How Many Bonfires Are in Brightstone Cove? A Comprehensive Guide
Brightstone Cove Tseldora, a memorable and often challenging location in Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin, is home to three vital bonfires. These bonfires serve as crucial checkpoints for players navigating the area, allowing them to rest, level up, and prepare for the dangers ahead. Understanding their locations and accessibility is essential for any player aiming to conquer the challenges of Brightstone Cove. Let’s dive into the details of each bonfire and how to reach them.
The Three Bonfires of Brightstone Cove Tseldora
The three bonfires in Brightstone Cove, while not always directly visible, are strategically placed to help players progress through this perilous area. Knowing their names and locations is the first step toward mastering this region.
1. Royal Army Campsite Bonfire
The first bonfire players will typically encounter is the Royal Army Campsite bonfire. This is located near the initial entrance to the area, right by the large tents that mark the remnants of a previous military presence. This bonfire serves as a foundational starting point for your exploration of Brightstone Cove. It’s easily accessible and acts as a safe haven as you acclimate to the enemies and environment.
2. Chapel Threshold Bonfire
The second bonfire, the Chapel Threshold bonfire, is situated deeper within the area, near a stone chapel. It is usually located near the first zip line the players use to move along the level. As the name suggests, this bonfire is found closer to the heart of the cove, signifying your advancement and increasing danger as you move away from the starting campsite. This location serves as a staging ground for further explorations into the more hazardous areas of Brightstone Cove.
3. Lower Brightstone Cove Bonfire
The third and often most challenging to reach bonfire is Lower Brightstone Cove bonfire. This bonfire is notably hidden and requires some exploration, and potentially a bit of daring, to access. To reach this location, you’ll need to either drop down a hole or take a ladder down from the building near the chapel. This is the closest bonfire to the boss area, which makes it an important place to use for those attempting to defeat Duke’s Dear Freja.
Navigating to the Lower Brightstone Cove Bonfire
The Lower Brightstone Cove bonfire is notoriously difficult to discover on your first playthrough. Many players may not find it without guidance. Here’s the way you navigate to this crucial bonfire:
- From the Chapel Threshold bonfire, proceed down the stairs.
- Make your way through the empty rooms.
- Utilize the two ziplines to descend further into the area.
- Be cautious of the magic users who will try to ambush you on your way.
- After landing, drop down the hole or locate the ladder that leads down to the next level.
- Once you go down, you’ll find the Lower Brightstone Cove bonfire.
This location serves as the main bonfire for accessing the boss fight with Duke’s Dear Freja.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Brightstone Cove Bonfires
To further assist you, here are 15 frequently asked questions concerning the bonfires in Brightstone Cove and related aspects:
1. What is the significance of the bonfires in Dark Souls 2?
Bonfires are vital save points in Dark Souls 2 where players can rest to restore health, refill Estus flasks, and respawn enemies. They also act as locations for leveling up and repairing your equipment.
2. How can I get to the Lower Brightstone Cove bonfire if I can’t find the hole?
If you’re having trouble locating the hole, after the zipline section, be sure to explore the edges of the floor, especially near the areas where enemies are located. The drop down is well hidden but is not hard to find if you look carefully. You can also use the ladder as a viable alternative for accessing this hidden location.
3. Which bonfire should I use to fight Freja?
The Lower Brightstone Cove bonfire is the closest bonfire to the boss fight with Duke’s Dear Freja. It is highly recommended that you use this bonfire when preparing to engage with the boss.
4. Can I respawn Freja using a bonfire?
Yes, you can respawn Duke’s Dear Freja by using a Bonfire Ascetic at the Lower Brightstone Cove bonfire. Be warned that using an Ascetic will permanently increase the difficulty of the area and boss.
5. How many bonfires are there in total in Dark Souls 2 Scholar of the First Sin?
There are a total of 77 bonfires spread throughout the world of Drangleic in Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin, including the DLC areas. 19 of these are found within The Lost Crowns DLCs.
6. What is a Bonfire Ascetic and what does it do?
A Bonfire Ascetic is a consumable item that, when used at a bonfire, respawns the area boss and increases the difficulty of the area permanently. This can be used to farm bosses or simply for an increased challenge.
7. Can I increase the bonfire level in Dark Souls 2?
Yes, you can increase the Bonfire Intensity by using Bonfire Ascetics. Each time you use one, the area and boss will become more difficult (up to a maximum of NG+7). The intensity can be increased up to level 99 though.
8. What is the maximum Bonfire Intensity?
While you can raise the intensity to 99, the maximum enemy stat increases cap at 8 (NG+7).
9. Where is Ornifex located in Brightstone Cove?
Ornifex is located in a house very close to the Lower Brightstone Cove Bonfire, inside a wooden door. Once you have passed the first 2 bonfires, after you land off the first zipline, fall into the cave and go around to the wooden door. Unlock it to meet Ornifex.
10. How do I unlock the door to Ornifex?
The wooden door leading to Ornifex is locked initially. You’ll need a key you acquire from the Pate/Creighton questline. Exhausting their dialogue can grant you the key, or you may have to eliminate Pate.
11. Is there a summon for Freja?
Yes, you can summon the Ashen Knight Boyd to assist you in the battle against Duke’s Dear Freja. His summon sign will be found near the entrance of the boss fog gate.
12. Is there a locked door in Brightstone Cove that needs a key?
Yes, there is a locked door in the church just before the area leading to Freja’s lair. This door can be opened with the Brightstone Key, revealing a spider den and a room with a metal chest.
13. How many flasks do I get at a bonfire in Dark Souls 2?
The default number of Estus Flasks you receive when resting at a bonfire is 5. However, this can be increased by upgrading your estus flask shards.
14. What happens if I burn a Human Effigy at a bonfire in Dark Souls 2?
Burning a Human Effigy at a bonfire will temporarily disable online interactions (co-op and invasions) in that area for approximately 1 hour.
15. What is the importance of the four primal bonfires?
Lighting all four primal bonfires will open the way to the Shrine of Winter, which allows you to progress to Drangleic Castle, the next main area of the game, so it’s recommended to activate them as soon as possible.
By understanding the locations of the three vital bonfires in Brightstone Cove and familiarizing yourself with these FAQs, you’ll be better equipped to navigate this challenging area and conquer its many trials. Remember to explore thoroughly and always be mindful of the dangers that lurk in the shadows of Brightstone Cove.