Should I Give All Embers to Andre? A Dark Souls Blacksmithing Guide
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Unequivocally, no, you should NOT give ALL Embers to Andre. While Andre the Blacksmith is a crucial figure in Dark Souls, he’s not the only blacksmith. Giving him embers intended for other blacksmiths means you’re locking yourself out of crucial weapon upgrade paths and unique infusions. Each Ember is specifically tied to a particular blacksmith, unlocking unique upgrade paths only they can provide. Understanding which Ember goes where is essential for crafting the perfect build in the perilous world of Lordran. Don’t handicap yourself by handing over the wrong Ember!
Understanding Embers and Blacksmiths
Dark Souls doesn’t hold your hand. It throws you into a world brimming with danger and cryptic clues, and the blacksmithing system is no exception. Embers, rare and valuable items scattered throughout the game world, are the key to unlocking a blacksmith’s full potential. Each Ember empowers a specific blacksmith to perform certain weapon modifications and ascensions. Spreading these embers across the correct blacksmiths is necessary if you want to experience a rich and varied build.
Andre the Blacksmith, located in the Undead Parish, is your go-to guy for standard weapon upgrades, as well as Raw, Divine, and Occult paths. However, he can’t do everything. Vamos, the skeletal blacksmith in the Catacombs, specializes in Fire and Chaos weapons. The Giant Blacksmith in Anor Londo is the only one who can forge Crystal and Lightning weapons, as well as Boss Soul weapons. And don’t forget Rickert of Vinheim, imprisoned in New Londo Ruins, who handles magic infusions.
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Why Specialization Matters
The Dark Souls weapon system thrives on variety and customization. Different enemies are vulnerable to different damage types, and different builds cater to different playstyles. Limiting yourself to a single blacksmith severely restricts your options. Imagine facing a heavily armored enemy and being unable to switch to a Lightning-infused weapon because you gave the Crystal Ember to Andre!
Furthermore, certain weapon paths are essential for specific builds. Faith builds rely on Divine and Occult weapons, requiring Andre’s services. Intelligence builds often favor Magic weapons, necessitating a visit to Rickert. Pyromancy builds benefit from Fire and Chaos weapons, crafted by Vamos. Each path offers unique scaling and elemental damage, catering to different stat investments and combat strategies.
The Cost of Incorrect Ember Placement
Giving the wrong Ember to a blacksmith has no benefit; they simply can’t use it and will even tell you so! It’s also important to remember that you only get one of each Ember per playthrough, meaning the stakes are high if you lock yourself out of an upgrade path. You’ll either have to finish the game and start a New Game Plus, or trade with another player.
Therefore, understanding which Ember goes to which blacksmith is paramount. Let’s break down the key Embers and their proper destinations:
- Large Ember: Andre the Blacksmith (Allows +5 to +10 upgrades)
- Very Large Ember: Andre the Blacksmith (Allows +10 to +15 upgrades)
- Divine Ember: Andre the Blacksmith (Allows Divine weapon ascension)
- Large Divine Ember: Andre the Blacksmith (Allows Divine +5 to Divine +10 ascension)
- Dark Ember: Andre the Blacksmith (Allows Occult weapon ascension)
- Fire Ember: Vamos (Allows Fire weapon ascension)
- Large Fire Ember: Vamos (Allows Fire +5 to Fire +10 ascension)
- Chaos Ember: Vamos (Allows Chaos weapon ascension)
- Crystal Ember: Giant Blacksmith (Allows Crystal weapon ascension)
- Lightning Ember: Doesn’t Exist (Lightning weapons are made directly from +10 weapons)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I give an Ember to the wrong blacksmith?
No. Blacksmiths will only accept Embers intended for them. They will either ask for it, or comment that they can’t use it if you try to give it to them. This prevents accidental misplacement.
2. What happens if I kill a blacksmith?
If you kill a blacksmith, they are dead for the remainder of that playthrough. This means you’ll be locked out of any upgrades or ascensions they provide. It’s highly recommended to avoid attacking them!
3. Can I revive a dead blacksmith?
No, you cannot revive dead NPCs in Dark Souls. Once a blacksmith is dead, they’re gone for good until your next playthrough.
4. Is Andre the only blacksmith I need?
No. While Andre is incredibly important for standard upgrades and Divine/Occult paths, you’ll need Vamos for Fire/Chaos weapons, the Giant Blacksmith for Crystal/Lightning weapons, and Rickert for Magic weapons.
5. How do I know which Ember goes to which blacksmith?
The blacksmith will either ask for the Ember directly, or will comment that they can’t use it if you try to give it to them. Experimentation is part of the Dark Souls experience, but this guide provides a roadmap to avoid major mistakes.
6. Can I upgrade a weapon to +15 without giving Andre the Very Large Ember?
No. The Very Large Ember is essential for upgrading standard weapons beyond +10. Without it, you’ll be stuck at +10, missing out on significant damage potential.
7. Where do I find all the Embers?
Ember locations are scattered throughout Lordran, often in challenging areas:
- Large Ember: The Depths
- Very Large Ember: New Londo Ruins
- Divine Ember: Darkroot Garden
- Large Divine Ember: Tomb of the Giants
- Dark Ember: Painted World of Ariamis
- Fire Ember: The Catacombs
- Large Fire Ember: Izalith
- Chaos Ember: Izalith
- Crystal Ember: The Duke’s Archives
8. What’s the difference between Divine and Occult weapons?
Both Divine and Occult weapons scale with Faith, but they have different secondary effects. Divine weapons prevent skeletons from reanimating, while Occult weapons deal extra damage to enemies associated with gods.
9. What’s the best weapon to infuse with Fire or Chaos?
Weapons with innate scaling (scaling with Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, or Faith) typically don’t benefit as much from Fire or Chaos infusions, as these infusions remove scaling. Therefore, weapons with little to no scaling, like the Claymore, are often good choices.
10. What is the best blacksmith to make boss weapons?
The Giant Blacksmith in Anor Londo is the one you need to see for Boss Weapons. You’ll need the appropriate Boss Soul and a +10 weapon of the right type to craft them.
11. Can I change a weapon’s infusion after I’ve made it?
Yes, you can revert a weapon back to its standard upgrade path at any blacksmith. However, you’ll need to start the infusion process again from scratch, requiring another Ember and upgrade materials.
12. Does the Giant Blacksmith’s location make him difficult to access?
Yes, reaching the Giant Blacksmith in Anor Londo can be challenging, especially for new players. However, the powerful Crystal and Lightning weapons he offers make the journey worthwhile.
13. What are the best infusions for a Faith build?
Divine and Occult infusions are the best choices for Faith builds. Divine weapons are effective against undead enemies, while Occult weapons deal extra damage to gods and their followers.
14. Is it worth it to use Crystal weapons?
Crystal weapons deal significant damage, but they cannot be repaired. Once their durability reaches zero, they break permanently. Therefore, they are best used as situational weapons for challenging enemies or bosses.
15. Where is the Games Learning Society website?
You can find out more about the Games Learning Society by visiting their website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/
Mastering the Blacksmiths: A Path to Victory
Ultimately, success in Dark Souls hinges on understanding its intricate systems, and blacksmithing is no exception. Don’t make the mistake of giving all Embers to Andre! By carefully distributing Embers to the appropriate blacksmiths, you’ll unlock a vast array of weapon options, allowing you to tailor your build to your preferred playstyle and conquer the challenges that await. Embrace the depth of the crafting system, experiment with different infusions, and forge your own path to victory in the harsh, unforgiving world of Lordran.