Giving the Enchanted Ember: A Dark Souls Blacksmith’s Guide
You give the Enchanted Ember to Rickert of Vinheim. Only he can use it to ascend +5 magic weapons down the enchanted path, allowing for enchanted weapon reinforcement to +5, the highest level possible for that upgrade path. If you’re looking to infuse your weapons with magical power, Rickert is your man, and the Enchanted Ember is the key.
Understanding Embers and Blacksmiths in Dark Souls
Dark Souls is renowned for its intricate mechanics, and weapon upgrading is no exception. Embers are crucial items that, when given to specific blacksmiths, unlock new upgrade paths and capabilities for your weapons. Each blacksmith has a unique set of skills and requirements, making choosing who to give your embers to an important strategic decision.
The game’s design ensures that each ember is meant for a particular blacksmith. Attempting to give it to the wrong one will result in rejection – they simply won’t be able to make use of it. So, while you might be tempted to give all your hard-earned embers to your favorite blacksmith, the game directs you toward the correct choice every time.
Rickert of Vinheim: The Enchanted Blacksmith
Rickert of Vinheim is a somewhat melancholic figure you’ll find imprisoned in New Londo Ruins. He specializes in magic-related weapon upgrades, and he’s the only blacksmith who can handle the Enchanted Ember. This makes him essential for players building magic-focused characters or who want to create weapons that deal additional magic damage.
Locating the Enchanted Ember
The Enchanted Ember itself is located in the Darkroot Garden. Specifically, you can find it in the center of the garden, guarded by a powerful enemy. Be prepared for a challenging fight, as the enemies in this area are no pushovers, especially for lower-level characters. Once you’ve defeated the guardian, claim the Ember and return it to Rickert to unlock the enchanted upgrade path.
Why the Right Ember Matters
Choosing the correct blacksmith for each ember is not merely a matter of convenience; it’s essential for unlocking the full potential of your equipment. Each upgrade path offers distinct advantages, catering to different playstyles and builds.
For instance, the Enchanted path is perfect for characters with high Intelligence stats, as it adds magic damage scaling to your weapon. The Divine path, on the other hand, is useful for Faith-based builds, adding faith scaling and dealing extra damage to undead enemies. Understanding these nuances is critical to creating a character that excels in combat.
Andre of Astora: The Versatile Blacksmith
While Rickert handles magic, Andre of Astora is the blacksmith you’ll likely interact with the most. Located in the Undead Parish, Andre can ascend weapons down the Standard, Raw, Divine, and Occult paths, provided you give him the necessary embers. The Large Ember and the Divine Ember are two examples of key items you’ll want to bring to him.
The Giant Blacksmith: Forged in Anor Londo
The Giant Blacksmith in Anor Londo is another valuable ally. He can create unique boss weapons using boss souls and the necessary embers. Giving him the Crystal Ember allows him to ascend +10 standard weapons down the crystal path, which increases damage output but reduces durability.
Steady Hand McDuff: A Blacksmith of Refinement
In Dark Souls II, Steady Hand McDuff is an important figure. Giving him the Dull Ember allows him to infuse weapons with elements, adding magical or elemental properties to your armaments. This provides a significant boost to damage output against enemies weak to particular elements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens if I give the Enchanted Ember to the wrong blacksmith?
Nothing happens. The blacksmith will simply tell you that they cannot use it and refuse to take it. Each ember is specifically designed for a single blacksmith.
2. Can I get the Enchanted Ember more than once?
No, embers are unique items in Dark Souls and can only be obtained once per playthrough. If you miss it, you’ll have to wait until New Game Plus to get another shot.
3. What is the difference between the Magic and Enchanted weapon paths?
The Magic path adds a base amount of magic damage and some Intelligence scaling to your weapon. The Enchanted path, which requires the Enchanted Ember, greatly increases the Intelligence scaling, making it much more potent for high-Intelligence characters.
4. Where exactly is Rickert of Vinheim located?
Rickert is imprisoned in a small cell in New Londo Ruins. You’ll need to drain the water level in the ruins to reach him.
5. What are the requirements for ascending a weapon to the Enchanted path?
You need a weapon that is upgraded to +5 on the Magic upgrade path, the Enchanted Ember, and enough souls to pay Rickert.
6. What are the best stats for an Enchanted weapon build?
Intelligence is the primary stat for damage scaling with Enchanted weapons. Vitality, Endurance, and Attunement are also essential for survivability, stamina, and spellcasting.
7. Besides the Enchanted Ember, what other embers are important?
The Large Ember is crucial for upgrading standard weapons beyond +5. The Divine Ember and Occult Ember are vital for Faith-based builds. The Crystal Ember is for maximizing damage output with reduced durability.
8. What should I do with the Very Large Ember?
Give the Very Large Ember to Andre of Astora. It allows him to upgrade standard weapons from +10 to +15, the highest level for that upgrade path.
9. Can I reverse a weapon upgrade path?
No, you cannot reverse a weapon upgrade path in Dark Souls. Choose your upgrades carefully, as the decision is permanent.
10. Is there a blacksmith that can create boss weapons?
Yes, the Giant Blacksmith in Anor Londo can create boss weapons using boss souls and the Large Ember or related embers.
11. Where can I learn more about the Dark Souls community and game strategies?
You can find information on sites dedicated to gaming communities. Also, research from the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) provides insights into game mechanics and learning experiences.
12. How do I know if I have given Andre Farron coal in Dark Souls 3?
In Dark Souls 3, giving Andre coal enables him to infuse weapons with different properties. If you have given him Farron Coal, he will be able to infuse weapons with Heavy, Sharp, and Poison properties. You will see new infusion options when you talk to Andre and choose the “Infuse Weapon” option.
13. What is the best weapon in Dark Souls?
There is no single “best” weapon, as it depends on your build and playstyle. However, the Black Knight Halberd is often considered one of the most powerful due to its high damage output and versatile moveset.
14. Can Andre respawn if he dies in Dark Souls 1?
No, Andre does not respawn in Dark Souls 1. If he dies, he is gone for the rest of the playthrough. You will need to start a New Game Plus to have him return.
15. What are Embers used for outside of upgrading weapons?
In real life, embers are often used for cooking, such as in charcoal barbecues, due to their consistent heat radiation. However, in Dark Souls, their primary purpose is to upgrade weapons.
Mastering the Blacksmith System
Understanding the blacksmith system in Dark Souls is vital for optimizing your character and overcoming the game’s many challenges. By carefully selecting which embers to give to which blacksmiths, you can create powerful weapons that suit your unique playstyle and help you conquer the world of Lordran.
Remember to explore thoroughly, fight bravely, and choose wisely when it comes to upgrading your gear. With the right knowledge and a little bit of luck, you’ll be well-equipped to face whatever Dark Souls throws your way.