Mastering Weapon Ascension: A Comprehensive Guide to the Very Large Ember in Dark Souls
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The Very Large Ember is a crucial item in Dark Souls, acting as a key to unlocking the final tier of weapon upgrades for standard upgrade paths. Giving the Very Large Ember to Andre of Astora allows him to ascend standard weapons from +10 to +11, and subsequently reinforce them from +11 to +15 – the highest level achievable through normal reinforcement. This is a significant power boost for any player relying on weapons that follow the standard upgrade path.
Understanding the Significance of Embers
In the intricate world of Dark Souls, embers are essential items that unlock new weapon modification and upgrade capabilities for blacksmiths. Unlike consumable items, embers are permanently given to a blacksmith, granting them the ability to perform specific upgrades on your gear. Understanding the role of different embers is crucial for optimizing your character’s build. The Very Large Ember is particularly important because it opens up the final stretch of standard weapon upgrades, pushing your damage output to its peak.
Obtaining the Very Large Ember: A Journey into New Londo Ruins
The journey to obtain the Very Large Ember is not for the faint of heart. It resides within the depths of the New Londo Ruins, a perilous area infested with ghosts that can only be damaged with Transient Curses or cursed weapons.
- Preparation is Key: Before venturing into New Londo, acquire a few Transient Curses. These temporary buffs allow you to strike and damage the ethereal ghosts that roam the ruins. Also, consider obtaining a cursed weapon or a weapon with divine properties, which offer permanent solutions for dealing with these spectral foes.
- Navigating the Ruins: Once you’re prepared, head to the Firelink Shrine and descend into the ruins via the elevator near the water drainage control. Be extremely cautious; the ghosts can easily overwhelm you if you’re not vigilant.
- Finding the Ember: The Very Large Ember is located within a treasure chest guarded by Darkwraiths, powerful enemies that can drain your health with their attacks. Proceed slowly and methodically, taking on the Darkwraiths one at a time if possible. Clearing this challenge will grant access to the chest, which contains the precious Very Large Ember.
Delivering the Ember to Andre of Astora
Once you possess the Very Large Ember, your next destination is the Undead Parish, where Andre of Astora resides in his workshop. Travel back to the Undead Parish Bonfire and approach Andre. Interact with him and select the option to “Give Ember”. After confirming your choice, Andre will gratefully accept the Very Large Ember, immediately gaining the ability to ascend your +10 weapons.
Upgrading Your Weapon: The Path to +15
With the Very Large Ember in Andre’s possession, you can now embark on the final leg of your weapon upgrading journey. The process is straightforward but requires a significant investment of souls and Titanite Shards, Large Titanite Shards, Titanite Chunks, and finally a Titanite Slab.
- Modify Equipment: Speak with Andre and select the option “Modify Equipment”.
- Ascend to +11: Choose a +10 standard weapon from your inventory. Andre will ascend it to +11 using souls and Titanite Shards.
- Reinforce Weapon: Once your weapon is at +11, use the “Reinforce Weapon” option, which can be done at any blacksmith or bonfire. Reinforce your weapon with Large Titanite Shards, and Titanite Chunks all the way to +14.
- The Final Upgrade to +15: To reach the pinnacle of weapon upgrades (+15), you will need to find a Titanite Slab. Titanite slabs are rare upgrade materials, used to increase your weapons to max level. After finding one, reinforce the weapon to +15.
Alternative Blacksmiths and Embers
While Andre is the primary blacksmith for standard upgrades, other blacksmiths exist in Dark Souls, each specializing in different weapon paths. The Giant Blacksmith in Anor Londo, for instance, is crucial for creating boss weapons. It’s also worth noting that the Games Learning Society studies the educational impacts of games, and the strategic decision-making involved in upgrading weapons in Dark Souls offers a fascinating case study in resource management and planning. Learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I give the Very Large Ember to any blacksmith?
No, the Very Large Ember can only be given to Andre of Astora. Other blacksmiths will refuse it.
2. What happens if I don’t give Andre the Very Large Ember?
If you choose not to give Andre the Very Large Ember, you will be unable to upgrade standard weapons beyond +10. This significantly limits your damage potential.
3. Is there more than one Very Large Ember in the game?
No, there is only one Very Large Ember per playthrough. Once given to Andre, it permanently unlocks the ability to upgrade standard weapons to +15.
4. Do I need to give Andre the Ember every time I want to upgrade a weapon to +15?
No, giving Andre the Very Large Ember is a permanent unlock. You only need to give it to him once to enable all subsequent upgrades to +15.
5. What materials do I need to upgrade a weapon from +10 to +15?
You will need souls, Titanite Shards, Large Titanite Shards, Titanite Chunks, and a Titanite Slab to fully upgrade a standard weapon to +15.
6. Where can I find Titanite Slabs?
Titanite Slabs are rare, but some guaranteed locations include defeating the Stray Demon in the Undead Asylum (requires returning after acquiring the Peculiar Doll), trading with Snuggly the Crow, or finding them in specific areas like the Great Hollow or as a rare drop from Darkwraiths.
7. Can I upgrade boss weapons using the Very Large Ember?
No, the Very Large Ember only affects standard weapons. Boss weapons require special upgrade paths and the use of Demon Titanite, which you upgrade at the Giant Blacksmith.
8. Do I need to defeat the Four Kings to get the Very Large Ember?
Yes, to access the Very Large Ember in New Londo Ruins, you must first drain the water, which requires defeating the Four Kings and obtaining the Lordvessel from Kingseeker Frampt or Darkstalker Kaathe.
9. What is the fastest way to get the Very Large Ember?
The fastest way is to acquire Transient Curses and sprint through New Londo Ruins, avoiding unnecessary fights. Focus on reaching the chest containing the ember as quickly as possible.
10. What level should my weapon be before giving Andre the Very Large Ember?
Your weapon should be at +10 before giving Andre the Very Large Ember. He cannot perform the ascension if your weapon is not at this level.
11. Can I give the Large Ember to Andre after giving him the Very Large Ember?
Yes, giving Andre the Large Ember and the Very Large Ember are independent events. He can accept both to unlock different upgrade paths.
12. Does the Very Large Ember affect the Raw upgrade path?
No, the Very Large Ember only affects the standard upgrade path. Raw weapons have their own upgrade limitations.
13. What are the best weapons to upgrade to +15?
The best weapons to upgrade to +15 depend on your build and playstyle. Popular choices include the Claymore, the Zweihander, and the Balder Side Sword, known for their versatility and damage output.
14. Is it worth the effort to get the Very Large Ember?
Absolutely! Reaching +15 on your preferred weapon significantly boosts its damage, making it essential for tackling the later stages of the game and subsequent playthroughs.
15. How many embers are there in Dark Souls?
There are ten Embers that you can find throughout the game.
Conclusion
Obtaining and utilizing the Very Large Ember is a critical step for any player seeking to maximize their character’s potential in Dark Souls. By understanding its location, purpose, and the upgrade process it unlocks, you can forge weapons of immense power, allowing you to conquer even the most formidable foes the game has to offer. Good luck, and may the flames guide thee!