Does Andre Respawn in Dark Souls 3? A Comprehensive Guide to Firelink’s Favorite Blacksmith
Yes, Andre the Blacksmith does indeed respawn in Dark Souls 3. This is a crucial mechanic, as Andre is an essential NPC for weapon upgrades, infusions, and repairs. Unlike some of his counterparts in previous Dark Souls entries, Andre’s presence isn’t tied to complex questlines that, if failed, render him permanently unavailable. If you, heaven forbid, accidentally or intentionally slay our favorite blacksmith, fear not! He’ll be back.
Andre’s Respawn Mechanic: What You Need to Know
Here’s the lowdown on how Andre’s respawning works:
- The Trigger: If Andre is killed, he won’t be immediately back on his anvil.
- The Solution: Simply warp to a different bonfire using the Firelink Shrine bonfire and then return to his usual spot. He should reappear.
- The Consequence (and Solution): Upon respawning after being killed, Andre will initially refuse to interact with you. He’ll likely mumble something about your sins, which is your cue to seek absolution. You can fix this with the help of Velka, the Goddess of Sin.
- Absolution: To cleanse your sins and regain Andre’s services, you’ll need to visit the Velka statue in the Undead Settlement. Pay the required amount of souls, and Andre will forgive your transgression.
- Back to Business: Once you’ve received absolution, Andre will resume his normal functions, allowing you to upgrade your weapons, infuse them with gems, and repair any damaged equipment.
Andre is more than just a blacksmith; he’s a cornerstone of the Dark Souls 3 experience. Losing access to his services can significantly hamper your progress. So, while you technically can kill him (for whatever reason), be prepared to face the consequences and rectify your actions if you want to continue strengthening your character’s arsenal.
The Importance of Andre
Andre isn’t just any NPC; he is a vital resource. Here’s why he matters so much:
- Weapon Upgrades: The most obvious reason to keep Andre around. He’s the primary means by which you enhance your weapons, increasing their damage output and scaling.
- Infusion: Infusion is another critical function. Andre can apply gems to your weapons, adding elemental damage or scaling with different stats, allowing you to tailor your equipment to your build. You unlock different infusions by giving him coals, such as the Farron Coal.
- Repair: Weapons and armor degrade with use, and Andre is the go-to guy for keeping your gear in top condition.
- Progression: Locking yourself out of Andre’s services will severely impede your progress. It’s almost impossible to complete the game effectively without regularly upgrading your weapons.
Learning from Dark Souls and Beyond
The mechanics surrounding Andre, and NPCs in general, illustrate important principles that extend far beyond the realm of video games. They show the impact of choices, consequences, and the importance of relationships, even in virtual worlds. The Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org explores these very themes, delving into how games can be powerful tools for learning and understanding complex systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Andre in Dark Souls 3
1. Is Andre in all the Dark Souls games?
Yes, Andre of Astora is a recurring character in the Dark Souls series. He appears in Dark Souls 1 and Dark Souls 3 as the blacksmith located in Firelink Shrine. While he isn’t physically present in Dark Souls 2, his legacy is felt through blacksmiths who inherit some of his knowledge.
2. What happens if Andre dies permanently?
Andre cannot die permanently in Dark Souls 3. He will always respawn after you visit another bonfire, although you’ll need to absolve your sins to regain his services.
3. How do I absolve my sins after killing Andre?
To absolve your sins, visit the Velka statue in the Undead Settlement. You’ll need to pay a certain amount of souls based on your Soul Level. After paying, your sin will be forgiven, and Andre will no longer be hostile.
4. Does Andre sell anything?
No, Andre doesn’t sell items directly. His primary function is to upgrade, infuse, and repair your equipment.
5. Can I get Andre to move to a different location?
No, Andre is stationary and will always be found in Firelink Shrine, near his anvil.
6. What coals should I give Andre?
Giving Andre coals unlocks new infusion options. Some important coals to give him include:
- Farron Coal: Unlocks Heavy, Sharp, and Poison infusions.
- Sage’s Coal: Unlocks Crystal, Fire, and Deep infusions.
- Giant’s Coal: Unlocks Blessed, Lightning, and Dark infusions.
7. Can Andre upgrade boss weapons?
Yes, Andre can upgrade boss weapons after they’ve been transformed into their unique forms using Soul Transposition with Ludleth of Courland. These weapons usually require Titanite Scales to upgrade.
8. Is Andre the same blacksmith from Dark Souls 1?
Yes, dialogue in Dark Souls 3 suggests that Andre is indeed the same character from the original Dark Souls, carrying over his skills and knowledge.
9. What’s the best way to upgrade my weapons with Andre?
The best way to upgrade your weapons is to regularly visit Andre after acquiring Titanite Shards, Large Titanite Shards, Titanite Chunks, and Titanite Slabs. Also, remember to give him the necessary coals to unlock different infusion options.
10. What happens if I attack Andre multiple times?
Attacking Andre multiple times will not change his respawn behavior or the process of absolving your sins. However, it will increase the cost of absolution at Velka’s statue.
11. Can I still upgrade my weapons if Andre is hostile?
No, you cannot use Andre’s services if he is hostile. You must absolve your sins before he will interact with you again.
12. Is there a way to avoid accidentally hitting Andre?
The best way to avoid accidentally hitting Andre is to be mindful of your attacks, especially when surrounded by enemies in Firelink Shrine. Locking onto enemies outside the blacksmith’s area helps prevent accidental targeting.
13. What is the maximum weapon upgrade level in Dark Souls 3?
The maximum weapon upgrade level in Dark Souls 3 is +10 for standard weapons and +5 for unique weapons, such as boss weapons.
14. Does Andre have any unique dialogue?
Yes, Andre has a fair amount of dialogue, especially when you give him coals or when you have sinned and need to absolve your sins. Listen carefully; he offers insights into the world and his own history.
15. Are there alternative blacksmiths in Dark Souls 3?
While Andre is the primary blacksmith, there is also Blacksmith Boldwin at the Shrine Handmaid, who sells Titanite Shards, and Cornyx of the Great Swamp, who can reinforce pyromancy flames. However, neither offers the comprehensive services that Andre provides. They may provide more options to learn about how Games Learning Society is leveraging education with video games.