What Does Kindling a Bonfire Do?
In the Dark Souls universe, kindling a bonfire is a crucial mechanism that enhances the player’s experience. By kindling a bonfire, players can reap several benefits that improve their chances of survival and exploration. In this article, we’ll delve into the specifics of what kindling a bonfire does and how it impacts the game.
Increase Estus Flasks
One of the most significant effects of kindling a bonfire is increasing the number of Estus Flasks you can carry. Kindling a bonfire allows you to hold an additional +5 Estus Flasks. This means that as you rest at the bonfire, you’ll gain more Estus to aid in your healing. Estus is crucial in Dark Souls, as it serves as a vital means of recovery from battles and environmental hazards.
Benefits of Humanity
To kindle a bonfire, you’ll need to be in Human form. Humanity allows you to kindle bonfires, which unlocks additional benefits. These benefits include increased Estus Flask capacity, as mentioned earlier. When in Human form, you can rest at bonfires and increase the number of Estus Flasks you carry, making it easier to survive longer periods without re-spawning at the bonfire.
Unkindled Bonfires
In Dark Souls, most bonfires are initially unkindled. Unkindled bonfires only provide 5 Estus Flasks, which may seem meager compared to the benefits of kindling a bonfire. When you first encounter a bonfire, you’ll typically only receive 5 Estus Flasks. However, once you kindle the bonfire, it will increase the Estus capacity, making it more valuable for rest and recovery.
Maximum Estus Flask Capacity
Kindling bonfires also impacts the maximum capacity of your Estus Flasks. Kindling a bonfire caps your Estus Flask capacity at 10. This means that when you reach the maximum capacity, kindling additional bonfires won’t increase your total Estus capacity further.
Summons and Bonfires
Kindling bonfires has an additional benefit: the ability to summon player allies. In Human form, kindled bonfires allow you to summon co-op allies. This feature enables players to join forces with friends or other online players to tackle challenging areas, boss battles, or entire zones together.
Comparison of Unkindled and Kindled Bonfires
Here’s a comparison of unkindled and kindled bonfires:
| Kindled Bonfire | Unkindled Bonfire |
|---|---|
| +5 Estus Flasks capacity | 5 Estus Flasks |
| Maximum Estus capacity at 10 | No maximum Estus capacity limit |
| Humanity required | Humanity not required |
| Co-op ally summons | No co-op ally summons |
Conclusion
Kindling a bonfire in Dark Souls is a vital mechanism that offers several benefits, including increased Estus Flask capacity, co-op summoning, and enhanced exploration. By kindling bonfires, you’ll gain access to more Estus Flasks, allowing you to rest and recover in challenging areas. When in Human form, kindling bonfires provides an additional means of survival, making exploration and progression more enjoyable.
In summary, kindling a bonfire does the following:
- Increases Estus Flask capacity by +5
- Caps the maximum Estus capacity at 10
- Requires Humanity
- Enables co-op ally summons
By understanding the effects of kindling a bonfire, players can make informed decisions about their playstyle, optimize their survival mechanics, and enjoy a more engaging experience in Dark Souls.