What Do I Get for Killing Vendrick? A Deep Dive into Dark Souls 2’s Optional King
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Killing King Vendrick in Dark Souls 2 is far from a straightforward affair, and it’s understandable why many players wonder what exactly they’re getting in return for such a challenging and potentially confusing encounter. The immediate reward is somewhat underwhelming – you receive a modest amount of souls, not much for such a mighty foe. Vendrick himself does not drop any items or equipment. However, the true benefits of defeating Vendrick lie in the subsequent consequences and the unlocking of other content in the game.
The Primary Reward: Access to Endgame Content
The most significant reward for slaying the mad king is that you unlock the ability to retrieve Vendrick’s Soul and his armor set. This is not done through a direct item drop. Instead, these items are found in the Shrine of Amana, behind a door that can only be opened after Vendrick falls. The door, located behind the large branches, conceals a chest containing the King’s set. His soul can be found in the chair in the room.
Beyond the immediate items, defeating Vendrick is a pivotal step towards accessing a hidden boss: Aldia, Scholar of the First Sin. This battle is often referred to as the “true ending” of Dark Souls 2 and is only available if you meet certain conditions, including having defeated Vendrick.
The Ripple Effect: A Deeper Dive
Defeating Vendrick impacts the larger narrative of the game and how it concludes. While Vendrick himself is optional, his death is almost essential for players seeking the most complete experience. For those that seek the most story and most difficult challenges, killing him is a must.
In summary, while the immediate rewards are not spectacular, the true reward lies in what killing Vendrick unlocks:
- Vendrick’s Soul and Armor Set: A unique armor set and soul of the king are found at the Shrine of Amana after his defeat.
- Access to Aldia, Scholar of the First Sin: Unlocks the opportunity to fight the secret final boss and unlock the “true ending.”
- Completes a Key Requirement for the Full Game Experience: Defeating Vendrick is an important step in unveiling the deeper narrative threads of Dark Souls 2.
Frequently Asked Questions About King Vendrick
Is King Vendrick the final boss of Dark Souls 2?
No, Vendrick is not the final boss. He is an optional boss found at the bottom of the Undead Crypt. The true final boss battle takes place in the Throne of Want, after the player has acquired the Ashen Mist and the Giant Lord soul. Vendrick is an important milestone in the game but is not a mandatory boss to complete the initial storyline.
Do I have to kill Vendrick to complete the game?
No, you do not have to kill Vendrick to reach the initial end credits of Dark Souls 2. He is an optional boss. You can complete the main story and see the regular ending without ever engaging him. However, killing Vendrick is necessary to access the Aldia fight and the true ending.
What happens if I don’t kill Vendrick?
If you don’t kill Vendrick, you will miss the opportunity to fight Aldia, the Scholar of the First Sin. This means you will also miss out on the second possible ending and will have to restart the game to face him. You will not be able to obtain his armor set or his soul without defeating him.
What are the Giant Souls and why do I need them to fight Vendrick?
Giant Souls are special items that significantly affect your damage output against Vendrick. For each Giant Soul you possess, you will deal roughly double the damage to him. Having all 5 Giant Souls will allow you to inflict normal damage. Without them, Vendrick will be incredibly difficult to hurt and will likely not even properly aggro into combat.
Where do I get Giant Souls?
There are 5 Giant Souls in total, obtainable as follows:
- 3 from the Memories of the Giants: Accessed using the Ashen Mist Heart.
- 1 from the Giants in the Black Gulch.
- 1 from the Ancient Dragon.
Can I beat Vendrick without Giant Souls?
Yes, it is technically possible to beat Vendrick without any Giant Souls, but it will be a massive challenge. You would need an optimized build, utilize every advantage possible and have great skill to compensate for the reduced damage. Some strategies, like staying under his left leg and using a lightning weapon, can make this challenge slightly more manageable, but will still be extremely lengthy.
Does killing Vendrick end the game?
No, killing Vendrick does not end the game. You can continue playing after defeating him, and you can even continue after beating the final boss and seeing the credits. You are free to explore the world, tackle DLC areas, or begin New Game Plus when you are ready.
Is Vendrick harder than the final boss?
While this is a subjective question, many players find Vendrick to be considerably harder than the initial final boss (Nashandra). This is largely due to his high defenses, the need for Giant Souls to do normal damage, and the fact that most players engage with him before their final encounter. However, it is also noted that most players are over-prepared for the initial final boss.
Can I fight Vendrick before the DLC?
Yes, you can fight Vendrick before or after engaging with any of the DLC content. His fight does not directly relate to the DLC progression, although the crowns of the DLC can offer extra dialogue options with him.
Does completing the DLCs affect the Vendrick fight?
Not directly. However, collecting the crowns from the DLCs will provide you with additional dialogue with Vendrick. In addition, upon wearing the crowns after talking to Vendrick, you will be given Vendrick’s Blessing, which has its own effects. The crowns do not change his stats or moveset.
How do I get Vendrick’s armor set?
After defeating Vendrick, go to the Shrine of Amana. Look for the large door behind the branches that can now be opened (only possible after killing Vendrick). Within this room, his soul will be in the chair. Look to the left to find a chest containing the armor set.
What is the best weapon for fighting Vendrick?
There is no single “best weapon,” but katanas are often recommended due to their counter damage and wider hitboxes. Staying at his feet and countering his attacks is a solid general strategy. Weapons that inflict bleed damage can also be effective. Experiment to find the playstyle and weapons that best suit you.
Why isn’t Vendrick attacking me?
If Vendrick is not attacking, it is likely because you are doing so little damage that he is not properly aggroing into combat. This happens when you fight him without using Giant Souls. Equip and use more of them until he starts to respond.
Is there a “true ending” in Dark Souls 2, and how do I get it?
Yes, there is a “true ending.” To trigger this, you need to talk to Aldia multiple times throughout your playthrough, defeat Vendrick, and then visit the Dragon Shrine. Choosing the new dialogue option at the Dragon Shrine will make Aldia appear during the Nashandra fight at the Throne of Want. If you defeat him and leave the throne room, a darker ending will play.
Do you need to kill Sir Alonne to fight Vendrick or obtain his armor?
No. Sir Alonne is not directly related to the Vendrick questline. He is found in the Old Iron King DLC. The final wedge, obtained from Alonne’s room, is an item to continue the DLC’s story. It is not required for the main game, and it is not required for Vendrick.