Is the Four Kings Mandatory in Dark Souls? Unraveling a Key Boss Encounter

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The burning question for any aspiring Lord in Dark Souls: Is the harrowing battle against the Four Kings truly unavoidable? The answer, unequivocally, is yes. The Four Kings are a mandatory boss encounter in Dark Souls. Defeating them and acquiring their Lord Soul Shard is essential to progressing the main storyline and ultimately facing Gwyn, Lord of Cinder. Now, let’s delve into the heart of this iconic fight and address the most common questions surrounding this pivotal moment in the game.

Demystifying the Four Kings: Everything You Need to Know

Why are the Four Kings Mandatory?

The necessity of defeating the Four Kings stems from their role in unlocking the path to the game’s final act. After defeating them in the Abyss, you receive the Bequeathed Lord Soul Shard, a crucial component required to fill the Lordvessel. The Lordvessel, in turn, is needed to open the path to the final boss, Gwyn, Lord of Cinder. Skipping the Four Kings is simply not an option for those seeking to complete the game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Four Kings

Here’s a deep dive into the most pressing questions surrounding the Four Kings boss fight:

1. What do I get for defeating the Four Kings?

   Triumphing over the Four Kings rewards you with several significant items: 60,000 souls, four humanity, and the Bequeathed Lord Soul Shard, otherwise known as the Soul of Four Kings. This shard is one of the four Great Souls required to fill the Lordvessel.

2. When should I fight the Four Kings?

   You can face the Four Kings as soon as you obtain the Covenant of Artorias ring from Sif. This ring allows you to traverse the Abyss and reach their arena. There’s no specific point where they become accessible; it’s entirely up to you when you choose to confront them. Some players tackle them earlier in New Game Plus (NG+) due to having established builds and gear.

3. Where are the Four Kings located?

   The Four Kings reside in the Abyss, accessible from New Londo Ruins. You must first drain the water from New Londo Ruins to reach the entrance to the Abyss. This requires obtaining the Key to the Seal from Ingward, who resides on a rooftop in New Londo. You can find even more about the game at GamesLearningSociety.org.

4. How many Kings can spawn in the fight?

   The Four Kings fight isn’t about fighting four kings simultaneously. Instead, they spawn sequentially. The rate at which they spawn depends on how quickly you deal damage to each preceding king. If you are slow in killing them, you could potentially be fighting multiple at once. The key is to maximize your damage output to minimize the number of active kings.

5. What are the Four Kings’ weaknesses?

   The Four Kings are particularly vulnerable to lightning damage. Fire damage is also effective, though slightly less so. Conversely, they possess high resistance to magic and physical damage, making those damage types less effective.

6. What weapons and armor are recommended for the Four Kings fight?

   High damage output is paramount. Weapons like the Zweihander, Greatsword, or any fully upgraded +10 elemental or +13 weapon are excellent choices. Armor with high poise, like Havel’s Armor, can allow you to tank through their attacks while dealing damage. Equipping the Ring of Favor and Protection and Havel’s Ring can also improve your survivability and equip load.

7. Is it possible to backstab the Four Kings?

   Yes, it is possible to backstab them. Some players employ a strategy of circling around the kings with a shield raised, waiting for an opportunity to backstab them. However, relying solely on backstabs can be risky and time-consuming, especially considering the limited time available before another king spawns.

8. Can I summon help for the Four Kings fight?

   Yes, you can summon help. Beatrice can be summoned for this fight if you summoned her for the Moonlight Butterfly fight and she survived. Her summon sign appears near the entrance to the Abyss. Having a summon can significantly ease the burden of the fight, allowing you to focus on dealing damage while your summon draws aggro.

9. What stats should I prioritize for the Four Kings?

   Prioritize stats that enhance your damage output and survivability. Vitality for increased health, Endurance for stamina and equip load, and Strength or Dexterity to wield your chosen weapon effectively are all crucial. If you’re using elemental weapons, consider investing in the corresponding stat (e.g., Faith for lightning weapons).

10. What are the best strategies for the Four Kings?

    An aggressive, high-damage approach is generally recommended. Equip armor with high poise, two-hand your weapon, and stay close to the kings, constantly attacking. Staying close minimizes the damage you take from their magic attacks. If you are interested in learning more, visit the Games Learning Society website.

11. Is it better to fight the Four Kings early or late in the game?

    This depends on your build and skill level. Some players prefer to tackle them early to acquire the Lord Soul Shard and progress the story. Others opt to fight them later when they have better gear and stats. There’s no right or wrong answer; experiment and see what works best for you.

12. What are the most common mistakes players make during the Four Kings fight?

    Common mistakes include: Using ineffective weapons and armor, neglecting to upgrade equipment, not managing stamina effectively, failing to stay close to the kings, and not dealing enough damage quickly enough. Proper preparation and a sound strategy are essential for success.

13. How does New Game Plus (NG+) affect the Four Kings fight?

    In NG+, the Four Kings have increased health and deal more damage. This makes the fight significantly more challenging, requiring even better gear, stats, and strategies.

14. Is there any lore surrounding the Four Kings?

    The Four Kings were once rulers of New Londo, corrupted by Darkwraiths and the influence of Kaathe. They betrayed the other lords and embraced the power of the Abyss. Their tragic history adds depth and context to their role as bosses in the game.

15. Are there any glitches or exploits that can be used to cheese the Four Kings?

    While some glitches and exploits may exist, relying on them detracts from the intended game experience and may result in unexpected consequences. It’s generally recommended to fight the Four Kings using legitimate strategies and tactics.

Final Thoughts

The Four Kings are a challenging but ultimately rewarding boss encounter in Dark Souls. Understanding their weaknesses, employing effective strategies, and preparing adequately are essential for overcoming this obstacle. While the fight can be frustrating, the satisfaction of finally vanquishing the Four Kings and claiming their Lord Soul Shard is a significant achievement in any Dark Souls playthrough. So, embrace the challenge, prepare for battle, and conquer the Abyss!