What is the Point of Killing Vendrick in Dark Souls 2?
The point of killing King Vendrick in Dark Souls 2 is multifaceted, offering rewards, unlocking content, and playing a critical role in accessing the game’s true ending. While not a mandatory boss fight in the conventional sense, Vendrick’s defeat is essential for players seeking to experience all the game has to offer. Beyond simply achieving victory, understanding the nuances behind this optional encounter enriches the player’s experience and offers deeper insights into the lore. In short, killing Vendrick is crucial for accessing the true final boss, Aldia, Scholar of the First Sin, and experiencing the game’s most profound narrative conclusions. It also provides valuable items, and a unique set of challenges.
Why Bother with Vendrick?
Access to Aldia and the “True” Ending
The most compelling reason to defeat Vendrick is to unlock the encounter with Aldia. This fight, considered the true final boss by many, only becomes available after fulfilling specific criteria, including:
- Talking to Aldia at least three times throughout the game.
- Defeating King Vendrick.
- Not having defeated the regular final boss, Nashandra, prior to meeting all of the above conditions or using a Bonfire Ascetic at the Throne of Want bonfire.
Without defeating Vendrick, Aldia will never appear, preventing you from experiencing the darker, more nuanced ending associated with his defeat and understanding the full lore. Therefore, defeating Vendrick is crucial for players invested in experiencing the complete narrative arc of Dark Souls 2.
Item Rewards: Armor and a Powerful Weapon
Killing Vendrick is also beneficial due to the tangible rewards you receive. Upon defeating him, you obtain:
- Vendrick’s Soul: This soul can be traded to Straid of Olaphis for the King’s UGS, a greatsword regarded as one of the most potent in the game, albeit with a high stat requirement. This weapon is powerful enough to be used in a variety of builds.
- Vendrick’s Armor Set: You gain access to Vendrick’s armor set which can be bought from Maughlin the Armorer after defeating Vendrick. This armor boasts very high defensive stats and is a good option for those wanting a physical tanky build.
While the King’s UGS and the armor might not suit every player’s preferred playstyle, they are valuable items to acquire. These rewards provide more options and add to the game’s arsenal.
The Challenge
Vendrick is a tough fight, especially if you don’t prepare properly with the Giant Souls. He has a very high health pool, very high damage resistance, and deals massive damage with his massive greatsword. Defeating him requires a combination of strategic thinking, careful dodging, and understanding the mechanics of both the fight and your equipment. This challenge in itself, is a strong motivation for many players. The difficulty also increases dramatically if you do not have a sufficient number of giant souls
Understanding Lore and Narrative
Vendrick’s story is central to the narrative of Dark Souls 2. By facing and defeating him, you gain a deeper understanding of his past, his motivations, and his relationship with Nashandra. You can also unlock unique dialogue if you collect all 4 crowns and speak with Vendrick, which provides additional lore and a blessing that applies to all 4 crowns. This adds layers to the narrative that might be missed if you simply bypass the fight.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vendrick
1. Is King Vendrick Optional?
Yes, King Vendrick is an optional boss. You can complete the game without ever encountering him. However, skipping him will prevent access to the Aldia fight and the game’s true ending.
2. Where is King Vendrick Located?
Vendrick can be found at the bottom of the Undead Crypt. He will initially ignore the player unless attacked repeatedly.
3. Do I Need to Kill Vendrick to Complete the Game?
No, you don’t need to kill Vendrick to complete the basic narrative and see the credits roll. However, you need to defeat him to unlock the Aldia encounter and true ending.
4. What are the Giant Souls, and Why Do I Need Them?
Giant Souls are special items that drastically increase the damage you inflict on Vendrick. The less Giant Souls in your inventory the more resistant Vendrick is. Having at least 4 Giant Souls is recommended for a manageable fight. Having all 5 Giant Souls allows you to deal normal damage. They are not worth popping for souls, so don’t use them for that.
5. How Many Giant Souls are There?
There are 5 Giant Souls in total. You find these items by traversing memory areas and defeating certain bosses.
6. Can I Beat Vendrick Without Giant Souls?
Yes, you can, but it is extremely difficult and not recommended. Without Giant Souls, you will deal minuscule damage, and it will be a very long and tedious fight. You might also trigger a bug where he will not aggro to you.
7. Does Killing Vendrick End the Game?
No, killing Vendrick does not end the game. You can still explore the world and continue to new game plus after defeating him and Nashandra.
8. What Happens if I Don’t Kill Vendrick?
If you don’t kill Vendrick before defeating Nashandra, you won’t get to fight Aldia in that playthrough and experience the true ending. You will also miss out on his soul and armor.
9. Should I Fight Vendrick Before or After the DLC?
The timing of when to fight Vendrick doesn’t really matter as you are free to go back to the areas whenever you choose. If you wish to fight Aldia you must do the fight before you defeat Nashandra or you will have to use a Bonfire Ascetic. If you wish to have all 4 crowns give their full effect you must first talk to Vendrick with all 4 crowns after defeating their respective bosses and claiming them, then talk to him a second time.
10. Is Vendrick a Powerful Boss?
Yes, Vendrick is considered a very powerful boss, particularly without the necessary Giant Souls. His attacks hit hard, and his defenses are high. Proper strategy and preparation are required.
11. What are Some Strategies for Beating Vendrick?
Common strategies include:
- Using Giant Souls: Always acquire at least 4, preferably 5 Giant Souls.
- Dodging and Weaving: Avoid his attacks by carefully dodging and staying at his feet.
- Bleed: Using bleeding items and bleed weapons can do some extra damage.
12. Can You Block Vendrick’s Attacks?
Yes, you can block his attacks with a high stability shield, but dodging is often more effective.
13. What is Vendrick’s Backstory?
Vendrick was once a great king who led his armies across the sea to pillage the land of giants. He returned home to Drangleic with Nashandra and built his kingdom. His growing paranoia and fear of Nashandra’s true nature eventually led him to isolate himself in the Undead Crypt.
14. What is the Relationship Between Vendrick and Nashandra?
Vendrick was tricked and possessed by Nashandra, a Child of Dark. She manipulated him for her own selfish goals, which he eventually grew wise to and sought to prevent.
15. Is Vendrick the Final Boss?
No, Vendrick is not the final boss. The final boss you encounter is Nashandra. The true final boss is Aldia, if all the required conditions are met.
Conclusion
Killing Vendrick is not simply about completing another boss fight; it’s a pivotal moment in Dark Souls 2 that significantly enriches the player’s journey. It unlocks the encounter with Aldia, provides valuable rewards, and completes the game’s complex narrative. If you want to experience everything Dark Souls 2 has to offer, engaging with Vendrick is essential. His defeat stands as a testament to your perseverance, and a key to uncovering the full scope of the game’s dark and intricate world. He is a crucial piece in understanding the full puzzle of Dark Souls 2.