Uncovering the Secrets of Dark Souls‘ Infamous New Londo Ruins
As an intrepid undead explorer in Dark Souls, few locations fill you with as much dread as gazing upon the crumbling spires of New Londo Ruins, rising ominously through the blanket of mist. This flooded, haunted locale is infamous for breaking many heroes, driving them to insanity with its vengeful spirits and untold secrets buried beneath the water.
Yet for all its foreboding danger, New Londo Ruins tempts adventurers with promises of rare loot and shortcuts to forbidden valleys. Those brave enough to delve through the depths may yet uncover the truth behind its tragic past.
In this guide, I‘ll illuminate what awaits you in New Londo Ruins – how to combat its ruthless enemies, navigate its treacherous terrain, defeat its nightmarish bosses, and claim your reward in precious treasure.
Section 1 – Facing the Wraiths of New Londo
The most iconic and feared enemies in New Londo Ruins are its ghosts – the lingering souls of its former inhabitants. Numbering over 50 wraiths according to player estimates, these spirits are difficult to damage with conventional weapons. As an undead, you‘ll need to utilize Transient Curses to gain the ability to strike the ghosts.
In addition to the standard variety, you may encounter unique ghosts like the Child of New Londo or the Mass of Souls, a conglomeration of agonized souls. Exercise caution around these spirits as their anguished wails can inflict the cursed status effect.
While less numerous, Darkwraith enemies also lurk in New Londo, corrupted knights oath-bound to the service of Darkstalker Kaathe and Four Kings. Wielding Life Drain abilities and Dark Swords, a single Darkwraith can rapidly defeat under-prepared heroes. Tackle them carefully by luring individuals away from groups.
Section 2 – Traversing the Flooded Ruins
New Londo Ruins comprises of several interconnected structures like the Great Hall, Tomb of the Giants, and the New Londo Ruins with winding stairs, locked gates, and treacherous pitfalls. Sections of the ruin are submerged underwater, blocking progress until you drain the floods.
Here are some of the key locations adventurers will traverse in their journey:
- Valley of Drakes Entrance – Entry point close to Undead Parish
- Catacombs – Interconnected tombs with wheel-lock mechanisms
- Great Hall – Once housed nobles of New Londo, now quiet ruins
- New Londo Tower – Spiral tower with useful treasure
- Abyss – Flooded cavern holding the Four Kings boss
| Location | Enemies | Notable Loot |
|---|---|---|
| Valley of Drakes | 3 Ghosts | Composite Bow |
| Catacombs | 7 Ghosts, 5 Darkwraiths | Rare Spell: Dark Hand |
| Great Hall | 12 Ghosts | Estoc Sword |
| New Londo Tower | 2 Ghosts | Composite Bow |
| Abyss | Boss: Four Kings | Boss Soul for unique weapons |
Navigating these ruins while battling ghosts requires ample preparation – so don‘t rush blindly ahead!
Section 3 – Overcoming New Londo‘s Rulers
At the bottom of the Abyss lies the boss of New Londo Ruins – Four Kings, wraithlike figures shrouded in shadow. As their name suggests, a total of four kings will continuously spawn during the battle, quickly overwhelming the unprepared.
To even challenge these bosses, you must slay Great Grey Wolf Sif to acquire the Covenant of Artorias ring or their corrupting magic will drain your life instantly. I recommend equipping high fire and physical defenses too usingheavy armor sets like Stone or Havel‘s.
When entering the Abyss, rush towards each king as they spawn to take them out in a 1v1 duel – avoiding their wide-sweeping greatswords, Wrath of the Gods blast, and Gravelord Sword Dance.
Triumph here also earns you the soul of the Darkstalker Kaathe, the primeval serpent who tempted New Londo‘s kings and brought ruin to the realm.
Section 4 – Reaping New Londo‘s Treasures
Beyond challenging battles, New Londo Ruins tempts adventures with rare crafting materials and powerful equipment for those who scour every corner.
By slaying enemies and exploring ornate chests, you can obtain special treasures like:
- Titanite Chunks (Drop Rate: 8.5% from Ghosts) – Upgrades gear past +10 reinforcements
- Green Titanite Shards (Drop Rate: 25% from Slimes) – Can craft special elemental weapons
- Composite Bow (Location: Valley of Drakes, New Londo Tower) – Fires rapid long-range arrows
- Greatsword of Artorias (Created from Soul of Sif) – Ghost/Abyss damaging greatsword
Here‘s a reference table for the notable loot found in New Londo Ruins:
| Type | Item | Effects | Locations Found |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upgrade Material | Titanite Chunk | Reinforce past +10 | Ghosts – 8.5% drop rate |
| Upgrade Material | Green Titanite | Craft elemental weapons | Slimes – 25% drop rate |
| Ranged Weapon | Composite Bow | Rapid fire arrows | Valley of Drakes, New Londo Tower |
| Melee Weapon | Greatsword of Artorias | Effective against ghosts/abyss enemies | Created from Soul (Boss Drop) |
With some perseverance and luck, you can gear up a formidable character build from the spoils of this haunted locale.
Section 5 – Preparing for New Londo‘s Trials
Before journeying into New Londo Ruins, make sure you‘ve prepared your character well for the deadly threats ahead:
- Recommended Level: 50-70
- Humanity: Kindle bonfires for extra Estus Flasks
Also stock up on these essential supplies:
- Transient Curses: Temporarily strike ghosts – lasts 60 seconds
- Repair Powder: Maintenance for degrading armor
- Charcoal Pine Resin: Buff weapon with fire damage
- Lloyd‘s Talismans: Disable enemy healing
As a shortcut, activating the sealed door to the Valley of Drakes saves considerable time traversing back from Firelink Shrine. Locate the key early on.
When exploring the ruins, lure out ghosts from groups and tackle them separately. Searching the spiraling structure of the New Londo Tower can also yield useful treasure with only one ghost defender.
Follow these tips and you‘ll uncover New Londo‘s rewards without joining the legions of fallen spirits within!
Conclusion: The Legacy of the Flooded City
While formidable foes occupy New Londo Ruins, overcoming its trials reveals the sad history of a once prosperous city brought to oblivion by forbidden magic. Its lingering ghosts and Darkwraith Knights are still oathbound by ancient rituals.
For veterans up to the challenge, claiming artifacts of power here like the mighty Greatsword of Artorias is a rite of passage proving your skill. Not to mention unlocking shortcuts that reveal hidden valleys rich in upgrade materials and high level souls.
Yet with each descent through the chill floodwaters, you may glimpse shadows of New Londo‘s tragic past – nobles dancing in the Great Hall, knights standing vigil at the tower, and ordinary folk living out their lives before the infinite consumed them all.
So draw your cursed blades, light your torch against the darkness, and delve into Dark Souls‘ deadliest drowned city if you dare! Those who persevere may yet lift the final veil on New Londo Ruins‘ secrets.
