A Knight in Shining Armor (and Maybe a Miracle): Summoning Help for Ornstein and Smough

The question isn’t just “Can you beat Ornstein and Smough?” but “Can you beat them efficiently?” These two Anor Londo protectors are notorious for their difficulty, often cited as a major roadblock in any Dark Souls playthrough. While solo victories are certainly possible (and brag-worthy!), enlisting some jolly cooperation can significantly ease the burden.

So, who can you summon for this epic battle? The primary answer is: Solaire of Astora.

Solaire, the sun-praising warrior, has his summon sign located near the stairs leading to the boss fog. He’s a capable fighter who can tank significant damage and, if managed correctly, even focus on Super Ornstein, allowing you to take down Smough relatively unscathed.

However, summoning Solaire isn’t a guaranteed win button. It requires a Human form, earned through the reversal of hollowing at a bonfire, and a readily available stock of Humanity as you may need to try multiple times. The key is knowing how to leverage his strengths and avoid common pitfalls.

Frequently Asked Questions about Summoning for Ornstein and Smough

This section will cover common questions and provide a comprehensive guide to maximizing your summoning potential against this formidable duo.

1. Where Exactly is Solaire’s Summon Sign?

Solaire’s sign is located on the platform below the Anor Londo steps leading towards the Ornstein and Smough boss fog gate. It’s on the right-hand side as you’re facing the fog gate. Make sure you are in human form to see it.

2. What Are the Advantages of Summoning Solaire?

Solaire offers several advantages:

• High Health: He can absorb a lot of damage, diverting attacks from you.
• Damage Output: While not a damage-dealing monster, he contributes significantly, especially against Super Ornstein.
• Distraction: He provides a valuable distraction, allowing you to create openings for attacks or heal.
• Jolly Cooperation: His presence provides a mental boost, making the fight less daunting.

3. Are There Any Other NPCs I Can Summon?

Unfortunately, Solaire is the only NPC available for summoning for the Ornstein and Smough boss fight. This is why he is such a popular choice. You can however summon other real player phantoms online if you are embered.

4. What Are the Drawbacks of Summoning Solaire?

• Boss Health Increase: Summoning any phantom increases the bosses’ health, making the fight longer.
• AI Inconsistencies: Solaire’s AI isn’t perfect. He can sometimes be unpredictable, getting stuck on terrain or focusing on the wrong target.
• Humanity Cost: Losing the fight with a summon means losing Humanity, which can be a precious resource.

5. How Can I Maximize Solaire’s Effectiveness?

• Prioritize Target Designation: Focus on Smough, allowing Solaire to engage Ornstein. This is crucial to prevent Ornstein from becoming Super Ornstein.
• Keep Smough Aggro’d: Keep Smough’s attention, dodging his attacks and creating openings for Solaire to damage Ornstein.
• Heal Strategically: Heal when necessary, but avoid doing so in front of the bosses. Use Solaire’s aggro to create safe windows.
• Equip Appropriate Gear: Equip weapons and armor suitable for the fight. Fire resistance is particularly helpful.

6. Is It Easier to Fight Ornstein First or Smough First?

This is a matter of personal preference. Many players find it easier to fight Ornstein first, as he is faster and more agile, making him harder to dodge when he becomes Super Ornstein. Letting Solaire keep his attention is key.

7. What Happens if Solaire Dies During the Fight?

If Solaire dies, the fight continues as a 1v2 situation. This increases the difficulty significantly, so try to keep him alive for as long as possible.

8. Can I Resummon Solaire if He Dies?

Yes, as long as you remain in Human form and have not defeated Ornstein and Smough, you can resummon Solaire. This is why having a supply of Humanity is vital.

9. What are Ornstein and Smough Weak To?

Smough is particularly weak to Fire Damage. Ornstein isn’t much of a fan either, although he has decent resistances. Lightning damage however will not work well here. Magic based Soul Arrows can do damage if you have high Intellect.

10. Is it Possible to Solo Ornstein and Smough?

Absolutely! While challenging, soloing Ornstein and Smough is a common achievement. It requires patience, skillful dodging, and a good understanding of their attack patterns. Experiment with different weapons and strategies to find what works best for you.

11. Is Solaire the Nameless King’s Son?

No, Solaire is not the Nameless King’s son. This is a common fan theory but lacks substantial evidence within the game’s lore.

12. Is there a Canon ending for Solaire?

It seems that the canonical ending for Solaire is that he linked the fire in his realm.

13. What if I’m Overleveled? Will That Make the Fight Easier?

Being overleveled can definitely make the fight easier, but it won’t trivialize it entirely. Ornstein and Smough’s attack patterns and combo potential can still be deadly, regardless of your stats. Focus on upgrading your weapon as much as possible; this often makes a bigger difference than raw level gains.

14. What are Some Good Weapon Choices for This Fight?

Weapons that deal fire damage can be highly effective, particularly against Smough. Fast-attacking weapons can also be useful for exploiting openings after dodging their attacks. Some popular choices include:

• Pyromancy Flame
• Chaos Blade
• Great Scythe
• Lightning weapons (After the first form)

15. Where Can I Learn More About Dark Souls Strategies?

There are numerous resources available online, including wikis, forums, and video guides. Communities like the Games Learning Society also explore the educational and strategic aspects of gaming, offering insights into game mechanics and problem-solving strategies. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.

Conquering Ornstein and Smough, whether solo or with Solaire’s help, is a significant accomplishment in Dark Souls. Understanding the mechanics of the fight and leveraging the available resources, including the jolly cooperation of others, will greatly increase your chances of success. Praise the Sun!