Unlocking the Secrets: Which Ember Do You Need to Forge Boss Weapons in Dark Souls?

The answer to forging Boss Weapons in the original Dark Souls lies with a specific Ember: the Large Ember. However, simply possessing the Ember isn’t enough; you also need the soul of the boss you wish to transpose, the appropriate weapon to ascend, sufficient souls, and access to the right blacksmith. Let’s delve deeper into the intricate process of crafting these powerful armaments.

The Importance of the Large Ember and Blacksmith Ascension

The Large Ember is the crucial ingredient needed to unlock the ability to upgrade weapons past a certain point, specifically +5. This is a prerequisite for creating Boss Weapons. Once you have the Large Ember, you must entrust it to a capable blacksmith, most commonly Andrei in the Undead Parish. Giving Andrei the Large Ember enables him (and potentially other blacksmiths, once he possesses the knowledge) to reinforce standard weapons to +6 and beyond, all the way to +10.

The next step involves ascending a compatible weapon to +10. The specific weapon depends on the Boss Soul you want to utilize. For example, to create Quelaag’s Furysword from Quelaag’s Soul, you need a +10 Curved Sword.

The final piece of the puzzle is the Giant Blacksmith in Anor Londo. He is the only blacksmith capable of transmuting Boss Souls into unique weapons, provided you have the required weapon upgraded to +10 and the necessary souls (usually 5,000).

Step-by-Step Guide to Forging Boss Weapons

Here’s a breakdown of the process:

1. Acquire the Large Ember: This is located in The Depths. Progress through the area until you reach a room with a Butcher and an Undead Attack Dog. The Ember is found in a chest in this room.

2. Give the Large Ember to Andrei: Travel back to the Undead Parish and give the Large Ember to Andrei.

3. Obtain the Desired Boss Soul: Defeat the boss whose weapon you wish to create. Keep their Soul. Do not consume it for souls!

4. Upgrade the Required Weapon to +10: Consult a guide to determine which base weapon is required for the specific Boss Weapon you desire. Upgrade that weapon to +10 using standard titanite shards, large titanite shards, chunks, and a titanite slab.

5. Travel to Anor Londo: Make your way to Anor Londo and find the Giant Blacksmith.

6. Transmute the Boss Soul: Speak to the Giant Blacksmith with the +10 weapon and the Boss Soul in your inventory. Select the option to create the Boss Weapon, and pay the required soul cost (typically 5,000 souls).

Understanding Ember Mechanics in Dark Souls

Embers in Dark Souls are not like upgrade materials. They are key items that unlock new upgrade paths for blacksmiths. Giving a specific Ember to a blacksmith grants them the knowledge and ability to forge weapons along that particular path. Without the proper Embers, blacksmiths are limited in what they can create and reinforce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Embers and Boss Weapons

Q1: Can I use the Large Ember myself?

No, the Large Ember is a key item that must be given to a blacksmith, specifically Andrei in the Undead Parish or another blacksmith like the Giant Blacksmith in Anor Londo, to unlock advanced weapon upgrade paths. You cannot use it directly on a weapon.

Q2: What happens if I accidentally consume a Boss Soul?

Consuming a Boss Soul grants you a large number of souls, but it prevents you from creating the corresponding Boss Weapon. However, in New Game Plus (NG+), you can re-fight the boss and obtain another soul.

Q3: Can any blacksmith forge Boss Weapons?

No, only the Giant Blacksmith in Anor Londo can forge Boss Weapons in Dark Souls. Other blacksmiths can upgrade standard weapons, but not transmute Boss Souls.

Q4: Where can I find Titanite Slabs for final weapon upgrades?

Titanite Slabs are rare upgrade materials. One can be found in the Asylum, given by the Stray Demon upon defeating him. Another can be found in the Oolacile Township DLC. The Darkwraiths in New Londo Ruins may also drop them.

Q5: What other Embers are important in Dark Souls?

Other essential Embers include the Divine Ember, the Large Divine Ember, the Dark Ember, the Chaos Flame Ember, and the Crystal Ember. These unlock Divine, Occult, Dark, Fire/Chaos, and Crystal upgrade paths, respectively.

Q6: Can I give multiple Embers to the same blacksmith?

Yes, you can give multiple Embers to the same blacksmith. In fact, you must give Andrei multiple Embers to unlock all of his upgrade capabilities.

Q7: What’s the best Boss Weapon to create?

The “best” Boss Weapon is subjective and depends on your build and playstyle. Quelaag’s Furysword is excellent for Dexterity/Fire builds, the Greatsword of Artorias (Cursed) is useful for specific areas, and the Great Lord Greatsword is good for Strength builds.

Q8: Do I need the DLC to create certain Boss Weapons?

Yes, some Boss Weapons, such as those made from the souls of DLC bosses like Artorias and Manus, require the Artorias of the Abyss DLC.

Q9: Are Boss Weapons better than standard weapons?

Not necessarily. Boss Weapons often have unique movesets and elemental damage, but they may have scaling limitations or require specific stat investments. Standard weapons, when upgraded and infused properly, can be equally or even more effective.

Q10: What scaling does Quelaag’s Furysword have?

Quelaag’s Furysword primarily scales with Dexterity, and to a lesser extent with Humanity. The more Humanity you possess (up to 10), the higher its fire damage will be.

Q11: Can I trade Boss Weapons with other players?

Yes, you can trade Boss Weapons with other players in Dark Souls, provided they are within your soul level range for multiplayer.

Q12: Where do I find the Chaos Flame Ember?

The Chaos Flame Ember is found in the Demon Ruins, in the lava area behind the Taurus Demon mini-bosses, near the Chaos Servant bonfire. You must defeat Ceaseless Discharge to access this area.

Q13: Which blacksmith should I give the Chaos Flame Ember to?

Give the Chaos Flame Ember to Vamos in The Catacombs. This will allow him to upgrade your +5 Fire weapons to Chaos and Chaos +5.

Q14: Does the Giant Blacksmith offer any other services besides transmuting boss souls?

Besides transmuting Boss Souls, the Giant Blacksmith also sells unique weapons and armor, and he can fully upgrade any weapon along any upgrade path to +15. He is a valuable resource in Anor Londo.

Q15: I’m having trouble defeating a particular boss. Is there a Games Learning Society resource to help me improve my skills?

While the Games Learning Society primarily focuses on the educational aspects of gaming and the learning principles found in game design, understanding game mechanics is definitely part of the learning curve in a game like Dark Souls! Understanding mechanics like boss patterns, timing and spatial skills are key. Explore the GamesLearningSociety.org website to see if there is a way to connect with other players and learn to collaborate and learn together. And remember, don’t give up – you’ll eventually “git gud!”

By understanding the importance of the Large Ember, the roles of different blacksmiths, and the specific requirements for each Boss Weapon, you’ll be well-equipped to forge powerful armaments and conquer the challenges of Dark Souls. Happy hunting, and may the flames guide thee!