Unlocking the Lord of Hollows: A Comprehensive Guide to Dark Souls 3’s Secret Ending
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The “Lord of Hollows” ending in Dark Souls 3 is arguably the most intricate and narratively significant of all the game’s conclusions. It requires meticulous adherence to a specific questline, demanding patience and a willingness to embrace the game’s darker aspects. This ending sees your character usurp the First Flame, ushering in an age of hollows and becoming their rightful leader. So, how do you achieve this coveted (or perhaps cursed) fate? In short, you need to follow Anri of Astora’s questline, facilitated by Yuria of Londor, fully embrace hollowing, and ultimately, after defeating the Soul of Cinder, interact with the bonfire to claim your throne.
The Path to Usurpation: A Step-by-Step Guide
The “Lord of Hollows” ending hinges on several key interactions and decisions. Missing even one step can derail the entire process. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
- Yoel of Londor and Free Levels: Upon reaching the Undead Settlement, find Yoel of Londor near the broken bridge. Speak to him and agree to bring him back to Firelink Shrine. Each time you die, speak to Yoel and ask him to “Draw Out True Strength.” He will grant you a free level, up to a maximum of five. Each level gained this way adds one Dark Sigil to your inventory and increases your Hollowing stat. Accepting all five levels is crucial.
- Yuria of Londor’s Arrival: After obtaining all five free levels from Yoel, he will die, and Yuria of Londor will appear in his place. She is vital to the questline and will guide you toward fulfilling your destiny. Speaking with her periodically is essential. She will tasks you to serve as Anri’s protector.
- Anri of Astora’s Journey: Locate Anri of Astora at the Halfway Fortress in the Road of Sacrifices. Speak to them. You will meet them again at Firelink Shrine where they ask the player for information about Horace, who has gone missing.
- Locate and (Optional) Kill Horace: Horace is found in the Smouldering Lake. You can either tell Anri where he is or keep it to yourself, but this decision doesn’t ultimately affect the ending. If you tell them, they will go in search of Horace.
- Anri’s Death is Forbidden: Anri must not die before the wedding ceremony in Darkmoon Tomb.
- The Ritual Wedding: After defeating the Deacons of the Deep, Yuria will inform you that preparations for your wedding with Anri are complete. Travel to the Darkmoon Tomb within Anor Londo (accessed by breaking the statue of Gwynevere with a sword). A pilgrim will be waiting to perform the ritual. Use the sword to kill Anri, solidifying your union and gaining the Sword of Avowal. This act permanently hollows Anri, symbolizing the true nature of your Lord of Hollows status.
- Defeat the Soul of Cinder: Continue the game as normal, defeating all necessary bosses until you reach the final boss, the Soul of Cinder.
- Usurp the Flame: After defeating the Soul of Cinder, approach the bonfire. Instead of linking the fire as usual, you’ll be given the option to Usurp the Flame. Choose this option to claim the “Lord of Hollows” ending.
The Significance of Hollowing
The “Lord of Hollows” ending is intrinsically tied to the concept of Hollowing. In Dark Souls, Hollowing represents a loss of purpose and humanity, a descent into a mindless, undead state. The Dark Sigils received from Yoel and the ritual with Anri directly contribute to your Hollowing stat. While a high Hollowing stat affects your appearance (making you look more zombie-like), it’s the possession of the Dark Sigils themselves that are critical to unlocking the ending. Curing your Hollowing will prevent the “Lord of Hollows” ending from triggering.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Lord of Hollows Ending
Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate the path to becoming the Lord of Hollows:
1. Can I still get the Lord of Hollows ending if I cure my Hollowing at some point?
No. Curing your Hollowing by paying the Fire Keeper removes the Dark Sigils, which are essential for triggering the “Usurpation of Fire” ending. You must keep the Dark Sigils in your inventory. Remember, this is different than using Purging Stones, which temporarily remove the visual effects of Hollowing, but don’t affect the Dark Sigils.
2. What happens if Anri dies before the wedding ceremony?
If Anri dies before you perform the ritual in the Darkmoon Tomb, the questline will fail, and you will be unable to obtain the “Lord of Hollows” ending. Protection is vital!
3. Is it necessary to tell Anri about Horace’s location?
No, this decision does not ultimately affect the outcome of the Lord of Hollows ending. You can tell them, or not, the outcome is the same.
4. What is the purpose of Yuria of Londor?
Yuria of Londor acts as your guide and mentor throughout the Lord of Hollows questline. She informs you of key events, directs you to Anri, and confirms that you are on the correct path. Her presence is a sure sign that you’re progressing correctly.
5. How does the Lord of Hollows ending affect the world of Dark Souls?
The “Lord of Hollows” ending paints a bleak picture for the future of the Dark Souls world. Instead of perpetuating the cycle of fire and dark, your character usurps the flame, essentially seizing control of the world and ushering in an age of hollows. The fate of humanity is left uncertain.
6. Can I get other endings on the same playthrough as the Lord of Hollows ending?
No. By fulfilling all the requirements for the Lord of Hollows ending, you’ve effectively locked yourself into that conclusion. You’ll need to play through the game again to experience the other endings.
7. What are the benefits of achieving the Lord of Hollows ending?
Beyond the satisfaction of unlocking a secret ending, there aren’t any tangible gameplay benefits. However, the Lord of Hollows ending provides a unique narrative conclusion that offers a deeper understanding of the game’s lore and themes. Some players appreciate the darker, more subversive nature of this ending.
8. Does my Hollowing level affect the damage I deal or receive?
No, your Hollowing level does not directly affect your damage output or resistance. It primarily impacts your character’s appearance and is a prerequisite for certain interactions, specifically within the Lord of Hollows questline.
9. Can I undo my Hollowing after getting the Lord of Hollows ending?
Once you’ve completed the game and achieved the Lord of Hollows ending, your save file reflects that decision. You cannot undo the ending itself. However, upon starting a New Game Plus, your Hollowing will be reset.
10. Is the Lord of Hollows ending the “true” ending of Dark Souls 3?
There is no definitive “true” ending in Dark Souls 3. Each ending offers a different perspective on the world and its cyclical nature. The Lord of Hollows ending is simply one interpretation of the events unfolding in the game.
11. What happens if I accidentally kill Yoel before getting all five free levels?
If you accidentally kill Yoel before getting all five free levels, you will permanently lock yourself out of the Lord of Hollows ending for that playthrough. You will need to start a new game to attempt it again.
12. Does my covenant affect my ability to get the Lord of Hollows ending?
No, your chosen covenant does not affect your ability to obtain the Lord of Hollows ending. Covenants are separate from the main questlines that determine the game’s conclusion.
13. Is there a specific level I should be before attempting the Lord of Hollows questline?
There is no specific level requirement. However, it’s recommended that you’re comfortable with the game’s combat and exploration before embarking on this questline, as it requires navigating challenging areas and defeating powerful bosses.
14. Can I watch someone else get the Lord of Hollows ending and still understand it?
While watching someone else achieve the Lord of Hollows ending can provide some insight, it’s not a substitute for experiencing it firsthand. The narrative impact is far greater when you’re actively making the choices and witnessing the consequences of your actions.
15. Where can I learn more about game design and how narrative impacts player outcomes?
To learn more about game design, narrative impact, and how games create unique learning experiences, consider exploring resources from organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. This group explores the intersection of game design and education, helping players create fun and engaging learning environments through games.
Embracing the Hollow Within
The Lord of Hollows ending in Dark Souls 3 is a testament to the game’s complex storytelling and intricate world-building. It’s a challenging path, demanding commitment and a willingness to embrace the darker aspects of the game. However, for those who persevere, the reward is a unique and thought-provoking conclusion that adds another layer of depth to the already rich tapestry of Dark Souls lore. So, embrace the Hollow within, and claim your rightful place as the Lord of Hollows.