What is the First Dark Souls 2 DLC? A Deep Dive into the Lost Crowns
The first Dark Souls 2 DLC is Crown of the Sunken King. Released on July 22, 2014, this expansion is the initial installment of the “Lost Crowns” trilogy, which adds significant new content to the critically acclaimed action RPG. It takes players to the Dragon Sanctum in the mysterious depths of Shulva.
Unveiling Crown of the Sunken King
Crown of the Sunken King introduces players to a completely new environment: Shulva, Sanctum City. This area is radically different from the base game’s locales, featuring intricate architecture, ancient ruins, and treacherous pathways. Players will face novel enemies and engage with challenging level design that pushes the limits of their skills.
The DLC’s narrative is tied to the pursuit of a fragmented crown, echoing the overarching themes of the “Lost Crowns” series. It delves into the history of the land and offers a unique perspective on the lore of Drangleic. As you progress through the Dragon Sanctum, you’ll uncover secrets and face a variety of new foes, culminating in powerful boss battles. The DLC bosses are particularly notable for their unique mechanics and high difficulty, often requiring players to adapt and strategize carefully.
How to Access Crown of the Sunken King
To begin your adventure in Crown of the Sunken King, you’ll need to travel to the Black Gulch area of the base game. The access point is located after defeating the boss, The Rotten. Once you have done so, a doorway leading to Shulva will become available, marking the start of the DLC’s content. Be aware that this area is designed to challenge players who have progressed through a fair portion of the main game.
Why Crown of the Sunken King Stands Out
- Unique Environment: Shulva is distinct from other areas in Dark Souls 2, offering a mix of claustrophobic corridors and open, expansive areas that test your combat skills and exploration abilities.
- Intricate Level Design: The map is designed to encourage careful navigation and requires players to use platforming and puzzle-solving skills, in addition to combat, making it a refreshing experience.
- Challenging Enemies and Bosses: Crown of the Sunken King introduces a range of new adversaries, some of which have unique behaviors and attack patterns. The boss fights are among the toughest in the entire game, demanding precise timing and resource management.
- Lore Expansion: This DLC sheds light on the background of Drangleic and adds layers to the overall narrative of Dark Souls 2, rewarding players interested in the deeper lore of the game.
- New Gear: You can find various new weapons, armor sets, and spells that can enhance your build and play style, offering a reason to revisit old builds and try something new.
A Must-Play for Dark Souls 2 Fans
Crown of the Sunken King is an essential experience for any Dark Souls 2 player. It provides a significant challenge and introduces fresh elements into the game that are absent from the main campaign. It sets the stage for the subsequent DLCs, making it a crucial component of the larger story and enriching your overall Dark Souls 2 journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 Frequently Asked Questions about the Dark Souls 2 DLC, especially focusing on the first one, Crown of the Sunken King, to provide additional insights for readers:
1. In what order should I play the Dark Souls 2 DLCs?
The recommended order is based on their release: Crown of the Sunken King (first), Crown of the Old Iron King (second), and Crown of the Ivory King (third). Playing them in this order offers a smooth progression in terms of difficulty and story.
2. Where do I start the Crown of the Sunken King DLC?
You start Crown of the Sunken King in the Black Gulch after defeating the Rotten. An obelisk will appear that teleports you to Shulva.
3. What is the first Dark Souls 2 DLC?
As stated previously, the first Dark Souls 2 DLC is Crown of the Sunken King.
4. How many DLCs does Dark Souls 2 have?
Dark Souls 2 has three DLCs in total, forming “The Lost Crowns” trilogy. These are Crown of the Sunken King, Crown of the Old Iron King, and Crown of the Ivory King.
5. Is the Dark Souls 2 DLC included in Scholar of the First Sin?
Yes, Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin includes all three DLCs.
6. When did the Crown of the Sunken King DLC come out?
Crown of the Sunken King was released on July 22, 2014.
7. What level should I be for the Dark Souls 2 DLC?
For a solo playthrough, being around level 80 is recommended, but co-op players might be fine as low as level 50.
8. Do I need to finish the base game before playing the DLCs?
No, it’s not necessary to finish the base game first. Dark Souls 2 does not automatically start a New Game+ (NG+) after the final boss, so you can access the DLC whenever you are ready.
9. Which Dark Souls 2 DLC is the hardest?
The general consensus is that Crown of the Old Iron King features some of the hardest boss fights, notably the Fume Knight. However, all three DLCs have challenging sections.
10. What new weapons and armor does Crown of the Sunken King offer?
The Crown of the Sunken King DLC introduces a variety of new weapons, armor, and spells, including those specifically designed for arcane builds.
11. How long does it take to complete Crown of the Sunken King?
Expect around 4-10 hours to complete the Crown of the Sunken King DLC, depending on your skill and exploration.
12. Can I access the DLC in co-op even if I don’t own it?
Yes, you can access the DLC through summoning even if you don’t own the Crown of the Sunken King.
13. Is Crown of the Sunken King very different from the main game?
Yes, Shulva, Sanctum City, has a unique atmosphere and level design compared to other areas of the main game. Expect more intricate maps with platforming elements.
14. What are some notable bosses in Crown of the Sunken King?
Notable bosses include Elana, the Squalid Queen, and Sinh, the Slumbering Dragon. These bosses are known for their complex move sets and challenging encounters.
15. Is it worth playing the Crown of the Sunken King?
Absolutely. The Crown of the Sunken King DLC offers a new and challenging experience for Dark Souls 2 fans with fresh levels, enemies, and lore, making it a vital addition to the game.