Is Manus the Last DLC Boss? A Deep Dive into Dark Souls’ Abyss

No, Manus, Father of the Abyss, is not the last boss of the Artorias of the Abyss DLC in Dark Souls. While he is undoubtedly a formidable and memorable boss encounter, the DLC doesn’t end with his defeat. There’s another dragon skulking about that needs attention. After defeating Manus, players can still face Kalameet, the Black Dragon, making him the ultimate challenge within the DLC. Don’t get complacent after felling Manus; your journey into the Abyss isn’t over yet!

Artorias of the Abyss: More Than Just Manus

The Artorias of the Abyss DLC adds a substantial chunk of content to the original Dark Souls game. It delves into the lore surrounding the legendary Artorias the Abysswalker and the corruption of Oolacile by the Abyss. While Manus is a central figure in this narrative, the DLC offers more than just a single boss fight.

The DLC includes:

• New areas to explore: Oolacile Sanctuary, Royal Wood, Oolacile Township, Chasm of the Abyss, and Battle of Stoicism.

• New enemies to face: Humanity Phantoms, Bloatheads, Scarecrows, Chained Prisoners, and more.

• New weapons and armor to acquire: Including Artorias’ Greatsword, Obsidian Greatsword, and the Stone Greatsword.

• New NPCs to interact with: Including Elizabeth, Hawkeye Gough, and Chester.

All these elements build up to the final challenges, including Manus and then Kalameet.

FAQs About Manus and the Artorias of the Abyss DLC

To further clarify the details surrounding Manus and the Artorias of the Abyss DLC, let’s address some frequently asked questions:

Who is harder, Artorias or Manus?

This is a highly debated topic. Both Artorias and Manus present significant challenges. Artorias’s aggressive, fast-paced attacks can be difficult to dodge, requiring precise timing. Manus, on the other hand, relies on powerful dark magic and unpredictable attacks, making him equally challenging. The difficulty often comes down to player preference and build. Many players find Manus harder due to his erratic attacks and long range.

Is Manus a mandatory boss?

Yes, Manus is a mandatory boss in the Artorias of the Abyss DLC. Progressing through the main story of the DLC requires defeating him to reach Kalameet.

What is Manus weak to?

Manus is particularly weak to lightning damage. Using lightning-infused weapons or spells can significantly increase your damage output against him. Physical damage is effective as well, particularly if your weapon is upgraded to its maximum level.

What happened to Manus?

Manus was a primordial human, awakened and corrupted by the digging of his grave by the people of Oolacile, incited by Kaathe. This awakening caused his humanity to run wild, creating the Abyss and driving him mad. He sought his Broken Pendant, seemingly the only thing connecting him to his past.

What did Manus do to Artorias?

During their battle, Manus defeated Artorias and broke his left arm. Before completely succumbing to the Abyss, Artorias used his greatshield to protect Sif, his wolf companion, from the corruption. This act of selflessness cemented Artorias’s legend, even though he ultimately failed.

Is Sif useful against Manus?

Summoning Sif can be helpful in the fight against Manus, providing a distraction and allowing the player some breathing room to heal or attack. However, Sif’s damage output is relatively low, so don’t rely solely on him for victory. It is often wise to summon Sif after Manus is below half health to distract him during his harder phase, making it less likely the player will be targeted by the Dark Orb barrage attack.

Why did Manus go mad?

The excavation of his grave by the people of Oolacile, instigated by Kaathe, caused Manus to awaken and lose control of his humanity. This unleashed the Abyss, and Manus, driven mad by the surging darkness, sought his Broken Pendant.

Is Manus connected to other bosses in the Dark Souls series?

Yes, Manus’s soul shattered after his defeat, with fragments giving rise to the Daughters of Dark in Dark Souls II, including Nashandra, Elana, Nadalia, and Alsanna. These daughters, like their “father,” sought power and influence, furthering the cycle of darkness.

What is the Broken Pendant?

The Broken Pendant is a key item that initiates the Artorias of the Abyss DLC. Possessing this item allows players to be transported back in time to Oolacile, setting the events of the DLC in motion. It plays an important role in understanding Manus’ motivations.

How do I find Manus?

Manus is located in the Chasm of the Abyss. To reach him, you’ll need to progress through the Oolacile Township and defeat several challenging enemies. The Chasm is a dark and treacherous area, so be prepared.

Is Artorias’s boss fight easier than Manus?

Many players find Artorias easier to manage due to his predictable attack patterns in comparison to Manus. Even though Artorias hits hard, it’s possible to learn how to effectively dodge Artorias. He’s often considered a more fair and balanced boss fight.

What level should I be to fight Manus?

It is recommended to be at least level 70-80 before attempting the fight against Manus. Having a well-upgraded weapon and armor is crucial.

What are the best strategies for defeating Manus?

Some effective strategies include:

• Using a fast weapon with good lightning damage.
• Equipping the Silver Pendant to defend against his dark magic.
• Learning his attack patterns and dodging effectively.
• Maintaining a safe distance to avoid his melee attacks.
• Utilizing summons (like Sif) for added support.

Where can I find more information about Dark Souls lore and gameplay?

You can find a wealth of information on websites like Fextralife, as well as in online communities dedicated to Dark Souls. The Games Learning Society also offers resources and discussions on the educational aspects of gaming and the deeper mechanics and social understanding that can be learned from playing. You can check out more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

What is the reward for defeating Manus?

Defeating Manus grants you the Soul of Manus, which can be used to create powerful weapons or exchanged for souls. It also progresses the story of the Artorias of the Abyss DLC, allowing access to the fight against Kalameet.