Can You Fight Vendrick After Velstadt? A Deep Dive into Dark Souls 2’s Optional King
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Yes, you absolutely can fight King Vendrick after defeating Velstadt, the Royal Aegis, in Dark Souls 2. In fact, defeating Velstadt is a crucial step in accessing Vendrick’s chamber within the Undead Crypt. However, it’s important to understand the relationship between these two bosses, their lore implications, and the mechanics that govern your encounter with the fallen king. Let’s delve into what you need to know.
What Happens After Velstadt?
After overcoming Velstadt, you’re not immediately thrown into a fight with Vendrick. The game provides a clear path forward that leads you to crucial items and further unravels the game’s narrative. Here’s what you should do:
- Descend: After defeating Velstadt, make your way down the stairs located in the boss arena.
- Obtain the King’s Ring: Proceed into the next room. Ignore the giant enemy and collect the King’s Ring from the edge of the area. This ring is essential, as it allows you to open certain doors later in the game.
- Return and Speak: Go back upstairs to the top of the stairs, where you will find a woman. Interact with her to progress her storyline.
Once you have the King’s Ring and have interacted with the woman, you can then gain access to the inner areas of the Undead Crypt where you can find King Vendrick.
King Vendrick: Optional but Significant
King Vendrick is an optional boss located at the bottom of the Undead Crypt. He’s initially found walking around, seemingly oblivious to your presence. He won’t engage in combat unless provoked by repeated attacks. It’s important to note he is not the final boss of Dark Souls 2.
The Crucial Role of Giant Souls
The amount of damage you inflict on Vendrick is directly tied to the number of Giant Souls in your inventory. These souls, obtained from specific locations like the Memories of Giants and the Ancient Dragon, dramatically increase your damage output against the king.
- Zero Giant Souls: Dealing minimal damage; Vendrick might not even aggressively engage in combat.
- Each Giant Soul: Roughly doubles the damage inflicted on Vendrick.
- Five Giant Souls: Allows you to deal near-normal damage to him.
Most players find that four giant souls make the fight significantly more manageable, but even with this number, Vendrick can prove a challenging encounter. Some players have even managed to defeat him with just four giant souls by utilizing specific strategies.
Vendrick’s Weaknesses and Strategies
While Vendrick’s attacks are powerful, he is susceptible to certain combat styles. He is not immune to Bleed damage, using a weapon with bleeding serum will allow you to do extra damage to him. A good strategy is to stay close to his left leg; his attacks will not reach you, giving you time to deliver blows. When he moves away from the wall, retreat to the center of the room to lure him.
FAQ: All About King Vendrick and His Connection to Velstadt
Here are 15 frequently asked questions designed to give you a deeper understanding of King Vendrick and his place in Dark Souls 2:
What is the connection between Velstadt and Vendrick?
Velstadt was King Vendrick’s most loyal knight, sworn to protect him. He acts as a gatekeeper before you reach the king in the Undead Crypt. Velstadt is there to protect Vendrick from all those seeking him.
Does killing Vendrick end the game?
No, beating Vendrick does not end the game. You can continue playing to defeat the final boss. You can even finish the game and start a new game plus.
Is Vendrick a mandatory boss?
No, Vendrick is an optional boss. You are not required to defeat him to complete the main story of Dark Souls 2.
How many souls do I need to fight Vendrick?
You don’t need a specific number to engage him, but having at least four giant souls is highly recommended to deal adequate damage. If you have zero giant souls the fight will be much harder and may not aggro him.
Why isn’t Vendrick attacking me?
If you have minimal or no giant souls, your damage output will be very low, and he will not aggro. Try reloading the game and ensure you have at least four Giant Souls.
Is Vendrick the final boss?
Vendrick is not the final boss. After Vendrick, you will face the Throne Watcher and Throne Defender, followed by the final boss.
Who is the secret final boss in Dark Souls 2?
The secret final boss is Aldia, Scholar of the First Sin, who appears if you’ve met his requirements (including defeating Vendrick). You need to interact with Aldia three times before fighting Vendrick and then when you go back to the Throne of Want a fight will be initiated.
Should I fight Vendrick before the DLC?
You can fight Vendrick at any time. If you want to fight Aldia then you are required to defeat Vendrick. The DLC crowns provide dialogue with Vendrick and a blessing to any of the 4 crowns.
What is the point of killing Vendrick?
Defeating Vendrick is a necessary step to trigger the encounter with Aldia, and it will also allow you to get his armor.
What do I do after killing Vendrick?
After beating Vendrick, go to the second bonfire in the Shrine of Amana. You will find some vines to chop down; behind it is a door. You must be human to enter it where you will find the Soul of the King and his armor.
Is there a summon for Velstadt?
Yes, you can summon Grave Warden Agdayne to assist you in the fight against Velstadt.
What is Velstadt’s weakness?
Velstadt is weak to Lightning. Faith-based builds have an advantage in this encounter.
Do I need all 5 Giant Souls to beat Vendrick?
While having all 5 Giant Souls allows you to deal maximum damage, 4 Giant Souls are usually sufficient for most players to beat him effectively.
What is the best weapon to use against Vendrick?
Faster weapons are ideal for hitting Vendrick. Rapiers or katanas are good options due to their counter damage and reach.
Why did Vendrick go to the Undead Crypt?
Vendrick fled to the Undead Crypt, aware of Nashandra’s true nature as a Child of Dark. He put measures in place to stop her from reaching the Throne of Want. He entrusted the Undead Crypt’s security to his most loyal guards, and his right hand Velstadt.
Conclusion
The fight against Vendrick, while optional, is a pivotal moment in Dark Souls 2. He not only acts as a challenging boss but also as a crucial step towards the true ending of the game by unlocking the Aldia encounter. Understanding the game’s mechanics concerning Giant Souls and his unique boss mechanics is essential for anyone wanting to face this formidable, yet tragic king, and to fully appreciate the story of Dark Souls 2. Remember that defeating Velstadt is the key to unlocking the area that you will find the fallen king.