Conquering Anor Londo: Picking the Perfect Bonfire for Ornstein and Smough
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Choosing the right bonfire before tackling the infamous duo, Ornstein and Smough, can dramatically impact your success in Dark Souls. While Anor Londo is littered with perilous pathways, a well-chosen bonfire can save you time, frustration, and precious Humanity.
**The definitive answer? The *Second Bonfire* in Anor Londo, located within the Darkmoon Tomb. This bonfire is, without question, the superior choice.**
Why? Because it offers the shortest, safest, and most direct route to the boss fog. Let’s break down why other options pale in comparison and detail the optimal path.
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Proximity is Paramount: The Darkmoon Tomb bonfire is a mere stone’s throw from the Ornstein and Smough arena. This minimizes the risk of unnecessary encounters with Silver Knights and other Anor Londo nasties.
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Safety First: The path from the Darkmoon Tomb bonfire to the boss fog is relatively free of significant threats. You’ll encounter some Bat Wing Demons and possibly a Sentinel, but these are manageable compared to the gauntlet required from other bonfires.
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Ease of Access: Reaching this bonfire requires a minimum of platforming and combat. This is crucial, especially after a failed attempt at the boss fight, when your nerves are frayed and your resources depleted.
Navigating from the Second Bonfire: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Exit the Bonfire Room: Leave the chamber where the Darkmoon Tomb bonfire is located.
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Ascend the Staircase: Proceed up the staircase leading out of the room.
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Eliminate the Bat Wing Demons: As you ascend, be wary of Bat Wing Demons perched on the ledges. Dispatch them quickly, using ranged attacks if necessary, to prevent them from harassing you.
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Proceed Forward: Continue up the stairs and through the doorway at the top.
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Engage or Evade the Sentinel: A Sentinel may be patrolling the hall outside the doorway. You can choose to engage it in combat or attempt to evade it by running past. Either strategy is viable, depending on your preference and remaining Estus Flasks.
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Cross the Great Hall: Proceed through the great hall towards the large doors at the far end. These doors lead directly to the Ornstein and Smough boss arena.
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Prepare for Battle: Before entering the boss fog, take a moment to buff your weapon, equip your desired armor, and summon any available allies, such as Solaire of Astora.
Alternatives and Why They Fall Short
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The First Bonfire (Fire Keeper): While a common choice, this bonfire requires navigating a much longer and more dangerous route through Anor Londo. You’ll have to deal with Silver Knights, Painting Guardians, and the infamous archers on the buttresses. This route is far too time-consuming and risky.
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Bonfire Near Solaire: This bonfire, accessible by dropping down after the stairs, requires a fiddly jump that can easily lead to your demise. While Solaire’s presence is welcome, the journey to the boss fog is still longer and more hazardous than from the Darkmoon Tomb bonfire.
Key Considerations for Bonfire Selection
- Estus Flasks: The closer the bonfire, the more Estus Flasks you’ll have for the fight itself. This is crucial for survival.
- Humanity: A short, safe run back reduces the likelihood of dying and losing Humanity.
- Mental Fatigue: Repeatedly running a long, dangerous path can lead to mental fatigue, negatively impacting your performance against the boss.
- Co-op Summons: A closer bonfire makes it easier to summon co-op partners, as they spend less time traveling to the boss fog.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Ornstein and Smough, designed to further equip you for victory:
1. What’s the Best Summon for Ornstein and Smough?
Solaire of Astora is an excellent summon, especially if you’re struggling. He can soak up damage and potentially defeat Ornstein while you focus on Smough. However, be mindful that summoning him makes the bosses’ health pools larger.
2. Is Fire Good Against Ornstein and Smough?
Yes, fire is effective against Ornstein. Smough, however, is strong against fire and weak to lightning. After one absorbs the other, the remaining boss will have their previous weaknesses and resistances. So if you kill Ornstein first, Super Smough will be strong against fire, and vice versa.
3. What Level Should I Be to Fight Ornstein and Smough?
Generally, levels 40-60 are considered appropriate for tackling Ornstein and Smough. This range provides a good balance of stats and weapon upgrades.
4. Can I Parry Ornstein?
No, you cannot fully parry Ornstein. You can partially parry some of his attacks. The only boss who can be fully parried in Dark Souls is Gwyn.
5. Are Ornstein and Smough Brothers?
There’s no evidence suggesting they’re brothers. The lore indicates they were simply colleagues, tasked by Lord Gwyn to work together.
6. Is Ornstein and Smough Halfway Through the Game?
It depends on whether you include the optional areas. If you do, they’re roughly halfway. If not, they’re closer to 3/5ths of the way through the game.
7. Can You Poison Ornstein and Smough?
Yes, you can poison both Ornstein and Smough. While they have high resistance, applying poison or toxic aggressively can be a viable strategy, particularly if you’re struggling with other methods.
8. Should I Take Out Ornstein or Smough First?
This depends on what you want. If you want Smough’s armor and hammer, kill Ornstein first. If you want Ornstein’s armor and spear, kill Smough first.
9. Is Ornstein or Smough Armor Better?
Neither armor set is strictly superior. Choose the one that best suits your build based on weight, poise, and defensive stats. Ornstein’s helmet is a particularly popular choice.
10. Is Ornstein Weak to Occult?
Yes, Ornstein is weak to occult damage. An occult weapon will generally be more effective than a standard or divine weapon.
11. Is Ornstein Immune to Bleed?
No, Ornstein is not immune to bleed, but he has high bleed resistance. Repeatedly applying bleed can eventually trigger the effect.
12. Are Ornstein and Smough Optional?
No, Ornstein and Smough are a mandatory boss fight. Progressing through the game requires defeating them.
13. Is the Dragonslayer Armor Related to Ornstein?
The Dragonslayer Armor from Dark Souls 3 is likely not directly related to Ornstein but its design is based on his.
14. What Weapon is Best for Ornstein and Smough?
While the Crystal Halberd is popular among speedrunners, there is not a single “best” weapon. Great options include anything that deals fire damage against Ornstein, and lightning against Smough. Faster weapons can be easier to use for dodging and creating openings.
15. Where to farm souls to level up to fight Ornstein and Smough?
The easiest way is probably to go through Painted World of Ariamis and clear out all the enemies there.
The Bottom Line
The Darkmoon Tomb bonfire is the clear winner for tackling Ornstein and Smough. Its proximity, safety, and ease of access make it the optimal choice for minimizing frustration and maximizing your chances of victory. Prepare your strategy, summon Solaire if needed, and remember that perseverance is key. Now go forth, Chosen Undead, and conquer Anor Londo!
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