Is Anor Londo Optional in Dark Souls 3? A Deep Dive
Anor Londo in Dark Souls 3 is not optional. It is a mandatory area required to progress through the main storyline. After defeating Aldrich, Devourer of Gods, which resides within Anor Londo, the game directs you towards the next critical location, often the High Wall of Lothric (if you haven’t already cleared the Profaned Capital). Skipping Anor Londo is not possible without using glitches or exploits, which are beyond the intended game design.
Anor Londo: A Crossroads of the Gods
Anor Londo’s significance transcends its role as a mere location. It’s steeped in lore, history, and connections to the original Dark Souls, making it a pivotal point in understanding the overarching narrative. While some areas and bosses in Dark Souls 3 can be bypassed or completely missed, Anor Londo stands as a central hub, integral to the game’s progression.
The path to Anor Londo isn’t always straightforward. You’ll typically reach it after progressing through Irithyll of the Boreal Valley, another essential area. The journey itself is part of the experience, testing your skills and rewarding your perseverance.
The Importance of Aldrich and Beyond
Aldrich, Devourer of Gods, isn’t just another boss; he’s a Lord of Cinder, one of the key figures necessary to rekindle the First Flame. Defeating him triggers critical events that advance the plot. Without conquering Aldrich and Anor Londo, you cannot proceed to the later stages of the game and ultimately face the final challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Anor Londo
1. What level should I be when I reach Anor Londo in Dark Souls 3?
Ideally, you should be around level 60-80 when you arrive at Anor Londo. The enemies and Aldrich boss fight are scaled for characters within this range. However, skilled players can tackle it at lower levels, while those preferring a more comfortable experience may opt to level up further.
2. What are the main dangers in Anor Londo?
Anor Londo is known for its challenging enemies like the Silver Knights, Pontiff Knights, and the ever-present threat of falling from its precarious ledges. The Aldrich boss fight is also a major obstacle, requiring careful planning and execution.
3. How does Anor Londo in Dark Souls 3 compare to Dark Souls 1?
Anor Londo in Dark Souls 3 retains much of the iconic architecture and atmosphere of the original Dark Souls. However, it’s been changed and evolved due to the passage of time and the events that transpired between the two games. Familiar locations are present, but they are often decayed or altered. You may even find different enemies and discover subtle shifts in layout and enemy placements.
4. Is there a bonfire near the Aldrich boss fight?
Yes, there’s a bonfire right after the Aldrich, Devourer of Gods boss fight. This bonfire is named “Aldrich, Devourer of Gods Bonfire”, allowing you to warp to other areas, level up, and prepare for your next objective.
5. Are there any secret areas in Anor Londo in Dark Souls 3?
Yes, Anor Londo does contain some secret areas, although they aren’t as extensive as some other locations in the game. The Darkmoon Tomb, accessible with the Darkmoon Seance Ring, houses a covenant and another boss encounter.
6. What items should I look for in Anor Londo?
Important items to look for include upgrade materials, key items related to covenants (such as those associated with the Blade of the Darkmoon covenant in the Darkmoon Tomb), and valuable armor sets dropped by enemies like the Silver Knights.
7. What is the lore significance of Anor Londo?
Anor Londo was once the city of the gods, ruled by Lord Gwyn in the original Dark Souls. By the time of Dark Souls 3, it’s become a shadow of its former self, reflecting the decay and decline of the Age of Fire. The presence of Aldrich, who consumed Gwyndolin, adds another layer of tragic history to the area.
8. Can I summon help for the Aldrich boss fight?
Yes, you can summon other players to help you with the Aldrich boss fight. Look for summon signs near the entrance to the boss arena or use the Ember item to become Enkindled and open yourself up to summoning help from other players.
9. Is Anor Londo the same as Irithyll?
No, Anor Londo and Irithyll of the Boreal Valley are distinct areas. You pass through Irithyll to reach Anor Londo. Irithyll is the city below Anor Londo, and they are connected geographically and narratively.
10. How do I access the Darkmoon Tomb in Anor Londo?
To access the Darkmoon Tomb, you need the Darkmoon Seance Ring, which is found in the Catacombs of Carthus. With the ring equipped, you can interact with a statue near the rotating elevator in Anor Londo to reveal the secret passage.
11. What is the Darkmoon covenant in Anor Londo?
The Blade of the Darkmoon covenant is found in the Darkmoon Tomb. Joining this covenant allows you to be summoned to assist other players who are being invaded by those who have sinned against the other covenants and you can earn rewards for defeating invaders.
12. Does the difficulty of Anor Londo change based on New Game Plus?
Yes, the difficulty of Anor Londo, like the rest of the game, increases in New Game Plus cycles. Enemies have more health and deal more damage, making the challenges even more intense.
13. Why is Anor Londo so memorable in the Dark Souls series?
Anor Londo stands out due to its striking architecture, challenging enemies, and its deep connection to the lore of the entire Dark Souls series. The sense of discovery, the visual splendor, and the feeling of finally reaching this iconic location all contribute to its memorable status. The return to Anor Londo in Dark Souls 3 evokes nostalgia and provides a sense of continuity for long-time fans.
14. Are there any missable items in Anor Londo?
While most items can be retrieved at any time, it’s crucial to be thorough in your exploration. Key items like covenant-related items, specific upgrade materials, and unique weapons might be missed if you rush through the area. Double-check corners and hidden pathways to ensure you find everything.
15. What should I do after defeating Aldrich in Dark Souls 3?
After defeating Aldrich, Devourer of Gods, you are usually teleported to the High Wall of Lothric. Your next objective will depend on whether you have completed the Profaned Capital area.
Connecting Dark Souls 3 to Educational Research
The intricate design and lore of Dark Souls 3, and indeed the entire series, highlight the potential of video games as compelling learning environments. The need for problem-solving, strategic thinking, and perseverance aligns with many educational goals. Research from the Games Learning Society ( GamesLearningSociety.org ) investigates how games can be used to foster these skills and promote deeper engagement with complex subject matter. Exploring the narrative and challenges of Dark Souls 3 offers a practical example of how games can captivate and challenge players in ways that mirror valuable learning experiences. Understanding Anor Londo’s place in the overall narrative, and mastering the challenges it presents, reinforces key skills that extend beyond the virtual world. The community created from this understanding and those shared experiences is profound.