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What to do after O and S?

After defeating Ornstein and Smough, you can choose to go to different areas based on your build: New Londo for melee builds using Str or Dex, Duke’s Archives for Int builds, or Tomb of Giants for Fth builds. The path you select will depend on your character’s strengths and the challenges you’re ready to face, making this a pivotal moment in your Dark Souls journey.

Understanding Your Options

New Londo for Melee Builds

For those with a melee build, focusing on Strength (Str) or Dexterity (Dex), New Londo is a viable option. This area, accessible by taking the elevator down from Firelink Shrine, offers a new set of challenges and rewards. However, it’s crucial to remember that accessing certain parts of New Londo, like draining its waters, requires specific items or actions, such as obtaining the Lordvessel or killing the Great Wolf in Darkroot Forest.

Exploring Further

FAQs for Post O&S Progression

Where do I go after Anor Londo in Dark Souls? After Anor Londo, you can choose to go to four different areas, with Duke’s Archives being the closest, but your choice should be guided by your build and the bosses you’re ready to face.
How do you drain New Londo ruins? To drain New Londo Ruins, you need a key, which can be obtained from Ingward if you have the Lordvessel, or by killing him if you don’t. This key unlocks a door leading to a lever that drains the water.
What level should I be for New Londo Ruins? The recommended level for New Londo Ruins is between 50-70, reflecting the challenging nature of this area.
Can I skip New Londo Ruins? Yes, New Londo Ruins can be skipped using the Seal Skip method, which involves Save & Quit and Fall Control to reach the Four Kings directly.
Is there a boss in the New Londo Ruins? Yes, The Four Kings are the boss fight after exploring New Londo Ruins.
What to do after draining New Londo Ruins? After draining New Londo Ruins, you can proceed to fight Nito, Seath, or Daughters of Chaos, depending on your progression and the paths you’ve unlocked.
Why can’t I hit the ghosts in New Londo Ruins? The ghosts in New Londo Ruins are Translucent and require a Transient Curse or Occult/Divine weapons to be hit.
Where do I go after O and S Dark Souls? After defeating O and S, consider your build: New Londo for melee, Duke’s Archives for Int, or Tomb of Giants for Fth.
What bosses can you skip in DS1? Capra Demon, Gaping Dragon, and Blighttown can be skipped, allowing for more flexibility in your playthrough.
What to do after beating DS1? After completing Dark Souls, consider replaying the story, trying new weapons, completing side quests, or exploring different builds.
Is O&S the hardest boss? While Ornstein and Smough are incredibly challenging and influential, opinions vary on whether they are the hardest boss due to personal playstyle and build differences.
Can I fight Lautrec after Ornstein and Smough? Yes, you can invade Lautrec after defeating O and S, using a Black Eye Orb, and you have infinite chances to do so since he remains in Anor Londo.
What are the Four Kings weak to? The Four Kings are weak to lightning and, to a lesser extent, fire, making these elements crucial in the battle against them.
Can you summon in New Londo Ruins before draining water? No, summoning is only possible after the water in New Londo Ruins has been drained, as attempting to do so beforehand will result in failure.
Why was New Londo flooded? New Londo was flooded to halt the spread of Dark and to contain the Four Kings, reflecting the lore and history of the Dark Souls world.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of Dark Souls after defeating Ornstein and Smough opens up multiple paths based on your character’s build and your preferences. Understanding these options and being aware of the challenges and requirements of each area will enhance your gameplay experience. Whether you choose to explore New Londo, delve into the Duke’s Archives, or venture into the Tomb of Giants, each choice promises unique challenges and rewards, contributing to the richness and replayability of Dark Souls.