What Happened to Solaire in Dark Souls 3?

Solaire of Astora is conspicuously absent from Dark Souls 3. He doesn’t appear as an NPC, nor is there a direct reference to his fate within the game’s core narrative. The prevailing consensus is that Solaire’s story concludes in Dark Souls 1, regardless of the ending he receives there. He is not part of the Dark Souls 3 timeline. Any similarities or connections perceived by players are likely intended as thematic echoes or references to the enduring legacy of the Sun Bro, rather than direct continuations of his personal story. While his absence is deeply felt by many players, his journey ends with Dark Souls 1, either in glory or tragedy.

The Absence of a Shining Knight

The world of Dark Souls is filled with characters whose narratives are often left ambiguous, forcing players to piece together fragments of lore. However, the absence of Solaire is particularly striking given his popularity. He was a beacon of hope and camaraderie in a bleak world, a cheerful warrior driven by his quest to find “his own sun.” So, why isn’t he in Dark Souls 3?

The primary reason is narrative closure. Solaire’s story, while branching, finds a definitive conclusion in the first game. He either achieves his goal, albeit in a tragically twisted way if the player isn’t careful, or he triumphs alongside the player in defeating Gwyn. Introducing him in Dark Souls 3 would necessitate altering or undoing these established endings, which would undermine the weight and impact of his original story. Dark Souls 3 focuses on entirely different characters and stories, with only thematic parallels between the games.

Echoes of the Sun: References and Similarities

While Solaire doesn’t make a direct appearance, Dark Souls 3 includes subtle nods that acknowledge his impact and legacy. These connections, while not concrete evidence of his presence, are enough to keep his memory alive among fans:

• Warrior of Sunlight Covenant: The covenant established by Solaire in Dark Souls 1 returns in Dark Souls 3, allowing players to summon and be summoned for cooperative play. This is a clear callback to Solaire’s iconic summoning sign and his belief in the power of jolly cooperation.

• Sunlight Straight Sword: While not Solaire’s personal weapon, the Sunlight Straight Sword returns, its description hinting at its connection to a warrior who sought the sun. This serves as a tangible reminder of Solaire’s influence and the values he embodied.

• Armor and Gestures: While his exact armor set isn’t present, certain armor pieces and the “Praise the Sun” gesture are obtainable, further solidifying Solaire’s legacy within the game world.

• Character Archetypes: Certain NPCs in Dark Souls 3, such as Anri of Astora, share thematic similarities with Solaire. They are driven by a quest, often involving aiding the player, and represent a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. These similarities, however, are not indicative of a direct connection to Solaire. They simply represent repeating themes and archetypes that define the Dark Souls world.

Why Bring Solaire Back Would Be a Mistake

Some players have expressed a desire to see Solaire return in Dark Souls 3. However, bringing him back would introduce several narrative and thematic problems:

• Undermining the Original Story: As previously mentioned, Solaire’s story in Dark Souls 1 has a definitive ending, whether triumphant or tragic. Reviving him would necessitate altering or erasing that ending, diluting its emotional impact.

• Fan Service vs. Narrative Integrity: Bringing back beloved characters purely for fan service can detract from the overall narrative integrity. Dark Souls games are known for their melancholic themes and the sense of loss that pervades the world. Simply resurrecting a character like Solaire would run counter to this established tone.

• Shifting the Focus: Dark Souls 3 is its own story with its own characters and conflicts. Introducing Solaire would shift the focus away from these new narratives and potentially diminish the impact of the new characters.

Ultimately, Solaire’s absence in Dark Souls 3 is a testament to the series’ commitment to its narrative integrity. While his absence is felt, his legacy lives on through the covenants, items, and thematic echoes that permeate the game world. His story, while ending in Dark Souls 1, remains one of the most memorable and beloved in the entire series.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Solaire dead in Dark Souls 3?

No one knows for sure if Solaire is dead in Dark Souls 3, as he does not appear in the game. His story ends in Dark Souls 1, with various possible outcomes. It’s safe to assume he is not part of the timeline.

2. Can I find Solaire’s armor in Dark Souls 3?

Solaire’s specific armor set is not directly available in Dark Souls 3. However, elements of it and similar armor designs can be found, representing his legacy.

3. Is the Sunlight Straight Sword Solaire’s sword?

The Sunlight Straight Sword is not confirmed to be Solaire’s exact weapon, but it is heavily implied to be connected to him or warriors of similar ideals, as it is imbued with the power of sunlight.

4. Is Anri of Astora related to Solaire?

Anri of Astora shares thematic similarities with Solaire, both being warriors from Astora on a quest. However, there is no direct narrative connection between them.

5. Why isn’t Solaire mentioned in Dark Souls 3?

Solaire is not directly mentioned in Dark Souls 3 likely because his story concludes in Dark Souls 1. Introducing him would necessitate altering or undoing established endings.

6. What does “Praise the Sun” mean in Dark Souls 3?

“Praise the Sun” is a gesture and philosophy associated with Solaire, representing optimism and cooperation in the face of adversity. In Dark Souls 3, it’s a nod to his enduring legacy.

7. Does joining the Warrior of Sunlight covenant connect me to Solaire?

Joining the Warrior of Sunlight covenant allows players to embody the spirit of cooperation and faith in the sun, which Solaire championed. It connects you to his ideals, not directly to him.

8. Are there any secret Solaire encounters in Dark Souls 3?

There are no secret Solaire encounters in Dark Souls 3. His absence is intentional, and any perceived connections are thematic rather than literal.

9. Could Solaire be a boss in Dark Souls 3?

Solaire is not a boss in Dark Souls 3. Some players might perceive parallels with certain bosses, but these are likely unintentional or thematic resonances.

10. Does Solaire appear in any of the Dark Souls 3 DLC?

Solaire does not appear in any of the Dark Souls 3 DLC (Ashes of Ariandel and The Ringed City). His story remains confined to Dark Souls 1.

11. What ending is considered canon for Solaire’s story?

There’s no officially canon ending for Solaire’s story. Both the tragic and triumphant outcomes in Dark Souls 1 are valid interpretations of his journey.

12. Is Solaire a god in the Dark Souls universe?

Solaire is not a god in the Dark Souls universe. He is a skilled warrior driven by his personal quest to find his own sun.

13. What’s the significance of the sun for Solaire?

The sun represents enlightenment, hope, and purpose for Solaire. He seeks it as a guiding force in his life and a source of inner strength.

14. How popular is Solaire among Dark Souls fans?

Solaire is exceptionally popular among Dark Souls fans due to his optimism, cheerful demeanor, and the spirit of cooperation he embodies.

15. Will Solaire ever return in a future Dark Souls game?

The likelihood of Solaire returning in a future Dark Souls game is very low. His story has a definitive conclusion, and reviving him would likely undermine the established lore and themes of the series. It is best to remember him as the beloved Sun Bro from Dark Souls 1.