How to Open a Lost Bastille Bonfire: A Comprehensive Guide
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Opening bonfires in Dark Souls 2 is crucial for progress and survival, and the Lost Bastille is no exception. This formidable area houses several bonfires, each offering a safe haven and a respawn point. However, not all of them are immediately accessible. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of how to open a bonfire in the Lost Bastille, along with a look at the numerous bonfires found within this complex location.
The short answer: The primary way to reveal a hidden bonfire in The Lost Bastille involves a clever use of a explosive barrel and a weakened wall. You’ll find this particular setup near the entrance to McDuff’s Workshop. The process is as follows:
- Locate the sentry guarding the top of a short flight of stairs. You’ll find him near the boarded-up entrance to McDuff’s Workshop. He stands in front of an explosive barrel.
- Use an arrow or throwing knife to provoke the sentry. Ideally, he will walk forward and push the barrel down the stairs.
- Dodge the rolling explosive barrel. You want it to smash against the weakened wall to the left of the boarded-up door.
- If the barrel does not explode on impact, nudge it into place and detonate it yourself with an attack.
- The explosion will reveal a path leading to a bonfire and the rear entrance of McDuff’s Workshop.
This particular bonfire is the second one you are likely to encounter. Now that we’ve covered the basic steps, let’s delve into some common questions about bonfires and navigating the Lost Bastille.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many bonfires are in the Lost Bastille?
There are a total of seven bonfires within The Lost Bastille. These are:
- Exile Holding Cells
- McDuff’s Workshop
- Servants’ Quarters
- Straid’s Cell
- The Tower Apart
- The Saltfort (Sinners’ Rise)
- Belfry Luna
These bonfires are spread throughout the area, so understanding their locations is key for a smoother journey.
How do you get to the other side of The Lost Bastille?
To navigate to the other side of the Lost Bastille, you’ll need to:
- Climb the ladder to the wooden balcony inside the tower.
- Look for a broken window.
- Roll to the right corner of the entrance to the tower (which would be your left when facing outward from the tower).
- Jump to the open area on the other side to reach the door.
This path will allow you to access new sections of the Bastille.
What does the Bastille Key open?
The Bastille Key, obtained after defeating the Belfry Gargoyle boss in Belfry Luna, unlocks several key areas:
- Doors on either side of the entrance to The Lost Sinner
- A cell before the approach to the Lost Sinner boss.
- The locked door at Steady Hand McDuff’s workshop.
- The cell next to Straid of Olaphis.
This key is essential for progressing through the area and accessing specific NPCs.
How do you open a Lost Sinner door?
To open the doors leading to the Lost Sinner boss fight, you need the Bastille Key. Once obtained, you can use the key on the locked doors up the stairs on the left and right, just before the fog gate to the Lost Sinner.
Where is the key for the Lost Sinner?
The Lost Sinner Key is not directly available from the Lost Sinner boss, but it is the Bastille Key, which will allow you to open the doors near the fog gate for the Lost Sinner and to light up the area for the boss battle. You acquire the Bastille Key after defeating the Belfry Gargoyle in Belfry Luna.
Where is the Lost Sinner boss?
The Lost Sinner is found at the bottom of Sinners’ Rise. It is an area that is connected to the Lost Bastille. She’s a very aggressive boss, wielding a powerful greatsword.
Where can I use my Lost Bastille Key?
As mentioned earlier, the Bastille Key unlocks the following:
- Doors on either side of the entrance to the Lost Sinner.
- A cell before the approach to the Lost Sinner.
- The locked door at Steady Hand McDuff’s workshop.
- The cell next to Straid of Olaphis.
How do you unlock The Lost Bastille blacksmith?
You unlock Steady Hand McDuff, the blacksmith, by using the Bastille Key to open the door to his workshop. Further access to his smithy is through the rear entrance revealed by the exploding barrel mentioned earlier.
What is the Bastille Key?
In the real world, the Bastille Key is a historical item symbolizing Liberty over Despotism, originally from the Bastille prison in France. However, in Dark Souls 2 it unlocks access throughout the Lost Bastille.
Is the Lost Bastille optional?
Yes, the Lost Bastille is technically optional. If you gather one million souls, you can bypass the entire area and access the next segment of the game. However, completing the Lost Bastille is valuable for experience, items, and boss encounters. The Belfry Gargoyles are also optional.
Where is Lucatiel after Lost Bastille?
After leaving the Lost Bastille, Lucatiel can be found in the Earthen Peak. Specifically, you will see her standing near the very floor you enter at the Lower Earthen Peak bonfire.
Where do I go after killing Ruin Sentinels?
After defeating the Ruin Sentinels, go through the doorway on the side of the room. Go all the way upstairs to get back to the main room and go to the right to find a door leading to a Soul of a Nameless Soldier. You will be progressing through more of the Lost Bastille.
Where is the biggest bonfire?
This question refers to real-world bonfires. The current record for the largest bonfire is at a height of more than 198ft, built in Austria. In 2022, the Craigyhill bonfire in Northern Ireland measured 202 feet.
Is there a summon for the Ruin Sentinels?
Yes, there are two NPC summons available near the entrance to the Ruin Sentinels boss fight to assist you.
Should I give Dull Ember to McDuff?
Yes, you should give the Dull Ember to Steady Hand McDuff so he can infuse weapons. This will allow you to imbue your weapons with elemental damage. This is a very valuable ability that is essential for later parts of the game.
Bonus FAQ: How do you get the Old Witch Soul?
The Old Witch Soul is obtained by defeating the Lost Sinner at bonfire intensity 2 or higher. This means you’ll need to either enter New Game Plus (NG+) or use a Bonfire Ascetic on the Saltfort bonfire in Sinner’s Rise to increase the intensity. This allows the Lost Sinner to drop the Old Witch Soul needed for other items.
Conclusion
The Lost Bastille is a complex area with numerous paths and secrets. Understanding how to open the bonfires, especially the one hidden behind the explosive barrel, will make your exploration much smoother. By using the Bastille Key and exploring carefully, you’ll be able to navigate the area effectively and progress through Dark Souls 2. This guide should help players effectively navigate and survive this dangerous location.