Old Demon King Smouldering Lake Co-op On PS5

by Alex Johnson 45 views

Are you struggling with the Old Demon King in Smouldering Lake on your PS5? Do you need a jolly co-op partner to help you conquer this fiery foe? You've come to the right place! This guide will delve into strategies for defeating the Old Demon King, discuss the benefits of co-op play, and help you find fellow adventurers on the PS5 to tackle this challenging boss.

Understanding the Old Demon King

The Old Demon King is a formidable boss found in the Smouldering Lake area of Dark Souls 3. He's a large, fiery demon with a variety of attacks, including fireballs, sweeping strikes, and a devastating area-of-effect explosion. His aggressive nature and high damage output can make him a tough opponent for solo players. To effectively combat him, understanding his move set and weaknesses is essential.

The Old Demon King's attacks are primarily fire-based, making fire resistant armor and shields highly beneficial. He also has a weakness to dark damage, so weapons and spells that inflict dark damage can be particularly effective. Learning his attack patterns is crucial for dodging and creating openings for your own attacks. For instance, after his fiery explosion, there's a brief window where he's vulnerable. Capitalizing on these moments is key to victory. Staying mobile and avoiding being cornered are also vital tactics, as his sweeping attacks can easily punish players who are too close or predictable. Consider utilizing summons if you are finding this boss particularly challenging, as having additional players can significantly alleviate the pressure and open up more opportunities for attack.

His fiery attacks can quickly deplete your health, so equipping armor with high fire resistance is a must. The Black Knight set, for example, offers excellent protection against fire. You should also consider using a shield with good fire resistance, such as the Dragon Crest Shield. Dodging is crucial in this fight, so make sure your equipment load allows for quick rolls. The Old Demon King is vulnerable to dark damage, so weapons like the Dark Sword or spells like Dark Orb can be very effective. If you're playing a melee character, try to stay close to his legs and attack him from there. This will help you avoid many of his attacks. For ranged characters, maintaining a safe distance and casting spells while he's recovering from an attack is a viable strategy. Regardless of your build, patience is key. Don't get greedy with your attacks, and wait for the right opportunities to strike.

The Advantages of Jolly Co-op

Co-op play in Dark Souls 3 can significantly enhance your chances of success against tough bosses like the Old Demon King. Here’s why:

  • Dividing the Aggro: With multiple players, the boss's attention is divided, allowing for breathing room and opportunities to heal or attack without being the sole target.
  • Increased Damage Output: More players mean more damage, which can significantly shorten the fight and reduce the chances of making mistakes.
  • Revival Opportunities: If one player falls, the others can continue the fight and potentially revive their fallen comrade.
  • Strategic Advantages: Different players can bring different builds and strategies to the fight, creating a more versatile team.
  • The Fun Factor: Let's not forget the simple joy of conquering a difficult challenge with friends! Jolly co-operation is a core part of the Dark Souls experience.

When facing the Old Demon King, having a co-op partner allows for strategic positioning and coordinated attacks. One player can act as a distraction, drawing the boss's attention while the other player attacks from the rear or flanks. This tactic is especially effective for melee-focused characters who might struggle to find openings on their own. Furthermore, having a partner who can provide healing or support spells can greatly increase your survivability. A well-coordinated team can exploit the Old Demon King's weaknesses more effectively and make the fight significantly less daunting. Remember to communicate with your partner, coordinate your attacks, and support each other when needed. With a little teamwork, you'll be well on your way to vanquishing the Old Demon King.

Finding Co-op Partners on PS5

So, you're ready to team up and take down the Old Demon King? Here are some ways to find fellow players on your PS5:

  • Online Forums and Communities: Websites like Reddit's r/summonsign and the Dark Souls 3 section on the PlayStation Network Communities are great places to find players looking for co-op partners.
  • Password Matching: Set a password in your game settings and share it with your friend or potential co-op partner. This ensures that only players with the same password can see your summon sign.
  • Use a Soapstone: Place your White Sign Soapstone near the Old Demon King's fog gate. Other players can then summon you into their world to help them with the boss fight.
  • Direct Messaging: If you've played with someone before and enjoyed the experience, don't hesitate to send them a message and see if they're up for another co-op session.
  • Social Media: Platforms like Twitter and Discord can also be used to connect with other Dark Souls 3 players on PS5.

When searching for co-op partners, it's helpful to specify your Soul Level and weapon level to ensure compatibility. Dark Souls 3 uses a matchmaking system that takes these factors into account. Also, be clear about your goals and playstyle. Do you want to rush the boss, or do you prefer a more methodical approach? Communicating your preferences will help you find players who are a good fit for your playstyle. Don't be afraid to use voice chat to coordinate your strategy during the fight. Clear communication can make all the difference in a challenging encounter like the Old Demon King.

Strategies for Success in Co-op

Once you've found your co-op partners, it's time to strategize. Here are some tips for success:

  • Communication is Key: Use voice chat or in-game gestures to communicate with your teammates. Coordinate your attacks, signal when you need healing, and warn each other about incoming threats.
  • Divide Roles: Decide who will be the primary damage dealer, who will focus on support, and who will draw the boss's aggro. A balanced team is a successful team.
  • Adapt to the Situation: Be prepared to adjust your strategy on the fly. The Old Demon King can be unpredictable, so you need to be able to react quickly to his attacks.
  • Conserve Estus: Healing is precious, so don't waste your Estus flasks. Try to heal only when you're at a safe distance from the boss.
  • Use Buffs and Spells: Buffs like Carthus Flame Arc and spells like Tears of Denial can significantly improve your survivability and damage output.

Effective communication is critical for co-op success against the Old Demon King. Before entering the fog gate, discuss your roles and strategies. For example, if one player is using a tank build, they can focus on drawing the boss's aggro while the other players deal damage. If someone is playing a support role, they can cast healing spells or buffs to keep the team alive. During the fight, use voice chat to call out the boss's attacks, warn your teammates of danger, and coordinate your movements. If a player needs healing, they should communicate this clearly so that the support player can respond accordingly. Similarly, if someone is running low on Estus flasks, they should let the team know so that the others can be more cautious. By working together and communicating effectively, you'll be able to overcome the challenges posed by the Old Demon King.

Builds and Equipment Recommendations

Choosing the right build and equipment can make a huge difference in your fight against the Old Demon King. Here are a few recommendations:

  • Melee Build: A strength-based build with a weapon like the Black Knight Sword or the Greatsword can deal significant damage. Equip armor with high fire resistance and a shield like the Dragon Crest Shield.
  • Pyromancy Build: Pyromancies like Chaos Bed Vestiges and Great Chaos Fire Orb can inflict massive fire damage on the Old Demon King. Equip the Great Swamp Ring and the Witch's Ring to boost your pyromancy damage.
  • Faith Build: Faith builds can use miracles like Lightning Stake and Sunlight Spear to deal lightning damage, which the Old Demon King is moderately weak to. Equip the Morne's Ring and the Ring of the Sun's First Born to boost your miracle damage.
  • Dark Build: As mentioned earlier, the Old Demon King is weak to dark damage. Weapons like the Dark Sword or spells like Dark Orb can be very effective. Equip the Blindfold Mask and the Dark Clutch Ring to further enhance your dark damage.

In addition to your primary damage-dealing equipment, it's also important to consider your defensive options. Armor with high fire resistance is essential, as the Old Demon King's attacks are primarily fire-based. The Black Knight set is an excellent choice for melee builds, while the Karla's set offers good protection for magic users. A shield with high fire resistance, such as the Dragon Crest Shield or the Black Knight Shield, can also be invaluable for blocking incoming attacks. Finally, don't forget to equip rings that boost your survivability, such as the Ring of Steel Protection or the Life Ring. By carefully selecting your build and equipment, you can maximize your effectiveness against the Old Demon King and greatly increase your chances of success.

Conclusion

The Old Demon King is a challenging but ultimately conquerable boss in Dark Souls 3. With the right strategies, a good co-op team, and a bit of patience, you can emerge victorious. So, gather your fellow Unkindled, equip your best gear, and head to Smouldering Lake to face the fiery demon king!

For more in-depth information on Dark Souls 3 bosses and strategies, check out resources like the Dark Souls 3 Wiki.