Is the Blue Smelter Demon Optional in Dark Souls 2? A Comprehensive Guide

The question of whether the Blue Smelter Demon is optional in Dark Souls 2 is a common one, particularly for players navigating the treacherous depths of the Crown of the Old Iron King DLC. The short answer is a definitive yes, the Blue Smelter Demon is optional. While he lurks at the end of the challenging Iron Passage, facing him is not required to progress through the DLC’s main storyline or reach its final boss. This means you can choose to skip this particular fiery foe if you prefer. However, like many things in Dark Souls 2, the path is rarely straightforward, and there are plenty of reasons why you might want to engage, or avoid, this blue-hued behemoth. Let’s delve deeper into this topic and address frequently asked questions surrounding this formidable encounter.

Understanding the Blue Smelter Demon’s Place

The Blue Smelter Demon is essentially a more powerful and magically attuned version of the original Smelter Demon found in the Iron Keep. He resides within the Crown of the Old Iron King DLC, specifically at the end of the notoriously difficult Iron Passage. This passage is not a part of the direct path required to complete the DLC, instead, it branches off from the standard route. Reaching the Blue Smelter Demon involves traversing through tightly packed corridors filled with challenging enemies, requiring strategy and perseverance. The fact that he is located at the end of this entirely optional area immediately marks him as a side challenge.

The Optional Nature of DLCs

It’s also worth remembering that the DLC itself, Crown of the Old Iron King, is an optional component of the Dark Souls 2 experience. You don’t have to play it to complete the main game. Thus, anything within a DLC is optional, and the Blue Smelter Demon’s optional nature is reinforced by his location within one of the DLC’s optional areas.

Why Fight the Blue Smelter Demon?

Even though he’s optional, there are several reasons why players might choose to face the Blue Smelter Demon:

• The Challenge: Dark Souls is renowned for its punishing difficulty. Players looking for a tough fight often seek out optional bosses to test their skills. The Blue Smelter Demon provides a significant hurdle, demanding mastery of the game’s mechanics.
• Item Rewards: While the fight itself might be optional, the rewards might not be. Defeating him can grant unique items or souls that may be useful for further progression or build optimization. Although the exact rewards are not game-changing, some players are completionists and want to acquire all items.
• Completionist Desire: Many players simply want to experience all the content in a game. The Blue Smelter Demon is a unique encounter, and those who aim to see and do everything will want to tackle him at least once.
• Bragging Rights: Conquering a tough optional boss, like the Blue Smelter Demon, can be a source of pride for many players. Successfully beating him is a testament to one’s skill and patience.

Skipping the Blue Smelter Demon

For those who want to avoid the challenge or are simply more interested in progressing the main storyline of the DLC, skipping the Blue Smelter Demon is perfectly achievable. As mentioned earlier, he’s at the end of the Iron Passage, an optional area. The path leading to the Blue Smelter Demon is quite different from the main route through the Crown of the Old Iron King DLC. Instead, if you extinguish the flames in the large stove-like structure, it will allow access to a ladder that leads to the area after the Blue Smelter Demon. This will take you to the later section of the DLC, allowing you to move on with your playthrough.

Blue Smelter Demon – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To further clarify and provide more information, here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding the Blue Smelter Demon:

1. What are the main differences between the regular Smelter Demon and the Blue Smelter Demon?

The Blue Smelter Demon is a powered-up version of the regular Smelter Demon. He deals magic damage instead of fire damage, has increased health, more aggressive attack patterns, and often uses magic-infused weapon attacks.

2. What are the Blue Smelter Demon’s weaknesses?

The Blue Smelter Demon is significantly weak to lightning damage. He is also more resistant to magic damage than his fire-based counterpart.

3. Can you summon help for the Blue Smelter Demon fight?

Yes, you can summon both NPC phantoms and other players to help you with the fight. This can make the encounter significantly easier, as it allows you to share the aggro.

4. What should I equip to fight the Blue Smelter Demon?

Focus on gear with high lightning resistance. Magic defense is also useful, though lightning resistance should take priority. Strike weapons can deal extra damage as well, as they do against most armored enemies.

5. What kind of attacks does the Blue Smelter Demon use?

He employs a combination of melee attacks, often with magic infused swings. He also uses a magic shockwave that can do significant area-of-effect damage. Be wary of his jump attacks that end in a ground pound.

6. Is the Iron Passage mandatory to get to the DLC’s final boss?

No, the Iron Passage is entirely optional. You can reach the final boss without venturing through it.

7. Does defeating the Blue Smelter Demon unlock anything crucial?

Defeating the Blue Smelter Demon primarily grants unique souls and items. No progression in the main DLC storyline is dependent on it.

8. Is there a bonfire near the Blue Smelter Demon?

There is not a bonfire right next to his room. However, there are bonfires in the Iron Passage itself, though traversing this optional area is difficult.

9. Is there a specific strategy to beat him easily?

Utilizing a high lightning resistance shield, along with lightning-based weapons or magic, will significantly reduce the difficulty of the fight. Patiently rolling through his attacks and striking at opportune moments is crucial.

10. Is the Blue Smelter Demon harder than the original Smelter Demon?

Yes, many players find the Blue Smelter Demon to be much harder than the regular Smelter Demon, due to the change to magic damage, and his increased damage output.

11. Can the Blue Smelter Demon be poisoned?

Yes, poison and toxic can be effective on the Blue Smelter Demon, albeit slowly.

12. How many times can you fight the Blue Smelter Demon?

Like most bosses, you can fight him as many times as you wish by using a Bonfire Ascetic to reset the area after beating him.

13. Is there a shortcut to the Blue Smelter Demon after the first time?

No, there are no shortcuts past the Iron Passage. You will need to navigate it every time you want to engage him.

14. Is there a different ending if you beat the Blue Smelter Demon?

No, there are no different endings in Dark Souls 2. Defeating the Blue Smelter Demon does not affect the main ending of the game.

15. Does the Blue Smelter Demon’s magic attacks affect my armor?

Yes, the magic damage he deals is affected by your magic resistances. Therefore, having appropriate armor with high magic defense can significantly decrease the damage taken.

Conclusion

The Blue Smelter Demon in Dark Souls 2, while a formidable opponent, remains an optional boss. He provides a unique challenge for players seeking a tough fight, but his presence does not affect the critical path of the Crown of the Old Iron King DLC. Whether you choose to face him, or skip the Iron Passage, your decision has no effect on completing the DLC or the main game, it all comes down to player preference and playstyle. Armed with this knowledge, players can confidently decide how to proceed in their Dark Souls 2 journey.