Can You Summon Solaire in Dark Souls 3?

No, unfortunately, you cannot summon Solaire of Astora in Dark Souls 3. The beloved Sun Bro from the original Dark Souls does not make a direct appearance as a summonable NPC in the game. While his spirit and legacy live on through various elements, including the Warrior of Sunlight covenant and certain items, he isn’t physically present to aid you in battle.

The Absence of Solaire: Why He’s Not in Dark Souls 3

Solaire’s absence is a deliberate design choice. He met a definitive (and often tragic) end in the original Dark Souls, and bringing him back would undermine the impact of his story. Dark Souls 3 explores themes of cyclical endings and fading legacies, and Solaire’s absence reinforces this melancholic atmosphere. He serves as a poignant reminder of the characters and events of the past, rather than a participant in the present narrative.

The Legacy of Solaire in Dark Souls 3: Signs of His Influence

While Solaire isn’t summonable, his impact on the world of Dark Souls 3 is undeniable. Here are a few ways his legacy lives on:

• Warrior of Sunlight Covenant: This covenant, dedicated to jolly cooperation, returns in Dark Souls 3. Players who join can place their summon signs to assist others, continuing Solaire’s mission to help fellow undead.
• Sunlight Medals: These medals, awarded for successful co-op, are essential for ranking up in the Warrior of Sunlight covenant. They are a direct link to Solaire’s philosophy of helping others.
• Armor and Weapons: While not directly associated with Solaire, certain armor sets and weapons in Dark Souls 3, such as those associated with faith builds, can evoke a similar aesthetic and playstyle. Players can create their own “Sun Bro” builds, honoring Solaire’s memory.
• NPC Homages: Certain NPCs in Dark Souls 3, while not directly Solaire, embody similar helpful and optimistic characteristics. These characters offer a sense of camaraderie and support in a bleak world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Solaire in Dark Souls 3

1. Is there any way to find Solaire in Dark Souls 3, even as an Easter egg?

Unfortunately, there is no hidden encounter or Easter egg featuring Solaire in Dark Souls 3. While the game is filled with secrets, Solaire’s absence is complete in terms of physical presence.

2. Can I recreate Solaire’s build in Dark Souls 3? What would I need?

Yes, you can absolutely recreate a Solaire-inspired build. Focus on a faith-based character with high strength. Key elements include:

• Armor: Anything resembling his iconic Sunlight Armor set. The closest would be a combination of armor pieces that have a knightly appearance.
• Weapon: A straight sword like the Sunlight Straight Sword, or a similar weapon that scales well with both strength and faith.
• Miracles: Lightning Spear, Great Lightning Spear, Sunlight Spear, and healing miracles.
• Ring: Ring of the Sun Princess for improved miracle potency.

3. Does the Sunlight Straight Sword have any special connection to Solaire?

The Sunlight Straight Sword is heavily implied to be Solaire’s weapon, although it doesn’t explicitly state it. Its description mentions “a nameless knight,” which many believe is a reference to Solaire. It possesses innate Lightning damage and scales well with Faith, further solidifying the connection.

4. Is the Warrior of Sunlight covenant worth joining in Dark Souls 3?

Yes, the Warrior of Sunlight covenant is highly recommended, especially for players who enjoy cooperative gameplay. You’ll earn Sunlight Medals for assisting others, which allows you to rank up in the covenant and unlock rewards. It’s also a great way to experience the game with friends or other players.

5. Where can I find Sunlight Medals in Dark Souls 3?

Sunlight Medals can be obtained by:

• Successfully assisting other players as a summon. You must be wearing the Warrior of Sunlight covenant symbol.
• Defeating certain bosses as a summon.
• Rare drops from Lothric Knights in Lothric Castle.

6. Is there any lore in Dark Souls 3 that directly references Solaire?

While Solaire isn’t directly named, the game’s lore contains several subtle nods to his character and story. Item descriptions, NPC dialogue, and environmental details all contribute to a sense of his lasting influence on the world. The Sunlight Straight Sword’s description is the most obvious reference.

7. What is the significance of “Praise the Sun” in Dark Souls 3?

“Praise the Sun” is Solaire’s iconic gesture and catchphrase, symbolizing optimism and camaraderie. It returns in Dark Souls 3 as an emote that players can use to express joy, victory, or simply to acknowledge each other. It’s a powerful symbol of the cooperative spirit of the Dark Souls community.

8. Are there any characters in Dark Souls 3 similar to Solaire?

Yes, there are characters who embody similar traits. Anri of Astora is a character who helps the player and whose story is intertwined with the player’s actions, mirroring the kind of support Solaire offered. While not a direct replacement, Anri provides a similar sense of companionship.

9. How does Solaire’s story end in the original Dark Souls?

Solaire’s fate in Dark Souls is left ambiguous depending on the player’s actions. He can either:

• Become insane and aggressive: If the player doesn’t take steps to prevent him from finding the Sunlight Maggot, he’ll become corrupted and hostile.
• Survive and assist the player in the final boss battle: If the player saves him, he will become a valuable ally and friend until the very end.

10. Why is Solaire such a popular character in the Dark Souls community?

Solaire’s popularity stems from his:

• Optimistic personality: He provides a much-needed ray of hope in the bleak world of Dark Souls.
• Helpful nature: He’s always willing to assist players, embodying the spirit of cooperative gameplay.
• Iconic design: His Sunlight Armor and “Praise the Sun” gesture are instantly recognizable and beloved.
• Tragic potential fate: The possibility of his corruption makes his character even more compelling.

11. Is there a way to mod Solaire into Dark Souls 3?

Yes, while the base game doesn’t include Solaire, modding allows you to introduce him into Dark Souls 3. However, this requires using PC versions of the game and applying modifications, which can potentially affect game stability and online play. Proceed with caution.

12. Could Solaire exist in a different form or under a different name in Dark Souls 3 lore?

While there’s no definitive answer, the cyclical nature of the Dark Souls universe suggests that characters and events often repeat in different forms. It’s possible that a character in Dark Souls 3 embodies aspects of Solaire’s personality or role, even if they aren’t explicitly identified as him.

13. Does “Praise the Sun” have any practical purpose in Dark Souls 3 gameplay?

Besides being a gesture and symbol of camaraderie, “Praise the Sun” has no direct gameplay benefit. It’s primarily a social tool for interacting with other players and expressing yourself.

14. What are some tips for playing a faith-based build in Dark Souls 3?

• Invest heavily in Faith: This stat determines the potency of your miracles.
• Use a talisman or chime: These are the catalysts for casting miracles.
• Find useful miracles: Lightning Spear, Great Lightning Spear, and healing miracles are essential.
• Manage your FP: Miracles consume FP, so be mindful of your resource management.
• Consider other stats: Strength and Dexterity can be useful for wielding weapons effectively.

15. What covenant should I join if I want to play a character similar to Solaire?

The Warrior of Sunlight covenant is the most fitting choice. It encourages cooperative gameplay, rewarding you for assisting other players and embodying Solaire’s spirit of helpfulness. It’s the best way to honor his legacy in Dark Souls 3.