How to Open the Cell Next to Straid in Dark Souls 2
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The cell next to Straid of Olaphis in The Lost Bastille is a source of much curiosity for players of Dark Souls 2. Unlike other cells in the area, this particular one doesn’t house an NPC or a crucial item, but rather it serves as an alternative exit from the area after interacting with Straid. You can open the cell by using the Bastille Key. You need to defeat the Belfry Gargoyles boss fight on the rooftop in Belfry Luna to obtain this key. Once obtained, you can use the Bastille Key to unlock various doors, including the cell next to Straid. Inside, you’ll find a small drop off into an area that allows to skip a large portion of the level, providing a short cut to continue your adventure.
Understanding the Location and the Key
Before diving deeper, it’s essential to understand the context of Straid’s location. Straid is found in a cell in the Lost Bastille holding area, and requires a Fragrant Branch of Yore to unlock his interaction. Once unlocked, he provides the opportunity to trade souls from defeated bosses for powerful sorceries, hexes and miracles. The cell next to his, while seeming unassuming, actually plays a part in level navigation once you have the proper item. The Bastille Key unlocks many doors, making exploration more seamless once you have it.
Obtaining the Bastille Key
The Bastille Key isn’t found in a chest or from a standard enemy. It’s the reward for defeating the Belfry Gargoyles, a challenging boss encounter in Belfry Luna. Belfry Luna is accessible from the Servant’s Quarters bonfire in The Lost Bastille, after defeating the Ruin Sentinel boss. You’ll find a ladder near the bonfire leading downwards and a wall that opens up after using a Pharros Lockstone. After defeating the gargoyles you will find the Bastille Key near the boss arena. Once you have this key, you can go back to Straid and open his neighboring cell.
Why This Cell Matters
While the cell itself doesn’t contain any loot or an NPC, it’s useful for quick navigation. The path through it circumvents the normal route by dropping you down onto a lower level. It provides a quicker way to progress through The Lost Bastille, saving time and frustration, particularly for those who have explored the area before. It’s another piece of the puzzle in Dark Souls 2 level design that can reward veterans who know how to explore their surroundings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 Frequently Asked Questions to further help you navigate the complexities of The Lost Bastille and related areas in Dark Souls 2:
1. How do you access Belfry Luna to get the Bastille Key?
Belfry Luna is accessible from the Servant’s Quarters Bonfire in The Lost Bastille. Head down the ladder next to the bonfire and then use a Pharros Lockstone on the contraption to open a hidden doorway.
2. What other doors does the Bastille Key open?
The Bastille Key unlocks several doors around the Lost Bastille, typically doors of higher quality that might otherwise seem to be locked. These doors provide shortcuts, access to different areas, and may even hide a few secrets and items.
3. Where can I find a Fragrant Branch of Yore to unlock Straid?
You can find Fragrant Branches of Yore in the following locations: one can be purchased from Merchant Hag Melentia for 12,000 souls after beating The Last Giant; one can be found in No-Man’s Wharf; and another one can be found in a chest at the start of Lost Bastille.
4. How do you get to the Servant’s Quarters bonfire?
The Servant’s Quarters bonfire is located after defeating the Ruin Sentinels. Go through the door in the boss arena and head up the stairs. It will be on your right.
5. Is there a way to skip the Pursuer fight in the Lost Bastille?
Yes, the Tower Apart area can be accessed from the main Lost Bastille area, which is the same route that allows you to meet Lucatiel of Mirrah. You can open the tower by throwing a firebomb at the crates on the other side of the door.
6. How do you unlock McDuff’s workshop?
Use the Bastille Key to unlock the door to McDuff’s workshop and then push the explosive barrel down the stairs to destroy a weak wall, revealing his workshop and a bonfire.
7. Where is the Lost Sinner’s door, and how do I open it?
The Lost Sinner’s door is located in Sinner’s Rise. You need the Bastille Key to unlock the cells, and the key to the Lost Sinner’s door is found by defeating the boss in an area below the bonfire, allowing you to light up the room for the fight.
8. Can you parry the Lost Sinner?
Yes, the Lost Sinner can be parried, although doing so is not necessary for a standard fight. A well-timed parry can make the fight easier, but is only really common in boss challenge runs.
9. Is The Lost Bastille optional?
Yes, The Lost Bastille is optional if you collect 1 million souls elsewhere, this means you don’t need to clear the zone at all, which is useful for no death runs.
10. How do you get to Sinner’s Rise from the Servant’s Quarters bonfire?
From the **Servant's Quarter bonfire**, go up the stairs, head down the hallway and open the door onto a walkway, which is the path to **Sinner's Rise**.
11. What are Primal Bonfires?
**Primal Bonfires** are special bonfires that appear in cube-shaped rooms after defeating each of the **Old Ones**. They are functionally the same as regular bonfires with a different appearance.
12. How do you access No-Man’s Wharf?
No-Man’s Wharf can be accessed through Heide’s Tower of Flame. Head past the Dragonrider bonfire, then down a narrow spiral staircase.
13. What does McDuff do, and should I give him the Dull Ember?
McDuff is a blacksmith who can infuse weapons with elements. You should give him the Dull Ember to unlock this feature, allowing you to modify and empower weapons.
14. Is King Vendrick an optional boss?
Yes, King Vendrick is an optional boss found at the bottom of the Undead Crypt. You can choose whether to fight him or not.
15. Who is the final secret boss in Dark Souls 2?
The secret final boss is **Aldia, Scholar of the First Sin**. If you've spoken to him three times and defeated Vendrick, Aldia will appear after Nashandra to fight.
By understanding these nuances, players can navigate The Lost Bastille and Dark Souls 2 with greater ease, fully utilizing the game’s intricate interconnectedness. The cell next to Straid is not just another locked door; it represents a shortcut, a secret path that experienced players can use to their advantage, rewarding exploration and careful observation.