Unlocking the Frigid Outskirts: A Comprehensive Guide to the Garrison Ward Key in Dark Souls II
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The Garrison Ward Key in Dark Souls II is your essential ticket to accessing the Frigid Outskirts, a notoriously challenging optional area within the Crown of the Ivory King DLC. You’ll use this key to unlock the door leading to the Expulsion Chamber bonfire, the gateway to that frozen wasteland. Prepare yourself; it’s going to be a tough ride!
Navigating to the Garrison Ward Key
Obtaining the Garrison Ward Key is no easy feat. You won’t find it lying around waiting for you. Instead, you need to venture into Frozen Eleum Loyce and locate the hidden kiln.
Finding the Hidden Kiln
Just before you enter the building that houses the Abandoned Dwelling bonfire, you’ll notice a snowy corridor straight ahead. This is your path. However, the winds are fierce in Eleum Loyce, and they will obstruct your path and prevent you from opening the doors of the hidden kiln.
The Torch Puzzle
To quell the winds, you must light all the torches scattered throughout the area. Once all torches are lit, the winds will die down, allowing you to open the door to the kiln. Inside, you will find the Garrison Ward Key.
Accessing the Expulsion Chamber
Now that you’ve secured the key, make your way to the door guarded by three Hollows and a Rampart Golem. Defeat these enemies, and you can finally use the Garrison Ward Key to unlock the door. Step inside, light the Expulsion Chamber bonfire, and interact with the coffin in the middle of the room to be transported to the dreaded Frigid Outskirts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to address any lingering concerns and help you master the Garrison Ward Key and the Frigid Outskirts in Dark Souls II.
1. How do I access the Ivory King DLC in the first place?
First, ensure you’ve downloaded the Crown of the Ivory King DLC. A Frozen Flower will then be added to your inventory. You must also defeat the Lost Sinner, Old Iron King, The Duke’s Dear Freja, and The Rotten. With their Old Souls in your possession, you can open the Shrine of Winter and progress towards Drangleic Castle, which will lead you to the DLC area.
2. Where do I find the Frozen Flower?
The Frozen Flower is automatically added to your inventory once you’ve purchased and downloaded the Crown of the Ivory King DLC. Look for it the next time you load the game.
3. How do I get to Frozen Eleum Loyce?
Once you have the Frozen Flower, teleport to the Ruined Fork Road bonfire in the Shaded Woods. From there, you’ll find the entrance to Frozen Eleum Loyce.
4. Is the Frigid Outskirts optional?
Absolutely! The Frigid Outskirts are entirely optional. It’s a challenging area, but you’re not required to complete it to finish the main game or even the Crown of the Ivory King DLC.
5. Are there any bonfires in the Frigid Outskirts?
Yes, there is a hidden bonfire! It’s located below the bridge outside of the boss fog. Drop down, and you’ll find it obscured by the snow. To find it more easily, go towards the summoning area, then proceed straight up the first big hill (ignore the building). Keep going straight, keeping the sun to your right, until you hit the left wall of the valley.
6. What makes the Frigid Outskirts so difficult?
The Frigid Outskirts are notorious for their blinding snowstorms that severely limit visibility. The area is also populated by illusory reindeer that appear suddenly and attack relentlessly. It’s designed to be a co-op area, making solo playthroughs exceedingly difficult.
7. Can I despawn the reindeer in the Frigid Outskirts?
Yes, you can, but it will take a tremendous amount of effort. The reindeer have a high respawn rate, making them difficult to despawn completely. It’s generally more efficient to simply run through the area while dodging them.
8. What is the reward for completing the Frigid Outskirts?
Defeating the boss at the end of the Frigid Outskirts (Lud and Zallen, the King’s Pets) grants you the Soul of Lud, the Soul of Zallen, and access to the Loyce Greatsword.
9. What are Lud and Zallen’s weaknesses?
Lud and Zallen, like Aava before them, are weak to Fire. However, they are resistant to Dark damage because they are covered in matted Darkness.
10. What are the Crown of the Old Iron King’s effects?
The Crown of the Old Iron King restores some of your spell casts every two minutes. The effect is slightly weaker than using an Amber Herb. The timer starts when the crown is equipped and resets when removed or when you go through a loading screen.
11. What should I do with the crowns after obtaining them?
Once you have obtained all three DLC crowns (Crown of the Sunken King, Crown of the Old Iron King, Crown of the Ivory King) and the King’s Crown, head back to the Undead Crypt. Enter the area where King Vendrick waits and interact with his clothing to enter his memory. Speak with him there, and you will receive a message that a strong heat has returned to the crowns. This activates their special effect: preventing you from going Hollow after death if you are wearing a crown.
12. What is the weakness of the Burnt Ivory King?
The Burnt Ivory King is exceptionally weak to Lightning. Use Gold Pine Resins or have a weapon imbued with Lightning. Avoid using Fire, Dark, Poison, or Bleed, as the Ivory King has resistance to all of those.
13. What is the best strategy for fighting the Burnt Ivory King solo?
If you’re tackling the Ivory King alone, act like a melee fighter. Get in close, dodge beneath his sword, and cast spells point-blank before running away. It’s a tough fight, so patience and precise timing are crucial.
14. What is the significance of bonfires in Dark Souls II?
Bonfires are crucial checkpoints in Dark Souls II (and the entire Dark Souls series). They allow you to replenish your health, refill your Estus Flask, and level up. They also serve as fast travel points, allowing you to quickly move between different areas of the game. You can also find some interesting readings about the benefits of games, such as Dark Souls, in your cognitive skills at GamesLearningSociety.org.
15. What does the Sun Seal do?
The Sun Seal slightly increases miracle power. It’s a useful item for players who rely heavily on miracles in their builds.