Dark Souls II stands out in the world of action RPGs with its intricate design, challenging gameplay, and rich lore. The game’s complexity was further enhanced by the addition of three major downloadable content (DLC) expansions: Crown of the Sunken King, Crown of the Old Iron King, and Crown of the Ivory King. Collectively known as “The Lost Crowns Trilogy,” these expansions introduce new areas, formidable bosses, unique enemies, and additional lore that deepens the narrative of Dark Souls II. This article provides a comprehensive guide to these DLCs, exploring their settings, challenges, and what makes them essential for any Dark Souls fan.
1. Introduction to The Lost Crowns Trilogy
The Lost Crowns Trilogy was released in 2014, several months after the initial launch of Dark Souls II. These three DLCs take players on a journey through the forgotten and cursed lands of Drangleic, where they must reclaim three legendary crowns. Each DLC offers a distinct environment, new gameplay mechanics, and some of the toughest challenges in the entire Dark Souls series. Whether you are a seasoned player or new to the series, the DLCs provide an enriching experience that expands upon the core game.
2. Crown of the Sunken King: Descending into the Depths
Crown of the Sunken King, the first DLC in the trilogy, was released in July 2014. This expansion transports players to Shulva, Sanctum City, a lost underground civilization filled with dangers and dark secrets.
Setting and Atmosphere
Shulva is an ancient, subterranean city characterized by its vertical architecture and labyrinthine design. The city, once a prosperous place, is now in ruins, with deadly traps and crumbling structures at every turn. The oppressive atmosphere, combined with the eerie silence of the underground, creates a haunting environment that is both beautiful and treacherous.
New Enemies and Challenges
This DLC introduces a variety of new enemies that test the player’s adaptability and strategy. Sanctum Soldiers, who are resistant to many forms of damage, and the deadly Corrosive Ants, which can degrade equipment, are just a few examples. The environmental hazards are also notable, with moving platforms, hidden pressure plates, and poison-filled chambers adding to the complexity of navigating the area.
Boss Encounters
The Crown of the Sunken King features three major boss battles:
- Elana, the Squalid Queen: A powerful sorceress who can summon other enemies, including the mighty Velstadt, to fight alongside her. Elana’s dark magic and the unpredictability of her summons make this battle a formidable challenge.
- Sinh, the Slumbering Dragon: The final boss of the DLC, Sinh is a massive dragon corrupted by poison. His wide range of attacks, including deadly breath and powerful aerial moves, require players to stay on the move and exploit openings carefully.
- The Cave of the Dead Trio: This optional boss fight pits players against the Afflicted Graverobber, Ancient Soldier Varg, and Cerah the Old Explorer. The trio’s varied fighting styles create a chaotic and difficult battle that tests players’ endurance and skill.
3. Crown of the Old Iron King: The Fiery Ruins of Brume Tower
The second DLC, Crown of the Old Iron King, was released in August 2014. It takes players to Brume Tower, a massive fortress engulfed in ash and flame, offering a harsh and unforgiving environment to explore.
Setting and Atmosphere
Brume Tower is a sprawling, vertical structure filled with smoldering ruins and fiery traps. The tower was once the seat of the Old Iron King’s power, but it has since fallen into ruin, consumed by the very flames that fueled its creation. The atmosphere is intense, with constant threats of lava flows, collapsing walkways, and an ever-present sense of danger.
New Enemies and Challenges
The enemies in Brume Tower are as deadly as the environment itself. Players will face Ashen Warriors, powerful Smelter Demons, and the relentless Possessed Armors. The DLC also features challenging platforming sections and intricate puzzles that require precise timing and careful exploration to overcome.
Boss Encounters
Crown of the Old Iron King offers three major bosses:
- Fume Knight: Often regarded as one of the most challenging bosses in Dark Souls II, the Fume Knight is a fearsome warrior wielding two massive swords. His swift and powerful attacks, combined with his ability to absorb magic, make this fight a true test of skill.
- Sir Alonne: An optional boss located in the Memory of the Old Iron King, Sir Alonne is a master swordsman with lightning-fast strikes and deadly precision. His fight is a duel of honor, requiring players to master timing and movement to defeat him.
- Blue Smelter Demon: A variant of the Smelter Demon from the base game, this boss has similar attacks but with a different elemental affinity. The battle is intense and challenging, especially for players unfamiliar with the nuances of the fight.
4. Crown of the Ivory King: The Frozen Land of Eleum Loyce
The final DLC, Crown of the Ivory King, was released in September 2014. It takes place in Eleum Loyce, a frozen kingdom trapped in an eternal winter, where players must confront the cold and the remnants of a lost civilization.
Setting and Atmosphere
Eleum Loyce is a stark, icy wasteland with towering structures and snow-covered ruins. The kingdom was once a bastion of hope, but it has been frozen in time, its inhabitants lost to the cold. The frozen environment adds unique gameplay challenges, such as blizzards that obscure vision and icy floors that affect movement.
New Enemies and Challenges
The enemies in Eleum Loyce are as cold and unforgiving as the environment. Players will face the frigid soldiers of Eleum Loyce, the ice-covered Rampart Golems, and the ghostly Retainers who wield powerful sorceries. The harsh conditions and the need to thaw certain areas add layers of strategy to the exploration.
Boss Encounters
Crown of the Ivory King features several memorable boss fights:
- Aava, the King’s Pet: A massive, spectral tiger that serves as a guardian of Eleum Loyce. Aava’s agility and powerful magic attacks make for a challenging and visually stunning battle.
- Lud and Zallen, the King’s Pets: An optional boss fight that pits players against two spectral tigers in a chaotic and intense battle. The fight requires careful management of both enemies to succeed.
- Burnt Ivory King: The final boss of the DLC and the trilogy, the Burnt Ivory King is a tragic figure consumed by chaos. The battle takes place in the Old Chaos, where players can summon the knights of Eleum Loyce to aid in the fight. The King’s powerful melee attacks and the emotional weight of the battle make it one of the most memorable encounters in the series.
5. The Legacy of The Lost Crowns Trilogy
The Lost Crowns Trilogy is more than just additional content; it is an integral part of the Dark Souls II experience. Each DLC offers a unique setting, challenging gameplay, and deep lore that enhances the overall narrative of Drangleic. The trilogy’s focus on exploration, environmental storytelling, and complex boss battles makes it a must-play for any fan of the Dark Souls series.
6. Conclusion
The DLCs of Dark Souls II are a testament to FromSoftware’s ability to create rich, immersive worlds filled with challenges that reward perseverance and skill. Crown of the Sunken King, Crown of the Old Iron King, and Crown of the Ivory King each bring something unique to the table, offering new areas to explore, powerful enemies to defeat, and deep lore to uncover. For players who seek to fully experience what Dark Souls II has to offer, the Lost Crowns Trilogy is essential, providing some of the most memorable and rewarding content in the entire series.
