To gain entry into Drangleic Castle in Dark Souls 2, you must activate the mechanism at its main gates by defeating specific enemies near the colossal stone guardians that flank the entrance.
The Path to the King's Domain
Drangleic Castle is a pivotal location in Dark Souls 2, leading you deeper into the game's lore and towards its endgame. Upon reaching the castle's imposing main entrance, you'll notice that the massive doors are sealed, protected by an arcane lock that requires more than just a key.
Activating the Castle Gates
The key to opening the castle doors lies in a unique interaction between the souls of your enemies and the dormant stone guardians. This is a common puzzle element in Dark Souls 2 where environmental cues guide your actions.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to opening the castle doors:
- Approach the Main Door: Walk up to the large, sealed entrance of Drangleic Castle. You'll immediately notice two Royal Swordsman enemies guarding the front.
- Eliminate Initial Threats: Defeat these first two Royal Swordsmen. They pose a moderate threat, but are easily manageable.
- Observe the Stone Guardians: On either side of the main door, you will see immense, dormant stone guardians. These statues are critical to the gate's activation.
- Trigger Soul Absorption: After dispatching the initial swordsmen, additional Royal Swordsman enemies will begin to spawn, particularly around the left side of the castle (from your perspective facing the door). Your objective is to kill these respawning enemies close enough to the stone guardians.
- Watch for the Gates to Open: As the Royal Swordsmen are defeated near the guardians, the souls they release will be absorbed by the stone figures. Once enough souls have been absorbed by both guardians, the immense castle doors will slowly grind open, granting you access.
Tips for Success
- Positioning is Key: Ensure the final blow on the Royal Swordsman lands within a close proximity to one of the stone guardians. If you kill them too far away, their souls won't be absorbed, and you'll need to defeat more enemies.
- Prioritize Spawning Enemies: Focus on the Royal Swordsmen that continually appear around the left side, as these are your primary source for souls to activate the mechanism.
- Be Patient: It might take defeating a few waves of enemies for the guardians to absorb enough souls.
- Utilize Area Attacks: If you're facing multiple swordsmen, area-of-effect attacks can be useful, but always try to ensure their death happens near a guardian.
Understanding this unique soul-absorption mechanic is crucial for progressing through this section of Dark Souls 2. For more detailed information on specific locations and challenges within the game, you can consult resources like the Dark Souls 2 Wiki (simulated link) or various Drangleic Castle Guides (simulated link).
