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Our complete walkthrough and boss strategies to Dark Souls 3's first DLC.
Over six months after the launch of the main game, get ready to take on Dark Souls 3 first DLC, Ashes of Ariandel. It takes place in Painted World of Ariandel, features several [very snowy] new areas, bosses, new weapons and spells, as well as a new PvP arena to get stuck into once the journey is over.
Our Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel guide and walkthrough will take you through every major area and the two boss encounters Champion's Gravetender and Sister Friede.
Before you get going, though, be warned that the DLC is targeted towards high level characters and those who are already very familiar with everything the game. If in doubt, then spend some time with our Dark Souls 3 guide to master the nitty gritty, perhaps making use of the best farming spots and locating any missing Estus Shards and Bone Shards.
If you're finished with all of this, meanwhile, don't forget that the final piece of DLC is now available, which you can check out in out complete Dark Souls 3: Ringed City DLC walkthrough and guide, too.
When you're ready, here's a rundown of what to expect:
Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel walkthrough
- Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel - Snowfield and how to handle the wolves
- Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel - Rope Bridge Cave and unlocking Depths of the Painting
- Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel - Champion's Gravetender boss fight, Corvian Approach
- Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel - Corvian Settlement
- Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel - Snowy Mountain Pass
- Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel - Sister Friede boss fight
Other Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel guides
- Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel - Weapons, Armor, Spells locations
- Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel Undead Matches - How the PvP arena mode works and strategies
How to start the Ashes of Ariandel DLC in Dark Souls 3
Make your way to Cathedral of the Deep in the main story, and to the Cleansing Church bonfire in particular.
To the right of the altar you'll find a new NPC mumbling to himself. Wait for him to finish, then talk to him a couple of times until you're presented with the option to accept his task.
After a brief cutscene you'll be whisked away to the Painted World of Ariandel area and the Snowfield bonfire. Good luck!
Ashes of Ariandel is the first of two DLCs in Dark Souls 3. It was released on October 25th. It is recommended by the developers for players that have cleared Lothric Castle.
- On April 21st, DARK SOULS III: The Fire Fades GOTY Edition was released, which includes the base game as well as both expansions, Ashes of Ariandel and The Ringed City.
- Ashes of Ariandel launched October 25th on PS4, Xbox One and PC for $14.99, or is part of the Season Pass.
- Initial screenshots can be found in this article.
- Due to an error of releasing the DLC for testing, it was available for download, to owners of the Season Pass, during the patch on October 20th/21st between 1:00 UTC and 7:00 UTC. The DLC was quickly removed from the store to await its initial release date.
Ashes of Ariandel DLC Information
Journey to the snowy world of Ariandel and encounter new areas, bosses, enemies, weapons, armor set, magic spells and more. Will you accept the challenge and embrace the darkness once more?
"I've seen your kind, time and time again. Every fleeing man must be caught. Every secret must be unearthed. Such is the conceit of the self-proclaimed seeker of truth. But in the end, you lack the stomach. For the agony you'll bring upon yourself..."
Journey to cold and gentle Painted World of Ariandel, a home for the forlorn and the lost, and uncover the secret of the rot corrupting this land. You, the Ashen One, must show this world flame to burn the rot away. And perhaps, one day, it will house another painting, of a cold, dark, and gentle place, to make someone a goodly home.