Introduction
The world of Lordran in *Dark Souls* is unforgiving, its narrative shrouded in mystery, and its ending as ambiguous as the motivations of the gods. Players often debate the definition of a truly “good” ending within this bleak landscape. Is there a path to a brighter future, or are all outcomes ultimately shades of grey? While debate rages on in online communities, many players seek the path that leads to prolonging the Age of Fire, often perceived as the “good” or at least more conventional outcome. This guide will provide a detailed roadmap on *Dark Souls how to get the good ending*, specifically, the “Linking the Fire” ending, highlighting key choices and offering practical tips to help you navigate this perilous journey.
It’s important to acknowledge upfront that “good” is inherently subjective. Some players might see the “Dark Lord” ending, embracing the Age of Dark, as the true path forward. This guide focuses on prolonging the Age of Fire because it adheres more closely to the established order and the prevailing narrative of sacrifice. However, we encourage players to explore both endings to form their own conclusions about which destiny is truly best for Lordran.
Essential Prerequisites and Decisive Choices
Before embarking on the final stages of your journey, several key decisions and actions significantly impact your ability to achieve the desired ending. These are critical factors for *Dark Souls how to get the good ending.*
The Fate of Solaire of Astora: A Crucial Alliance
Solaire of Astora is more than just a helpful phantom; he’s a beacon of hope in a world consumed by despair. Preserving his sanity is paramount, not only for his companionship but also because his fate intertwines with your ability to potentially receive help in the final fight. Preventing Solaire’s descent into madness requires a specific action in Lost Izalith. Before facing the Bed of Chaos, you need to access a hidden shortcut. This shortcut leads to a room containing the Sunlight Maggot, the parasite responsible for corrupting Solaire. By opening this shortcut, which requires either offering humanity to the Chaos Servant covenant or acquiring the Izalith shortcut key from the Daughter of Chaos, you can eliminate the Sunlight Maggot before Solaire reaches it, saving him from his tragic fate. Failing to do so will result in having to kill him later on, and lose a valuable ally.
Respecting the Non-Player Characters: Avoiding Unnecessary Aggression
Lordran is sparsely populated with helpful non-player characters, many of whom provide essential services. Killing these individuals, whether accidentally or intentionally, can severely hinder your progress. Andre the Blacksmith, for example, is crucial for upgrading your weapons. Petrus of Thorolund offers valuable miracles. Priscilla, the merchant, can also provide valuable assistance. Exercise caution and avoid attacking or provoking these non-player characters unless absolutely necessary. Think twice before striking someone, as their death could severely hinder your journey towards *Dark Souls how to get the good ending*.
Understanding Humanity and the Art of Kindling
Humanity is a valuable resource in *Dark Souls*, serving multiple purposes, including reversing hollowing and kindling bonfires. Kindling a bonfire allows you to increase the number of Estus Flasks replenished at that specific bonfire. Having more Estus Flasks is a significant advantage, particularly when facing challenging areas or bosses. Understanding and effectively using Humanity is essential for survival and progress, making it a vital element to getting the good ending. Be mindful to conserve Humanity for those difficult boss fights.
Building Your Character: Initial Stats and Equipment Choices
While *Dark Souls* offers considerable freedom in character customization, certain builds are inherently more forgiving for a first playthrough, particularly if you are aiming for *Dark Souls how to get the good ending*. Strength-based builds, utilizing heavy armor and powerful weapons, can provide increased survivability. Quality builds, which balance Strength and Dexterity, offer versatility in weapon choices. Faith builds, centered around miracles, can provide powerful healing and offensive options.
For early-game equipment, consider weapons like the Zweihander (obtained in the graveyard near Firelink Shrine), the Claymore (found on a corpse in Undead Burg), or the Drake Sword (obtained by shooting the Red Drake’s tail). For armor, aim for pieces that offer a balance of defense and mobility. Allocate your stats strategically, prioritizing Vitality for health, Endurance for stamina and equip load, and Strength or Dexterity based on your chosen build.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Linking the Fire
This section provides a detailed walkthrough on how to reach the final boss and make the choice to link the fire. This is the most concrete advice on *Dark Souls how to get the good ending*.
The Opening Hours: Undead Asylum to Undead Parish
Your journey begins in the Undead Asylum. Defeat the Asylum Demon and proceed to Firelink Shrine. From there, navigate through the Undead Burg and Undead Parish, defeating the Taurus Demon and the Gargoyles. Retrieve the Fire Keeper Soul from the Undead Parish, and most importantly, meet Solaire of Astora for the first time. His presence is a symbol of hope, and a first step towards that ‘good ending’ you desire.
Through Depths and Heights: Blighttown to Anor Londo
Venture into the Depths, a treacherous labyrinth filled with Basilisks and Gaping Dragon. Emerge in Blighttown, a toxic swamp teeming with enemies. Defeat Quelaag, and ring the first Bell of Awakening. Ascend through Sen’s Fortress, a trap-filled gauntlet, and finally reach Anor Londo, the city of the gods. Defeat Ornstein and Smough, a formidable duo. After this boss fight, it is imperative that you speak to Princess Gwynevere to obtain the Lordvessel. Without speaking to Gwynevere, you cannot progress towards the ‘good’ ending.
Securing the Lord Souls: Four Kings, Seath, Nito, and Bed of Chaos
With the Lordvessel in your possession, warp to Firelink Shrine and speak with Kingseeker Frampt. He will instruct you to obtain the Lord Souls by defeating the Four Kings, Seath the Scaleless, Gravelord Nito, and the Bed of Chaos. The order in which you tackle these bosses is largely up to you. The Four Kings, located in the Abyss, can be challenging due to their high damage output. Equip armor with high poise and consider using a weapon that deals rapid damage. Seath the Scaleless, residing in the Crystal Cave, requires breaking his Primordial Crystal to defeat. Gravelord Nito, found in the Tomb of the Giants, is vulnerable to divine weapons. The Bed of Chaos, located in Lost Izalith, requires destroying three Chaos Orbs to defeat, and is generally considered the most annoying fight in the game.
The Final Confrontation: Kiln of the First Flame and Gwyn
Once you have obtained all four Lord Souls, return to Firelink Shrine and warp to the Kiln of the First Flame. This area is populated by Black Knights. The boss of this area is Gwyn, Lord of Cinder. Preparing for Gwyn is very important. Consider upgrading your weapon to its maximum level and equipping armor with high fire resistance. Gwyn is a challenging boss due to his aggressive attacks and ability to parry. Mastering the parry mechanic is highly recommended.
Choosing Your Fate: Linking the Fire
After defeating Gwyn, you will be presented with a choice: to link the fire or to leave the Kiln. To achieve the “Linking the Fire” ending, approach the bonfire and interact with it. Your character will sacrifice themselves to reignite the First Flame, prolonging the Age of Fire. The ending cinematic depicts your character immolating, as the flames consume them and the Age of Fire continues.
This ending is often interpreted as a selfless act, sacrificing your own life to delay the inevitable Age of Dark. However, some argue that it perpetuates a cycle of suffering and that allowing the Age of Dark to begin is the true path to liberation.
A Momentary Reprieve: What Happens After Linking the Fire
Linking the Fire triggers the end credits and begins a New Game Plus (NG+). In NG+, you retain your character’s level, equipment, and most items, allowing you to experience the game again with increased difficulty.
Saving Solaire: A Light in the Darkness Detailed Guidance
For *Dark Souls how to get the good ending*, you must save Solaire. This part is extremely important for him to not go insane.
Pathing for Solaire Saving
To save Solaire from going insane, you must open a shortcut in Lost Izalith before reaching the Bed of Chaos boss fight. This shortcut allows you to bypass a large portion of Lost Izalith and access the Sunlight Maggot, which is the cause of Solaire’s madness.
Acquiring Sunlight Maggot
From the bonfire near the Daughter of Chaos covenant, proceed through the level until you reach a large open area with several Capra Demons. Instead of progressing forward, look for a large, overgrown door on the right side of the area.
This door requires either reaching rank two in the Chaos Servant covenant by offering thirty humanity to the Daughter of Chaos, or opening it with the Izalith Shortcut Key. The Izalith Shortcut Key is dropped by the Daughters of Chaos.
Rescuing Solaire
Once the shortcut is open, proceed through the tunnel until you reach a room filled with Chaos Bugs. The Sunlight Maggot will be among them. It will be very obvious as it glows. Kill the Sunlight Maggot before Solaire enters this area. Once you have killed the Sunlight Maggot, proceed further into Lost Izalith until you find Solaire. He will be relieved and grateful. You can continue playing with Solaire throughout the rest of the game.
Conclusion: The Flame Fades, But Hope Remains
This guide provides a comprehensive roadmap on *Dark Souls how to get the good ending* by linking the fire. However, remember that the true meaning of the ending is open to interpretation. Explore both endings and decide for yourself which path is the most fitting for your character and your understanding of the lore.
The world of *Dark Souls* is challenging, unforgiving, but ultimately rewarding. By mastering the mechanics, making informed decisions, and persevering through adversity, you can conquer Lordran and shape its destiny. So, what are your thoughts on the endings? Share your experiences and interpretations in the comments below!
