Throughout the Ringed City, notes and NPCs hint at some sort of optional boss. He’ll put up a heavy fight, but he’ll also drop some tasty loot. That said, it’s still worth exploring this area because you’ll find a nostalgia trip in the form of the Iron Dragon Slayer mini-boss. And for whatever reason, we’re stuck with horrible texture packs. They’re dreary, disgusting and almost always lead to you dying in some bad-mannered way (think poison, or surprise attacks). Historically, I’ve found these areas to be the low points of the franchise. You’ll find yourself trudging through the dated textures of yet another Dark Souls swamp. Once through the city, things take a bit of a downward turn. But you will of course find rare and rewarding moments of peace, where you can admire beautiful and terrifying views this area has to offer. You’ll encounter your fair share of these enemies during the lengthy trek through the Ringed City. However, the big standouts are the Ringed Knights, which are some of the best looking enemies in the game.

On your journey through the Ringed City, you’ll face new breeds of enemies: Judicator giants that summon archers and soldiers to protect them, and hollowed clerics with vicious spells. But, with the music, the arena and the general atmosphere, it’s almost a treat to return to the fight.Īnd the DLC only gets better from here.

Needless to say, this second stage is tough. Interestingly, the Demon Prince’s attacks differ depending on whether you kill the Demon in Pain or the Demon from Below last. After you’ve dodged, countered and I-framed your way through this, the Demon Prince will spawn from the body of the demon you kill last. Still, the two are a formidable duo one attacks you head on while the other shoots poison projectiles.

You’ll begin by fighting the Demon in Pain and the Demon from Below, which aren’t dissimilar to demons we’ve seen before. The fight is difficult in both its length and danger. As gorgeous as these areas were, I wasn’t enthralled in the Ringed City until the demon prince boss fight.

Dark dragon ds3 ringed city