Welcome to our comprehensive guide, “Dark Souls 3: Lore and Story Explanation.” Dive deep into the enigmatic and enthralling world of one of the most beloved action-RPGs of all time. From piecing together the intricate lore, to unraveling the key plot points, our guide covers every aspect of the Dark Souls 3 narrative. You’ll explore detailed story walkthroughs, uncovering the hidden meanings behind major plot events. We’ll also delve into the rich backstories of the game’s formidable bosses and unique enemies. Finally, for those who crave more, we present intriguing theories and speculations that will keep you pondering long after you’ve put down the controller. Join us as we illuminate the shadows of Lothric and guide you through the secrets that lie within!
Understanding Lore
Dark Souls 3 is known for its deep, mysterious lore. The way it tells its story is unique — often, you’ll need to piece things together from item descriptions, NPC dialogue, and environmental details. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you make sense of it all!
The Age of Fire and the Curse of Undeath
To understand Dark Souls 3, you need to know about the Age of Fire. In the past, powerful beings known as Lords found the First Flame. This flame brought light and life, creating the Age of Fire. But the flame also created darkness, and out of this darkness, humanity was born.
As the First Flame started to fade, so did the Age of Fire. To keep the flame burning, powerful souls (like Gwyn, Lord of Cinder) sacrificed themselves, becoming fuel for the flame. This act of linking the fire created the Curse of Undeath. The curse makes it so that when humans die, they keep coming back, but slowly lose their humanity and sanity, becoming Hollows.
Your Role: The Ashen One
In Dark Souls 3, you play as the Ashen One. You rise from the dead, tasked with linking the flame to delay the end of the Age of Fire. But you’re not alone — you need to hunt down the former Lords of Cinder, who were once powerful enough to link the flame but have since abandoned their thrones.
These Lords include:
- Aldrich, Devourer of Gods: A gluttonous creature who feasts on gods.
- Yhorm the Giant: A once-great lord who desired to end the cycle of linking the flame.
- The Abyss Watchers: Warriors bound by a shared soul, dedicated to fighting the Dark.
- Lothric, Younger Prince: A prince who refused to link the fire, believing the cycle should end.
Important Places and Their Significance
Firelink Shrine: The hub of your journey. This is where you level up, store items, and interact with helpful NPCs like the Fire Keeper, who assists in your quest.
Lothric Castle: The home of Prince Lothric, located at the highest point in the game. The castle represents the pinnacle of power and the crumbling state of a once-glorious kingdom.
Irithyll of the Boreal Valley: A hauntingly beautiful city, home to dark secrets and powerful enemies. This area encapsulates the game’s themes of faded grandeur and lurking darkness.
Archdragon Peak: A hidden area filled with ancient dragons and challenging fights. It symbolizes the remnants of an older world that existed before the Age of Fire.
Important NPCs and What They Mean
The Fire Keeper: She helps you level up and serves as your guide. Her dialogue and actions hint at deeper themes of the game, like the eternal struggle to keep the flame alive.
Hawkwood: A crestfallen warrior who provides insight into the challenges of the Ashen One. His storyline reflects the constant battle between hope and despair.
Eygon of Carim: A hulking knight protecting his ward, Irina. He represents the theme of duty and the often-tragic sacrifices it requires.
Connecting the Dots
To get the full picture, you’ll need to pay attention to item descriptions and piecing together conversations you’ll have with various NPCs. Sometimes, the smallest details can reveal a lot about the world and its history. For example, finding an item like the Soul of Cinder gives you a peek into the sacrificial nature of the Lords.
Why the Lore Matters
Understanding the lore of Dark Souls 3 isn’t just for bragging rights — it enriches your experience. Knowing the backstory of the enemies you face and the world you explore makes your journey more immersive and meaningful. Plus, as you discover more, you start to see how each piece of the puzzle fits together, revealing a complex and compelling narrative.
So take your time exploring, reading, and soaking in every detail. The world of Dark Souls 3 is rich and rewarding for those who dig deep. Happy hunting, Ashen One!
Story Walkthrough
Alright, brave undead traveler, welcome to the story walkthrough for Dark Souls 3. In a world where death is only the beginning, let’s dive into the dark and deep lore that makes this game so special. We’ll guide you through the key events, locations, and bosses you need to conquer in order to link the fire or usher in a new age of darkness.
The Beginning: Cemetery of Ash
Your journey starts in the Cemetery of Ash. You awaken as an Unkindled, a being brought back to life to link the fire. Follow the linear path and get familiar with combat basics while wrecking some low-level enemies. At the end, you’ll face your first boss, Iudex Gundyr. This guy’s a test of your basic skills, so use your dodge roll effectively to avoid his punishing swings and watch for his transformation.
Firelink Shrine
After dealing with Gundyr, you’ll find your way to a bonfire, teleporting you to Firelink Shrine. This is your main hub and safe haven. Make sure to talk to the Fire Keeper to level up, and introduce yourself to the Crestfallen Warrior. Also, check out the Shrine Handmaid for items and Andre the Blacksmith for weapon upgrades.
High Wall of Lothric
Time to head to the High Wall of Lothric. This area is sprawling with enemies and secrets. Make your way through waving hordes of undead and hollows. Watch out for ambushes and explore thoroughly for useful items. Eventually, you’ll encounter Vordt of the Boreal Valley. He’s a frost-based boss; stay close to him to avoid his icy charges and watch out for frostbite.
Undead Settlement
Once Vordt is down, you can advance to the Undead Settlement. This place is creepy and filled with aggressive mobs. Make friends with Cornyx of the Great Swamp for pyromancies, and don’t forget to free Siegward of Catarina from his temporary prison. Fight your way through grotesque enemies until you find and defeat the Curse-rotted Greatwood, which gives you a useful item for transposing boss souls into weapons.
The Road of Sacrifices
Next up is the Road of Sacrifices. This area leads to the Crucifixion Woods and Farron Keep, and it’s brimming with tough enemies and swampy terrain. Team up with Siegward again to tackle the formidable Demon. Push through and prepare for the Crystal Sage battle, but don’t get overwhelmed by his teleporting tricks.
Cathedral of the Deep
Off to the Cathedral of the Deep. This towering, gothic monstrosity is full of hidden dangers. Look out for Deacons of the Deep, a horde-style boss fight that can overwhelm you with magic attacks if you’re not careful. Be sure to explore every nook and cranny; there’s a lot to discover here.
Farron Keep
Next, head to the toxic swamp of Farron Keep. This area is challenging because of the poison pools and relentless enemies. Your goal is to extinguish three flames to open the door to the Abyss Watchers. These undead warriors make for a memorable boss fight with their fast-paced, aggressive combat style.
Catacombs of Carthus
From Farron Keep, descend into the Catacombs of Carthus. This dark and eerie place is filled with skeletons and traps. Make your way to the imposing High Lord Wolnir; attack his glowing bracelets to take him down.
Irithyll of the Boreal Valley
Prepare yourself for Irithyll of the Boreal Valley, one of the most breathtaking yet deadly locations. Battle through enemies like the Pontiff Knights and make your way to the Pontiff Sulyvahn. His quick, dual-sword attacks are tough, so be on your guard.
Anor Londo
Your path leads to the legendary Anor Londo. After dealing with classic foes and exploring the haunting architecture, you’ll confront Aldrich, Devourer of Gods. Dodge his dark magic and take the fight to him.
Lothric Castle and Beyond
Head back to the Dancer of the Boreal Valley at Lothric Castle. This incredibly graceful but deadly boss brings beautiful moves and fatal attacks. Ascend higher in Lothric Castle, facing the Dragonslayer Armour and eventually reaching Lorian, Elder Prince and Lothric, Younger Prince. This duo will test all your skills.
Finally, make your way to the Kiln of the First Flame. You’ll face Soul of Cinder, a culmination of all Lords of Cinder, proving to be a fittingly epic final battle.
Epilogue: To Link or Not To Link
After defeating the Soul of Cinder, you’ll have a choice: link the flame to keep the Age of Fire going or let the fire fade into darkness. The ending you choose will shape the fate of this dark world.
And that’s the broad strokes of the journey you’re about to undertake in Dark Souls 3. It’s dangerous out there, so gear up, stay sharp, and embrace the darkness. Good luck, Unkindled.
Dark Souls 3: Lore and Story Explanation
Major Plot Points
Dark Souls 3 is a game known for its deep lore and intricate story, which can be hard to piece together. Here, we break down the major plot points to help you understand the game’s world and your role in it.
The Flame is Fading
At the heart of Dark Souls 3’s story is the concept of the First Flame. This magical, eternal fire gives life and power to the world but is now dying. When the flame weakens, the Age of Fire ends, and the Age of Dark begins—a time of death, decay, and hollowing. To prevent this, heroes called “Lords of Cinder” sacrifice themselves to rekindle the flame, keeping the age of light going.
The Lords of Cinder
In Dark Souls 3, you play as the Ashen One, a being who has failed to link the flame and was thus reborn from the ashes. Your mission is to seek out the Lords of Cinder, who have abandoned their thrones, and bring them back to rekindle the First Flame. The Lords include:
- Aldrich, Devourer of Gods: Once a man who became a blob-like creature after consuming so many souls. He dreams of an age of deep sea darkness.
- Yhorm the Giant: A giant ruler who is connected to the Profaned Flame, a destructive force of fire.
- Abyss Watchers: A group of undead warriors who swore to fight the Abyss. They are bound together in death.
- Lothric, Younger Prince: A prince who, along with his brother Lorian, chose not to link the fire and let the flame fade.
Lothric Kingdom in Ruins
Your journey takes place in the desolate kingdom of Lothric, a land filled with ruins, dangerous enemies, and haunting landscapes. The kingdom was once prosperous, but as the flame fades, the world collapses into chaos and darkness. This theme of a decaying world is present everywhere, from the crumbling architecture to the undead wandering the land.
The Profaned Capital
One notable location is the Profaned Capital. Yhorm the Giant once ruled this place. It was consumed by flames due to the Profaned Flame, a symbol of uncontrollable power and destruction. This area highlights the consequences of using such power recklessly.
The Firelink Shrine
Another central location is the Firelink Shrine. This hub connects different areas of the game and offers a place of relative safety. Here, you’ll meet characters like the Fire Keeper, who helps you level up, and Andre the blacksmith, who assists with weapon upgrades. It’s a sacred place where you learn about your quest to link the flame.
The Cycle of Light and Dark
A recurring theme throughout Dark Souls 3 is the cycle of light and dark. The linking of the flame is essentially a reset button, ensuring that light and life persist, but only temporarily. Each cycle grows shorter and more difficult to maintain, suggesting that the Age of Fire might eventually end for good.
The Choice
As you progress, you gather the souls of the Lords of Cinder and prepare to rekindle the flame. However, the game offers multiple endings based on your choices:
- Link the First Flame: Sacrifice yourself to rekindle the flame, continuing the cycle of light and dark.
- Usurp the Flame: Seize control of the flame and usher in an age of true darkness.
- The End of Fire: Let the flame fade naturally, leading to an age of humanity and twilight.
Each choice has significant implications for the world and its cycle, making your decision a weighty one.
Navigating the world of Dark Souls 3 can be overwhelming, but understanding these major plot points can make your journey a bit clearer. Get ready to face challenging enemies, explore hauntingly beautiful landscapes, and make decisions that shape the fate of the world. Good luck, Ashen One!
Boss and Enemy Lore
Dark Souls 3 is packed with challenging bosses and unique enemies that have deep and twisted backstories. Understanding their lore gives a richer experience and helps you appreciate the dark, intricate world of Lothric. Let’s dive into the histories of some notable figures you’ll encounter.
Iudex Gundyr
Iudex Gundyr is your first boss and acts as a tutorial for the rest of the game. But who is he? Gundyr was once a champion chosen to link the flame. Somewhere along his journey, he was delayed and by the time he reached the Firelink Shrine, it was too late. The flame had already gone out. As punishment, he was transformed into the “judge” or “Iudex,” who challenges Unkindled, forcing them to prove their worth.
Vordt of the Boreal Valley
Vordt was once a knight loyal to the city of Irithyll, serving under Pontiff Sulyvahn. The Pontiff’s influence corrupted him, turning Vordt into a beast consumed by the cold. This transformation signifies the Pontiff’s ability to bend even noble warriors to his will, turning them into monstrous guardians.
Abyss Watchers
The Abyss Watchers are part of the Undead Legion of Farron, a group inspired by the legendary Artorias who fought the Abyss. Their duty is to fight the spread of the Abyss wherever it appears. However, their bond became their undoing. Linked by blood, when one fell to the Abyss, the others followed suit. In their twisted state, they eternally battle one another, trapped in a cycle of fighting the darkness within themselves.
Pontiff Sulyvahn
Pontiff Sulyvahn is one of the main antagonists in Dark Souls 3. Born in the painted world of Ariandel, he left to seek more power and eventually seized control of Irithyll. He twisted the city’s knights, including Vordt, into monstrous forms to serve as his personal guards.
Yhorm the Giant
Yhorm is a tragic figure. Once a noble giant who ruled the Profaned Capital, he sacrificed everything to protect his people. Ultimately, he failed to stop the spread of fire and corruption. When you face him, you’re reminded of his sacrifices and the burden he carries as a Lord of Cinder.
Lorian, Elder Prince and Lothric, Younger Prince
These two princes had a destiny to link the fire, but they ultimately rejected their roles. Lorian was once a great knight who became crippled and mute due to his battles. His younger brother, Lothric, was frail and cursed from birth. Together, they chose to watch the world fade rather than sacrifice themselves, making them key figures in the game’s lore.
Common Enemies
Even the regular foes you encounter have stories to tell. Hollowed soldiers, for example, were once proud knights and warriors who have lost their minds to the curse of undeath. Undead dogs, skeletal warriors, and the bizarre, bird-like Corvians all add layers to the history and ruin that plague the world.
Conclusion
Understanding the lore behind Dark Souls 3’s bosses and enemies adds depth to your journey through Lothric. The world isn’t just challenging; it’s filled with tragic stories, endless battles, and characters corrupted by their own desires and failures. Keep these backstories in mind as you fight, and the game will be all the more immersive.
For more on Dark Souls 3 and tips to conquer these foes, check out our full guide. Happy gaming!
Theories and Speculations
Even after digging through every nook and cranny in Dark Souls 3, some things just don’t have clear answers. This is where the community’s creativity steps in, spinning wild and thought-provoking theories to fill in the gaps. Here are some of the most intriguing theories and speculations floating around the Dark Souls 3 universe.
The Identity of the Painter in The Ringed City
The Painter from The Ringed City DLC is definitely one of the most mysterious characters. She’s tasked with creating a new world, but who is she really? A popular theory suggests she might be the daughter of Priscilla, the half-dragon boss from the original Dark Souls. Let’s break this down: both characters share a fascination with painting and seclusion, and have a similar pale complexion. Plus, the Painter’s dialogue about being born “of fear and Dark” fits Priscilla’s theme of being feared and isolated.
The Mystery of Londor and the Sable Church
Londor, the land of the Hollows, is another puzzle piece that has sparked tons of speculation, especially about its leaders—the three sisters of the Sable Church. The theory here is that Yuria, Elfriede, and Liliane may have stronger ties to the Dark Soul than we realize. Some players think they might be direct descendants of the furtive pygmy, the original holder of the Dark Soul. Evidence? Their obsession with embracing hollowness and the Dark, along with the sisters’ cryptic and powerful dialogue hinting at ancient roots.
The Connection Between the Twin Princes
Lorian and Lothric, the Twin Princes, have a bond that might go deeper than just blood ties. Some fans theorize that their connection is symbolic of Dark Souls 3’s broader narrative of Light and Dark. Lothric, the frail younger brother, symbolizes the state of the fading fire, reluctant to prolong the Age of Fire. Meanwhile, Lorian could represent the warrior aspect of humanity that fights against the inevitable end. Their intertwined fate might be Miyazaki’s nod to the cycle of rebirth and decay that defines the series.
Aldrich’s True Form
Who—or what—exactly is Aldrich, Devourer of Gods? The game tells us he’s consumed various beings, including Gwyndolin, but his true nature remains a mystery. One theory is that Aldrich might actually be a primordial slime-like entity that absorbs the powers and identities of his victims. This theory gets a boost from his grotesque appearance and the fact that his backstory talks about his greed and consumption. Some fans even believe that Aldrich is a successor to the primordial serpents, seeking to plunge everything into the Deep.
The Role of the Pilgrims
The Pilgrims of Londor are another enigma. Their pilgrimage is supposedly to die near Lothric Castle, but why? A fascinating fan theory suggests that this journey is a form of spiritual migration to harness the dying flame of the First Flame for Londor. The hunched forms of the pilgrims and their transformation upon death into trees might indicate a link between humanity’s end and nature’s cycle, tying back to Miyazaki’s themes of life, death, and rebirth.
The Mystery of the Nameless King
Finally, there’s endless curiosity about the Nameless King, said to be Gwyn’s firstborn. Some players believe he represents a fallen god who rejected the ways of his father. Speculations point to him allying with dragons, which could symbolize his rebellion against the old ways represented by Gwyn. This idea is further supported by the harsh lightning attacks associated with both the Nameless King and Gwyn, hinting at their shared divine heritage.
These are just snippets of the sprawling tapestry of theories that make the Dark Souls 3 community so vibrant and creative. Whether any of these theories hold water, they add rich layers of meaning and endless possibilities to discuss, making the journey through Lothric all the more intriguing.
Happy theorizing, and may the flames guide thee!