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Where Do I Go After Killing Phalanx in Demon’s Souls? A Comprehensive Guide

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Congratulations, slayer! You’ve overcome the gooey monstrosity that is Phalanx, the first major boss of Demon’s Souls. Now, with its many slimes defeated and a sense of accomplishment bubbling within you, the question naturally arises: where do you go next? The answer is multifaceted, as defeating Phalanx unlocks several crucial elements of the game, but the immediate next steps can be broken down into these key actions:

Return to the Nexus: After defeating Phalanx, you need to touch the Archstone located behind where it stood. This action will not only grant you the Lead Demon’s Soul, but will also teleport you back to the central hub of Demon’s Souls, The Nexus.
Speak with the Monumental: Once in the Nexus, don’t immediately jump into another Archstone. Instead, ascend the stairs not leading to the other Archstones; these are the ones that take you up to a level lined with ‘mannequins’. Among these, find the Monumental with a lit candle in front of her. Speaking to her is crucial for game progression.
Engage with the Maiden in Black: After chatting with the Monumental, return to the central area and seek out the Maiden in Black. Talking to her will unlock the ability to level up. This is essential to growing stronger and more prepared for the challenges ahead.
Choosing Your Next World: With leveling unlocked, you can now begin to explore other Archstones. There is no fixed order you must take; you have the freedom to choose your path through the worlds. However, the article recommends starting with 2-1 (Stonefang Tunnel) as the next step for most players due to its relative difficulty and access to important weapon upgrade materials.

Understanding the Game Progression Post-Phalanx

Defeating the Phalanx acts as a gateway, opening up the core gameplay loop of Demon’s Souls. It’s not just about unlocking the level up system. It’s about giving you freedom. Here’s what you should keep in mind:

Archstone Order is Flexible: Unlike some other games, Demon’s Souls doesn’t lock you into a rigid level progression. After 1-1, you can choose from worlds 2, 3, 4, and 5. This allows you to tailor your experience to your character’s build and your play style.
World Tendency is a Factor: As you delve deeper into the game, you’ll notice that each world has a “tendency,” which is affected by your actions. This can affect enemy strength, item drops, and even which areas are accessible. However, focusing on world tendency is not vital immediately after Phalanx. This is an element to consider later as you get more familiar with the mechanics of the game.
Resources Are Crucial: Gathering resources for upgrades and new equipment is critical in Demon’s Souls. Stonefang Tunnel (2-1) provides many such resources making it an attractive early choice.
Character Builds Affect Choices: If you are focused on magic build, then 3-1 (Tower of Latria) may be preferable in early game. If you are using a melee build then 2-1 (Stonefang Tunnel) can be preferable.

The Road Ahead

After completing the immediate tasks in the Nexus, you’re free to begin your true journey. 2-1 (Stonefang Tunnel), as mentioned, is a solid early choice but is not the only available route. Remember to consider your build, your preferred playstyle, and take everything one step at a time. Demon’s Souls demands patience and a strategic approach. The next steps after Phalanx set the stage for the rest of your journey to become the hero of Boletaria.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Post-Phalanx Gameplay

1. What does touching the Phalanx Archstone actually do?

Touching the Phalanx Archstone after defeating the boss serves two purposes: first, it gives you the Lead Demon’s Soul which is used to create the Scraping Spear and, second, it teleports you back to the Nexus.

2. Can I level up before defeating Phalanx?

No, you cannot level up your character until you’ve defeated Phalanx and spoken to the Maiden in Black in the Nexus after you speak to the Monumental. This is the progression mechanic for the game.

3. What should I do with the Lead Demon’s Soul gained from Phalanx?

The Lead Demon’s Soul is primarily used to create the Scraping Spear, a weapon that’s mostly useful in PvP for breaking opponents’ equipment. In the early game, it’s not essential, and some might consider keeping the soul for future playthroughs.

4. Where are the other Archstones located in the Nexus?

The other Archstones are located at the edges of the central area in the Nexus. Each one corresponds to a different world: Boletarian Palace (World 1), Stonefang Tunnel (World 2), Tower of Latria (World 3), Shrine of Storms (World 4), and Valley of Defilement (World 5).

5. Which Archstone should I tackle first after beating Phalanx?

While you have the freedom of choice, many recommend starting with Stonefang Tunnel (2-1) due to its straightforward layout and access to valuable upgrade materials. It also is relatively easy in the early game.

6. What is the weakness of the Phalanx boss?

Phalanx is particularly vulnerable to fire damage. Firebombs or Pine Resin applied to your weapon can make the fight significantly easier.

7. Why is the broken Archstone in the Nexus?

The broken sixth Archstone represents cut content from the original Demon’s Souls. It was intended to be a snowy mountain area and may be part of a possible future DLC for the remake.

8. What is the Monumental?

The Monumental is one of the key NPCs in the Nexus. After the Phalanx, talking to her is an integral part of the game progression as it unlocks access to leveling up.

9. How do I unlock the ability to level up in Demon’s Souls?

After defeating Phalanx, you must speak with the Monumental in the Nexus and then speak with the Maiden in Black, which will unlock the ability to level up using souls.

10. Why should I do 2-1 after 1-1?

Stonefang Tunnel (2-1) is a good starting point because it is relatively straightforward and provides valuable ore for weapon upgrades. This will bolster your character’s early stats.

11. Is there a “best” order for tackling the worlds in Demon’s Souls?

There isn’t a defined “best” order. However, many players find it helpful to complete one world in full before moving on as the game progression requires it to go to the 3rd level of Boletarian Palace. Starting with 2-1 or 4-1 is popular due to the lower relative difficulty.

12. What does “World Tendency” mean?

World Tendency is a mechanic that affects enemy difficulty, item drops, and certain events within each world based on your actions. It’s more important later in the game, rather than immediately after Phalanx.

13. Can I go to any Archstone first after the 1-1 Phalanx fight?

Yes, you can choose any of the available Archstones (Worlds 2 through 5) after the 1-1 fight. But, the article suggests either 2-1 (Stonefang Tunnel) or 4-1(Shrine of Storms) first.

14. What happens if I die in the world after I beat Phalanx?

You will be sent back to the Nexus, and must re-enter the same area. The game retains the progress you made such as opening doors and activating shortcuts. It does not reset the level unless you return via the archstone.

15. Is the Phalanx the only boss in Boletarian Palace?

No, Phalanx is just the first boss of Boletarian Palace (world 1). Later bosses include the Tower Knight, Penetrator, and King Allant. You must defeat bosses in other worlds to progress past 1-2.