In the oppressive and convoluted world of Dark Souls 3, the journey is as important as the destination. As you delve into the final chapter of the Dark Souls trilogy, you’ll be confronted with choices that will shape the fate of the world. This comprehensive guide will teach you how to get all Dark Souls 3 endings, from the standard conclusion to the most intricate.
In Dark Souls 3, the endings aren’t mere static conclusions but meaningful choices that shape the narrative. Your actions play a crucial role in determining the fate of the Dark Souls universe. Choose your path wisely.
Link the First Flame (Basic Ending)
Let’s start with the most straightforward ending, Link the First Flame. This ending is the default option, requiring minimal effort. To achieve it, follow these steps:
- Unlock access to the Kiln of the First Flame.
- Defeat the formidable Soul of Cinder.
Once these two tasks are completed, your only option will be to link the First Flame. Despite your valiant efforts throughout the game, the First Flame continues to fade, as is the ordained cycle of death and rebirth in the Dark Souls lore, leaving you with the Age of Fire, prolonging a dying world.
The End of Fire
This ending represents a gloomy yet profound choice in Dark Souls 3. To embark on this path, follow these steps:
- First, you need to defeat Champion Gundyr.
- Unlock the odd Dark Firelink Shrine.
- Acquire the Eyes of a Fire Keeper.
- Hand over the Eyes to the Fire Keeper in Firelink Shrine.
- After defeating the Soul of Cinder, instead of linking the fire, summon the Fire Keeper.
You can find the Eyes of a Fire Keeper in the Dark Firelink Shrine, which is accessible by revealing an illusory wall in Oceiros’ boss arena.
The Untended Graves may appear as a darker version of the Cemetery of Ash, with Champion Gundyr taking the place of Iudex. After you’ve successfully slain Champion Gundyr, you’ll find the Eyes of the Fire Keeper within the Dark Firelink Shrine.
Hand these over to the Fire Keeper at the real Firelink Shrine, and when prompted, respond with “Yes.” This will make the Fire Keeper’s summon sign appear after defeating the Soul of Cinder, triggering The End of Fire ending cutscene, where darkness consumes the world, though not life itself.
Unkindled
The Unkindled ending is a hidden gem, branching off from The End of Fire. To embark on this unique path, follow these unconventional steps:
- First, follow the steps for The End of Fire ending.
- After summoning the Fire Keeper, and as the ending cutscene fades to black, your character must attack the Fire Keeper.
- Make sure to kill the Fire Keeper.
Unkindled is a particularly cruel ending, fitting for the Dark Souls universe, as it rewards your hard work to help the Fire Keeper end the Age of Fire with a dark twist. It may not grant you a Trophy or Achievement, but it adds a chaotic twist to the narrative.
Usurpation of Fire
The Usurpation of Fire ending is an intricate, lengthy, and time-sensitive endeavor, and to unlock it, you need to follow a series of steps carefully. Here’s how to attain this unique conclusion:
- Begin by speaking to Yoel in the Foot of the High Walls area before opening the portcullis to the Undead Settlement. He’ll be among a crowd of worshippers on the right, second from the back. He’ll mumble something when you approach, and after a few seconds, you can engage in a conversation with him and send him to Firelink Shrine.
- Return to Yoel at Firelink Shrine and accept the dark sigil. You’ll find him at the end of the corridor on the lower right side of the area.
- Level up with Yoel five times. The first level-up is free, and the subsequent ones are gained by dying twice and returning to him. After the fifth level-up, he’ll pass away. This must be done before completing Farron Keep, and under no circumstances should you attempt to cure your hollowing.
- Once Yoel is deceased, Yuria will appear in the same spot in Firelink Shrine.
- Speak to Anri at the Halfway Fortress bonfire.
- After defeating the Deacons of the Deep, return to Firelink and speak to Anri again.
- After defeating the Abyss Watchers, find Anri in the Catacombs of Carthus. Instead of turning right and heading down the steps where the skeleton ball attacks you, take the archway opposite and proceed down the corridor.
- Engage in another conversation with Anri further through the catacombs. When you reach the wooden bridge, take the rough stone path up the slope and to the left.
- Locate Horace in Smouldering Lake and defeat him. He can be found in the cave to the right when you reach the water.
- Return to Anri and deliver the news of Horace’s fate in the lake.
- Talk to Anri again at the Church of Yorshka bonfire in Irithyll of the Boreal Valley.
- Return to Firelink after defeating Pontiff Sulyvahn and speak to Yuria again.
- From the Anor Londo bonfire, lower the tower again and head through the passageway where the illusory statue was. Engage in a conversation with the NPC, proceed to the far end, and use the Sword of Avowal on Anri’s body.
- Speak to Yuria in Firelink Shrine once more.
- Once you defeat the Soul of Cinder, it’s time to light the bonfire.
The Usurpation of Fire ending is a culmination of various events throughout the game, involving several characters and complex choices. It offers a unique perspective on the game’s lore and the player’s role in shaping the game’s world.
However, out of all the endings, it’s the easiest one to botch due to the overwhelming number of steps and instructions coupled with the game’s rather unconventional level design, compared to other great layouts.
Just make sure to follow the steps on how to get all Dark Souls 3 endings, regardless of which one you pick to finish the journey.