How to Access Crown of the Ivory King DLC in Dark Souls 2
The Crown of the Ivory King is the third and final DLC for Dark Souls 2, offering players a challenging and rewarding experience in the frozen wastes of Eleum Loyce. This guide will provide a comprehensive walkthrough on how to access this DLC, ensuring you don’t miss out on its unique content.
Accessing the Ivory King DLC
To access the Crown of the Ivory King DLC, you will need to complete a few preliminary steps. Here’s a breakdown of what’s required:
- Own the DLC: First and foremost, ensure that you have purchased and downloaded the Crown of the Ivory King DLC. If you own Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin, this DLC is already included in your game.
- Obtain the Frozen Flower Key Item: Once the DLC is installed, a key item called the Frozen Flower will automatically appear in your inventory upon loading your game. This key is essential for accessing the DLC content.
- Defeat the Four Great Soul Bosses: You must have defeated the four main bosses that possess Great Souls: The Lost Sinner, The Old Iron King, The Duke’s Dear Freja, and The Rotten.
- Open the Shrine of Winter: With all four Great Souls obtained, you need to proceed to The Shrine of Winter, located between the Shaded Woods and Drangleic Castle. This passage will now open.
- Locate the Entrance to Eleum Loyce: After you pass through the Shrine of Winter and continue into Drangleic Castle, you should proceed to the Fork in the Road bonfire located in the shaded woods
- Interact with the Obelisk: From the Fork in the road bonfire, locate a giant Obelisk in a large, snowy area. This marks the entrance to the Frozen Eleum Loyce. Interact with this obelisk to be transported to the DLC area.
- Proceed into Frozen Eleum Loyce: Once inside, follow the path and go through the doorway. Ascend the stairs, lighting the Outer Wall bonfire, and continue onward, braving the cold to fully explore Frozen Eleum Loyce.
Navigating the DLC
Once inside Frozen Eleum Loyce, you will encounter new enemies, challenges, and areas. Here’s a quick overview:
- New Environments: The DLC features a large, snow-covered city with perilous paths, hidden chambers, and deadly enemies.
- Unique Enemies: Prepare to face new enemy types with distinct attack patterns, requiring a careful approach to combat.
- Boss Encounters: The Crown of the Ivory King introduces challenging boss fights, such as The Burnt Ivory King, that will test your skills.
- Exploration: Don’t hesitate to explore every nook and cranny, as you’ll find valuable items, weapons, and armor hidden throughout the DLC.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
DLC Access and Availability
Is the Crown of the Ivory King DLC included in Scholar of the First Sin?
Yes, Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin includes all three DLCs, including the Crown of the Ivory King, on the disc.
Do I need the other DLCs to play Crown of the Ivory King?
No, each DLC for Dark Souls 2 is standalone, so you don’t need to have played the other DLCs to access the Crown of the Ivory King.
How do I know if I have the DLC installed?
Check your inventory for the Frozen Flower key item. If it’s present, the DLC is successfully installed.
Can I access the DLC if I haven’t finished the main game?
Yes, as long as you have defeated the four Great Soul bosses and can access Drangleic Castle, you can access the Crown of the Ivory King DLC at any time. You don’t have to finish the main game first.
Navigating Eleum Loyce
What is Frozen Eleum Loyce?
Frozen Eleum Loyce is the main area featured in the Crown of the Ivory King DLC. It’s a snow-covered city with unique challenges and enemies.
How do I unfreeze areas in Eleum Loyce?
In Eleum Loyce, certain areas are frozen. To unfreeze them, you will need to locate and defeat the main boss of the area. Then, speak with the NPC in the next area to proceed.
What is the significance of the obelisk?
The obelisk is the entrance point to the Frozen Eleum Loyce. It is an interactable object that transports you to the DLC area.
Frigid Outskirts
What is the Frigid Outskirts?
The Frigid Outskirts is an optional area within the Crown of the Ivory King DLC. It’s known for its challenging environment, blizzard conditions, and difficult enemy encounters.
How do I get to the Frigid Outskirts?
To access the Frigid Outskirts, you need to find and open the door to the Expulsion Chamber bonfire inside the Ivory King DLC. Then examine the coffin to be transported.
Is the Frigid Outskirts optional?
Yes, the Frigid Outskirts is entirely optional and is not required to complete the main story of the DLC.
Bosses and Gameplay
Who is the Ivory King?
The Ivory King was the ruler of Eleum Loyce, known for his compassion and strength. He is one of the major bosses in the Crown of the Ivory King DLC.
What are the Ivory King’s weaknesses?
The Ivory King is extremely weak to Lightning damage. Use Gold Pine Resin or weapons imbued with lightning to your advantage. Avoid Fire, Dark, Poison, and Bleed, as he has high resistance to these.
How many hours does the DLC take to complete?
The average playtime for the Crown of the Ivory King DLC is around 4-5 hours, focusing on the main objectives. Completionists can expect to spend approximately 8-9 hours.
Who are Lud and Zallen?
Lud and Zallen are a pair of bosses encountered in the Frigid Outskirts. They are a challenging encounter often considered one of the most difficult fights in the DLC.
What are Lud and Zallen’s weaknesses?
Lud and Zallen are weak to Fire damage, but they resist Dark damage. They were initially designed for cooperative play, but they are possible to solo with patience and good strategy.
By following these steps and understanding the challenges, you’ll be well-prepared to explore the Crown of the Ivory King DLC and uncover the secrets of Frozen Eleum Loyce. Good luck, and may the flames guide thee!