Is Vendrick the Last Boss in Dark Souls 2?
The road to the final boss in Dark Souls 2 is long and arduous. As a passionate gamer and content creator, I‘m constantly investigating the best strategies for defeating these formidable foes. So let‘s analyze whether the ominous King Vendrick is truly the last boss standing in your way.
No – Aldia is the True Final Boss
While Vendrick may seem like the ultimate goal near the end, Aldia, Scholar of the First Sin is actually the true final boss of Dark Souls 2. But you‘ll need to fulfill a few key requirements to face him:
- Encounter Aldia 3 times to further his cryptic story
- Defeat Vendrick before fighting Nashandra
- Finally fell Nashandra herself
Only then will Aldia dramatically rise for one last climactic showdown. So while Vendrick is close, Aldia earns the real last boss billing.
Aldia‘s Backstory – Scholar Seeking Truth
Aldia was born as Vendrick‘s elder brother, working closely with him to establish the kingdom of Drangleic. A brilliant scholar, Aldia became obsessed with uncovering the truth behind the cyclical nature the cursed Undead.
He conducted unspeakable experiments on the Undead which contributed to Vendrick eventually abandoning the throne. As his madness grew, Aldia shed his mortal form utilizing powerful magic to transcend into an ethereal being.
His Relentless Pyromancy & Dark Magic Attacks
When you finally encounter Aldia, he quickly shows why he earned the last boss title. Wielding intimidating scythes wreathed in black flame, Aldia unleashes relentless pyromancy and dark magic attacks:
- Giant dark orbs inflict heavy damage if not blocked or dodged
- Large AOE explosions cover massive range – sprinting is essential
- Quick horizontal scythe slashes force you to roll with careful timing
- Delayed vertical smash leaves only a brief window to avoid
Aldia has very high magic defense as well. Rushing in carelessly will lead to a quick death against this scholar of pyromancy. Exercise patience in finding openings after his most punishable moves.
A Brutal Battle of Attrition
The showdown with Aldia is nothing short of a brutal battle of attrition requiring intense focus. His mix of delayed and tracking attacks keep constant pressure on the player. Make a single mistake – such as panic rolling early – and you‘ll pay dearly.
As the true final boss, Aldia stands as an ultimate test of strategy and endurance befitting of his lore and position. Stay calm under fire, watch closely for every telegraphed strike, and be ready for a long fight whittling down his massive health bar.
Vendrick – A Legend Fallen from Grace
So Aldia claims the real finale, but that shouldn‘t understate Vendrick‘s importance near the climax of Dark Souls 2. Once a wise and revered king, Vendrick has tragically fallen from glory into a pitiful hollowed husk of his former self. Let‘s examine his history and how to defeat what‘s left this former formidable ruler.
The Tragedy of King Vendrick
King Vendrick at first built the prosperous kingdom of Drangleic alongside his elder brother Aldia. But the curse of the undead Undead proved their undoing. Vendrick‘s beloved Queen Nashandra was particularly obsessed with an ancient relic known as the First Flame that could end the curse.
In a desperate bid to end the curse and save Drangleic, Vendrick launched an invasion of the land of giants across the seas to claim their powerful "prize". But the giants struck back with a furious vengeance. Their assault laid waste to Drangleic, while Vendrick‘s forces stole an invaluable sacred relic back across the waters.
Overcome with guilt after realizing Nashandra‘s underlying malicious goals, Vendrick locked himself in the Undead Crypt – discarding his soul to avoid being controlled and going completely hollow to keep others from claiming his power. Only his most devoted knight Velstadt stands guard over his ruined king.
Preparation is Key Against Vendrick‘s Might
Should you challenge the hollowed former monarch himself, preparation will prove pivotal. Despite his decayed state, Vendrick still wields terrifying strength and shocking speed for his size. His attacks hit brutishly hard, cleaving greatswords, crushing overhead smashes, and deceptive range demand tight dodging.
The key lies in gathering Giant Souls from defeating certain other late game bosses. Each soul you hold will significantly boost damage against Vendrick. If you don‘t have at least 3-4 souls expect a very long and painful fight whittling down his inflated health bar. Patience and max souls are vital to besting the fallen king.
| # of Giant Souls Held | Damage Multiplier vs Vendrick |
|---|---|
| 0 | 1x |
| 1 | 2x |
| 2 | 4x |
| 3 | 8x |
| 4 | 16x |
| 5 (Max) | 32x |
As you can see, just a few souls make a world of difference in cutting through his defenses. Never approach Vendrick at less than full strength if you value your sanity!
A Melancholic End to a Tragic Figure
The fight itself, while frustrating without souls, carries heavy melancholic weight. As Vendrick relentlessly attacks out of hollowed madness, we witness but a mere shell of this once great king. Occasional glimpses of his former nobility and intelligence shine through, making his fate all the more tragic.
In putting the venerable ruler out of his misery, we honor his memory while also eliminating yet one more obstacle before Dark Souls 2‘s arduous final confrontation with Aldia.
Nashandra & Throne Watchers – Guardians of the Throne Room
Before we reach either Vendrick or Aldia, two deadly guardians stand watch over Drangleic Castle‘s throne room. Nashandra and the Throne Watchers will put your skills to the test before entry into the Undead Crypts and showdown with Vendrick. Let‘s break down strategies against both:
Nashandra, Would-Be Queen of Want
The sinister Nashandra masquerades with seeming benevolence but harbors dark ambitions. As Vendrick‘s beloved, she goaded him into invading the giants in a lust for power. Her form shifts as she attacks – firing deadly dark orb projectiles, inflicting curse buildup, even attempting toreplicate the player!
Nashandra can overwhelm the unwary. Keep moving constantly, rolling under dark orbs and through curse beams. Attack decisively during vulnerable animations. Lightning damage and range help immensely – fight this false queen with true honor!
Throne Watchers – A Oathsworn Duo
Commanding the soldiers of Drangleic sworn to protect the throne room stand two knights of lightning and steel. The Throne Watcher and Throne Defender fight fiercely in tandem with both magic and melee force.
The key is separating and isolating the Watcher quickly. Bait his lunging stab, then stagger him with strong blows. Keep the Defender blocked behind pillars when possible. Once the Watcher falls, the lone Defender proves much easier to outmaneuver. Take down this loyal duo, and the throne room lies open!
| Boss | Health | Damage Types | Weaknesses | Souls Given |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashandra | 7500 | Dark, Curse | Lightning, Range | 500000 |
| Throne Watcher | 7150 | Lightning, Melee | Magic, Fire | 30000 |
| Throne Defender | 7500 | Lightning, Melee | Magic, Fire | 120000 |
Conclusion – The Road Goes Ever On
And so in summary – while Vendrick makes for an imposing confrontation shortly before the climax, the scholar Aldia awaits as Dark Soul 2‘s true final boss. Additional late game challenges Nashandra and the Throne Watchers bar the way right before this incredible endgame gauntlet.
The road through Drangleic proves long and punishing indeed. But for we warriors tempered by trials, we press ever onward seeking greater victories and truths until journey‘s end. The curses of the undead and secrets of the first flame continue to call us for one final revelation. We shall answer.
What ending awaits at your climax, Ashen One? Mine lies ahead in the Undead Crypts. The grand memories and ruined dreams of a king await…
