What Kills Ghosts in Dark Souls? A Comprehensive Guide to Vanquishing the Ethereal

In the haunting world of Dark Souls, few enemies are as initially frustrating and bewildering as the ghosts of New Londo Ruins. These spectral beings phase through walls and deliver damaging blows while remaining completely immune to most conventional weaponry. So, how do you actually kill them? The key lies in embracing the curse – either by temporarily inflicting it upon yourself or wielding weapons specifically designed to harm the incorporeal. In essence, to kill ghosts in Dark Souls, you need to:

1. Become cursed: Being cursed, even temporarily, allows you to interact with and damage ghosts.
2. Use Transient Curses: These consumable items grant you a temporary, pseudo-curse effect.
3. Wield specific cursed weapons: The Cursed Greatsword of Artorias, the Ghost Blade, and the Jagged Ghost Blade are inherently capable of damaging ghosts regardless of your cursed state.

Now, let’s delve into the intricacies of dealing with these ethereal adversaries, exploring the various methods, strategies, and nuances involved.

Understanding the Mechanics of Ghosts in New Londo

Before diving into the methods of slaying them, it’s crucial to understand why ghosts are so resistant to damage. They exist in a state between worlds, making them immune to physical attacks unless you also share that in-between state. This is achieved through the curse mechanic. When cursed, your character is weakened, but gains the ability to interact with the spectral realm, allowing you to strike and block ghosts.

Transient curses and cursed weapons provide this temporary or permanent connection to the spectral realm, bypassing the need for a full-fledged curse. Each method has its pros and cons, which we will explore further.

Methods for Killing Ghosts

Transient Curses: The Temporary Solution

Transient Curses are consumable items that grant you the ability to damage ghosts for a limited time. This is often the most accessible and practical solution, especially early in the game.

• Pros: Relatively easy to acquire, allowing you to explore New Londo without being constantly vulnerable.

• Cons: The effect is temporary, requiring you to manage your curse count and potentially leaving you vulnerable if the effect wears off mid-battle.

Where to find Transient Curses:

• Two can be found in New Londo Ruins before encountering any ghosts.
• The female merchant in the aqueduct below Firelink Shrine (accessible after Lower Undead Burg) sells them.
• Ghosts themselves have a chance to drop them, especially when wearing item discovery boosting equipment like the Gold Serpent Ring.

Embracing the Curse: The Risky Gamble

Becoming fully cursed offers a permanent (until cured, of course) solution to fighting ghosts. However, being cursed has significant drawbacks.

• Pros: Constant ability to fight ghosts, no need to manage transient curse duration.

• Cons: Reduces your maximum HP by 50%, making you significantly more vulnerable to all damage. Curing the curse requires a specific item (Purging Stone) or NPC, adding further expense and hassle.

How to become cursed:

• Basilisks in the Depths can inflict the curse status. This is the most common, albeit painful, method.

• Ingward in New Londo Ruins sells purging stones to remove curse, as well as curse curing items.

Cursed Weapons: The Permanent Ghost Slayers

The Cursed Greatsword of Artorias, the Ghost Blade, and the Jagged Ghost Blade are unique weapons capable of damaging ghosts without requiring you to be cursed.

• Pros: Permanent ghost-slaying ability, no HP reduction from being cursed.

• Cons: These weapons may not fit every player’s build, potentially requiring stat investment into areas they wouldn’t normally focus on. The Cursed Greatsword of Artorias requires specific stats. The Ghost Blade and Jagged Ghost Blade have lower base damage than other weapon options.

  • Cursed Greatsword of Artorias: Created by ascending a broken straight sword or straight sword hilt with the Soul of Sif. Requires high Intelligence and Faith stats.
  • Ghost Blade and Jagged Ghost Blade: Dropped by ghosts in New Londo Ruins.

Strategy and Tactics for New Londo Ruins

New Londo Ruins is a challenging area, even with the ability to damage ghosts. Here are some tips to navigate the ruins effectively:

• Level Recommendation: It’s recommended to be around level 50-70 before tackling New Londo Ruins.
• Lower the Water: Before progressing too far, you need to lower the water level. This requires obtaining the Key to the Seal from Ingward, who resides at the top of the building at the entrance to New Londo, and using it at the mechanism near the first bridge.
• Be Cautious: Ghosts can phase through walls, so always be aware of your surroundings.
• Fire Damage: While not a guaranteed one-shot kill, ghosts are noticeably weak to fire.
• Manage your Curse Status: Keep an eye on the timer for your Transient Curse and be prepared to reapply it. Carry plenty of Humanity or Purging Stones if you plan on embracing the full curse.
• Learn Ghost Locations: Familiarize yourself with the ghost’s patrol patterns to avoid unnecessary encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I block ghost attacks in Dark Souls?

Yes, but only if you are cursed or using a Transient Curse. If you’re using a Ghost Blade to kill them without being cursed, you cannot block their attacks.

2. Can divine weapons hurt ghosts in Dark Souls?

No, divine weapons cannot hurt ghosts. Divine weapons are effective against skeletons in the catacombs, preventing them from reviving.

3. Can occult weapons kill ghosts in Dark Souls?

No, occult weapons don’t have any special effect on the ghosts of New Londo. Only the Ghost Blades and Cursed Greatsword of Artorias have that property.

4. Are ghosts weak to anything in Dark Souls?

Ghosts tend to be weak to fire. Using fire-based weapons or spells can be very effective.

5. How do I get Transient Curses easily?

Equip the Gold Serpent Ring to increase item discovery and farm ghosts in New Londo Ruins. They have a relatively high chance of dropping Transient Curses when your item discovery is high.

6. Is there a boss in New Londo Ruins?

Yes, the boss is The Four Kings. This fight is located deep within the ruins after lowering the water level completely.

7. Can I skip New Londo Ruins?

Yes, there is a Seal Skip technique that allows you to bypass getting the Key to the Seal and lowering the water. This involves using a Save & Quit and Fall Control strategy. However, this is an advanced technique and not recommended for first-time players.

8. What level should I be for New Londo Ruins?

A recommended level for New Londo Ruins is between level 50-70. Going there too early can result in being easily overwhelmed.

9. What’s the easiest way to kill the ghosts in New Londo early game?

The easiest way to kill the ghosts early game is to obtain the Transient Curses. You can find two of them near the entrance to New Londo, and then proceed with caution, always remembering that the effect will wear off and you must reapply a Transient Curse to continue damaging them.

10. Can magic hurt ghosts in Dark Souls?

Ghosts can only take damage from melee attacks. Magic, bows, and other non-melee attacks will not affect Ghosts.

11. What stats do I need for the Cursed Greatsword of Artorias?

The Cursed Greatsword of Artorias requires high stats in Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, and Faith. This makes it a demanding weapon to wield effectively.

12. What happens if the Transient Curse wears off while I’m fighting a ghost?

If the Transient Curse wears off mid-fight, you will no longer be able to damage the ghost, and they will be able to damage you. Immediately reapply another Transient Curse or retreat to a safe distance.

13. How do I get the Ghost Blade or Jagged Ghost Blade?

These blades are dropped by the ghosts in New Londo Ruins. Increase your item discovery to improve your chances of obtaining them.

14. Is there a safe spot in New Londo Ruins where ghosts can’t reach me?

There are a few areas where ghosts have difficulty reaching you, such as small ledges or elevated platforms. However, no spot is completely safe, as ghosts can phase through walls. Always remain vigilant.

15. Can other players help me kill ghosts in New Londo?

Yes, if summoned as a phantom, other players can also damage ghosts if they use Transient Curses or wield the Cursed Greatsword of Artorias, Ghost Blade, or Jagged Ghost Blade. The summoned phantom must be cursed or using the right weapon to deal damage to the ghosts.

Conquering New Londo Ruins and its ghostly inhabitants is a significant accomplishment in Dark Souls. By understanding the mechanics of curses, utilizing the appropriate tools, and employing smart tactics, you can overcome this challenging area and continue your journey through the land of Lordran. For further gaming insights and community engagement, consider exploring the GamesLearningSociety.org website. Embrace the challenge, and may the flames guide thee!