Unlocking the Penetrator Armor: The Ceramic Coin Collector’s Guide in Demon’s Souls

To acquire the coveted Penetrator Armor Set in Demon’s Souls, you’ll need to collect 26 Ceramic Coins. These coins, hidden within breakable objects throughout the game, must then be traded with Sparkly the Crow to obtain the Rusted Key, which unlocks the door leading to the armor.

The Hunt for Ceramic Coins: A Detailed Guide

The quest for the Penetrator Armor Set is a demanding one, requiring not only thorough exploration but also a New Game Plus playthrough, as only 13 coins can be found in a single playthrough.

Coin Locations and Acquisition

The Ceramic Coins are scattered throughout the five main Archstones. They are found inside breakable objects that only appear when the world tendency is Pure White or Pure Black. This adds another layer of complexity to the hunt, as you’ll need to manipulate world tendency to access all of the coins.

Here’s a general idea of where to look (without giving every location away to keep some element of discovery):

• Boletarian Palace (World 1): Check thoroughly inside crates, barrels, and vases in areas like the Gates of Boletaria, the Lord’s Path, and the Inner Ward.

• Stonefang Tunnel (World 2): Explore the various tunnels and mining areas, paying close attention to wooden structures and debris.

• Tower of Latria (World 3): The Prison of Hope and Upper Latria are filled with breakable objects, so be meticulous in your search.

• Shrine of Storms (World 4): Look among the ruins and pathways of the island.

• Valley of Defilement (World 5): Explore the swampy areas and the shantytowns.

World Tendency Manipulation

• Pure White World Tendency: This can be achieved by defeating bosses without dying in body form within that world. Also, defeating Primeval Demons and Black Phantoms increases world tendency towards white.
• Pure Black World Tendency: This can be achieved by repeatedly dying in body form within a world. Also, killing NPCs shifts tendency towards Black.

Trading with Sparkly the Crow

Sparkly the Crow is located at the highest point of the Island’s Edge in the Shrine of Storms (World 4-1). To trade with Sparkly, you must drop the Ceramic Coins near the nest. Sparkly will then say “Happy, happy” and drop the Rusted Key in exchange. Important: Dropping the coins anywhere other than near Sparkly’s nest will destroy them!

Using the Rusted Key

The Rusted Key unlocks a door in the Boletarian Palace (World 1-1). Once unlocked, you can collect the Penetrator Armor Set.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I get the Penetrator Armor Set in one playthrough?

No. Since there are only 13 Ceramic Coins available per playthrough, you must play through the game at least twice to collect the necessary 26.

2. Does difficulty affect Ceramic Coin spawns?

No. Ceramic Coins will appear as long as the World Tendency is Pure White or Pure Black, regardless of difficulty.

3. What happens if I die while carrying Ceramic Coins?

You will retain the Ceramic Coins upon death.

4. Are Ceramic Coins affected by item discovery bonuses?

No. Item discovery does not affect the appearance of breakable objects containing Ceramic Coins.

5. What if I accidentally break a Ceramic Coin?

Ceramic Coins are only destroyed if dropped outside of the trade with Sparkly the Crow. Breaking the object that contains the coin will not destroy it.

6. How do I check my World Tendency?

Your World Tendency can be checked by pressing the Options button on the controller and navigating to the World Tendency menu. The icons next to each Archstone will indicate its current tendency.

7. Does online play affect World Tendency?

Yes, online play can influence World Tendency through player actions, such as successfully invading or being invaded. However, you can play offline to have complete control over your World Tendency.

8. What are the benefits of wearing the Penetrator Armor Set?

While not the best in terms of pure defense, the Penetrator Armor Set is a stylish and iconic set that provides decent protection and adds a touch of flair to your character. Some players also enjoy collecting all armor sets for completionist purposes.

9. Is there any other way to get the Penetrator Armor Set?

No. The only way to acquire the Penetrator Armor Set is by collecting 26 Ceramic Coins and trading them with Sparkly the Crow for the Rusted Key.

10. What are some tips for finding all the breakable objects?

• Thorough Exploration: Carefully explore every nook and cranny of each level.
• Listen Carefully: Pay attention to the sound of breakable objects when you’re nearby.
• Visual Cues: Look for suspicious-looking boxes, crates, barrels, and vases that stand out from the environment.
• Use a Guide (Sparingly): If you’re really struggling, consult a guide or video walkthrough, but try to find them yourself first!

11. Does New Game Plus reset World Tendency?

Yes, starting a New Game Plus resets all World Tendency to neutral. You will need to manipulate World Tendency again to access the Ceramic Coins in each world.

12. Can I transfer Ceramic Coins between characters?

No. Ceramic Coins cannot be dropped for other players or transferred between characters. Each character must collect their own set of coins.

13. What happens if I offer Sparkly something other than Ceramic Coins?

Sparkly will not accept any other items and will simply say, “No! Give me shiny!”.

14. Is the Penetrator Armor Set the best armor in Demon’s Souls?

The Brushwood Armor Set generally provides the highest physical defense. The Ancient King Armor Set is considered by many to be the best overall medium armor set. The Penetrator Armor Set is more about style and novelty than raw defensive stats.

15. What is the Games Learning Society?

The Games Learning Society is an organization dedicated to the study of game-based learning. They explore how games can be used to educate and engage learners in innovative ways. You can find out more information on their website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Conclusion

The hunt for the Penetrator Armor Set in Demon’s Souls is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. It requires dedication, patience, and a keen eye for detail. By following this guide and understanding the intricacies of World Tendency and trading with Sparkly the Crow, you’ll be well on your way to unlocking this iconic armor set and adding it to your collection. Now, get out there and start smashing those boxes!