Does Dark Souls 2 Have Fast Travel? A Complete Guide
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Yes, Dark Souls 2 does feature fast travel, but it’s not immediately available from the start of the game. Unlike some of its counterparts in the series, you’ll need to progress a considerable way through the story before unlocking the ability to teleport between locations. This mechanic is a crucial aspect of navigating the sprawling world of Drangleic. Initially, players will need to rely on their own two feet (or rather, their character’s) and a thorough knowledge of the interconnected pathways to progress. However, once unlocked, fast travel dramatically changes how you experience the game.
Unlocking Fast Travel in Dark Souls 2
The ability to fast travel in Dark Souls 2 is tied to a specific in-game event and item. You won’t have access to it from the very beginning. Here’s how it unfolds:
- Progress Through the Game: You’ll need to make substantial progress through the game. This typically means reaching approximately 50% of the main storyline, as suggested in the provided text.
- Obtain the ‘Something’ Item: After completing a pivotal part of the game, and after a major boss fight (in Anor Londo in the original Dark Souls), you will acquire an item that grants you the ability to teleport. This Lordvessel, or it’s equivalent, is the key to fast traveling in this game.
- Accessing the Bonfire Menu: Once you have this critical item, you can now access the bonfire menu when resting. This menu will now have additional options than it originally did, with the most important addition being fast travel.
- Teleporting Between Bonfires: From the bonfire menu, you can select any bonfire that you have previously lit. You must have interacted with the bonfire initially to warp to it. This allows you to freely move between locations all over Drangleic.
It’s important to remember that not all bonfires are fast travel destinations. You can only fast travel to main bonfires, which is something that is mentioned in some of the text provided. Many smaller bonfires are simply checkpoints. This means that the world still maintains a sense of interconnectedness, as you’ll still have to explore to reach some areas for the first time, even with the ability to teleport.
The Importance of Fast Travel in Dark Souls 2
The inclusion of fast travel is a significant feature that impacts the game in several ways:
- Efficiency: The most obvious benefit is the efficiency it offers. Once you have the ability, you can quickly traverse the map, reducing backtracking and wasted time between locations.
- Accessibility: Fast travel makes it significantly easier to revisit older areas to gather items, fight optional bosses, or complete side quests.
- Convenience: It provides a much-needed convenience for players who are struggling in particular areas. By being able to quickly leave and re-stock or re-spec your character, you can adjust your strategy more efficiently.
- Progression: Fast travel allows players to progress through the story more smoothly and can make the experience more enjoyable for many players.
While some may feel that it detracts from the original Dark Souls’ emphasis on map memorization, the ability to teleport also promotes a less frustrating gameplay experience for a large number of gamers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Fast Travel in Dark Souls 2
1. How early can I get fast travel in Dark Souls 2?
You cannot access fast travel early in Dark Souls 2. You have to reach a mid-game point after progressing around 50% and acquiring the required item (the equivalent of the Lordvessel in the first game).
2. Can I fast travel to every bonfire?
No, not every bonfire is a fast travel destination. You can only teleport to main bonfires that you have already lit. Small check point bonfires cannot be used to warp.
3. Does fast travel make the game too easy?
While it adds convenience, fast travel doesn’t necessarily make the game easier. The challenges and enemies remain the same. It primarily reduces travel time and allows for more efficient exploration and game management.
4. Can I fast travel from the very start of Dark Souls 2?
No, you cannot fast travel at the beginning of Dark Souls 2. You need to progress the story and obtain a specific item before this option becomes available.
5. Is fast travel in Dark Souls 2 better than in Dark Souls 1?
The fast travel system in Dark Souls 2 is more comprehensive than in the original Dark Souls. The original game only allowed fast travel late in the game and to limited bonfires. Dark Souls 2 allows for fast travel between most main bonfires, making the system more useful.
6. What if I missed lighting a main bonfire?
If you missed lighting a main bonfire, you will need to return to the area and interact with it. You will then be able to fast travel to that bonfire.
7. Does using fast travel have any negative consequences in Dark Souls 2?
No, there are no negative consequences associated with using fast travel in Dark Souls 2. It’s a pure convenience feature.
8. Does fast travel use any resources?
No, fast travel in Dark Souls 2 does not consume any resources. It’s completely free to use once unlocked.
9. Can I fast travel during combat?
No, you cannot fast travel while engaged in combat or when in areas that restrict bonfire use. You must be at a bonfire and not under attack.
10. Does the Bonfire Ascetic affect fast travel in Dark Souls 2?
The Bonfire Ascetic does not affect fast travel itself. It primarily strengthens enemies in an area and resets items, but has no impact on the availability of fast travel.
11. How do I access the fast travel menu?
You can access the fast travel menu by interacting with any lit bonfire, then selecting the “Travel” option in the menu.
12. Is fast travel a feature in all Dark Souls games?
Yes, fast travel is a feature in all Dark Souls games, although the implementation varies. Dark Souls 1 has the most limited system, while Dark Souls 3 has the most generous.
13. Does fast travel work the same way in Scholar of the First Sin Edition?
Yes, fast travel works identically in the base game and in Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin.
14. Does Bloodborne have fast travel?
Yes and no. Bloodborne allows fast travel, but only via the Hunter’s Dream hub world. You cannot travel directly from one lamp to another.
15. Is there a difference between fast travel in online vs offline mode in Dark Souls 2?
No, fast travel works exactly the same in online and offline modes. There are no differences in functionality.