What To Do After Dragon Shrine in Dark Souls 2: A Comprehensive Guide
The Dragon Shrine in Dark Souls 2 is a pivotal location, often leaving players wondering about their next step. The area itself presents challenges, and understanding the path forward is crucial to progressing through the game. This guide will definitively answer the question: What do I do after Dragon Shrine? and provide additional context to help you navigate the complexities of Dark Souls 2.
The Path After Dragon Shrine: Back to Drangleic Castle
After conquering the challenges within the Dragon Shrine, your main objective is to return to Drangleic Castle. This is a necessary step towards completing the game and confronting the final bosses.
Here’s a detailed breakdown:
- Exit the Dragon Shrine: Once you’ve concluded your business in the Dragon Shrine, locate the exit which is on the other end of the area.
- Travel to the Shrine of Amana: From Dragon Shrine, your next destination will be Shrine of Amana. You will follow the pathway to the next area.
- Proceed to Undead Crypt: After finishing the Shrine of Amana, you’ll go through to the Undead Crypt. This zone is important to take care of some business and obtain vital items.
- Drangleic Castle Revisited: After the Undead Crypt, you’ll need to head back to Drangleic Castle by using the portal. Your previous visit there likely had you facing the Twin Dragonriders, but now you’re moving towards the final area of the game, the Throne Room.
- Enter the Throne Room: Inside the castle, locate the door leading to the Throne Room. This is where you will face the penultimate boss fights and, ultimately, the final boss.
The path after the Dragon Shrine is linear and essential to completing the game. The journey will lead you through key areas and confrontations that will test your skills and prepare you for the final challenges. This return to Drangleic Castle represents the final push towards completing Dark Souls 2.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about what to do after the Dragon Shrine, designed to address common confusion and provide additional clarity:
1. Is the Dragon Shrine Optional?
No, the Dragon Shrine itself is not optional. You need to traverse it to progress further in the story and reach the end-game areas. While you can, as the article suggests, get there by ignoring some enemies, the location itself is a vital step in the game.
2. What should I do after defeating the Guardian Dragon?
After defeating the Guardian Dragon in the Dragon Aerie, you need to continue through the following doorway and proceed across the bridge. Follow the hall, grab the Dragon Scale, and ascend the lift. From there, navigate through the door on your right and down the hall, which will lead you towards the Dragon Shrine.
3. Where do I go after the Ancient Dragon?
After defeating the Ancient Dragon, whether you chose to fight it or not, you will be heading towards Forest of Fallen Giants. From there, you will climb down the ladder in Cardinal Tower, defeat the enemies and cross the bridge requiring the Soldiers Key. You’ll then eventually be guided back to Drangleic Castle.
4. Who is the final boss in Dark Souls 2?
The final boss in Dark Souls 2 is Nashandra, the evil queen of Drangleic. She is encountered in the Throne of Want after defeating the Throne Watcher and Throne Defender.
5. What is the hardest boss in Dark Souls 2?
Many players consider Fume Knight from the Crown of the Old Iron King DLC to be the hardest boss in Dark Souls 2. His unpredictable attack patterns and challenging second phase make him a formidable foe.
6. What are the four main Lord Souls Bosses in Dark Souls 2?
The four main Lord Souls bosses are: The Lost Sinner, the Old Iron King, Duke’s Dear Freja, and The Rotten. Defeating these bosses is essential for progressing through the game.
7. What is the final location in Dark Souls 2?
The final location in Dark Souls 2 is the Throne Room, located within Drangleic Castle. This area houses the last few boss fights of the game, leading to the ultimate confrontation with Nashandra.
8. Is Aldia’s Keep Optional?
While you can technically bypass the initial ogre in Aldia’s Keep, the area itself is not entirely optional. You will need to explore it to advance the game, but you do not have to engage with every enemy.
9. What do I get for killing the Ancient Dragon?
For defeating the Ancient Dragon, you receive a Petrified Dragon Bone and a trophy. Additionally, you get a Giant Soul, which makes the fight with Vendrick easier, and you will get about 120,000 souls.
10. What do I need to get to the Throne of Want?
To reach the Throne of Want, start at the first bonfire in Drangleic Castle, take a left, and go through the door at the end of that section. Head downstairs, and you’ll find yourself in the Throne of Want area.
11. How do I get into Aldia’s Keep?
To gain access to Aldia’s Keep, you need the King’s Ring. Once you have it, travel to the Ruined Fork Road Bonfire in Shaded Woods, and use the central door.
12. Should I say yes or no to Aldia?
When talking to Aldia, say “Yes” when asked if you desire peace. This will trigger the scholar to disappear after the conversation. Saying “no” does nothing.
13. Is The Giant Lord optional?
The Giant Lord is not optional. You need to complete his boss fight to proceed in the game’s story and get all necessary items.
14. What is the hardest location in Dark Souls 2?
Many consider the Frigid Outskirts to be the hardest area in Dark Souls 2. Its reduced visibility, tough enemies, and challenging boss make it a notorious location.
15. Is King Vendrick optional?
King Vendrick is an optional boss located at the bottom of the Undead Crypt. You do not have to fight him to complete the game. However, he drops a Giant Soul when defeated.
Conclusion
Navigating the world of Dark Souls 2 after the Dragon Shrine can feel daunting, but with a clear understanding of your objectives, you can effectively progress towards the game’s conclusion. Remember, returning to Drangleic Castle is key, where you’ll encounter the Throne Room, the Throne Watcher, the Throne Defender, and ultimately, Nashandra. Don’t be afraid to consult this guide and tackle each challenge methodically, and you’ll surely succeed in overcoming the trials that Dark Souls 2 throws your way. Good luck, and may the flames guide thee!