Where do I go after beating the Old Iron King?

Where to Go After Beating the Old Iron King? A Comprehensive Guide

Beating the Old Iron King marks a significant milestone in Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin. Once you’ve defeated this fearsome boss, you might be wondering what to do next. In this guide, we’ll outline some of the most important points to consider, providing tips and suggestions to help you progress further in the world of Drangleic Castle.

Direct Answer: You Have Two Options

Following the defeat of the Old Iron King, you are presented with two options:

Option 1: Pass through the Shaded Woods

After defeating the king, head through the un-petrified girl towards the shaded forest. Your journey will take you beyond the Dark Chasm bonfire, where you will encounter a series of tricky enemies and challenging boss encounters.

Option 2: Go Down the Hole at Majula

As an alternative, you can head down the hole that leads to the Majula area. This path can be particularly rewarding, granting access to new areas and boss fights.

The Role of Heide’s Tower

Another important consideration following the Old Iron King defeat is Heide’s Tower. Located in the Twisted Depths, this strategic location plays a significant role in your progression. Here are some key points to understand:

• Defeating the Dragonrider and Ornstein: As an optional encounter, defeating Dragonrider and Ornstein can be a rewarding task. The rewards include:

• Loseskin Shield: A superior shield that offers improved survivability
• Soul of the Chosen One: A strong soul that can be further upgraded
  • Capturing the Lockstone and Cashing in on Drops: You can obtain a new lockstone by defeating Phantoms in the chasm, which will later allow you to cash out on some valuable drops within the game.

Using Poison to Your Advantage: The Weakness of The Old Iron King

Here’s an important piece of information for those looking for an easier fight: while the Old Iron King, like most bosses in this game, has weaknesses poison can seriously hinder its movements. Focus on building up your strategy around exploiting this weakness or using Dark Fog with Soul Spear for extended periods to whittle his health down.

Optional Bosses and Challenges