Conquering the Inferno: Exploiting the Old Iron King’s Weaknesses in Dark Souls 2
So, you’re braving the fiery depths of the Iron Keep in Dark Souls 2, and that towering inferno of a boss, the Old Iron King, is giving you trouble? Don’t despair, Ashen One! Understanding his weaknesses is key to overcoming this challenging encounter. The Old Iron King is notably weak to Lightning damage. Equipping a weapon imbued with lightning, or applying Gold Pine Resin to your weapon, will drastically increase your damage output against him. This, combined with strategic positioning and careful timing, will turn the tide of battle.
Understanding the Old Iron King: A Fiery Threat
The Old Iron King is a formidable boss, primarily utilizing fire-based attacks. He slams his massive fists down, spews fire from his mouth, and even unleashes a powerful fire wave that can engulf the arena. Surviving this fight requires more than just brute force; it demands knowledge of his attack patterns and, most importantly, exploitation of his weakness to Lightning.
Capitalizing on Lightning Vulnerability
The most effective strategy involves maximizing your lightning damage. Several options exist for this:
- Lightning-Infused Weapons: Weapons like the Lightning Heide Knight Sword or the Lightning Defender Greatsword are excellent choices. Upgrading these weapons will further enhance their lightning damage.
- Gold Pine Resin: If you don’t have a lightning-infused weapon, Gold Pine Resin is your best friend. This consumable temporarily imbues your weapon with lightning damage, providing a significant boost against the Old Iron King.
- Lightning Spells: For spellcasters, lightning spells like Lightning Spear, Great Lightning Spear, and Sunlight Spear are incredibly effective. Maximize your Faith stat to increase the damage output of these spells.
Tactical Approaches
Besides exploiting the Old Iron King’s weakness, consider these tactical approaches:
- Positioning: Stay near the edges of the platform. This provides ample room to dodge his attacks and avoids the pit in the center. The arena is tricky.
- Timing: Learn his attack patterns. The Old Iron King telegraphs his attacks, giving you brief windows to dodge and counterattack. Pay close attention to his movements.
- Equipment Load: Maintaining a low equipment load is crucial for fast rolling, allowing you to evade his attacks effectively. Don’t get greedy with your armor.
Related FAQs: Taming the Iron Keep
Here are some frequently asked questions to further aid your journey through the Iron Keep:
1. What level should I be for the Iron Keep?
A level range of 75-90 is generally recommended for the Iron Keep. This allows you to have sufficient health, stamina, and damage output to tackle the enemies and bosses in the area.
2. How do I survive the fire in Iron Keep?
The Iron Keep is filled with fiery traps and lava. While the Pharros Lockstone can create a water pool, its effect is limited. The best way to survive is to equip fire-resistant armor, increase your fire resistance stat, and carefully time your movements to avoid the flames.
3. Where is the first bonfire in Iron Keep?
Upon entering the Iron Keep, turn left and descend the stairs. The first bonfire is located at the bottom, near a lava-filled area. Be cautious, as a corpse holding a Human Effigy is located in the lava, but attempting to retrieve it early can be fatal.
4. Is there a bonfire near the Old Iron King boss fight?
Yes, there is a third bonfire called Eygil’s Idol, located shortly before the boss arena. After traversing the guillotine corridor, ascend the ladder in the room with fire-breathing statues to reach the bonfire. This area also has the mechanism to turn off the fire statues.
5. What do I do after defeating the Old Iron King?
After defeating the Old Iron King, you have two primary paths to choose from: proceed through the Shaded Woods after un-petrifying Rosabeth of Melfia, or descend into the Grave of Saints by jumping down the hole in Majula.
6. Is the Old Iron King a demon?
While the Old Iron King was originally a human king, he was reborn as a demonic entity called the Ichorous Earth, fueled by his desire for totalitarian rule. He is, therefore, considered a demon-like villain.
7. What is Smelter Demon weak to?
The Smelter Demon, an optional boss in the Iron Keep, is weak to Lightning damage. This weakness is consistent with the Old Iron King, so lightning-based strategies are effective against both.
8. Where is Lucatiel in Iron Keep?
Lucatiel of Mirrah can be found in the Earthen Peak area, not directly in the Iron Keep. To find her, warp to the Lower Earthen Peak bonfire and backtrack through the Covetous Demon boss room. You can jump across to her location.
9. Is the Smelter Demon optional?
Yes, the Smelter Demon is an optional boss in the Iron Keep. Defeating him is not required to progress through the main story, but he does drop valuable loot.
10. Who is the first boss in Iron Keep?
The first boss encountered within the Iron Keep is typically the Smelter Demon.
11. How do I get to the Looking Glass Knight?
The Looking Glass Knight is located in the King’s Passage, which is accessed after obtaining the King’s Ring. This ring is obtained after defeating the Looking Glass Knight boss fight.
12. What is the Iron King weak to?
As previously stated, the Old Iron King is primarily weak to Lightning damage. This is his most significant vulnerability, making lightning-based weapons and spells highly effective.
13. Who killed the Old Iron King in the lore?
In the lore, the Old Iron King was slain by the Smelter Demon, a golem that he created. The golem betrayed its creator and incinerated the king with a single swing, leading to the downfall of his kingdom.
14. What are some other strategies to defeat the Old Iron King?
Aside from lightning damage, physical damage can be effective if your build is focused on it. However, exploiting his lightning weakness is generally the most efficient approach.
15. What are some resources to learn more about Dark Souls 2?
For more in-depth information about Dark Souls 2, you can consult the Dark Souls 2 Wiki, watch gameplay videos on YouTube, or participate in online forums and communities dedicated to the game. Furthermore, exploring the research related to gaming and learning at Games Learning Society can provide additional context and understanding of game mechanics and player strategies. The GamesLearningSociety.org website offers a wide range of information about games and learning.
Mastering the Old Iron King requires understanding his attack patterns and, crucially, exploiting his weakness to Lightning damage. Armed with this knowledge and the strategies outlined above, you’ll be well-equipped to conquer the Iron Keep and emerge victorious!