How to Summon the Nameless King in Dark Souls 3
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The Nameless King is one of the most challenging and iconic boss encounters in Dark Souls 3, and summoning him is not a matter of finding a summon sign. Unlike summoning friendly phantoms to aid you, summoning the Nameless King involves a specific process that unlocks this optional boss fight. To encounter this legendary figure, you must travel to the Archdragon Peak area and ring a specific bell. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to accomplish this:
- Defeat the Dancer of the Boreal Valley: Your journey begins by defeating this mandatory boss in Lothric Castle.
- Ascend the Ladder and Explore: After defeating the Dancer, ascend the nearby ladder and proceed left, continuing through the level.
- Acquire the Path of the Dragon Gesture: Progress through the area until you receive the “Path of the Dragon” gesture.
- Travel to Irithyll Dungeon: Make your way to the Irithyll Dungeon bonfire.
- Locate the Prayer Altar at Archdragon Peak: Navigate through the Irithyll Dungeon and go towards the Archdragon Peak. There, you’ll find an altar of prayer.
- Use the Path of the Dragon Gesture: Stand in front of the altar and use the Path of the Dragon gesture. This will trigger a cutscene, teleporting you to Archdragon Peak.
- Explore Archdragon Peak: Proceed through Archdragon Peak, eventually reaching the Great Belfry.
- Ring the Bell: Inside the Great Belfry, you will see a large bell. Ringing this bell will initiate a cutscene, where fog will descend upon the area, indicating the Nameless King is now available to fight.
- Prepare for the Fight: Head towards the open area, where you will now encounter the Nameless King.
This is how you “summon” the Nameless King in Dark Souls 3. It’s not about summoning a being to your aid but rather triggering the fight with him after completing specific steps within the game. This encounter is optional but is one of the toughest in the game.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Nameless King
Where is the Nameless King Located?
The Nameless King is found at the end of Archdragon Peak. You must reach the Great Belfry and ring the bell to initiate the fight. This location is accessed after using the Path of the Dragon gesture at the correct altar.
Is the Nameless King the Hardest Boss in Dark Souls 3?
Many players consider the Nameless King to be the most challenging boss in Dark Souls 3. His fast-paced attacks, two-phase fight, and devastating lightning strikes make him a formidable opponent. His position as an optional boss often means players face him at a higher level than average and are not guaranteed to be well equipped to defeat him on their first attempt.
Can I Summon Help for the Nameless King Fight?
While you cannot summon friendly NPC phantoms for the Nameless King fight, you can summon other players as White Phantoms. To do this, you or another player needs to use the White Sign Soapstone, which allows you to place your summon sign on the ground, making yourself available for summoning. Remember, you must be in Lord of Cinder form (using an Ember) to see summon signs.
What is Archdragon Peak?
Archdragon Peak is an optional area in Dark Souls 3 that becomes available after you acquire the Path of the Dragon gesture. It’s a challenging zone filled with formidable enemies and culminates in the fight with the Nameless King. The location has strong ties to the lore of dragons and is a must-visit for dedicated players.
Is the Nameless King Optional?
Yes, the Nameless King is an optional boss in Dark Souls 3. You can complete the game without ever facing him. However, his lore significance and the challenge he offers make him a worthwhile encounter for most players.
Who is the Nameless King Lore-wise?
The Nameless King is heavily implied to be Gwyn’s firstborn son, a powerful god of war who betrayed his father and sided with the dragons. Gwyn stripped him of his name, titles, and history for this betrayal, hence his moniker, “The Nameless King.” His past is shrouded in mystery and adds depth to the Dark Souls lore.
Does the Nameless King Have Two Phases?
Yes, the Nameless King fight has two distinct phases. In the first phase, you fight him while he rides a King of the Storm wyvern. In the second phase, he descends and fights you on foot, showcasing his exceptional combat prowess and lightning abilities. Each phase demands a different fighting strategy.
Can I Parry the Nameless King?
You cannot directly parry the Nameless King’s attacks. However, he can be staggered and put into a riposte state by landing enough hits. This means focusing on dealing consistent damage and looking for opportune moments to attack. You can try using a shield and dodging most of his attacks.
How Do I Access Archdragon Peak?
To access Archdragon Peak, you must first defeat the Dancer of the Boreal Valley, acquire the Path of the Dragon gesture, and then use it at the prayer altar located near the Irithyll Dungeon bonfire. A cutscene will trigger, teleporting you to the area.
Can I Fight the Nameless King After Beating the Final Boss?
Yes, you can fight the Nameless King even after defeating the final boss of Dark Souls 3. The boss fights, including the optional ones, are not impacted by completing the game’s main story.
What is an Archdragon?
An Archdragon is considered a master of the primal forces, having a deeper connection to them than standard dragons. They are seen as physical embodiments of the Primal Sources, making them incredibly powerful and formidable creatures.
Why Does the Nameless King Look Like a Skeleton?
The Nameless King’s skeletal appearance is speculated to be an extreme form of Buddhist asceticism, where monks practice self-mummification. This lore connection, while not explicitly stated, adds a deeper layer to his character and provides interesting context to his unique appearance.
Why Doesn’t the Nameless King Have a Name?
The Nameless King’s lack of name is due to his history of betrayal against his father, Lord Gwyn. Gwyn stripped him of his titles and name, erasing him from history. His name has been lost to time because he decided to side with the dragons which his father greatly opposed.
Is the Nameless King Resistant to Bleed?
Contrary to some common misconceptions, the Nameless King is not completely resistant to bleed. While it’s true he is less vulnerable to bleed damage than some other enemies, it is still possible to inflict bleed upon him with consistent attacks using weapons that have bleed properties.
Does the Nameless King Regenerate Health?
The Nameless King does not regenerate health. However, he does have attacks that can heal him, such as the plunging lightning attack where he flies up, giving himself some time for rest. By keeping some feet away from his spear’s range, the player can take advantage of these moments to deal more damage.