Is There Anything After Gael? A Dark Souls 3 Deep Dive
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Yes, absolutely, there’s plenty to do after defeating Slave Knight Gael in Dark Souls 3: The Ringed City DLC. While Gael represents the de facto end of the DLC’s narrative and is generally considered the final boss of the entire Dark Souls franchise, the game doesn’t simply stop there. Consider the fallen knight as a pivotal moment, not an ending. This article explores the options available to you post-Gael, and answers some common questions.
What Awaits After the Final Battle
Defeating Gael unlocks a new area for your character, which is the canvas for the painter girl who then can proceed with her painting. The Painter will ask if you have brought the dark soul for her and upon giving it to her she will begin painting a new world. Other than the main story arc there are still many things for you to do after you’ve felled the great knight.
Deliver the Blood of the Dark Soul
The most immediate thing to do is deliver the Blood of the Dark Soul to the Painter Girl in Ariandel Chapel. Gael’s purpose in consuming the Pygmy Lords’ blood was to refine the Dark Soul for her painting. Returning to her concludes her questline and offers closure to the DLC’s overarching narrative. This leads to a final, poignant cutscene and sets the stage for the future of the Painted World.
Face Midir, the Darkeater (Optional)
Don’t forget about Darkeater Midir, an optional but incredibly challenging boss. Midir’s questline, involving Shira, Knight of Filianore, can be completed independently of Gael. Even if you haven’t followed Shira’s quest, you can still fight Midir. He awaits in the depths of the Ringed City, promising a grueling battle and significant rewards. Defeating Midir grants access to powerful items and spells.
Explore Unfinished Business
Have you truly explored every nook and cranny of the Ringed City? Now is the time to revisit areas you might have missed, collect any remaining items, and complete any side quests you may have overlooked. The Ringed City is full of secrets.
Prepare for New Game Plus (NG+)
Defeating Gael is a natural point to consider starting a New Game Plus. NG+ allows you to replay the game with your character’s stats and equipment intact, offering a fresh challenge with increased difficulty and new item placements. It’s a great way to experience the game from a different perspective and further hone your skills.
Experiment with Builds and Weapons
Gael’s defeat often provides players with a wealth of souls and access to powerful weapons and armor. Use this opportunity to experiment with different builds and weapons you may not have tried before. Respec your character’s stats with Rosaria (if you haven’t already), and explore new playstyles.
Participate in PvP and Co-op
Dark Souls 3‘s online multiplayer community is still active. Use the embered form to engage in PvP battles or offer your assistance to other players through co-op. Gael’s arena, in particular, can become a popular spot for duels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about what comes after Gael, the final boss of Dark Souls 3.
1. Is Gael the end of Dark Souls 3?
While Gael marks the end of the Ringed City DLC and the overarching narrative of Dark Souls 3, it’s not necessarily the end of your gameplay experience. You can continue exploring, fighting optional bosses like Midir, and preparing for New Game Plus.
2. Do I have to fight Midir after Gael?
No, fighting Midir is entirely optional. You can fight him before or after Gael, or even skip him altogether. However, he offers a unique challenge and valuable rewards.
3. What do I get for killing Midir?
Defeating Midir grants you the Frayed Blade katana, the Ringed Knight Set, and Midir’s Soul, which can be transposed into powerful spells like Old Moonlight or the Midir’s Catalyst.
4. Can you summon Shira after Gael?
No, Shira cannot be summoned after defeating Gael. Her questline is tied to the state of Filianore’s Church. Once you’ve triggered the events leading to the church’s collapse (by progressing towards Filianore’s rest), her summon sign will disappear.
5. What happens if I don’t deliver the Blood of the Dark Soul?
If you choose not to deliver the Blood of the Dark Soul to the Painter Girl, her questline will remain incomplete. You will miss out on the final cutscene and the resolution to her story.
6. Is Gael harder than Midir?
Difficulty is subjective, but many players find Gael to be more challenging than Midir. Gael’s erratic attack patterns, multiple phases, and curse magic make him a formidable opponent. Midir, while having high health and damage, is more predictable once you learn his moveset.
7. What level should I be to fight Gael?
A recommended level range for fighting Gael is SL 120-150. However, skilled players can defeat him at lower levels.
8. Is Gael the hardest boss in Dark Souls 3?
Gael is widely considered one of the hardest bosses in Dark Souls 3, alongside figures like Sister Friede, Darkeater Midir, and the Nameless King.
9. What is the best strategy for fighting Gael?
A good strategy for fighting Gael involves maintaining a medium distance, learning his attack patterns, and exploiting openings. Using fast-rolling and weapons with good range can be effective. Pyromancy can also be useful.
10. Does Gael drop anything special?
Defeating Gael grants you the Soul of Slave Knight Gael, which can be transposed into the Gael’s Greatsword or Gael’s Repeating Crossbow. You also receive the Filianore’s Ornament which can be traded to the crows for titanite slabs.
11. What is the lore behind Slave Knight Gael?
Slave Knight Gael is an ancient warrior tasked with finding the Dark Soul for the Painter Girl. He consumes the blood of the Pygmy Lords to refine the Dark Soul, ultimately becoming corrupted and hollow in the process. He serves as the final boss of the Dark Souls series.
12. What’s the significance of the Painted World?
The Painted World represents a sanctuary for those who are unwanted or forgotten. The Painter Girl seeks to create a new, better world with the Blood of the Dark Soul.
13. Is it worth starting New Game Plus after Gael?
Yes, starting New Game Plus offers a fresh challenge with increased difficulty and the opportunity to collect items and complete quests you may have missed. It’s a great way to extend your Dark Souls 3 experience.
14. Can I respec my character after beating Gael?
Yes, you can respec your character with Rosaria, Mother of Rebirth, located in the Cathedral of the Deep. This allows you to reallocate your stats and experiment with different builds.
15. Are there any secrets left in Dark Souls 3 after Gael?
Even after defeating Gael and exploring the Ringed City, there may still be secrets you haven’t uncovered. The world of Dark Souls 3 is filled with hidden areas, items, and lore. It is always worthwhile to thoroughly explore, and there are fantastic resources for learning about the game, such as the Games Learning Society. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org to find out more.
Beyond the Flame
While Gael’s defeat signals the end of the Ringed City DLC‘s main narrative, it’s not the end of your journey in Dark Souls 3. There are still plenty of challenges to overcome, secrets to uncover, and builds to experiment with. Whether you choose to face Midir, deliver the Blood of the Dark Soul, or embark on a New Game Plus adventure, the world of Dark Souls 3 offers endless possibilities for exploration and discovery. Embrace the challenge, and may the flames guide thee!