How to Activate and Access the DLC in Dark Souls Remastered
As a long-time Dark Souls devotee, I‘ve been geeking out over the long-awaited Remastered edition and the included Artorias of the Abyss DLC. This legendary expansion blew my mind back in the day, and I still get shivers of anticipation before diving back into its dark realm of Oolacile.
In this guide from one Dark Souls addict to another, I‘ll cover everything you need to access the DLC‘s stunning areas. From installation niggles to lore legwork, level strategies to loot highlights, you‘ll venture into the Abyss fully prepared to tackle its unforgiving threats and rewards!
Verifying the DLC is Installed
After launching Dark Souls Remastered, open your Steam library and check the DLC section, where the Artorias of the Abyss expansion should be listed.
According to Steam statistics, over 80% of owners have the DLC installed as of 2023, so chances are you‘ll see it ready to go. If not, simply check the box to trigger the download. At 1.4GB, it should take mere minutes before you can journey into the Abyss!
Gearing Up to Face the Abyss
Lore-wise, you aren‘t allowed to simply waltz into the township of Oolacile. The Abyss‘ spread must be halted! Thus the game imposes two prerequisites: placing the Lordvessel to prove your worth, and defeating Darkroot Basin‘s Hydra to gain entry into the hidden zone it guards.
Once you‘ve checked those tasks off your list and reloaded to find a Golden Golem in the previous Hydra‘s cave, symbolizing Oolacile‘s magical sentry, smash him to access the portal. Speak to the rescued Dusk and the way will open when you reach the Duke‘s Archives.
This sets the tone perfectly in my opinion – overcoming one mystical guardian only to have another immediately test your readiness. It heightens that sense of dire importance given the Abyss‘ relentless encroachment into Oolacile. Every second counts!
Exploring Encounters and Events in Artorias of the Abyss
Stepping through the transfer gate into jumbled Oolacile Township, you suddenly feel like a stranger in a strange land. The once lively streets now empty, architecture crumbling, strange humanoid creatures patrolling. Where are the inhabitants? There‘s a distinct alienness compared to Lordran‘s undead ragtag populace.
Fighting through the sorcerers and engorged residents, you‘ll traverse vibrant Royal Wood with its towering stone columns blanketed in emerald moss. Seek out the coliseum to engage Knight Artorias himself, a fabled hero consumed by the Abyss, armed with his Greatsword and tattered Battle Standard.
No easy task with his buffed damage, increased poise and long combos! But victory rewards his armor set and soul to craft unique weapons – I highly recommend the Cursed Greatsword of Artorias with its mixed physical/magic damage and ability to strike ghosts.
After, an eclipse beckons you toward the Chasm itself where Manus, Father of the Abyss awaits. Once a mere pygmy, his humanity went wild and brought calamity to Oolacile. This Lovecraftian beast will test even seasoned Chosen Undead with his Dark sorceries peppering a dual wielding moveset. Claim his soul to add his Catalyst or powerful Silver Pendant shield to your own arsenal!
With this DLC, FromSoftware weaves locales that feel fantastical yet grounded through small environmental details – the child‘s discarded bracelet, an overturned pram. Combined with the epic original score, it sucks players deeper into the tragedy and mythos underpinning Dark Souls.
The Masterstroke Expansion to Dark Souls Lore
Beyond thrilling battles, what Artorias of the Abyss pulls off so skillfully is expanding on characters and events only mentioned. Take Sir Artorias himself – referenced as a legend who failed, bravely sacrificed himself to halt the Abyss. Players discover his untarnished virtuous legacy was tragically cut short scrambling to save Princess Dusk.
We also finally glimpse Oolacile‘s advanced magic civilisation during its prime through Dusk‘s dialogue. The Abyss and Manus ultimately corrupt and pillage it, their people mutating into dreadful Bloatheads and Chained Prisoners. But this painterly vista populated by Oolacile Mages and Sorcerer Gardeners transports us to that location‘s glory days – what a stark contrast!
Measuring up statistically, the DLC introduces an impressive lineup of 43 new enemies from weird Living Statues to lightning fast Prowling Demons. Expect epic gear drops like Ciaran‘s Hornet Ring, Gough‘s Greatbow or Guardian Helm/Armor pieces. And super handy Silver Pendant spell parry tool!
I‘m continually awed by how this expansion enhances environmental themes, evolving key events off-screen to heighten the melancholy of Dark Souls‘ world. As an avid fan, I consider it mandatory playing.
Diving Into Oolacile Post Game
Fear not if you‘ve already toppled Lord Gwyn himself! The Abyss still hungers. You can access the DLC‘s events during any subsequent New Game+ cycles. I‘ve watched streamers rock the iconic Silver Knight armor while battling Artorias on NG+7 (still tough as nails)!
Many community veterans use the DLC as their endgame grinding spot too. Coupled with Covenant of Artorias ring letting you delve beneath New Londo Ruins too, these areas feature glorious souls farming.
Just remember certain enemies and bosses have boosted stats or altered moves in higher New Games. So while your journey may differ from my own, we all must start the odyssey somewhere. This amazing DLC represents a captivating and challenging chapter no matter your progress or playstyle.
Will Oolacile‘s tragedy repeat? Can the Abyss‘ encroachment be stopped once more? Draw your chosen sword, ready your spells, and let‘s find out dear champion!
