Reviving Andre the Blacksmith in Dark Souls 1: A Comprehensive Guide

Unfortunately, the straightforward answer is: you cannot truly revive Andre the Blacksmith in Dark Souls 1 in the traditional sense of bringing him back from the dead if he is killed. However, there’s a crucial nuance to understand about his “death” and its consequences, and a method to restore his services if he becomes hostile.

Andre the Blacksmith, located in the Undead Parish, is a vital NPC for upgrading your weapons. Killing him, intentionally or accidentally, has significant repercussions, but it doesn’t mean he’s gone for good in the same way other NPCs are.

Here’s the deal: if you kill Andre, he will respawn upon reloading the area or resting at a bonfire. This might sound like a revival, but here’s the catch: he will become hostile. He will no longer offer his blacksmithing services (upgrading, reinforcing, or repairing equipment). He’ll simply attack you on sight.

The key to “reviving” Andre’s services, therefore, lies not in bringing him back from death, but in resolving his hostility. This is where the NPC Oswald of Carim comes into play. Oswald, found in the Bell Tower of the Undead Parish after defeating the Gargoyles, offers Absolution for your sins.

By paying Oswald a fee (based on your Soul Level), you can clear your conscience and, more importantly, pacify hostile NPCs like Andre. Once you’ve received Absolution, Andre will return to his normal, non-hostile state and resume his blacksmithing duties.

Essentially, you’re not reviving him from death; you’re reviving your relationship with him.

Understanding the Mechanics

• Death and Hostility: Killing Andre doesn’t remove him permanently. He respawns, but hostile.
• Absolution: Oswald of Carim offers Absolution, removing your “sins” and pacifying angered NPCs.
• Soul Cost: The cost of Absolution is based on your current Soul Level. Be prepared to spend a considerable number of souls if you’re a high-level character.
• New Game Cycle: If you choose not to seek absolution, his hostility will continue to the next New Game cycle.

Dealing with Accidental Aggression

Sometimes, accidents happen. You might accidentally strike Andre while fighting enemies nearby. If this occurs, immediately run away. Don’t kill him! Just put some distance between yourself and him. Then, head straight to Oswald of Carim for Absolution. This will prevent a hostile Andre from respawning in the first place.

Why is Andre Important?

Andre is arguably the most important blacksmith in Dark Souls 1. He:

• Upgrades weapons along the standard upgrade path.
• Ascends weapons to +6, which is a requirement for many special weapon upgrades.
• Modifies weapons using Embers, allowing you to create powerful elemental or unique weapons.
• Repairs broken equipment.

Losing access to Andre’s services severely limits your weapon progression.

Strategic Considerations

While it’s generally advisable to avoid killing any essential NPC, there might be specific build or challenge run scenarios where killing Andre could be considered (though it’s generally not recommended). However, be aware of the long-term consequences and the investment required to restore his services through Absolution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions related to Andre the Blacksmith and NPC revival in Dark Souls 1:

1. Can you revive any dead NPC in Dark Souls 1? No, generally you cannot revive dead NPCs in Dark Souls 1. Most NPC deaths are permanent, with a few exceptions tied to specific quests.
2. What happens if I kill Oswald of Carim? If you kill Oswald, you will no longer be able to obtain Absolution in that playthrough. This means that any hostile NPCs will remain hostile until the next New Game cycle.
3. How much does Absolution cost? The cost of Absolution is 500 souls times your current Soul Level.
4. Does Andre sell anything? No, Andre does not sell items. He only provides blacksmithing services: upgrading, reinforcing, and modifying weapons.
5. Can Andre be affected by poison or toxic? Yes, Andre can be affected by status ailments like poison and toxic. However, it’s not recommended to intentionally inflict these on him.
6. Is there a limit to how many times I can get Absolution? No, you can obtain Absolution from Oswald as many times as you need, provided you have the required souls.
7. What if I don’t have enough souls for Absolution? If you don’t have enough souls, you’ll need to farm souls from enemies or use soul items until you have sufficient funds. Alternatively, you’ll need to wait to restore Andre’s services at the start of the next NG cycle.
8. Does killing Andre affect any other quests or storylines? Killing Andre primarily impacts your ability to upgrade weapons. It does not directly affect any other major questlines.
9. Is Andre a difficult enemy to fight? Andre is a surprisingly tough enemy. He is heavily armored and deals significant damage.
10. What is the purpose of the other blacksmiths in Dark Souls 1? Other blacksmiths, like Vamos and Rickert, offer unique upgrade paths and weapon modifications that Andre cannot provide. Each blacksmith specializes in different aspects of weapon enhancement.
11. What happens if Andre dies to an enemy? While rare, if Andre is killed by an enemy, the result is the same as if you killed him: he will respawn hostile.
12. Can I prevent Andre from becoming hostile if I accidentally hit him? Yes. As mentioned, immediately stop attacking, and flee away from the area. Then seek absolution to revert him to normal before he respawns as hostile.
13. Are there any glitches to revive dead NPCs? While glitches exist in Dark Souls 1, they are not reliable or recommended, and they can potentially corrupt your save file. It is best to play the game as intended.
14. What is the best way to farm souls for Absolution? Popular soul farming locations include the Painted World of Ariamis, the Kiln of the First Flame, and the forest area near the Moonlight Butterfly. The best location depends on your character level and equipment.
15. Does Andre appear in any other Dark Souls games? Andre does not directly appear in other Dark Souls games, but there are blacksmith characters who may share similar characteristics or fill a similar role.

In conclusion, while you can’t technically “revive” Andre the Blacksmith from death in Dark Souls 1, you can restore his services by obtaining Absolution from Oswald of Carim. Avoid killing essential NPCs unless absolutely necessary, and be prepared to face the consequences of your actions. Understanding these game mechanics adds depth to your overall gaming experience, which the Games Learning Society explores further. Learn more about the educational aspects of gaming and interactive media on GamesLearningSociety.org.