When Should I Start the Dark Souls DLC?

If you‘re a new player wondering when is the optimal time to jump into the legendary Dark Souls DLC content – this guide has you covered! I‘ll provide a deep dive analysis into the ideal soul levels, gear requirements, and storyline progression to take on Artorias of the Abyss and the various Dark Souls 2 & 3 expansions.

Artorias of the Abyss (Dark Souls 1 DLC)

Artorias of the Abyss is the lone DLC expansion for the original Dark Souls game, providing an additional area known as Oolacile which is rooted in Dark Souls‘ extensive lore. Many fans and critics alike consider it to be some of the best content in the entire series.

When can I access Artorias of the Abyss?

You‘re able to access the DLC content after:

• Defeating the Hydra in Darkroot Basin
• Obtaining the Lordvessel in Anor Londo
• Speaking to the Golden Crystal Golem in The Duke‘s Archives to get the Broken Pendant item
• Returning to the Hydra‘s lake and interacting with the portal that spawns

So the earliest most players will get access is about the mid-way point once reaching Anor Londo. However, I‘d only recommend entering the DLC at this stage on a second playthrough.

Recommended Level for Artorias of the Abyss

The additional content is balanced for players around SL75-90. By this point in the main story you‘ll likely have a +15 weapon, access to advanced spells/miracles, and decent vitality/endurance stats. Attempting the DLC too early can be brutally difficult!

Notable Content in Artorias of the Abyss

Some of the highlights you can experience in the expansion:

• Epic boss battles like Knight Artorias, Manus, Kalameet
• New weapons like Greatsword of Artorias, Tracers, Dark Silver Tracer
• Additional magic spells and miracles
• Deep lore reveals regarding Artorias, Oolacile residents, Manus
• A chance to rescue fan favorite character Marvelous Chester
• One of the best areas FromSoftware has designed visually and structurally

I strongly advise playing through Artorias of the Abyss before finishing the main quest against Gwyn. It adds a lot of background and context to the world that enhances your appreciation of the base game‘s story.

The Lost Crowns Trilogy (Dark Souls 2 DLC)

Dark Souls 2 shook up the DLC format by releasing 3 separate expansions tied together thematically as The Lost Crowns trilogy. Each introduces exciting new areas, fearsome bosses, additional lore, and a slew of unique weapons/spells.

When can I access the DS2 DLC?

Unlike DS1, the DLC areas are directly accessible very early on. Look for the Shrine of Winter gateways:

• Shulva, Sanctum City: Open the gate in the Black Gulch
• Brume Tower: Open the gate under the primal bonfire in Iron Keep
• Eleum Loyce: Open the gate in the Shrine of Winter after clearing Drangleic Castle

Recommended Level for DS2 DLC

While accessible early, attempting the DS2 DLC under-leveled can be masochistic even by Dark Souls standards. I recommend being around SL90+ before tackling any of them. Having fully upgraded equipment, health, and powerful spells goes a long way too.

Notable Content in Lost Crowns DLC

Some noteworthy elements introduced across the 3 expansions:

• Epic boss fights like Sir Alonne, Fume Knight, Aava the Kings Pet
• New weapon classes like twinblades, greatbows, whips
• Additional upgrade materials and crafting items
• Deep lore reveals on Drangleic history and Vendrick‘s brotherhood
• Massive multi-level areas with tons of secrets and shortcuts
• Unexpected conclusions to NPC stories like Lucatiel

The DS2 DLC areas stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best content in the entire series. Don‘t miss out on these incredible additions to an already massive base game!

Ashes of Ariandel & The Ringed City (Dark Souls 3 DLC)

Dark Souls 3 continued the tradition of expansions with Ashes of Ariandel focused on snowy Painted World territory, and the epic finale The Ringed City set at the end of the world.

When can I access the DS3 DLC?

• Ashes of Ariandel is accessible very early on, shortly after defeating Curse-Rotted Greatwood
• The Ringed City requires reaching Kiln of the First Flame, so it‘s exclusively end-game content

Recommended Level for DS3 DLC

Ashes can be done any time after the first few areas, but I suggest hitting at least 70. The Ringed City features the hardest content in DS3, so go in prepared at SL90-120!

Notable Content in DS3 DLC

More awesome additions provided in the DLC:

• Epic new boss fights like Gael, Friede & Ariandel, Darkeater Midir, Demon Prince
• Badass new weapons like Friede‘s Great Scythe, Ringed Knight gear
• New magic like Frozen Weapon, Snap Freeze sorceries
• Massive multi-phase areas to explore filled with secrets
• Deep lore implications from the Painted World and Pygmy Lords
• Unexpected resolutions to beloved NPC stories
• A grand, epic saga finale to close out the series

FromSoftware went all-out to stick the landing on Dark Souls with two incredibly satisfying DLC expansions. I consider The Ringed City to be the single greatest level ever designed in these games.

To Summarize…

When should you start the Dark Souls DLC? Here are my definitive recommendations:

• Complete Dark Souls 1 first, then tackle Artorias of the Abyss before fighting Gwyn
• Jump into the Dark Souls 2 DLC at level 90+ whenever you want more content
• Play Ashes of Ariandel early if you want a challenge boost in DS3, tackle The Ringed City right before the final boss

Take your time exploring the additional areas fully, and prepare to face some of the toughest, most rewarding boss fights FromSoftware has crafted. The outstanding DLC content enhances these already seminal games substantially.

Let me know if this overview helps guide your journey through Lordran, Drangleic, Lothric and beyond! \[T]/