From Software have always been known to create some exemplary DLC for their Souls games- Dark Souls‘s DLC was essential in elevating that game to the masterpiece status that it holds today, Dark Souls 2‘s expansions lift it from being middling to being great, and Bloodborne‘s The Old Hunters expansion is every bit as great as the base game itself- if not even better.
Ashes of Ariandel continues that trend- though it is focused more on PvP than on PvE and expanding the lore of the world, it is still a largely great bit of content offering that dedicated Souls players owe it to themselves to try out. And if you do, you’ll find a Byzantine world waiting for you- as with all things Souls, you’re probably going to be a bit overwhelmed at everything you see. You may even want help. There’s no shame in that.
That’s where we come in with this guide- from telling you how to access the DLC, to the best boss strategies, to the locations of collectibles, such as Crow Quills, Talons, and Armor Sets, this guide has it all. Let’s get right down to it, then.
ACCESSING ASHES OF ARIANDEL
Ashes of Ariandel is actually accessible relatively early in the game, but players shouldn’t jump into it straight away- it’s meant for relatively experienced players. From Software recommends that your level be at least 80 before you try to tackle Ashes of Ariandel.
Travel to the Cathedral of the Deep and enter the Cleansing Chapel bonfire.
As long as you have bought the DLC, you will find a new NPC kneeling before the chapel altar. This NPC will give you the item to enter the Painted World.
Speak to the NPC praying. He will ask you to bring flame to his Lady, who lives in the land of Ariandel.
Accept the request, and the man will ask you to touch a piece of the painting of Ariandel. Doing so will suck you into the scrap of painting – transporting you to the Painted World, and initiating the Ashes of Ariandel DLC.
WEAPONS, RINGS, SPELLS, AND ARMOR SET LOCATIONS
Dark Souls wouldn’t be Dark Souls if it didn’t have loads of high powered, arcane, and absurdly powerful armor, spells, and accessories hidden all around the world, in the most obtuse and often precarious locations that you must fight your way to very carefully. Whether you’re a completionist just looking to get everything there is in the game, or you want help getting that one last bit of armor that you need to complete your set, the video below will help you get everything.
CROW QUILL AND TALON LOCATION
PvP content is actually a big focus in Ashes of Ariandel, so it’s a given that you want the best equipment possible. The Crow Quills weapon is a rather special one- so you want to make sure you have it. The Crow Talons, are, similarly, something that it wouldn’t hurt you to have. Hunting them both down, when they are well hidden in the game’s world, however, can be a bit of a pain. The videos below will help you out with that process.
BOSS STRATEGIES
Unfortunately, Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel is a bit sparse when it comes to single player content- there are only a few bosses here for you to track down and conquer. Of course, those three bosses are a challenge as great as anything you’ve seen in Dark Souls 3, so you may want some help in beating them. That’s what the videos below will help you out with.
Champion’s Gravetender & Gravetender Greatwolf
Sister Friede
