What to Do After Collecting All Four Lord Souls in Dark Souls
After triumphing over some of the toughest bosses in Dark Souls and claiming their power, you’ve finally acquired all four Lord Souls. So, what’s next? The immediate goal is to return to Firelink Altar (also known as the Kiln of the First Flame) in Firelink Shrine. Open the gate, and prepare for the final confrontation against Gwyn, Lord of Cinder. Defeating him will trigger one of the game’s endings, shaping the fate of Lordran.
Preparing for the Final Confrontation
Before rushing into the Kiln of the First Flame, strategic preparation is crucial. The final boss fight is no walk in the park, even for experienced players.
Leveling Up and Reinforcing Equipment
Ensure your character is at a comfortable level. Aim for at least level 80-90, though higher is always better. Invest points into vital stats like Vitality, Endurance, Strength/Dexterity (depending on your build), and Faith/Intelligence (if you’re using magic or miracles). Reinforce your favorite weapon to its maximum level (+15 for standard weapons, +5 for unique weapons) and upgrade your armor to provide adequate defense.
Stocking Up on Consumables
Gather a generous supply of essential consumables. Estus Flasks are your primary healing source, so maximize their quantity through Kindling bonfires. Additionally, carry Humanity to reverse hollowing and increase item discovery. Green Blossoms can significantly boost your stamina recovery, which is invaluable for dodging and attacking. Consider using Charcoal Pine Resin if your weapon isn’t already infused with fire damage to exploit Gwyn’s weakness.
Fine-Tuning Your Build
Revisit your build and make any necessary adjustments. If you’re struggling with a particular damage type, equip armor with high resistance to it. If you’re lacking damage output, consider switching to a weapon with better scaling or utilizing buffs. Respeccing isn’t possible in the original Dark Souls, so any changes need to be within the confines of your existing build.
Navigating the Kiln of the First Flame
The Kiln of the First Flame is a desolate and haunting area. It’s filled with Black Knights, formidable opponents that can easily overwhelm unprepared players. These knights are vulnerable to backstabs and parries, so utilize these techniques to conserve your resources. The Kiln is a straightforward path leading directly to the final boss arena, but don’t underestimate the Black Knights guarding it.
The Final Showdown: Gwyn, Lord of Cinder
Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, is a powerful and aggressive boss characterized by his swift attacks and relentless pursuit. He wields a flaming greatsword and utilizes devastating combos.
- Parrying is Key: One of the most effective strategies against Gwyn is to parry his attacks. His telegraphs are relatively clear, allowing for precise parries. Successfully parrying an attack opens him up for a critical riposte, dealing significant damage.
- Utilize Pillars for Cover: The arena contains pillars that can provide temporary cover from Gwyn’s attacks. However, be mindful that he can easily break them with his sword. Use them strategically to heal or reposition yourself.
- Exploit Fire Weakness: Gwyn is resistant to most damage types but particularly weak to fire damage. Weapons infused with fire, such as the Chaos Blade, can be highly effective. Alternatively, use Charcoal Pine Resin to temporarily imbue your weapon with fire damage.
- Manage Stamina: Gwyn’s attacks can quickly drain your stamina, leaving you vulnerable. Carefully manage your stamina and avoid unnecessary rolls or attacks.
The Ending(s)
After defeating Gwyn, you have a crucial choice to make, determining which of the two possible endings you will achieve:
- Linking the Fire: By interacting with the First Flame, you choose to rekindle the flame and prolong the Age of Fire. This ending sees your character sacrificing themselves to maintain the established order.
- Usurping the Flame: By leaving the Kiln of the First Flame without interacting with the fire, you choose to usher in the Age of Dark. This ending implies that you will become the new Dark Lord, ruling over the world in an era of darkness. This choice requires specific steps involving the Serpent King Frampt and Kaathe (if you have joined the Darkwraiths) and the choice is presented in the game through not choosing to link the fire.
The choice is yours, and each ending carries its own implications for the future of Lordran.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I still explore after getting all 4 Lord Souls?
Yes, absolutely! Collecting the Lord Souls only triggers the opening of the gate to the Kiln of the First Flame. You are free to explore any remaining areas, defeat optional bosses, and complete side quests before facing Gwyn. In fact, it’s highly recommended that you do so to level up and acquire better equipment.
2. Should I fight all optional bosses before fighting Gwyn?
While not mandatory, defeating optional bosses like Great Grey Wolf Sif, Crossbreed Priscilla, and Gravelord Nito provides valuable souls, unique items, and lore insights. These encounters also offer a significant challenge that will test your skills and further prepare you for the final boss.
3. How do I respec my character in Dark Souls?
Unfortunately, respeccing is not possible in the original Dark Souls. Therefore, careful planning is essential when allocating your stats. You can, however, optimize your equipment and utilize rings to enhance specific attributes. Dark Souls 2 and 3 introduce respec options, but not the original.
4. What’s the best weapon to use against Gwyn?
There’s no single “best” weapon, as it depends on your build and playstyle. However, weapons that inflict high damage and/or have fire damage are generally effective. Some popular choices include the Black Knight Sword, Chaos Blade, and Lightning Spear. Weapons with good scaling based on your stats are always a good option too.
5. Is Gwyn weak to any specific damage types?
Yes, Gwyn is weak to fire damage. Consider using a fire-infused weapon or applying Charcoal Pine Resin to your weapon before the fight. He’s also vulnerable to parrying, which opens him up for critical ripostes.
6. Can I summon help for the Gwyn fight?
Yes, you can summon Solaire of Astora to aid you in the fight against Gwyn, provided you saved him from becoming hollow in Lost Izalith. His summon sign is located near the fog gate leading to the Kiln of the First Flame. However, note that summoning will increase Gwyn’s health.
7. What are the benefits of Linking the Fire?
Linking the Fire prolongs the Age of Fire and maintains the established order. It’s seen as a selfless act, sacrificing your character to ensure the continuation of the world as it is.
8. What are the benefits of Usurping the Fire (Age of Dark ending)?
Usurping the Fire, or allowing the Age of Dark, signifies the end of the Age of Fire and the beginning of a new era. It’s seen as a rejection of the gods and the established order, ushering in a world ruled by humanity.
9. Does my choice of ending affect New Game Plus?
No, your choice of ending doesn’t drastically affect New Game Plus. You’ll retain your levels, equipment, and most items (some key items will be reset). The difficulty will increase, and some new items will be available.
10. How do I access New Game Plus?
After defeating Gwyn and watching the ending, you’ll be prompted to start New Game Plus. If you choose not to, you can initiate it at any time by selecting “New Game Plus” from the main menu.
11. Can I fight Gwyn again after beating him?
Yes, you can fight Gwyn again in New Game Plus and subsequent playthroughs. Each playthrough will increase the difficulty of the game and the strength of the enemies.
12. What happens if I die to Gwyn?
If you die to Gwyn, you’ll respawn at the last bonfire you rested at. You’ll have to make your way back to the Kiln of the First Flame and try again. Don’t give up, skeleton!
13. Is there any way to make the Gwyn fight easier?
Aside from leveling up and optimizing your build, mastering parrying is the most effective way to make the Gwyn fight easier. Additionally, utilizing fire damage and taking advantage of the pillars for cover can significantly improve your chances of success.
14. What level should I be to fight Gwyn?
A recommended level to fight Gwyn is around 80-90, but it ultimately depends on your skill level and build. If you’re struggling, consider leveling up further. There is no “right” level, just the level you are comfortable with.
15. Is there a “true” ending to Dark Souls?
The concept of a “true” ending is subjective and open to interpretation. Both endings, Linking the Fire and Usurping the Fire, are equally valid and offer different perspectives on the fate of Lordran. The choice is ultimately yours to make.