Surviving the Inferno: A Comprehensive Guide to Fire in Iron Keep

Navigating the fiery depths of Iron Keep in Dark Souls 2 can be a truly harrowing experience. The constant threat of molten lava and the relentless barrage of fire-based attacks from enemies can overwhelm even seasoned players. The key to survival isn’t brute force, but strategy and preparation. This guide will equip you with the knowledge necessary to overcome the fiery trials of Iron Keep.

How to Survive the Fire in Iron Keep

The core of surviving the fire in Iron Keep involves a multi-faceted approach focusing on mitigating fire damage, exploiting weaknesses, and using the environment to your advantage. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

• Fire Resistance is Paramount: Your primary focus should be on increasing your fire defense. This is achieved through a combination of armor, rings, and consumables.

  • Armor: Equip armor pieces with high fire resistance. Pieces from the Alonne Knight set or the Ironclad Set can be particularly useful, though they may be heavy. Consider mixing pieces from different sets to maximize fire resistance while maintaining mobility.
  • Rings: The Flame Quartz Ring is a crucial item for this area, providing a significant boost to fire resistance. It’s highly recommended to obtain this ring before entering the Iron Keep. You can find a version of this ring early in the game, and then find a better version (+1) later on.
  • Consumables: Red Burrs temporarily increase fire resistance. Use these strategically, especially when navigating areas with extensive molten lava. Flash Sweat is a pyromancy that can also drastically increase fire resistance for a short duration. Use it as a buffer against sudden fire attacks.

• Strategic Movement and the Environment: Avoid direct contact with lava pools and navigate the walkways carefully. Utilize the environment to your advantage.

• Pharros Lockstone Pools: Use Pharros Lockstones to activate the water pools located throughout Iron Keep. Soaking in these pools will temporarily grant you increased fire resistance which is essential to cross the lava.

• Understanding Enemy Weaknesses: Many enemies in Iron Keep, especially the bosses, use fire attacks. Understanding their weaknesses is crucial for a more efficient fight.

  • Smelter Demon: The Smelter Demon is weak against Strike Damage. Weapons with strike damage will deal the highest damage. Additionally, he is resistant to Fire.
  • Magical Smelter Demon: This variant is weak to Lightning attacks. Avoid using magic damage since it is his strongest resistance.

• Don’t Overcarry Souls: Because lava traversal can be risky, avoid venturing with a large number of souls. Loss of these souls is a common problem in this area.

• Prioritize Range: When facing enemies that use fire attacks, especially the Alonne Knights and Smelter Demon, ranged attacks offer more safety. Using magic like Soul Spear or Great Heavy Soul Spear, in addition to ranged weapons like a crossbow, will keep you at a safe distance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best armor set for fire resistance in Iron Keep?

There isn’t one single “best” set, as it often depends on your build and preference. However, the Alonne Knight Set and Ironclad Set offer high base fire resistance. Mixing these with other lighter pieces might be a good strategy to maintain both resistance and mobility.

2. Where can I find the Flame Quartz Ring?

There are multiple versions of the Flame Quartz Ring. One of the earliest versions can be found in Forest of Fallen Giants. The Thunder Quartz Ring +1 is found behind a breakable wall via a Pharros Lockstone mechanism in Iron Keep which is essential to traverse lava safely.

3. How do Red Burrs work for fire resistance?

Red Burrs are consumable items that temporarily boost your fire defense. Use them strategically before entering areas with a lot of fire damage.

4. Is there a bonfire near the start of Iron Keep?

Yes, the Threshold Bridge bonfire is found immediately after ascending the lift from Earthen Peak. It’s at the bottom of the stairs to the left.

5. How do I turn off the furnace in Iron Keep?

You can extinguish the furnace by dropping down from the bridge and finding a wheel behind a door that is in the furnace’s path. Turn this wheel to turn off the furnace and its fire.

6. What level should I be for Iron Keep?

A Soul Level (SL) between 75-90 is generally recommended for Iron Keep. However, being around SL 100 or higher will be helpful, especially if you struggle with the area’s difficulty.

7. What is the Smelter Demon’s weakness?

The regular Smelter Demon is most vulnerable to Strike damage and is resistant to fire damage. Be sure to use weapons like clubs or hammers.

8. What is the Magical Smelter Demon’s weakness?

The Magical Smelter Demon is primarily weak to Lightning damage. Avoid using magic against it as it has high resistances against this type of attack.

9. Is the Smelter Demon an optional boss?

Yes, the Smelter Demon is an optional boss found in the Iron Keep. While you can skip this fight, the loot is valuable.

10. How many bonfires are in the Iron Keep?

There are three bonfires in Iron Keep: Threshold Bridge, Ironhearth Hall (near Belfry Sol), and Eygil’s Idol.

11. Where is the Primal Bonfire in Iron Keep?

The Primal Bonfire is accessible after defeating the Old Iron King. It’s located through a door on the right side of the boss arena, behind a treasure chest and down some stairs.

12. How do I use a Pharros Lockstone in Iron Keep?

There are several places to use Pharros Lockstones in the Iron Keep. One prominent spot is near the area with all the walkways where you can use one on a device to reveal a hidden wall leading to a chest and to Belfry Sol.

13. What does the “nullify human effigy effect” mean?

The “nullify human effigy effect” cancels the immunity to invasions and the ability to summon phantoms that are granted when you defeat a boss or burn a Human Effigy.

14. Where do I go after the Iron Keep boss?

You have two options after Iron Keep: you can go through the Shaded Woods or down the hole in Majula to proceed to different areas.

15. What do I need to reach the Old Iron King Crown?

To access the Crown of the Old Iron King DLC content, you must navigate to the Primal Bonfire past the Old Iron King in the Iron Keep. You’ll need to defeat the Old Iron King if you haven’t already done so.

By combining these strategies, understanding enemy weaknesses, and knowing where to find critical resources, you can significantly increase your chances of survival in the Iron Keep. Embrace the challenge, and may the flames be kinder to you.