How Many Lord Souls Do I Need in Dark Souls?
You need four Lord Souls to progress to the final area of Dark Souls. These souls must be placed in the Lordvessel at the Firelink Altar to open the path to the Kiln of the First Flame. Once you have them, it’s time to face the final challenge and decide the fate of Lordran.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lord Souls
What exactly is a Lord Soul in Dark Souls?
A Lord Soul is a unique, powerful soul possessed by ancient beings, remnants of the age of fire. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill souls you collect from enemies. They are pivotal keys to unlocking the final area of the game. Think of them as ancient, concentrated essence, imbued with the power of gods and demons alike.
In what order should I collect the Lord Souls? Is there an optimal path?
The beauty of Dark Souls lies in its non-linear progression. You can tackle the areas containing Lord Souls in virtually any order. However, some seasoned players suggest a path that maximizes efficiency and minimizes frustration. One popular route is:
- Four Kings: Defeating the Four Kings in the New Londo Ruins grants you the Darkwraith Covenant and a very large ember. You can access the Four Kings without the Lordvessel.
- Bed of Chaos: Proceed to Lost Izalith and conquer the Bed of Chaos. Many players like to do this before Nito because it is a good location to find the Sunlight Maggot headdress.
- Nito: Descend into the Tomb of the Giants and vanquish Nito. Now, you can use the Sunlight Maggot.
- Seath the Scaleless: Finally, delve into the Duke’s Archives and defeat Seath the Scaleless.
Which Lord Soul is considered the easiest to acquire?
Most players agree that Nito is the easiest of the four Lords to defeat. His arena provides ample space to maneuver, and his attacks are relatively telegraphed. However, ease is subjective and depends heavily on your build and playstyle.
What do I do with the Lord Souls once I have them?
Once you possess all four Lord Souls, return to the Firelink Shrine and descend to the Lordvessel. Place the souls into the vessel. It’s an action that cannot be undone! This will activate the Lordvessel and open up the golden fog gates leading to the Kiln of the First Flame, the final area of the game.
What is the significance of the Lord Souls within the lore of Dark Souls?
The Lord Souls represent fundamental aspects of the world: Death, Sunlight, Chaos, and Humanity. These elements have shaped Lordran and its inhabitants. The decision to either link the fire or let it fade hinges on the interpretation and manipulation of these primal forces. Understanding the lore enriches the experience, though you can certainly beat the game without delving deep into it.
How many mandatory bosses must I defeat in Dark Souls to complete the game?
While the exact number varies slightly depending on your route, you generally need to defeat around 20 bosses to complete Dark Souls. This includes the four holders of Lord Souls (Four Kings, Bed of Chaos, Nito, and Seath the Scaleless) as well as bosses such as Gwyn, Lord of Cinder.
What happens if I choose to become the Dark Lord instead of linking the fire?
Choosing the Dark Lord ending signifies the ushering in of an age of darkness, where humanity reigns supreme and the fire fades. The implications of this choice are left largely ambiguous, but the core idea is a power shift from the gods to humans. The game ends with the dialogue “let true dark be cast upon the world”.
What happens when I place the Lordvessel on the altar?
Placing the Lordvessel on the Firelink Altar doesn’t immediately grant you victory. Instead, it activates the vessel, removing the golden barriers that block access to the areas where the Lord Souls are located. It’s a crucial step in the late-game progression.
Should I give the Lordvessel to Frampt or Kaathe? Does it matter?
Choosing between Frampt and Kaathe impacts the story and your covenant allegiance. Frampt is the primordial serpent who guides you towards linking the fire, while Kaathe is the serpent who encourages you to usher in the age of dark. Siding with Kaathe allows you to join the Darkwraith Covenant. Ultimately, this decision largely hinges on personal preference as it has little to no effect on gameplay.
Is there a “good” ending in Dark Souls?
The concept of a “good” ending in Dark Souls is highly debatable. Linking the fire prolongs the age of gods but perpetuates the cycle of suffering. Letting the fire fade ushers in an age of darkness, which may or may not be beneficial for humanity. The game encourages players to interpret the endings and their implications, giving rise to endless discussions.
Which Lord Soul area is generally considered the most challenging?
Opinions vary, but many players find the Duke’s Archives and the Crystal Cave to be the most challenging Lord Soul area. The narrow pathways, invisible platforms, and powerful enemies make navigation difficult. New Londo Ruins and Tomb of Giants are also challenging to navigate.
Is it possible to skip any of the Lord Souls and still beat the game?
No, obtaining all four Lord Souls is essential to beat the game. You can’t skip any of them. Once you have all four Lord Souls, the Kiln of the First Flame will become available to you.
What are some common mistakes players make in Dark Souls?
Dark Souls is a game of learning and adaptation, but some mistakes can be particularly detrimental. These include:
- Killing Solaire: A beloved NPC and valuable ally.
- Consuming Boss Souls: Using them for souls instead of unique weapons or spells.
- Locking Out Covenants: Inadvertently making certain covenants inaccessible.
- Using Humanity for Health: Wasting a valuable resource.
- Entering New Londo Without the Proper Items: Getting destroyed by ghosts without Transient Curses.
- Heading to The Catacombs First: Undertaking an area far too difficult for early-game characters.
These mistakes can all be avoided with a little knowledge and preparation. If you’re interested in gaining a deeper understanding of Dark Souls, you might find resources at the Games Learning Society. Visit their website at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Should I side with Frampt or Kaathe? Does it affect gameplay?
Siding with Frampt or Kaathe primarily affects the ending you receive and which covenant you can join. It has little to no impact on the gameplay itself. You can still invade other players regardless of your choice.
What doors open after I place the Lordvessel?
Placing the Lordvessel opens access to the areas where the Lord Souls reside: The Duke’s Archives, Tomb of the Giants, Lost Izalith, and the New Londo Ruins (which can then be drained). This is a crucial step in the final phase of the game.
The Journey Awaits
Collecting the Lord Souls in Dark Souls is not merely a task; it’s a journey filled with challenge, discovery, and ultimately, a defining choice that will shape the fate of Lordran. Now, prepare to take up the mantle of the Chosen Undead, gather the Lord Souls, and determine the future of the flame!