Darkish Souls. The identify itself conjures photos of relentless issue, cryptic lore, and an amazing sense of accomplishment after lastly conquering its challenges. Inside this grim and unforgiving world lies a alternative, a pivotal determination that determines the destiny of the land of Lordran and the participant’s final future: selecting between the Age of Fireplace and the Age of Darkish. Many contemplate the Age of Fireplace ending to be the “good” ending, a path of perseverance and sacrifice that delays the inevitable twilight. This information will present an in depth walkthrough on easy methods to obtain this ending, guaranteeing that you simply, the Chosen Undead, can kindle the flame and extend the Age of Fireplace.
Why would you even *need* to hyperlink the hearth? Effectively, many view it because the much less bleak end result. It staves off the encroaching darkness, offering a glimmer of hope, nevertheless fleeting, to a world teetering on the point of collapse. Whereas the Age of Darkish will not be inherently evil, the Age of Fireplace represents a continuation of the established order, a well-known, albeit decaying, world. For gamers searching for a conventional “heroic” conclusion, the Age of Fireplace ending typically feels just like the extra satisfying alternative.
Understanding the Endings: Fireplace and Darkness
Earlier than diving into the steps, let’s briefly perceive the 2 primary endings that await you on the fruits of your arduous journey.
The Age of Fireplace
This ending includes persevering with the cycle of linking the First Flame. By sacrificing your self to the flame, you extend the Age of Fireplace, guaranteeing that mild and life persist, no less than for some time longer. The implications of this act are complicated and open to interpretation. Some imagine it is a heroic act, whereas others see it as a determined try to delay the inevitable. The world advantages from the fading energy of the flame, which provides hope to the folks left, and the monsters roam freely.
The Age of Darkish
This ending includes permitting the First Flame to die. In doing so, you usher in an age of humanity, an period the place people, not certain to the gods and the cycle of fireplace, are free to forge their very own future. This ending is commonly shrouded in thriller, with many viewing it as a sinister or harmful path. Nonetheless, some imagine it is the pure order, a obligatory transition to a brand new period of human dominance. It’s unknown what that future holds for people, whether or not it’s utopia or distopia.
The Journey to Gentle: A Step-by-Step Information to the Age of Fireplace
This part will element the steps you want to take to make sure you obtain the Age of Fireplace ending. Pay shut consideration, as one incorrect transfer can lock you out of your required end result.
Getting ready for the Kindling
Earlier than you even take into consideration going through Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, you want to put together your character. Degree suggestions are subjective and rely in your playstyle, however intention for a degree vary the place you’re feeling snug going through difficult enemies. Vitality, Endurance, Energy, and Dexterity are all priceless stats, relying in your chosen construct. Guarantee your weapon is absolutely upgraded, and that you’ve got a snug quantity of estus flasks prepared.
Probably the most vital points of this ending is what you do with the Fireplace Keeper Soul(s) you discover all through your journey. The Fireplace Keeper soul grants the flexibility to replenish estus extra when given to the hearth keeper, however that is not the full story. **Don’t, below any circumstances, give the Fireplace Keeper Soul to the Fireplace Keeper in Firelink Shrine!** This motion will drastically alter the ultimate boss struggle and make attaining the Age of Fireplace ending considerably tougher, if not unattainable. We are going to get to this facet later.
Navigating Lordran: A Path of Perseverance
Your journey by way of Lordran might be fraught with hazard. From the Undead Asylum to Anor Londo, you will face hordes of enemies, lethal traps, and difficult bosses. Familiarize your self with the setting, study enemy assault patterns, and do not be afraid to experiment with completely different weapons and techniques. Whereas this information will not present an in depth walkthrough of each space, it is necessary to recollect the important thing areas and managers that you need to overcome to progress.
Bear in mind to discover totally, as hidden areas typically include priceless gadgets and shortcuts. Do not be afraid to die; demise is a studying expertise in Darkish Souls. Analyze your errors, modify your technique, and take a look at once more. Perseverance is vital to success.
Reaching the Kiln: The Remaining Confrontation
After overcoming numerous obstacles, you will ultimately attain the Kiln of the First Flame, the ultimate area the place you will face Gwyn, Lord of Cinder. Gwyn is a formidable opponent, a strong knight wielding a flaming greatsword. He’s quick, aggressive, and relentless.
To defeat Gwyn, you will must be affected person and strategic. Parrying his assaults is a extremely efficient option to deal vital injury, however requires exact timing. Alternatively, you should use ranged assaults or exploit openings in his assault patterns.
Earlier than coming into the Kiln, guarantee you might be absolutely ready. Restock your estus flasks, restore your tools, and equip your greatest armor and weapon. Bear in mind, that is the ultimate problem, so give it your all.
Linking the Fireplace: A Selection of Future
As soon as you’ve got defeated Gwyn, you will be offered with a alternative. You’ll be able to both stroll away from the First Flame, permitting it to die and usher within the Age of Darkish, or you may strategy the flame and hyperlink it, prolonging the Age of Fireplace.
To attain the Age of Fireplace ending, you need to **stroll as much as the First Flame and work together with it.** This motion will set off a cutscene, the place your character sacrifices themselves to the flame, reigniting it and prolonging the age of fireplace.
The Remaining Glimmer: Witnessing the Finish
After linking the hearth, you will witness a cutscene depicting the implications of your actions. The flame is rekindled, the darkness recedes, and the world is bathed in mild as soon as extra. Whereas the victory could really feel bittersweet, you have got efficiently achieved the Age of Fireplace ending. You may be greeted with a brand new sport plus to play, the place you may maintain the identical stats, and gadgets from the final playthrough, and play by way of the sport once more.
The Path Much less Traveled: Avoiding Frequent Errors
A number of pitfalls can forestall you from attaining the Age of Fireplace ending. Let’s talk about some frequent errors to keep away from.
The Fireplace Keeper’s Soul: A Essential Selection
As talked about earlier, **by no means give the Fireplace Keeper Soul to the Fireplace Keeper in Firelink Shrine!** Doing so will empower her, resulting in a unique ending after defeating Gwyn. For those who give the hearth keeper the soul, the firekeeper might be hostile after the boss struggle, and you’ll be caught with the age of darkish ending.
Unintended Darkness: Avoiding the Undesired
Whereas much less frequent, it is potential to by chance set off the Age of Darkish ending. This sometimes includes particular NPC interactions that lead you down a unique path. With out spoiling an excessive amount of, be cautious when coping with sure characters and their requests.
Studying from Failure: A New Participant’s Information
New gamers typically make errors, however that is a part of the educational course of. Do not be discouraged by deaths or setbacks. Analyze your errors, study from them, and take a look at once more. The neighborhood of Darkish Souls is full of guides and movies that will help you alongside the best way.
Various Fireplace: The Path After the Soul
For individuals who by chance gave the Fireplace Keeper her soul, there stays a convoluted, however nonetheless potential, path to what may very well be thought-about a model of the Age of Fireplace ending. This includes particular interactions with the Primordial Serpent, Kaathe, who could be discovered within the Abyss. Participating with Kaathe and becoming a member of the Darkwraiths covenant permits the participant to “usurp the hearth.” This ending is a extra complicated model of the Age of Fireplace, one the place humanity begins to be empowered, and the flame is linked below new pretenses. Be warned that skipping the Undead Asylum is a alternative that ensures that you simply can’t acquire the Age of Fireplace ending, however you will get the Lord of Hollows ending.
Kindling Hope: A Remaining Phrase
Attaining the Age of Fireplace ending in Darkish Souls is a testomony to your perseverance, talent, and willpower. It is a difficult however rewarding expertise that provides a glimmer of hope in a world shrouded in darkness. By following the steps outlined on this information, you may make sure that you kindle the flame and extend the Age of Fireplace, securing a brighter future, nevertheless fleeting, for the land of Lordran. Keep in mind that the occasions that occur, occur. Whether or not you suppose the “good” ending is really that, is as much as you. You’ll want to strive for different endings, the Lord of Hollows ending may provide you with a brand new perspective. Now go forth, Chosen Undead, and will the flames information your method!
