Solaire of Astora: A Comprehensive Guide to Summoning Your Sunbro in Dark Souls
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You wish to bask in the incandescent glory of Solaire of Astora’s radiant support, eh? Wondering just how much humanity you need to bring this jolly cooperator to your side? The answer is simple: you need to be in human form. This requires one point of Humanity to reverse hollowing at a bonfire. Once you are human, Solaire’s summon sign will become visible, allowing you to call upon him for aid in specific areas.
Understanding Humanity and Summoning Mechanics
Let’s delve a little deeper into the mechanics at play here. Dark Souls employs a rather unique system of life and death, inextricably linked to the concept of Humanity. As an undead, you begin the game in a hollowed state. In this form, certain aspects of the game are restricted, including the ability to summon other players and NPCs like Solaire.
To regain your humanity, you must use a Humanity item at a bonfire. This consumes one Humanity, returning you to human form and fully restoring your health. Once human, you can see summon signs left by other players and NPCs within your level range, assuming you are in an area where summoning is allowed.
Bonfires: The Hub of Your Undead Journey
Bonfires serve as checkpoints and rest areas throughout the world of Dark Souls. Interacting with a bonfire allows you to restore your health, replenish Estus Flasks, and level up. Critically, bonfires are also where you reverse hollowing by consuming a point of Humanity.
Remember, being human makes you vulnerable to invasion by other players, but it’s a necessary step to summon assistance. Weigh the risks and rewards carefully, and always be prepared for a potential fight.
Finding and Summoning Solaire
Solaire’s summon sign will only appear in specific locations, generally near boss fog gates. To be eligible to summon him, you must:
- Be in human form.
- Be in an area where summoning is permitted.
- Not have already defeated the boss in that area.
- Not have already summoned two other players.
Additionally, if you are having trouble finding his summon sign, try quitting and reloading the game, as this can sometimes refresh the available signs.
The Importance of Saving Solaire
One of the most memorable aspects of Solaire’s story is his unwavering devotion to finding his own “sun.” However, his quest can lead him down a dark path, ultimately resulting in his hollowing and turning hostile. To ensure Solaire remains a valuable ally and available for summoning, you must prevent his descent into madness.
This involves taking a detour in the Lost Izalith area. After obtaining the Lordvessel and opening the shortcut, you can access a hidden area containing a swarm of Chaos Bugs. Crucially, one of these bugs is Red-Eyed and drops the Sunlight Maggot helmet when killed. Eliminating this bug before Solaire progresses too far into Lost Izalith will save him from being consumed by the maggot and going insane.
Saving Solaire allows you to summon him for the final boss fight against Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, a fitting culmination to his journey and a testament to your efforts in keeping him safe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Summoning Solaire
Here are some frequently asked questions to address common concerns about summoning Solaire of Astora:
1. Do I need to be online to summon Solaire?
No, you do not need to be online to summon Solaire. As long as you are in human form, his summon sign will appear regardless of your online status.
2. Why can’t I see Solaire’s summon sign?
Several factors can prevent Solaire’s summon sign from appearing, including being in hollow form, being in an area where summoning is not allowed, having already defeated the boss, or having already summoned two other players. Try quitting and reloading the game to refresh the signs.
3. Can I summon Solaire after he goes hollow?
No, once Solaire goes hollow and becomes hostile, he can no longer be summoned. Saving him from this fate is essential if you wish to enlist his aid.
4. Is it worth it to save Solaire?
Absolutely! Saving Solaire not only allows you to summon him for the final boss fight but also provides a satisfying conclusion to his compelling storyline. Plus, who doesn’t want a little more jolly cooperation?
5. Where is Solaire’s summon sign located?
Solaire’s summon sign appears in different locations depending on the boss fight. Generally, it is found near the boss fog gate. Check online resources for specific locations.
6. Can I summon Solaire for every boss fight?
No, Solaire’s summon sign only appears for a limited number of boss fights, including the Gargoyles, Centipede Demon, and Gwyn, Lord of Cinder (if saved).
7. Does killing Solaire affect my game?
Killing Solaire will prevent you from summoning him for future boss fights and will lock you out of his questline. However, it does not affect your covenant status.
8. Can I summon other players and Solaire at the same time?
Yes, you can summon both other players and Solaire at the same time, up to the summoning limit of two.
9. What happens if Solaire dies during a boss fight?
If Solaire dies as a phantom during a boss fight, he is simply dismissed. It does not affect his status in your game world, provided he hasn’t gone hollow.
10. Is Solaire related to Gwyn or the Nameless King?
While there have been many theories about Solaire’s lineage, it has been confirmed in Dark Souls III that he is not the son of Gwyn or the Nameless King.
11. Does Solaire ever find his “sun”?
The answer to this question is left ambiguous. While he may never find a literal sun, many interpret his journey as a search for purpose and meaning, which he ultimately finds in his friendship with the player.
12. Do I have to summon Solaire for the Gargoyles fight to continue his quest?
Yes, to advance Solaire’s questline, you should summon him for the Gargoyles fight.
13. Is it possible to miss Solaire entirely?
It is possible to miss Solaire if you do not interact with him at specific locations throughout the game. However, he is relatively easy to find if you explore thoroughly.
14. Can I summon Solaire after beating a boss?
No, you cannot summon Solaire after defeating a boss in a particular area. His summon sign will disappear once the boss is defeated.
15. Why does my character shrug when I try to summon Solaire?
If your character shrugs when attempting to summon Solaire, it indicates that you are either not in human form, are in an area where summoning is not allowed, or have already summoned the maximum number of players.
The Enduring Legacy of Solaire
Solaire of Astora remains one of the most beloved characters in the Dark Souls universe. His unwavering optimism, jovial personality, and willingness to offer jolly cooperation have endeared him to countless players. By understanding the summoning mechanics and taking the necessary steps to save him from his tragic fate, you can ensure that Solaire’s radiant spirit shines brightly throughout your own Dark Souls journey.
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