Saving Solaire: Summoning Not Required, but Knowledge is Key
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The burning question on every Dark Souls player’s mind when navigating Solaire of Astora’s questline is often this: Do I need to summon Solaire to save him? The simple answer is no. Summoning Solaire for boss fights is entirely optional and has no bearing on whether or not you can steer him away from his tragic fate in Lost Izalith. Saving Solaire hinges on understanding the mechanics of his questline and taking the necessary actions to eliminate the Sunlight Maggot before it consumes him. Let’s delve deeper into this iconic quest and uncover the secrets to ensuring Solaire’s survival.
Understanding Solaire’s Questline and the Path to Salvation
Solaire’s quest is one of the most beloved and heartbreaking in Dark Souls. He is a warrior of sunlight, jovial and optimistic, searching for his own “sun.” This quest intertwines with your own journey, offering moments of camaraderie and potent assistance in some of the game’s toughest battles. However, this happy collaboration can take a dark turn if you don’t intervene.
The Peril in Lost Izalith
The critical point in Solaire’s quest is in Lost Izalith. After defeating the Centipede Demon, Solaire will move to a bonfire in this area. If you progress beyond this point without taking specific action, Solaire will succumb to the influence of a Sunlight Maggot and become a hostile hollow, forcing you to put him down. This tragic outcome can be prevented.
The Key to Saving Solaire: The Chaos Covenant
The way to ensure Solaire’s survival involves joining the Chaos Servant Covenant and offering 30 Humanity to the Fair Lady (Quelaag’s sister). This action opens a shortcut in the Demon Ruins, located before the Bed of Chaos boss fight. This shortcut leads directly to a room teeming with Chaos Bugs. Among these bugs is a Red-Eyed Chaos Bug, which is the source of Solaire’s impending corruption.
Eliminating the Threat: The Red-Eyed Chaos Bug
The key to saving Solaire’s sanity lies in eliminating this Red-Eyed Chaos Bug. It’s a one-time spawn, meaning once it’s dead, it’s gone for good. You must kill this bug before encountering Solaire in Lost Izalith beyond the Centipede Demon boss fight. If the Red-Eyed Chaos Bug is dead, Solaire will proceed along his quest without issue. He will express disappointment that the shortcut was empty.
The Altar of Sunlight and the Final Battle
If you have successfully killed the Red-Eyed Chaos Bug, Solaire will later be found at the Altar of Sunlight, located near the end of Lost Izalith. Furthermore, you will then have the option to summon him for the final battle against Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, providing a bittersweet conclusion to his quest.
Summoning Solaire: A Tactical Advantage, Not a Salvation Requirement
While summoning Solaire can be a significant boon during boss fights, his survival is not contingent on his phantom appearing in the boss arena. As long as the Red-Eyed Chaos Bug is taken care of, Solaire’s quest will continue on the right path. Saving Solaire is about altering the world state, not his phantom’s fate.
The Illusion of Control: Phantoms and World State
It’s important to remember that summoning other players or NPCs in Dark Souls involves summoning phantoms, which exist independently of the “real” character in their own world. If Solaire dies as a phantom during a boss fight, it doesn’t affect the Solaire that exists within your world. His questline continues regardless of how his phantom fares in battle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Solaire
Here are some frequently asked questions about Solaire to help you successfully navigate his questline:
1. How do I start Solaire’s questline?
Simply encounter him in Undead Burg near the Taurus Demon boss fight. Exhaust his dialogue to initiate his quest.
2. Where does Solaire appear throughout the game?
He can be found in Undead Burg, Anor Londo (after the Ornstein & Smough fight), near the Sunlight Altar in Lost Izalith and in the Demon Ruins. Talking to him at each location is important.
3. Can I still save Solaire if I accidentally progress too far in Lost Izalith?
Unfortunately, no. Once he’s gone hollow, there’s no turning back. You’ll have to defeat him and miss out on summoning him for the final boss fight.
4. Do I need to kill the Centipede Demon before saving Solaire?
Yes, because you can’t access the Chaos Servant Covenant until you’ve killed the Centipede Demon and gotten to Lost Izalith.
5. Is it possible to save Solaire without joining the Chaos Servant Covenant?
No. The shortcut is only opened by offering 30 Humanity to the Fair Lady, so joining the Covenant is mandatory.
6. What happens if I don’t offer the full 30 Humanity to the Fair Lady?
The shortcut will remain closed, and Solaire will inevitably go hollow.
7. Does killing the Fair Lady affect Solaire’s quest?
Yes, killing the Fair Lady prevents you from opening the shortcut, thus dooming Solaire. Avoid attacking her at all costs.
8. Is Solaire the only NPC I can summon for the final boss?
No. There are other NPC you can summon depending on your game progress, but Solaire is the most commonly available.
9. Does Solaire’s equipment have any special properties?
Solaire wields the Sunlight Straight Sword and the Sunlight Shield. The Sunlight Straight Sword scales with Strength, Dexterity, Faith and is considered a good weapon. The Sunligth Shield is one of the best medium shields in the game and requires a high Strength stat.
10. What are the benefits of summoning Solaire for the Gwyn fight?
He can distract Gwyn and deal significant damage, making the fight more manageable. He also add an important emotional component to the end of the game
11. Is it better to fight Gwyn solo or with Solaire?
That is a matter of personal preference. Some players enjoy the challenge of a solo fight, while others appreciate Solaire’s assistance and the narrative satisfaction of having him by your side.
12. What are the theories surrounding Solaire’s true identity?
Many fans have speculated that Solaire is related to Gwyn, or even his firstborn son. However, these theories are largely disproven by the game’s lore and item descriptions.
13. What is the canon ending for Solaire?
The “canon” ending is subjective and open to interpretation, however, the game hints that Solaire may have linked the fire in his world or found his own “sun” in some other way. This makes Solaire’s “sad” but alive ending a satisfying result for this fan favorite.
14. Can you summon Solaire after he has turned hollow?
No. Once Solaire goes hollow, he becomes hostile, and you cannot summon him.
15. Can I still summon Solaire if I killed the boss in the area?
Yes, some players can summon Solaire even if the boss of the area where the summoning sign is has been killed already. You should visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about games. Games have the ability to educate and promote learning.
By understanding these nuances, you can navigate Solaire’s questline with confidence and ensure he avoids the tragic fate that awaits him in Lost Izalith. His survival hinges on your actions, not his phantom’s prowess in battle. So, focus on eliminating the Red-Eyed Chaos Bug, and let Solaire praise the sun by your side.