Are the Ruin Sentinels Optional in Dark Souls 2? A Definitive Guide

Yes, the Ruin Sentinels in Dark Souls 2 are indeed optional, although skipping them comes with significant caveats. While it’s possible to bypass this boss fight early in the game, doing so locks you out of certain areas and content until you either defeat them or progress further into the game. Let’s delve into the details and explore the ramifications of choosing to skip this iconic encounter.

Understanding the Ruin Sentinels’ Significance

The Ruin Sentinels stand as a formidable hurdle in the early to mid-game of Dark Souls 2. This boss fight, encountered in the Lost Bastille, tests players’ ability to manage multiple enemies while maintaining situational awareness. Three armored warriors await, each with their own unique attack patterns and vulnerabilities. While their defeat isn’t strictly required to complete the game, it unlocks access to crucial areas.

How to Skip the Ruin Sentinels

The primary method of skipping the Ruin Sentinels involves the use of the Antiquated Key and a Pharros’ Lockstone. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Obtain the Antiquated Key: This key is found relatively early in the Forest of Fallen Giants.
2. Locate the Pharros’ Lockstone mechanism: In the Lost Bastille, before the Ruin Sentinels boss room, you’ll find a locked door accessible with the Antiquated Key. Behind this door is a Pharros’ Lockstone mechanism.
3. Use the Pharros’ Lockstone: Activating the mechanism opens a secret passage leading to a different route.
4. Navigate the alternative path: This path eventually takes you to Sinner’s Rise, bypassing the Ruin Sentinels.

The Consequences of Skipping

While bypassing the Ruin Sentinels may seem appealing, especially for those struggling with the fight, it comes with consequences:

• Locked Areas: Skipping the Ruin Sentinels prevents access to Belfry Luna. This area contains valuable items, including upgrade materials, and the Gargoyle boss fight.
• Gate Mechanisms: Certain gate mechanisms within the Lost Bastille require progression through the Ruin Sentinels area to unlock.
• Lost Souls: Fighting the Ruin Sentinels grants you a considerable amount of souls to level up.
• Item Loss: You will not gain the Ruin Sentinels soul.

Why You Might Want to Fight Them

Despite the difficulty, there are compelling reasons to face the Ruin Sentinels:

• Valuable Rewards: Defeating them grants access to the aforementioned areas and items.
• Skill Development: The fight is a great learning experience, forcing players to improve their combat skills and adaptability.
• Sense of Accomplishment: Overcoming this challenging encounter provides a significant boost in confidence.
• Progression: Beating the Ruin Sentinels opens up progression to other areas of the game.

Practical Tips for Facing the Ruin Sentinels

If you choose to fight the Ruin Sentinels, here are some helpful strategies:

• Lightning Damage: The Sentinels are highly vulnerable to Lightning damage. Use weapons infused with lightning or spells that inflict lightning damage.
• Single Target Focus: In the first phase, prioritize defeating the first Sentinel on the platform. This reduces the fight to a more manageable 2-on-1 encounter.
• Shield Usage: A shield with high stability can be invaluable for blocking their attacks.
• NPC Summons: Utilize the available NPC summons near the boss entrance to draw aggro and deal additional damage. Be aware that the Sorcerer NPC might sometimes have trouble navigating the platform.
• Mobility: Roll to avoid attacks and maintain distance when necessary.

Soul Level Recommendation

While it’s possible to defeat the Ruin Sentinels at a relatively low Soul Level, such as 32, it’s generally recommended to be around Soul Level 40-50. This provides sufficient stats for survivability and damage output.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Ruin Sentinels in Dark Souls 2:

1. Is there an NPC to summon for the Ruin Sentinels?

Yes, there are two NPC summons available near the entrance to the Ruin Sentinels boss room.

2. What are the Ruin Sentinels weak to?

The Ruin Sentinels are particularly weak to Lightning damage. They also take additional damage from Magic attacks.

3. What level should I be for the Ruin Sentinels?

While it’s possible to beat them at a lower level, a Soul Level of 40-50 is generally recommended.

4. Which bonfire resets the Ruin Sentinels?

The Bonfire Ascetic must be used at the McDuff’s Workshop bonfire to respawn the Ruin Sentinels.

5. How long does it take for Ruin Sentinels to respawn?

Ruin Sentinels do not respawn unless a Bonfire Ascetic is used. This is different from Genshin Impact.

6. What does the Ruin Sentinel soul make?

The Soul of the Ruin Sentinel can be used to acquire a significant number of souls or to create a special weapon (the Ruin Sentinel Sword) when traded with Straid of Olaphis.

7. Where do I go after killing Ruin Sentinels?

After defeating the Ruin Sentinels, proceed through the doorway on one side of the room. Go upstairs to the previous room, then navigate to the right to find a door leading to a Soul of a Nameless Soldier.

8. What are the Ruin Sentinels?

The Ruin Sentinels are constructs created by the Jailer, animated by an empty soul that haunts the armor. They act as guardians within the Lost Bastille.

9. Is The Lost Bastille optional?

Parts of the Lost Bastille are optional. You can technically reach the end game without completing it, especially if you amass a large number of souls (1 million) elsewhere.

10. How do you avoid Sentinels in No Man’s Sky?

This question pertains to No Man’s Sky, not Dark Souls 2. In No Man’s Sky, you can evade Sentinels by entering your starship, flying a short distance, and landing. Alternatively, enter the Anomaly, space station, freighter, or save and reload your game.

11. How do you paralyze Ruin Sentinels in Genshin Impact?

This question refers to Genshin Impact, not Dark Souls 2. In Genshin Impact, you can stagger or paralyze the Ruin Sentinel by hitting its exposed core during specific attacks.

12. What do you get for beating the two Tree Sentinels in Elden Ring?

This question is relevant to Elden Ring, not Dark Souls 2. Defeating the two Tree Sentinels in Elden Ring rewards you with the Erdtree Greatshield, a Hero’s Rune, and 20,000 runes.

13. Should I give McDuff the dull ember?

Yes, giving McDuff the Dull Ember in Dark Souls 2 is highly recommended. It allows him to infuse weapons with elements, significantly enhancing their capabilities.

14. What do you get after defeating Tree Sentinel?

This question is relevant to Elden Ring, not Dark Souls 2. For defeating the Tree Sentinel in Elden Ring, you’ll get 3200 Runes and his own Golden Halberd.

15. Where can I learn more about the role of games in learning?

For further insights into the intersection of games and education, explore the resources available at the Games Learning Society website: GamesLearningSociety.org or here at Games Learning Society.

Conclusion

While the Ruin Sentinels are technically optional in Dark Souls 2, skipping them locks you out of significant content and progression. Weigh the benefits of bypassing a challenging fight against the consequences of missing out on valuable areas and rewards. Ultimately, mastering the Ruin Sentinels encounter enhances your skills and enriches your overall Dark Souls 2 experience. Good luck, and may the flames guide thee!