Unlocking Secrets: The Forgotten Key in Dark Souls 2
The Forgotten Key in Dark Souls 2 is a crucial item that opens several secret doors, granting access to powerful items, challenging areas, and hidden characters. Specifically, this key unlocks three distinct locations across the game world, each offering unique rewards and experiences. It’s not just about progressing the main story; it’s about exploring the game’s depths and uncovering some of its most valuable secrets. Obtaining this key is not a straightforward process, requiring players to delve into a dangerous area and defeat formidable foes. This key is a highly sought after item due to its value in progression and obtaining unique gear.
What the Forgotten Key Unlocks
The Forgotten Key opens doors in the following locations:
- The Door Above the Black Gulch: This door leads to the area where you can find Darkdiver Grandahl. He is a key NPC for joining the Pilgrims of Dark covenant. Accessing him through this door gives you a shortcut to an area where you can begin this covenant’s questline, requiring considerable effort and dedication.
- A Door in The Gutter: This door grants access to a chest containing Havel’s Set. This is a heavy armor set, coveted by players who prefer a tank-like build. Havel’s Set offers extremely high physical defense but also requires high levels of equip load. It’s a substantial reward for players willing to find this hidden area.
- A Door in the Pit in Majula: This door leads to a hidden chamber containing several valuable items, including the Soul Vortex sorcery, two Witchtree Branches, and the Great Lightning Spear miracle. These spells are powerful, and this location provides a significant advantage in combat, regardless of your build.
Obtaining the Forgotten Key
The Forgotten Key isn’t just lying around; it is dropped by a specific set of enemies. To obtain the key, players must travel to the Black Gulch, a dark and treacherous area known for its many pitfalls and strong enemies. Specifically:
- Navigate the Black Gulch: From the first bonfire in the Black Gulch, progress downwards until you encounter the first worm attack from the wall.
- Drop Down to the Ledge: At this point, walk off the cliff edge on the right side. You will land on a hidden ledge, where you will find a cave opening. This is not where you get the key, but where you must drop down from.
- Defeat the Elite Giants: In this hidden cave, you will find two Elite Giants. Defeating them is necessary as they drop the Forgotten Key. These giants are powerful and should not be underestimated.
- Claim the Key: Once defeated, the giants drop the Forgotten Key, which can then be used to unlock the various secret doors described above.
Why The Forgotten Key is Important
The Forgotten Key is crucial for several reasons:
- Covenant Access: Accessing Darkdiver Grandahl is essential for joining the Pilgrims of Dark covenant and obtaining powerful hexes and dark spells.
- Powerful Gear: Havel’s Set is a very sought-after armor set for strength and defensive builds, which is a significant boost for some players.
- Rare Spells: Acquiring the Soul Vortex, two Witchtree Branches, and the Great Lightning Spear grants a considerable advantage in combat with access to some of the best and unique magic in the game.
- Exploration Rewards: Discovering hidden areas and secrets is a core part of the Dark Souls experience. The Forgotten Key lets players access these rewards.
- Completion: For players aiming to complete everything the game has to offer, obtaining the Forgotten Key is a must-do.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where exactly is the Black Gulch location where the Forgotten Key is found?
The Forgotten Key is found in the Black Gulch, specifically in a hidden cave, which is accessed by dropping down from the cliff on the right after the first worm attacks you from the wall. This cave is home to the two Elite Giants that drop the key.
2. Do the Elite Giants respawn?
No, the Elite Giants in the Black Gulch cave do not respawn. This means the Forgotten Key is a one-time drop per playthrough, so be sure not to miss it.
3. Is there anything else of interest in the cave where the giants are?
Besides the Elite Giants, there is not much of interest in the cave other than a few basic enemies. However, the area does hold a ring of giants which is a required drop down to access the cave.
4. What is Darkdiver Grandahl?
Darkdiver Grandahl is an important NPC found behind one of the Forgotten Key doors. He is the head of the Pilgrims of Dark covenant, which offers powerful hexes and unique challenges once you join.
5. What are the Pilgrims of Dark?
The Pilgrims of Dark is a covenant focused on dark magic and exploration. Joining the covenant involves completing a series of challenging dark dungeons. Accessing him through the door the Forgotten Key unlocks gives you a shortcut to where you begin the dungeon.
6. What are some of the benefits of using Havel’s Set?
Havel’s Set provides high physical defense and is ideal for tank-like characters who can handle its heavy weight. It allows you to absorb significant damage and is essential for certain builds.
7. Are the spells in the pit in Majula worth it?
Yes, the Soul Vortex, two Witchtree Branches, and Great Lightning Spear are extremely powerful, especially for magic builds. They provide a significant boost to your combat capabilities.
8. Is the Forgotten Key usable in any of the DLCs?
No, the Forgotten Key is not needed or usable in any of the Dark Souls 2 DLCs. It is only used in the base game.
9. Can the Forgotten Key be lost?
No, the Forgotten Key cannot be lost once it is obtained and will remain in your inventory until you choose to use it, or until a new game plus run.
10. What are the optimal ways to defeat the two Elite Giants in the Black Gulch?
The Elite Giants are slow but powerful. Using ranged attacks or utilizing hit and run tactics is recommended. Keep distance between you and them, and watch out for their high damage attacks.
11. Do I need any other keys to access the Forgotten Key areas?
No, you do not need any other keys to access the three locations once you have obtained the Forgotten Key.
12. Is the Forgotten Key required to beat the game?
No, the Forgotten Key is not essential for beating the main game. However, it provides access to valuable items and is highly recommended for a complete experience.
13. Can you acquire the spells in the pit in Majula without the Forgotten Key?
No, you cannot. The pit in Majula with these items is only accessible with the Forgotten Key.
14. Are there any notable alternatives to Havel’s Set?
There are several other heavy armor sets in the game, such as the Golem Set and the Smelter Demon Set, but none have the same specific combination of high physical defense and high poise as Havel’s Set.
15. How important is the Forgotten Key for completionists?
For completionists, the Forgotten Key is very important. It allows for covenant progression and provides access to some of the best gear, spells, and secrets the game has to offer, making it a must-have item to fully experience everything the game has to offer.