Should You Side with Kaathe in Dark Souls? A Comprehensive Guide
So, you’ve reached a crossroads in Dark Souls. Two ancient serpents, Frampt and Kaathe, offer you guidance, seemingly leading to the same destination but with vastly different underlying philosophies. The question isn’t simple, and the answer depends entirely on your desired experience. Should you side with Kaathe? If you’re seeking to break the cycle of the First Flame, embrace the Age of Dark, and explore the morally grey areas of Lordran’s lore, then siding with Kaathe is the path you should choose. However, be aware of the consequences and understand the true implications of your decision.
Understanding Kaathe’s Perspective
Kaathe, the Darkstalker, presents an alternative to the perpetuation of the Age of Fire. He argues that the Age of Gods is ending, and humans are destined to inherit the world. He sees the linking of the First Flame as a futile act, a desperate attempt to delay the inevitable decline of the old order. Siding with Kaathe means embracing the coming Age of Dark, allowing humanity to rise and potentially forge its own destiny.
Frampt, on the other hand, advocates for the continuation of the cycle. He encourages you to sacrifice yourself to rekindle the First Flame, ensuring the Age of Gods persists. From Kaathe’s perspective, this is nothing more than prolonging an outdated and ultimately doomed era.
Choosing between them is more than just a gameplay decision; it’s a philosophical one that delves into the core themes of Dark Souls: stagnation versus change, tradition versus progress, and the burden of choice. It’s a question that resonates deeply, prompting players to consider the ethical implications of their actions within the game’s rich narrative landscape. This exploration of moral ambiguity through gameplay is a key element of what makes Dark Souls so compelling and ties in with discussions held by the Games Learning Society, which examines the educational aspects of gaming. You can learn more about this organization and its initiatives at GamesLearningSociety.org.
The Consequences of Siding with Kaathe
The immediate consequence of siding with Kaathe is gaining access to the Darkwraith covenant. This provides you with the Red Eye Orb, allowing for unlimited invasions of other players’ worlds. You also receive the Dark Hand, a weapon that can drain humanity from other players. This is a powerful tool for PvP, and embracing this covenant is a significant part of siding with Kaathe.
The long-term consequences are less tangible but equally significant. You unlock the Dark Lord ending, where you refuse to link the First Flame and instead claim the throne as the ruler of the Age of Dark. This ending suggests a future where humanity is ascendant, but also hints at the potential for chaos and destruction.
The Morality of Kaathe’s Actions
It’s crucial to remember that Kaathe is no benevolent savior. While he presents a compelling argument for the Age of Dark, his methods are often manipulative and destructive. He’s known for corrupting the Four Kings, leading to the fall of New Londo. His motives are complex, and it’s not entirely clear whether he truly cares about humanity’s well-being or is simply seeking to advance his own agenda.
Ultimately, the choice to side with Kaathe is a personal one. It’s a decision that should be based on your understanding of his perspective, the consequences of your actions, and your own moral compass.
FAQs: Siding with Kaathe in Dark Souls
Can I side with Kaathe after talking to Frampt?
Yes, but you have to avoid letting Frampt transport you to the Firelink Altar. To side with Kaathe after talking to Frampt, do not let Frampt take you down to place the Lordvessel. Instead, go to the Four Kings boss, defeat them, and meet Kaathe in the abyss.
What happens if I place the Lordvessel with Frampt?
If you place the Lordvessel with Frampt, you lock yourself out of the Darkwraith covenant and the Dark Lord ending. Frampt will be your only option.
How do I join the Darkwraith covenant?
To join the Darkwraith covenant, you must defeat the Four Kings before talking to Frampt. Kaathe will appear in the Abyss after the fight. Talk to him, and he will offer you the chance to join his covenant.
What are the benefits of joining the Darkwraith covenant?
Joining the Darkwraith covenant grants you the Red Eye Orb (unlimited invasions) and the Dark Hand (a weapon that drains humanity). You also gain access to the covenant’s unique armor and items as you rank up.
Is Kaathe a “bad guy”?
Kaathe is a morally ambiguous character. His methods are questionable, and he’s responsible for significant destruction. However, his perspective on the Age of Dark is compelling, and he offers an alternative to the cycle of the First Flame.
Does siding with Kaathe affect gameplay?
Aside from granting access to the Darkwraith covenant and unlocking the Dark Lord ending, siding with Kaathe has minimal impact on gameplay. You can still access all areas of the game and fight all the bosses.
Can I still invade other players if I don’t join the Darkwraith covenant?
Yes, you can still invade other players using the Cracked Red Eye Orb or through other covenants. The Red Eye Orb from the Darkwraiths offers unlimited invasions.
What is the Dark Lord ending?
The Dark Lord ending is achieved by refusing to link the First Flame after defeating Gwyn. Instead, you claim the throne as the ruler of the Age of Dark.
Does the Age of Dark mean the end of the world?
The Age of Dark is not necessarily the end of the world, but rather a new era dominated by humanity. Its implications are open to interpretation. It is not necessarily a negative thing to occur.
What is the difference between Kaathe and Frampt?
Kaathe advocates for the Age of Dark and the rise of humanity. Frampt supports the continuation of the Age of Fire and the perpetuation of the cycle.
Can I use Kaathe’s services without joining the Darkwraith covenant?
No, you cannot use Kaathe’s services without joining the Darkwraith covenant.
Will Frampt attack me if I side with Kaathe?
Frampt will become hostile and call you a “forlorn soul” if you side with Kaathe after meeting him.
Does siding with Kaathe make the game harder?
Siding with Kaathe does not directly make the game harder. However, the Darkwraith covenant encourages PvP, which can be challenging.
Is there a “correct” choice between Kaathe and Frampt?
There is no “correct” choice. The decision depends on your personal preferences and your interpretation of the game’s lore.
How do I get the Dark Lord ending?
To get the Dark Lord ending, you must:
- Defeat the Four Kings before talking to Frampt.
- Talk to Kaathe in the Abyss and join the Darkwraith covenant.
- Place the Lordvessel.
- Defeat Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, and refuse to link the First Flame.
Ultimately, the decision to side with Kaathe or Frampt in Dark Souls rests on your understanding of their motivations, the consequences of your actions, and your own personal interpretation of the game’s world. It’s a choice that encourages players to delve deeper into the lore and consider the ethical implications of their actions. This philosophical depth is a key reason why Dark Souls continues to resonate with players long after they’ve put down the controller.