What Happens If Solaire Dies in Battle? A Comprehensive Guide to Solaire’s Fate in Dark Souls
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So, you’re traversing the treacherous lands of Lordran, basking in the “jolly cooperation” of Solaire of Astora, and a horrifying thought crosses your mind: What if he dies? Fear not, Chosen Undead, for this is a question many have pondered, and the answer is less grim than you might initially think.
If Solaire dies during a boss fight while summoned as a phantom, it is not a permanent death. You’re only witnessing the demise of his spectral projection. His “real” body remains untouched, ready for another round of sun-praising and ass-kicking. However, if Solaire dies in his physical form, usually after going hollow and becoming hostile, then his death is permanent, impacting your ability to summon him for boss fights, including the final showdown with Gwyn.
This distinction is crucial. Solaire’s storyline and availability depend on how you interact with him and the specific circumstances surrounding his potential demise. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a new player, there are different ways to approach each fight and make sure that Solaire remains available to you for future fights.
Understanding Solaire’s Questline and Summoning Mechanics
Solaire’s journey is one of the most beloved storylines in Dark Souls, filled with warmth, optimism, and the pursuit of his own “sun.” His quest intertwines with yours, and knowing the intricacies of his summoning mechanics is vital for maximizing your jolly cooperation. Understanding how and when to summon him impacts not only your chances of victory but also the unfolding of his personal narrative.
The Phantom Form vs. Physical Form
When you summon Solaire, you’re not pulling his physical body into your world. Instead, you’re calling upon a phantom – a spectral projection of himself. This phantom can die during combat, but it doesn’t affect Solaire’s physical existence. His summon sign will reappear in the same location after you refresh the area (usually by resting at a bonfire or warping to another location).
However, Solaire also exists as a physical NPC in the game world. You’ll encounter him at various locations, like the Undead Burg bonfire, Anor Londo, and Lost Izalith. If Solaire dies in his physical form, particularly after he becomes hollow in Lost Izalith, it’s a permanent death with significant consequences. He will no longer be available for summoning, and a portion of his questline will be irrevocably altered.
Protecting Solaire and His Questline
To ensure you can summon Solaire for Gwyn, you need to take specific steps to save him from going hollow. This involves opening a shortcut in Lost Izalith before encountering him there. This requires joining the Chaos Servant covenant and offering 30 humanity to the Fair Lady. This allows you access to a door leading to the Chaos Bugs, one of which is the Red-Eyed Chaos Bug. Killing this bug prevents Solaire from being infected by the Sunlight Maggot and subsequently going hollow.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solaire’s Survival
Here are 15 of the most commonly asked questions surrounding Solaire’s fate, ensuring you’re fully equipped to navigate his questline successfully.
1. Does Solaire have to survive every boss fight to continue his quest?
No, Solaire does not need to survive every boss fight in which you summon him as a phantom. His phantom dying is inconsequential to his overall quest progression, as long as he doesn’t die permanently in his physical form.
2. Can I summon Solaire again if his phantom dies?
Yes, you can summon Solaire again after his phantom is defeated in battle. Simply return to the location where his summon sign appears and interact with it again. You may need to reload the area by resting at a bonfire first.
3. What happens if I don’t summon Solaire at all?
Not summoning Solaire will not interrupt his questline. He will progress to his next designated location regardless of whether you summon him for boss fights or not. The key is preventing him from going hollow.
4. How do I save Solaire from going hollow in Lost Izalith?
To save Solaire, you must open the shortcut in Lost Izalith by offering 30 humanity to the Fair Lady in the Chaos Servant covenant. This allows you to kill the Red-Eyed Chaos Bug before encountering Solaire, preventing him from being infected by the Sunlight Maggot.
5. What are the consequences of Solaire going hollow?
If Solaire goes hollow, he will become hostile and attack you. You will have to kill him, resulting in his permanent death and preventing you from summoning him for the final boss fight with Gwyn.
6. Is it worth saving Solaire?
Yes, saving Solaire is highly worthwhile. Not only do you get to experience his positive presence throughout the game, but he also becomes the only NPC you can summon for the final boss fight. Plus, it’s the “good” ending for his character arc.
7. What happens if I kill Solaire?
Killing Solaire results in his permanent death. You will obtain his armor and shield, but you will no longer be able to summon him for any boss fights. Additionally, you’ll miss out on his positive presence and the “good” ending to his quest.
8. Can I get Solaire’s armor without killing him?
No, you cannot obtain Solaire’s armor without killing him. His armor becomes available only upon his death, either by your hand or after he goes hollow.
9. Does Solaire have a happy ending?
Solaire’s questline has two possible endings. Either he goes hollow and dies, or you save him from the Sunlight Maggot, allowing him to assist you in the final battle. The “happy ending” involves saving him and summoning him for the Gwyn fight.
10. Is Solaire the Nameless King?
No, Solaire is not the Nameless King. This was a popular fan theory, but Dark Souls III clarified that the Nameless King is Gwyn’s firstborn son, whose name was stricken from the annals of history.
11. What is the canon ending for Solaire?
The canon ending for Solaire is open to interpretation. Some believe the canon ending is him linking the fire in his own world. Others argue that the true canon ending involves saving Solaire and having him assist in the final battle.
12. How much humanity do I need to save Solaire?
You need 30 humanity to offer to the Fair Lady in the Chaos Servant covenant to unlock the shortcut leading to the Red-Eyed Chaos Bug, which you must kill to save Solaire.
13. Can Solaire help with the Gwyn fight?
Yes, Solaire can help you fight Gwyn if you save him from going hollow in Lost Izalith. Once saved, his summon sign will appear near the fog gate leading to Gwyn.
14. Why does Solaire want the sunlight maggot?
Solaire doesn’t want the Sunlight Maggot. He’s drawn to it because he mistakes it for his own “sun,” the goal of his quest. He’s desperate to find his own purpose and fulfill his personal quest, leading him to be vulnerable to its influence.
15. How many times can you summon Solaire?
You can summon Solaire as many times as you wish as long as he is available and his phantom dies during the fight. You will need to reload or refresh the area where you saw his summon sign the first time.
The Importance of Jolly Cooperation
Solaire of Astora is more than just a helpful NPC; he’s a symbol of hope, camaraderie, and the spirit of “jolly cooperation” that defines the Dark Souls experience. His unwavering optimism and dedication to his quest resonate with players, making him one of the most beloved characters in the series. Whether you’re striving to save him from his tragic fate or simply seeking a reliable companion for challenging boss fights, Solaire’s presence enriches the world of Dark Souls in profound ways.
Remember, whether Solaire lives or dies ultimately comes down to your choices and actions. Take the time to understand his questline, protect him from harm, and embrace the joy of cooperative gameplay. Praise the sun! For more information on the educational applications of games, please visit the Games Learning Society website.