Levels 60-80 are generally recommended.
- Dark Souls 2 DLC: Levels 80-100 are suitable, but the DLCs are notorious for their difficulty spikes.
- Dark Souls 3 DLC: Levels 80-100 for Ashes of Ariandel, and 90-120 for The Ringed City.
Remember, these are just suggestions. Player skill and build optimization can drastically affect perceived difficulty.
Is the DLC content connected to the main game’s story?
In Dark Souls 3, the DLC storylines are somewhat independent of the main narrative, but they greatly expand upon the lore. In Dark Souls 1, the DLC fills in gaps in the game.
Does completing the DLC affect the ending of the main game?
No, completing the DLC does not change the available endings. Your choice at the Kiln of the First Flame determines the ending you receive.
Which Dark Souls game has the best DLC?
This is subjective, but generally, Dark Souls: Artorias of the Abyss and Dark Souls 3: The Ringed City are considered among the best, praised for their challenging bosses, intricate level design, and compelling narratives. Many also consider Bloodborne: The Old Hunters to be a high-quality soulsborne DLC.
What’s so special about NG+?
NG+ allows you to replay the game with all your character’s stats and most of your equipment intact. Enemies are stronger, offering a greater challenge and more souls. This is a great way to refine your build, acquire missed items, and experience the story from a different perspective.
What is the point of NG+ Dark Souls?
The point of NG+ in Dark Souls is to provide a continued challenge, allow players to further develop their characters, acquire new items, and experience the story with increased difficulty. Souls gained by killing bosses in NG+ are multiplied anywhere from 2x to 5x what they gave you in your first play through.
How many times can I play NG+?
You can play through the game a total of eight times, including the first play through.
What is the hardest boss in the Dark Souls DLC?
Many consider Black Dragon Kalameet from Dark Souls 1’s Artorias of the Abyss to be one of the most challenging bosses in the entire series. His unpredictable attacks and immense health pool demand patience and precise execution.
What are some tips for tackling the DLC?
- Level up your character: Ensure your stats are appropriate for the recommended levels mentioned earlier.
- Upgrade your weapons: A fully upgraded weapon is essential for dealing sufficient damage.
- Learn enemy attack patterns: Patience and observation are key to survival.
- Use the environment to your advantage: Some areas offer opportunities for strategic positioning or ambushes.
- Don’t be afraid to summon help: Co-op can make challenging sections more manageable.
- Stock up on healing items: You’ll need them!
Should I beat the DLC before Gwyn?
It’s generally recommended to complete the DLC before facing Gwyn, especially on your first playthrough. This allows you to experience all the content the game has to offer without immediately being thrust into the increased difficulty of NG+.
Is sanctuary garden warpable?
Yes, The Sanctuary Garden is warpable. Upon entering the Sanctuary Garden you will see a Bonfire. From here you can warp back to other bonfires just like in the normal game.
Why can’t I access the Dark Souls DLC?
You have to kill the hydra, save dusk, maybe talk to her, get the lord vessel, place it, and kill the first crystal golem (which should be in the room where you first see crystal hollows) to get the broken pendant.
What is Lord Gwyn’s weakness?
Among the more famous of these discrepancies is that Gwyn, the Lord of Sunlight, the final boss of Dark Souls, is weak to Fire – but he wields a flaming sword and was the very person who linked the First Flame long ago.
Final Thoughts
The Dark Souls DLC offerings provide a wealth of additional content, expanding the world, lore, and challenge of these already demanding games. Whether you choose to tackle them before or after Gwyn is a matter of personal preference, but knowing the mechanics and prerequisites ensures you won’t miss out on these essential experiences. Remember, the world of Dark Souls is vast and unforgiving, but with preparation and perseverance, you can conquer any challenge it throws your way. Good luck, and may the flames guide thee!
Learning and understanding game design is a great way to improve your skills as a player. Consider joining the Games Learning Society to learn more about game design and development at GamesLearningSociety.org.