The Bells of Eleum Loyce: More Than Just Pretty Chimes
For seasoned veterans of the notoriously challenging Dark Souls 2, and especially for those venturing into the frigid landscapes of the Crown of the Ivory King DLC, the question of "What does ringing the bell do in Dark Souls 2?" is a crucial one. These are not mere decorative elements; the bells within the Eleum Loyce area serve as pivotal mechanisms, unlocking progression and revealing hidden paths for the determined adventurer.
The First Bell: Opening the Royal Passage
The primary function of the bells in Eleum Loyce is to grant access to new areas. The first bell you'll encounter is essential for pushing forward into the frozen kingdom. After battling through the treacherous environments and defeating formidable foes, you'll eventually find yourself in a position to ring a bell. This action is not a passive one; it actively changes the game world.
Specifically, ringing the first bell in Eleum Loyce has a profound effect on the Grand Cathedral. After you’ve successfully activated it, a previously impassable gate within the Grand Cathedral will open. This gate leads you deeper into Eleum Loyce, allowing you to progress through the story and uncover the mysteries of the Ivory King. Without ringing this bell, you are effectively stuck in the early sections of the DLC, unable to proceed with your quest.
Locating and Activating the Bells
The bells themselves are not simply interactive objects you stumble upon. Reaching them often requires a significant amount of exploration and combat. Players will need to navigate through the icy ruins, contend with the brutal chilling effects of the environment, and overcome various enemies and bosses to get to the locations where these bells can be rung.
The exact location of the bells can be a bit of a puzzle in itself, encouraging players to thoroughly explore every nook and cranny of Eleum Loyce. Once you find the bell, the act of ringing it is typically straightforward, often involving a simple interaction prompt.
The Second Bell: Aiding in the Great Frostbird's Descent
While the first bell is about direct progression, the second bell in Eleum Loyce plays a more nuanced role, albeit one that is equally important for completing the DLC's content. This bell is tied to a specific, challenging encounter and the subsequent accessibility of a key area.
The second bell is instrumental in weakening or, in a sense, 'grounding' the Great Frostbird. This colossal creature is a major obstacle in Eleum Loyce. By ringing the second bell, you alter the mechanics of the encounter with the Great Frostbird, making it a more manageable fight and opening up a pathway that was previously inaccessible or too dangerous to traverse.
Strategic Importance of the Second Bell
The strategic importance of the second bell cannot be overstated. It’s not just about making a boss fight easier; it's about unlocking the path to the final boss of the Crown of the Ivory King DLC. This means that players who wish to see the full story and defeat the ultimate antagonist must engage with and ring the second bell.
The Role of the Amana Shrine and the Bells
It's worth noting that some players might associate bells with the Amana Shrine area, which is in the base game. However, the specific question of "What does ringing the bell do in Dark Souls 2?" when referring to Eleum Loyce is solely about the two bells within that DLC. The bells in Amana Shrine serve different purposes and are not relevant to the progression within the Ivory King DLC.
Summary of Bell Functions in Eleum Loyce:
- First Bell: Opens the gate in the Grand Cathedral, allowing access to deeper areas of Eleum Loyce.
- Second Bell: Affects the encounter with the Great Frostbird, making it more manageable and unlocking the path towards the DLC's finale.
A Word of Caution to Newcomers
For those new to Dark Souls 2 and its DLCs, the world of Eleum Loyce can be unforgiving. Don't be discouraged if you find yourself struggling. The mechanics involving the bells are integral to your progression. Pay close attention to your surroundings, and when you find a bell, assume it has a significant purpose. The journey through Eleum Loyce is a testament to perseverance, and ringing these bells is a key step in that arduous but rewarding path.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I find the first bell in Eleum Loyce?
The first bell is located after you have progressed through a significant portion of the Eleum Loyce area, often after facing some challenging enemies and environmental hazards. It's typically found in a place where you are likely to explore after overcoming an initial set of obstacles.
Why is the second bell important for the Great Frostbird?
The second bell is crucial because it alters the behavior or accessibility of the Great Frostbird encounter. Ringing it makes the fight less overwhelming and is a necessary step to open the path that leads to the final boss of the Crown of the Ivory King DLC.
Are there any other bells in Dark Souls 2 that have a similar effect?
While Dark Souls 2 has many interactive elements, the specific mechanic of bells opening pathways or significantly altering boss encounters as seen in Eleum Loyce is largely unique to the Crown of the Ivory King DLC. Other bells in the game might have different, often more minor, functions.
