What Happens After You Beat the Nameless King in Dark Souls 3?
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After overcoming the formidable challenge of the Nameless King in Dark Souls 3, players might expect a grand finale, a new area, or perhaps a significant change to the game world. However, the immediate aftermath of defeating this optional boss is surprisingly understated. You receive 80,000 Souls and the Soul of the Nameless King, which can be transposed at Firelink Shrine into the Storm Curved Sword, Dragonslayer Swordspear, or Lightning Storm miracle. The Dragonslayer Set (Ornstein’s armor) can also be collected from the arena. Beyond these rewards, there is no new area unlocked, no additional cutscene, and no alteration to the main storyline. The game world remains as it was before the battle, ready for players to continue exploring and completing other objectives. This might seem anticlimactic given the difficulty and lore significance of the Nameless King, but it is important to understand that he is an optional, end-game boss and not a critical story milestone.
Understanding the Nameless King’s Significance
While the immediate impact of beating the Nameless King may seem limited, his importance within the game’s lore and his challenge to the player are substantial. He is believed to be Gwyn’s firstborn son, a powerful god of war stripped of his titles and history for siding with the dragons. This revelation adds depth to the game’s narrative and highlights the complex dynamics of the Dark Souls universe. His battle is regarded as one of the hardest boss fights in the series, requiring mastery of combat mechanics and a strategic approach. Overcoming this challenge is a testament to a player’s skill and dedication, marking a significant personal achievement.
Strategic Rewards
The ability to transpose his soul into powerful equipment and the acquisition of Ornstein’s armor are significant rewards in and of themselves. These items offer players new strategic advantages in combat, allowing for different builds and playstyles. The Dragonslayer Swordspear, for instance, is a formidable weapon that pairs well with dexterity and faith builds, while the Lightning Storm miracle provides powerful ranged offensive capabilities. These items can be instrumental in tackling other challenging areas, including the DLC content.
Exploration & Preparation
The victory over the Nameless King opens no new maps but presents an opportunity to consolidate all the previous battles’ learnings and loot. Players can now return to areas they previously struggled with, explore at will, and take on other optional challenges like the Old Demon King or bosses in DLC areas. This victory is also a point to assess your current position in the game – do you want to start New Game Plus or pursue the DLCs?
Continuing Your Journey
Defeating the Nameless King does not bring the game to its conclusion. Instead, it allows players to continue their playthrough with more tools and experience. Many use this opportunity to prepare for New Game+ (NG+), tackle the DLCs, or simply explore every nook and cranny of the Dark Souls 3 world. Beating the Nameless King is a notable achievement, but it’s not the “end” of your journey, it’s more of an apex along the way.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About the Nameless King and Beyond
1. Is the Nameless King the Last Boss in Dark Souls 3?
No, the Nameless King is an optional end-game boss and not the final boss. He is arguably one of the hardest boss encounters, but his defeat doesn’t trigger the end credits. The final boss is the Soul of Cinder.
2. Can You Fight the Nameless King After Beating the Final Boss?
Yes, you can face the Nameless King even after defeating the final boss. This is because he’s an optional encounter located in the Archdragon Peak area. You can explore and revisit him at any point after gaining access to the area.
3. Is the Nameless King Gwyn’s Son?
It is strongly implied that the Nameless King is Gwyn’s first-born son. He was stripped of his titles and history due to his affinity with the dragons. His immense power is likely due to his lineage.
4. What Rewards Do You Get For Defeating the Nameless King?
Upon defeating the Nameless King, you’ll receive 80,000 Souls and the Soul of the Nameless King. This soul can be transposed into the Storm Curved Sword, Dragonslayer Swordspear, or Lightning Storm miracle. Additionally, the Dragonslayer Set (Ornstein’s armor) can be found in the arena.
5. Is the Nameless King a God?
Yes, the Nameless King was once a powerful god of war, deeply revered in his time before he sided with the dragons and was erased from history.
6. Who Trained Ornstein?
It’s said that Ornstein was the first knight trained by the Nameless King. Ornstein later left Anor Londo in search of his former mentor.
7. What Are the Nameless King’s Weaknesses and Resistances?
The Nameless King is weak to dark and fire damage. He is resistant to bleed, frost, and lightning damage. The first phase with the King of Storms is weak to magic, but resistant to fire.
8. Why is the Nameless King Called the “Nameless” King?
He is referred to as the “Nameless King” because he was stripped of his name and titles by Gwyn for his allegiance to the dragons. He was essentially erased from history.
9. Does Solaire Have a Connection to the Nameless King?
No, Solaire is not related to the Nameless King. There is no confirmation that they have any familial connection, and popular theory leans towards Solaire being another Sun worshiper.
10. Why Did the Nameless King Betray Gwyn?
The Nameless King betrayed Gwyn to protect his child, Priscilla, a crossbreed born among the dragons. Gwyn then punished the Nameless King and locked away Priscilla in the Painted World.
11. What is the Recommended Vigor Level for the Nameless King Fight?
It’s generally recommended to have at least 40 Vigor for the fight against the Nameless King. This ensures you can withstand his powerful attacks.
12. Can You Bleed the Nameless King?
While he’s resistant to bleed, it is possible to inflict bleed damage on the Nameless King after multiple hits. Using a bleed weapon may allow for critical hits and significant damage boosts.
13. How Many People Have Defeated the Nameless King?
Relatively few players have defeated the Nameless King when compared with general playthrough stats. Around 32.3% of players who have played Dark Souls 3 have overcome him, making him one of the less completed achievements. However, 88.2% of players who reach Archdragon Peak have gone on to beat the Nameless King.
14. What is the “True Ending” of Dark Souls 3?
There is no official “True Ending” in Dark Souls 3, or any of the Dark Souls games. The endings are often ambiguous and intentionally leave a great deal to the players’ interpretation.
15. Can I Start Ringed City After the Soul of Cinder?
Yes, you can start the Ringed City DLC after defeating the Soul of Cinder. You can go into NG+ or continue exploring the world at any time using the Shrine Bonfire. It is recommended to complete the Ashes of Ariandel DLC before the Ringed City DLC.