How to Trigger the Sister Friede Boss Fight in Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel
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The path to facing the formidable Sister Friede in Dark Souls 3’s Ashes of Ariandel DLC is a journey shrouded in mystery and punctuated by perilous encounters. This guide details the precise steps required to initiate this epic boss fight, alongside a collection of frequently asked questions to help you navigate the complexities of this encounter.
How to Trigger the Sister Friede Boss Fight
To trigger the fight with Sister Friede, you must first progress through the Ashes of Ariandel DLC. This involves a sequence of events, not just reaching a specific location:
- Accessing the Painted World: Start by traveling to the Cathedral of the Deep and locating the NPC kneeling in prayer near the Cleansing Chapel bonfire. Interact with him, and he will request that you bring flame to his lady, living within the land of Ariandel. Accepting this request leads to your character touching a piece of the painting, which teleports you to the Painted World of Ariandel.
- Navigating the Painted World: Progress through the Painted World of Ariandel, traversing through areas like the Corvian Settlement and the Snowy Mountain Pass.
- The Chapel and the Basement: After venturing through the snowy pass, you will encounter the Ariandel Chapel. Do not go through the main entrance to the chapel. You need to brave the Snowy Mountain Pass to enter the rotting basement of the chapel.
- The Hidden Lever: Within the chapel’s basement, locate a lever. Activating this lever will lower a set of stairs next to where Sister Friede resides. This hidden staircase leads to the imprisoned Father Ariandel.
- Confronting Friede: Only after interacting with Father Ariandel, and thus having her be aware of your presence and intent, will Sister Friede initiate combat. You do not start the fight by walking towards her, like normal. This is the final step that triggers the boss battle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding the Sister Friede boss fight, offering detailed insights and practical advice:
How do I access the Ashes of Ariandel DLC?
To begin the Ashes of Ariandel DLC, you must speak to the praying NPC near the Cleansing Chapel bonfire in the Cathedral of the Deep. Agreeing to bring flame to his lady will transport you to the Painted World of Ariandel.
What level should I be for the Sister Friede fight?
The developers recommend facing Sister Friede at an endgame level, typically around the level you are after completing Lothric Castle. Using +9 or +10 weapons is also recommended to ensure you can inflict sufficient damage.
How do I summon Slave Knight Gael for the Sister Friede fight?
Slave Knight Gael’s summon sign is found within the Painted World of Ariandel. Look for it in the corner to the left of the sliding altar, just before the Sister Friede boss fight arena. He will join the battle at the start of Phase 2. Interestingly, you do not need to be embered to summon him for this fight. However, note that Gael’s summon is blocked if you defeat the Demon Prince in The Ringed City DLC.
What are Sister Friede and Father Ariandel weak to?
Both Sister Friede and Father Ariandel are vulnerable to Bleed damage. Additionally, they are weak against Dark and Lightning damage, so using resins or weapons with those attributes can shorten the fight.
Can I play the Ringed City DLC without owning Ashes of Ariandel?
Yes, you can access The Ringed City DLC without completing or owning Ashes of Ariandel. However, you need to have access to the final boss fight area of the main game. From the bonfire outside the final boss fight, simply turn around to find the portal to the Ringed City.
What makes Sister Friede so difficult?
Sister Friede is widely regarded as one of the hardest bosses in Dark Souls 3 due to her three distinct phases. Phase 1 is typically fast but easy, while Phase 2 is long and involves Father Ariandel. Phase 3 is incredibly aggressive, where a single mistake can be fatal.
What is the best weapon type against Sister Friede?
Sister Friede is particularly weak to strike damage. As such, weapons like hammers and great hammers will deal significant damage to her and are considered among the best weapon types for this fight.
Can I get Sister Friede’s Scythe?
Yes, you can obtain Sister Friede’s Great Scythe by transposing her soul using the Transposing Kiln. You will need to defeat the Curse-Rotted Greatwood in the Undead Settlement to acquire the kiln.
Is Sister Friede a villain?
Yes, Elfriede, known as Sister Friede, is the main antagonist and final boss of the Ashes of Ariandel DLC. She is a powerful and dark Ashen One who rules the Painted World of Ariandel alongside Father Ariandel.
Who is the final boss of the entire Dark Souls 3 series?
Arguably, Slave Knight Gael is the final boss of the entire Dark Souls series. He is the final boss of the Ringed City DLC and appears early on in the Ashes of Ariandel DLC, assisting you against Sister Friede as a summon.
Is Sister Friede the hardest boss in Dark Souls 3?
Many consider Sister Friede to be the hardest boss in Dark Souls 3, largely due to the challenging nature of her three-phase fight and aggressive moveset. She is definitely one of the hardest of all of the bosses in the game, DLC included.
What are some of Friede’s unique fight mechanics?
Friede’s attacks deal Slash and Magic damage, while also inflicting Frostbite. She can be parried and backstabbed. During Phase 2, she shares health with Father Ariandel, adding another layer of difficulty to the encounter.
Why is Sister Friede so hard at SL1 (Soul Level 1)?
At Soul Level 1, Sister Friede is incredibly challenging. Her aggressive move set and high damage output mean that mistakes are extremely punishing. She is a notoriously difficult boss to face at such a low level.
Who is Gael praying to when we first meet him?
When you first encounter Gael, he is praying to a statue behind an Altar of the Deep. The statue is a hooded woman, who he addresses as a “merciful goddess, mother of the Forlorn.”
In what order should I play the Dark Souls 3 DLCs?
It is generally recommended to play the DLCs in the order of their release, meaning start with Ashes of Ariandel and then proceed to The Ringed City. This will help you progress in a natural way. You can always start The Ringed City early to get advanced gear, but it will be harder.
By following these steps and considering the advice provided in the FAQs, you will be well-prepared to trigger the fight with Sister Friede and overcome the challenges she presents. Good luck, Ashen One!