Can You Still Play Dark Souls After Killing Gwyn?
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 short answer is: yes, but it depends on your choices. Upon defeating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, the final boss of Dark Souls, the game doesn’t simply end. Instead, you’re presented with a crucial choice that determines what happens next. This choice impacts whether you continue playing in the same world or are immediately thrust into New Game Plus (NG+).
The Choice at the Kiln of the First Flame
After defeating Gwyn, you’ll find yourself in the Kiln of the First Flame. Here, two options will appear:
- Kindle the First Flame: Choosing this option means linking the fire and extending the Age of Fire. This is considered the “good” ending. Choosing this immediately transitions you to NG+. You won’t have any further exploration or preparation time.
- Leave the Kiln: By walking away from the bonfire, you choose to abandon the First Flame and usher in the Age of Dark. This ending also immediately transitions you to NG+. Again, no further preparation time is available.
Therefore, regardless of which ending you choose, Dark Souls does not allow you to continue exploring your current playthrough after defeating Gwyn. The game always pushes you into NG+. This is a core element of the Dark Souls experience, encouraging repeated playthroughs and exploration of different builds and strategies.
Preparing for New Game Plus
Since defeating Gwyn inevitably leads to NG+, it’s crucial to prepare beforehand. This includes:
- Exploring every area thoroughly: Make sure you’ve visited every location, defeated every optional boss, and collected all the items you desire. Now is the time to clear out The Great Hollow, Ash Lake, The Painted World of Ariamis, The Duke’s Archives, Tomb of the Giants, Demon Ruins, Lost Izalith, and New Londo Ruins.
- Upgrading your equipment: Spend your souls on upgrading your favorite weapons and armor to their maximum potential. This will significantly help you in the early stages of NG+, as the enemies will be stronger.
- Stocking up on consumables: Purchase plenty of useful items like Humanity, Titanite Shards, Green Blossoms, and Firebombs. These will be invaluable in overcoming the increased difficulty of NG+.
- Joining and ranking up in covenants: If you’re interested in covenant rewards, now’s the time to dedicate yourself to a covenant and rank up as much as possible. Some covenant rewards can be extremely helpful in subsequent playthroughs.
- Defeating optional bosses: Make sure you take down Priscilla the Crossbreed in the Painted World, Gravelord Nito in Tomb of the Giants, Seath the Scaleless in the Duke’s Archives, The Bed of Chaos in Lost Izalith, and Centipede Demon in Demon Ruins. These bosses drop unique items and souls.
Understanding New Game Plus
New Game Plus (NG+) in Dark Souls is a mode that allows you to replay the game with your existing character, retaining your levels, equipment, and most items. However, the enemies are significantly stronger, and some aspects of the game are altered.
What Carries Over to NG+?
- Character Level: Your current level is preserved.
- Stats: All your stats remain the same.
- Equipment: Weapons, armor, rings, and most items are carried over.
- Spells and Pyromancies: All learned spells and pyromancies are retained.
- Covenant Status: Your covenant allegiance carries over, but any covenant-specific offerings (like Humanity for the Daughter of Chaos) will need to be gathered again.
- Estus Flask Upgrades: Your Estus Flask upgrades (number of Estus flasks and the Humanity spent to strengthen it) are retained.
- Key Items: Almost all key items are NOT carried over. This means you’ll need to reacquire the Lordvessel, various keys, and other essential items to progress through the game.
- Bonfire Ascensions: All bonfires that you’ve kindled using Humanity remain kindled in NG+. However, you will need to relight them.
What Changes in NG+?
- Increased Enemy Difficulty: Enemies deal more damage and have more health.
- New Items: Some enemies drop new items that are only available in NG+ and beyond.
- Enemy Placement: Enemy placement remains largely the same, but some slight variations might occur.
- Soul Acquisition: You gain more souls from defeating enemies.
Beyond New Game Plus
Dark Souls allows you to progress through multiple NG+ cycles, with each cycle further increasing the enemy difficulty. The difficulty caps at NG+7, after which the enemies no longer get stronger. This allows players to continually challenge themselves and refine their skills.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens if I die to Gwyn?
If you die to Gwyn, you’ll respawn at the last bonfire you rested at, just like any other boss fight. You can then return to the Kiln of the First Flame and attempt the fight again.
2. Can I respec my character in Dark Souls?
Unfortunately, Dark Souls does not have a respec system. Once you’ve allocated your stats, you’re locked into that build for the rest of the playthrough. However, you can create a new character and experiment with different builds in subsequent playthroughs.
3. How many endings are there in Dark Souls?
There are two primary endings in Dark Souls: Linking the Fire and ushering in the Age of Dark.
4. Is Dark Souls a difficult game?
Yes, Dark Souls is known for its challenging gameplay. It requires patience, strategic thinking, and a willingness to learn from your mistakes. However, the sense of accomplishment you feel after overcoming a difficult boss or area is incredibly rewarding.
5. What are the best weapons in Dark Souls?
The “best” weapon depends on your playstyle and build. Some popular choices include the Claymore, Zweihander, Black Knight Sword, Great Scythe, and Uchigatana. Experiment with different weapons to find what works best for you.
6. How do I level up in Dark Souls?
You level up by speaking to the Emerald Herald at Firelink Shrine. You’ll need to spend souls to increase your stats.
7. What are covenants in Dark Souls?
Covenants are factions that players can join. Each covenant has its own goals and rewards. Joining a covenant can grant you access to unique items, spells, and multiplayer features.
8. Can I play Dark Souls offline?
Yes, Dark Souls can be played offline. However, you’ll miss out on the online features, such as summoning other players for help and being invaded by other players.
9. What is Humanity used for?
Humanity has multiple uses in Dark Souls. It can be used to reverse hollowing, kindle bonfires, summon other players for help, and offer to certain covenants.
10. How do I summon other players for help?
To summon other players, you need to be human and use a Humanity item to reverse hollowing. Then, look for summon signs on the ground. These signs are placed by other players who are willing to help.
11. What are the different stats in Dark Souls?
The main stats in Dark Souls are Vitality, Attunement, Endurance, Strength, Dexterity, Resistance, Intelligence, and Faith. Each stat affects different aspects of your character, such as health, stamina, equip load, and magic power.
12. How do I get to the DLC areas in Dark Souls?
To access the Artorias of the Abyss DLC, you must first defeat the Hydra in Darkroot Basin and save Dusk of Oolacile. Then, defeat the Golem in the Duke’s Archives to obtain the Broken Pendant. Return to Darkroot Basin and examine the portal to access the DLC areas.
13. What is Poise and how does it work?
Poise is a stat that determines your resistance to being staggered by enemy attacks. Higher poise allows you to withstand more hits without being interrupted. Certain armor sets and rings can increase your poise.
14. What is Equip Load and why is it important?
Equip Load is the percentage of your maximum equipment weight that you’re currently carrying. Staying below 25% of your maximum Equip Load allows you to fast roll, while staying below 50% allows you to mid-roll, and going over 70% results in a slow, fat roll. Fast rolling is generally preferred for its increased mobility and invincibility frames during rolls.
15. Is Dark Souls worth playing?
Absolutely! Despite its difficulty, Dark Souls is a critically acclaimed and highly rewarding game. Its intricate world design, challenging combat, and compelling lore make it an unforgettable experience. The sense of accomplishment you feel after overcoming its challenges is unmatched.