There’s a Hidden Ending In Dark Souls 3 You Can Only Access With Both DLCs

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After completing The Ringed City, the final add-on for Dark Souls 3, I was left with questions. Mainly; “What the heck just happened?” — now we know there’s a little more to the story.

This final conversation is only available if you’ve completed both DLC chapters. That means you’ll need to defeat the big bosses of Ashes of Ariandel and The Ringed City. There’s a purpose behind the [Blood of the Dark Soul], a mysterious item rewarded after defeating the Slave Knight in the ashen abyss.

This isn’t exactly an ending. It is the final bit of conversation you can unlock, and it’s worth a listen. There are still so many questions, and lore-hunters will have plenty more to stew over with this little revelation.


Need help navigating The Ringed City DLC? Go on a tour of the DLC with our complete step-by-step walkthrough.


The Ringed City – Secret Ending Guide

To unlock a final conversation, offering a cryptic explanation for the events of the game, you’ll need to complete both Dark Souls 3 add-ons.

Requirements:

  • Painted World of Ariandel: Defeat Sister Friede in the Chapel of Ariandel.
  • The Ringed City: Defeat Slave Knight Gael and acquire the [Blood of the Dark Soul].

The [Blood of the Dark Soul] is a seemingly useless key item. At first glance, it has no use whatsoever. Except, there’s someone that wants it.

Return to the Painted World of Ariandel from the Chapel of Ariandel bonfire. Fire has spread across the chapel, making it clear that something has changed.

  • To open the attic: Get the Contraption Key after defeating Sir Vilhelm in the Painted World. He attacks near the church graveyard in the Corvian Settlement.

Climb up the ladder and talk to the young painter at the empty canvas. You can now choose to give her the [Blood of the Dark Soul].

You can choose to share your name, or not share it. She promises to paint an image of ash; a cold, dark, gentle place.


The Painter’s Full Dialogue

“Ashen One, thy gift of flame has taken root. And Uncle Gael will soon bring the pigment. Pigment colored like the dark soul of man.”

“I wonder if Uncle Gael has found it? The pigment colored like the dark soul of man.”

After giving the [Blood of the Dark Soul].
“My thanks, Ashen One. With this will I paint a world. Please tell me thy name. I would name this painting after thee.”

If you choose to give your name.
“My thanks. I will paint a world of that name. Twill be a cold, dark, and very gentle place. And one day, it will make someone a goodly home.”

If you refuse to give your name.
“I see. We are much alike. Twill be a cold, dark, and very gentle place. And one day, it will make someone a goodly home. Then I will name this painting ‘Ash’.”

“I wonder when Uncle Gael intends his return. I hope the new painting will be to him a gentle home. My thanks, Ashen One.”

“I will assuredly finish the painting. Of a cold, dark, and very gentle place. One day, it will make someone a goodly home.”


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