Dark Souls 2 Scholar of the First Sin Walkthrough, Guide, and Gameplay

Dark Souls 2 Scholar of the First Sin

In the updated version of the game, Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin, several changes are introduced to the base story, most notably the inclusion of Aldia, a mysterious character, after the defeat of Nashandra. If the player manages to defeat King Vendrick, Aldia emerges and seeks to guide the protagonist toward a new understanding – one that questions the unending cycle of death and rebirth that plagues the land.

Upon encountering Aldia, the player is faced with a crucial decision that will shape the fate of their journey. They are presented with two distinct choices:

Embrace the Throne: By choosing to take the throne, the player accepts the burden of upholding the Age of Fire, perpetuating the cycle of light and dark. This decision aligns with the traditional path set forth in the Dark Souls universe, where powerful souls must continue to link the First Flame to sustain the world, albeit with the inevitable sacrifice that comes with it.

Reject the Throne: On the other hand, the player can opt to reject the throne, defying the conventional course of events. By doing so, they resist the effects of Hollowing, a condition tied to the curse of the undead, and they choose to follow an uncertain and enigmatic path beyond the notions of light and dark. This decision challenges the established order and opens up new possibilities for the player’s fate and the world’s destiny.

This added element of choice introduces a sense of agency and philosophical contemplation for the player, as they grapple with the implications of their decisions within the complex and intricate lore of the Dark Souls universe.

The outcome of this choice may lead to different endings and narrative branches, reflecting the profound impact of the player’s actions on the world they inhabit and their own personal journey through the game. For PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, Scholar of the First Sin boasted remastered visuals with enhanced lighting effects, running at a resolution of 1080p and at a smooth frame rate of 60 frames per second.

Additionally, the re-release introduced significant changes to the game itself, including alterations to enemy positions and behaviors. Furthermore, multiplayer scenarios were expanded to accommodate up to six players, providing a more dynamic and engaging online experience.

The release of Scholar of the First Sin coincided with the introduction of patch version 1.10, which was also made available for existing versions of the game on February 5, 2015. This update brought numerous improvements to online play, including the addition of the titular Scholar of the First Sin non-player character (NPC), performance enhancements, and adjustments to items and covenants, among other changes.

Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin provided an improved and enriched experience for players, delivering enhanced graphics, refined gameplay, and expanded multiplayer capabilities, making it an attractive choice for both new and existing fans of the series.

Dark Souls 2 Scholar of the First Sin Walkthrough

Things Betwixt

Inside the third merchant house in Majula, players will discover a variation from expectations.
Instead of finding a Human Effigy, as anticipated, the chest holds a Titanite Shard.
This adds an element of surprise and a potential resource for upgrading equipment.

Forest of fallen giants

An additional summon sign is positioned near the Last Giant boss fight entrance, and it can also be used for the Pursuer boss battle later on.

Heide’s Tower of Flame

Heide Knights are now distributed throughout the area, exhibiting more aggression.
After the Dragonrider Boss battle, these knights awaken and move around.
To reveal the lever, only one of the three knights at the circle needs to be defeated.
Dragonrider Boss must be beaten before heading to the Cathedral of Blue.
A new Guardian Dragon guards the lever leading to the Old Dragonslayer encounter.
The passage linking Tower of Flame and No-Man’s Wharf is revamped, housing enemies in a new configuration.

No-Man’s Wharf

We see a new arrangement of low-level enemies compared to the previous version.
The area is now notably darker due to updated lighting technology.
Torch lighting changes both ambiance and visuals, creating a dynamic experience.
A fresh shortcut has been introduced in this area for improved navigation.
In the Flexile Sentry boss fight, rising water levels add difficulty to quick movements.
Effigy Replaces Ring:
The Ring of Life Protection’s previous location now contains three Human Effigies.

The Lost Bastile

The starting bridge lacks a Heide Knight presence.
A summon sign near the Ruin Sentinels battle complements other player signs, aiding in the fight’s manageability.
The Bastille Key has been moved to the opposite room from the Servants Quarters Bonfire.

Sinners Rise

A lone bowman occupies the tower by the initial bonfire.
No summon sign is found at the bottom of the lift near the water aqueduct.
Regular enemies have been substituted with a Flexile Sentry in the water aqueduct.

Belfry Luna

A Pursuer Knight arrives at the Belfry Luna entrance, accompanied by dogs and bowmen.
The red dwarf enemy is absent from the tower top with the lever to the Gargoyles boss door.
The Bastille Key is not present after the area’s final bonfire.

Huntsman copse

The huts after the stone bridge now house Ally Spirit Bashful Ray and an NPC invader.

Undead purgatory

The Chariot boss displays increased aggression in melee attacks, while its use of flame breath is more strategic, offering a narrower counter-attack opportunity.

Harvest Valley

Pyromancer enemies replace the two giants preceding the second bonfire.
The left-side chest after the second bonfire now holds additional large enemies.
An NPC invader emerges in the area featuring sickle-wielding enemies.
Hammer-wielding foes near the first fog gate are substituted by a Pyromancer enemy and a cluster of poison bug enemies.
The Covetous Demon boss showcases more aggression in its attacks.
The undead pots can be utilized as distractions to counter-attack the boss.

Earthern Peak

A magic soldier is positioned near the initial ladder where two headless assassins drop down.
If met in Forest of Giants, Mild-Mannered Pate rewards his armor set.
No Fire Mage is present near Pate’s location; a chest offers Great Soul Arrow instead.
The chest containing a Human Effigy and Poison Broadsword is now replaced with a Pike.
Near Baneful Queen Mytha, Jester Thomas’ summon sign is situated.
Thomas utilizes fire-based attacks, exploiting Mytha’s weakness.

Iron Keep

Sole Iron Knight stands at area entrance.
Two Iron Knights are swapped for consecutive NPC invaders, attacking in sequence.
No chest is situated behind the balista near the Pharros Door at the start.
Following the second bonfire, only one Iron Clad enemy remains on the bridge.

Shaded Woods

No Fat Goon guards the Shrine of Winter entrance.
By the path to the Scorpion Queen, Lion Armor Set and Fragment Branch of Yore are positioned.
Near Ornifex’s location, a Fragment Branch of Yore replaces an Estus Flask Shard.
Enroute to Aldia’s Keep, additional enemies are strategically placed around.

Doors of Pharros

Summoning allies or NPCs in the area is not possible; you must complete it solo.

Brightstone Cove Tseldora

The house near the well-tunnel lacks Human Effigy x5; its chest is now a Mimic-Chest.
Close to Prowling Magus Boss, the Priestess Armor Set can be found.
Absence of a swift rope shortcut to slide down towards Ornifex’s location and second bonfire.
Venagal’s Body is not present at the primal bonfire after defeating Freja Boss.

Grave of Saints

Enemy positions and arrangements in the area have undergone subtle adjustments, with a tendency to cluster more enemies together
Additional torches have been added in the area to improve visibility.
The initial room with rust barrels now contains dog enemies.
Oil puddles appear in the upper section of The Gutter.
More zombie enemies and a Mimic-Chest are grouped in the upper Gutter area
Numerous rust barrels are now grouped throughout the entire area.
Next to the Tattered Armor Set and Visible Azuros Armor Set in the Upper Gutter, a Heide Spear Knight is placed.
Near the Wickedeye Greatshield’s location, Rust Bug enemies from the Scholar of the First Sin DLC are now situated.
There are no dog enemies positioned near the fog gate.

Black Gulch

The chest following The Rotten boss encounter no longer holds Sublime Bone Dust.

Drangleic Castle

Mastadon enemies now stand lower on the castle steps.
Their attacks are more aggressive in nature.
Petrified statues throughout the area morph into monsters upon approach or attack.
Numerous ghost enemies within walls turn hostile when approached closely.
The Chariot boss transforms into an aggressive enemy in Drangelic Castle’s central section.
Melee attacks are intensified.
Statue Knights now occupy the stairway area close to the Chariot boss.
No Mammoth enemy appears outside the door following the Chariot boss encounter.Gargoyle
Atop the ladder featuring Iron Knights post-Chariot Boss, Gargoyle enemies are situated.
Close to a door with a locked gate guarded by Pyromancer enemies and a Wall Ghost, an Estus Flask Shard is positioned.

King’s Passage

A summon sign can be found near the fog door leading to the Looking Glass Knight boss fight.

Shrine of Amana

A Basilisk hides behind boxes close to a chest at the area’s outset.
Numerous giant Stone Statue Knights are distributed throughout the area.
The Dragonrider boss now stands near a bridge, guarding a door.
An NPC invader emerges after the second Fog gate, but in a different position than before.
Close to the area’s last bonfire, a Basilisk enemy makes its appearance.

Undead Crypt

Iron Knights and Wall Knight are positioned differently at the area’s entrance.
Surprise NPC Invaders:
While exploring around the second bonfire, a notably higher number of NPC invaders now appear unexpectedly.
New treasure chests are situated near the Dragonrider spot and prior to the Vestadt boss encounter.

Aldia’s Keep

To awaken the skeletal dragon at the area’s start:
Light four newly placed torches throughout the Keep.
Confront and defeat the emerging dark phantoms.
After these steps, the dragon replicates its wall slam from the original game.
As a reward, you receive the Aldia’s Keep Key.

Dragon Aeire & Dragon shrine

To access the area, a petrified enemy bars the entrance.
Requires a Fragment Branch of Yore to unlock.
The initial bridge features an NPC invader.
This invader engages in relentless attacks.
Numerous Dragon Warriors now populate the map.
They pursue players more relentlessly and attack aggressively.
In groups, Dragon Warriors frequently roll and attack from different angles.
Dragon Warriors won’t attack except upon summoning another player.
Large Knights remain aggressive when seen.
Attacking an idle Dragon Warrior unintentionally results in relentless group attacks.

Ancient Memories

In this section of the game, players may delve into the memories of the fallen giants.
These memories provide insights into the past and reveal important lore details.
Exploring these ancient memories often involves facing powerful enemies and uncovering hidden secrets.

Spell Collecting

“Spell Collecting” typically involves finding and acquiring various spells and magic abilities throughout the game.
Dark Souls II offers a wide range of spells that players can use to enhance their combat abilities, deal damage, or provide utility.
Collecting spells involves locating spell scrolls, defeating specific enemies, or interacting with NPCs who offer magical knowledge.

Crown of the Sunken King

The “Crown of the Sunken King” is one of the three DLC expansions for Dark Souls II.
In this portion of the game, players venture into the underground city of Shulva, where they face unique challenges, enemies, and bosses.
The expansion provides new environments to explore and adds to the overall narrative of the game.

Crown of the Old Iron King

Similar to the previous DLC, the “Crown of the Old Iron King” takes players to the Iron Keep, a location central to the main game.
This expansion introduces new areas, enemies, and bosses for players to conquer.
It extends the Dark Souls II experience by offering fresh challenges and additional content.

Crown of the Ivory King

In the “Crown of the Ivory King” DLC expansion, players venture into the frozen lands of Eleum Loyce, ruled by the Ivory King.
The area is shrouded in ice and cold, presenting new challenges and enemies.
Players must navigate through the chilling environment, face unique bosses, and ultimately uncover the mysteries of the Ivory King’s reign.

Throne of Want

The Throne of Want is a significant location in the main game of Dark Souls II.
It is the final area where players confront the ultimate decision that will shape the outcome of the game.
Here, players face intense challenges and formidable adversaries, leading to a climactic showdown that determines the fate of the player character.

Conquering the Covenants

Covenants are factions or groups that players can join throughout the game.
Each covenant offers unique benefits, rewards, and gameplay mechanics.
Conquering the covenants involves exploring the different factions, fulfilling their requirements, and participating in their activities to reap the benefits they offer.

Vendrick

Vendrick is a central character in Dark Souls II, whose story and presence are closely tied to the lore and progression of the game.
Players encounter Vendrick in his crypt and learn about his tragic fate and his role in the unfolding events of the game.

Checklist before proceeding to NG+

Before embarking on a New Game Plus (NG+) playthrough, it’s essential to prepare and optimize your character.
This checklist may include upgrading weapons and equipment, acquiring essential items, completing quests, and making strategic decisions that will affect your NG+ experience.

New Game + and Beyond

New Game Plus is a feature that allows players to replay the game with increased difficulty while retaining their character’s progress and gear.
Beyond NG+, players continue to face heightened challenges as they progress through subsequent playthroughs, testing their skills and mastery of the game.

Farming Locations

Farming locations refer to specific areas where players can efficiently gather resources, souls, or items for character progression.
Identifying optimal farming locations can greatly aid players in upgrading equipment, leveling up, and enhancing their overall gameplay experience.

TRENDING

Dark Souls 2 Scholar of the First Sin Guide

Dark Souls II in 10 Easy Steps – Introduction is a comprehensive and indispensable guide designed to aid players on their epic journey through the challenging and captivating realms of Dark Souls II, a captivating video game belonging to the RPG genre.

Developed by the renowned creators at From Software and published by Bandai Namco Games, this gaming masterpiece is available on multiple platforms, catering to players on PC, Xbox 360, and PS3. Notably, the game carries a PEGI (Pan European Game Information) rating of 16 and above, while the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) assigns it a Teen rating.

The primary objective of this guide is to provide players with invaluable insights, simplifying the intricacies of Dark Souls II through a series of ten easily navigable steps. Each step delves deeply into crucial aspects of the game, acting as a guiding light for brave adventurers who dare to venture forth into this enigmatic and challenging world.

From mastering the complexities of character development and honing combat techniques to unearthing hidden treasures and triumphing over formidable adversaries, this guide strives to empower players, enhancing their overall gaming experience.

Embarking on this journey requires unwavering determination, as the trials that await are as perilous as they are gratifying. With this guide as a steadfast companion, players can navigate the treacherous realms of Dark Souls II with confidence and purpose, ultimately leading them towards triumph and glory.

May this guide serve as an unwavering beacon, illuminating the path to success in the world of Dark Souls II, and may it stand as a testament to the unwavering spirit of adventurers seeking to conquer its challenges.

Dark Souls 2 Scholar of the First Sin Gameplay

Dark Souls II, an installment in the renowned Dark Souls series, is celebrated for its formidable difficulty, presenting players with challenging encounters against both bosses and regular enemies, capable of swiftly defeating the player in just a few hits.

Mistakes are severely punished, and opportunities to recover health are scarce. With each death, the player’s maximum health is gradually reduced, a mechanic known as hollowing, which can only be reversed by using a rare item.

The game’s economy revolves around “souls,” serving as both experience points for leveling up and currency for purchasing items from shops. However, upon death, all collected souls are dropped, and if the player perishes again before retrieving them, those souls are lost permanently.

Multiplayer in Dark Souls II follows a familiar format from its predecessors, offering cooperative play through summoning and player-versus-player interactions, including invasions and arena duels. Matchmaking formulas pair characters at similar levels for balanced encounters.

To cater to players of various skill levels, the game incorporates mechanics that adjust its difficulty. Early in the game, newer players can find items granting higher basic damage and defense, while experienced players are rewarded with high-skill cap items that deal more damage when executed correctly. The game also features a new game plus mode, enabling players to carry over levels, souls, and most items in subsequent playthroughs.

Dark Souls 2 Scholar of the First Sin Plot

Dark Souls II unfolds with the tale of an Undead, burdened with immortality and the impending fate of becoming a Hollow. Known as the Bearer of the Curse, they embark on a quest to break this curse in the fallen kingdom of Drangleic. Guided by the Emerald Herald, the Bearer must obtain four Great Souls from powerful Old Ones, ultimately seeking the King in the capital.

As the story progresses, the Bearer confronts Queen Nashandra, who unveils the king’s failure and escape from the kingdom. Unraveling the truth, it’s revealed that Nashandra deceived the king, leading to the kingdom’s ruin by coveting the power of the Giants.

The Bearer ventures to Aldia’s keep to acquire the Ashen Mist Heart, enabling access to memories for defeating the Giant Lord and claiming their power.

In a climactic encounter with the Emerald Herald, the Bearer learns that Nashandra is a fragment of Manus from Dark Souls’ expansion. Urged to put Nashandra to rest and claim the Throne of Want, the Bearer faces a critical decision.

In the Scholar of the First Sin version, after Nashandra’s defeat, Aldia offers an alternative choice, suggesting a potential escape from the cycle of death and rebirth, leaving the player to decide the future of the Age of Fire and Dark

Disclaimer: The above information is for general informational purposes only. All information on the Site is provided in good faith, however we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of any information on the Site.