How to Get 20 Estus Flasks in Dark Souls: A Comprehensive Guide
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Getting the maximum of 20 Estus Flasks in Dark Souls is a crucial step for any player looking to survive the challenging world of Lordran. This isn’t a default, but rather, a reward for dedicated exploration and strategic gameplay. Here’s the detailed breakdown of how to achieve this essential boost to your survivability:
The base number of Estus Flasks you receive at most bonfires is 5. However, you are granted 10 Estus Flasks by default at bonfires with a Fire Keeper present, such as the one at Firelink Shrine. To reach the maximum of 20, you need to kindle bonfires strategically. This involves first obtaining the Rite of Kindling, and then using it at bonfires while in human form. Once this is achieved, you can kindle each bonfire up to three times, increasing the flasks granted from that specific bonfire to 20 when you rest at it.
Kindling Bonfires for More Estus Flasks
The process of getting to 20 Estus Flasks involves two main components: obtaining the Rite of Kindling and using it to kindle bonfires:
Acquiring the Rite of Kindling
The Rite of Kindling is an essential item for any player seeking to maximize their healing potential. This is obtained by defeating the boss Pinwheel found deep within The Catacombs. Pinwheel isn’t a particularly difficult boss compared to others in Dark Souls, but navigating the catacombs to reach him can be treacherous. Once defeated, Pinwheel will drop the Rite of Kindling, unlocking the ability to kindle bonfires beyond their initial capacity.
Kindling Bonfires
After acquiring the Rite of Kindling, you can now utilize this power to boost your Estus Flask count at bonfires. However, this cannot be done while you are hollow. You must restore your Humanity by using a Humanity item, or by using a Fire Keeper Soul. Once human, you can kindle a bonfire by interacting with it and expending one point of soft Humanity – the counter visible in the top-left of your screen.
The first kindle will bring the total flasks provided by that bonfire to 10 (this is the default for bonfires with Fire Keepers present, so in those cases, the first kindle will take it to 15). A second kindle, costing an additional point of Humanity, will raise it to 15. Finally, a third kindle, also using one Humanity, takes the flasks given at that bonfire to the maximum of 20 Estus Flasks. It is important to note that each kindle will only affect the specific bonfire you used the humanity at.
Bonfire Limitations
It is essential to understand that not all bonfires are equal. Firelink Shrine for instance, will start at 10, while most other bonfires will only grant the default five. Only certain bonfires with a Fire Keeper (like the one in Firelink Shrine) can initially grant 10 flasks. This means you will need to invest Humanity at specific bonfire locations to maximize the amount of Estus Flasks you receive when you rest at them. You are limited to carrying 20 Estus Flasks at any time, even if other players kindle bonfires around you.
Community Kindling
One unique aspect of Dark Souls is how other players can interact with your game. If another player kindles a bonfire in the same area you are in, you will receive an extra Estus Flask charge. This can technically let you use more than 20 flasks, but this is a temporary buff, you can’t keep more than 20 after resting at any bonfire. This effect is random and not something you can control, making it a welcomed bonus when it occurs.
Strategic Kindling
It’s often a good idea to prioritize kindling the bonfires you use most frequently, or ones located before difficult areas. Kindling bonfires becomes essential in later parts of the game, giving you a greater advantage with more healing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some additional questions you may have, answered to provide further clarity about Estus Flasks and their mechanics in Dark Souls:
1. Why do I start with 10 Estus Flasks at some bonfires?
Bonfires with a Fire Keeper present, like the one in Firelink Shrine, provide 10 Estus Flasks by default. This is a bonus intended for important areas and the starting hub of the game.
2. Can I have more than 20 Estus Flasks?
You can temporarily receive additional charges by being in an area where other players have kindled a bonfire, however, you cannot carry more than 20 Estus Flasks at a time after resting at a bonfire.
3. What is the Rite of Kindling?
The Rite of Kindling is a key item obtained by defeating the boss Pinwheel in The Catacombs. This item allows you to kindle bonfires beyond their initial capacity.
4. How do I kindle a bonfire?
While in human form, interact with the bonfire and choose the kindle option. This will cost one unit of soft humanity.
5. Can I kindle a bonfire multiple times?
Yes, you can kindle a bonfire up to three times, increasing the Estus Flask count to a maximum of 20.
6. Do I need to be human to kindle a bonfire?
Yes, you must be in human form to kindle a bonfire. If you are hollow, the option will be unavailable.
7. How do I restore my Humanity?
You can restore your Humanity by consuming Humanity items or by using Fire Keeper Souls.
8. What happens if someone else kindles a bonfire in my area?
If another player kindles a bonfire in your current location, you receive an additional Estus Flask charge, this is a temporary bonus.
9. Do Fire Keeper Souls have other uses?
Yes, Fire Keeper Souls can be used to upgrade your Estus Flask at Firelink Shrine, granting more healing. Alternatively, they can be consumed for humanity, which is not the recommended use.
10. Is it worth kindling every bonfire?
It’s most efficient to kindle bonfires you use regularly, particularly before challenging areas. Prioritizing this will maximize healing in areas you struggle with.
11. Does kindling carry over to new game plus?
Yes, bonfire kindling levels will persist into new game plus. This means, you don’t have to acquire the rite of kindling again, and bonfires you already kindled will remain kindled in your next playthrough.
12. Where can I find more Humanity?
Humanity can be acquired through various means, including item drops from enemies, finding it as a lootable item, and online interactions.
13. Are there any bonfires that cannot be kindled?
No, all bonfires can be kindled as long as you are in human form and have the Rite of Kindling.
14. Does Estus Flask quantity reset after dying?
No, your Estus Flask quantity is not reset by dying. It only resets when you rest at a bonfire.
15. Does the community kindling last?
No, community kindling only lasts until you rest at a bonfire.
By understanding these mechanics and strategic kindling, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the dangers of Dark Souls with a full stock of 20 Estus Flasks, ready to face any challenge the game throws your way. Remember to always prioritize obtaining the Rite of Kindling and utilizing it effectively for your overall advantage.