In Dark Souls II, navigating through the treacherous zones of Drangleic often depends on finding and unlocking key bonfires. One of the more infamous areas in the game is Earthen Peak, a poisonous, trap-laden tower filled with toxic pools and deadly enemies. The Upper Earthen Peak Bonfire is a critical checkpoint for players attempting to make their way toward the Covetous Demon, Mytha the Baneful Queen, and the transition into Iron Keep. Knowing how to reach this bonfire, what threats lie nearby, and how to use it effectively is essential for survival and progression in this part of the game.
Location of the Upper Earthen Peak Bonfire
Where to Find It
The Upper Earthen Peak Bonfire is located deep within Earthen Peak, accessible after progressing past the Central Earthen Peak Bonfire. To reach it, players must push through multiple enemy-infested rooms, avoid or disable poison traps, and deal with some tricky level design involving hidden ladders and rotating windmills.
After defeating several enemies and navigating past the windmill mechanism, players will come across a room with a ladder that leads upward. At the top, a small corridor filled with jars and enemies opens up, and further ahead lies the fog gate to Mytha the Baneful Queen’s boss room. Just before that fog gate, tucked away on the left side in a hallway, is the Upper Earthen Peak Bonfire. Lighting this bonfire is crucial as it serves as a reliable shortcut back to the boss and makes repeated runs less frustrating.
Importance of the Upper Earthen Peak Bonfire
A Key Resting Point Before Mytha
This bonfire is the final checkpoint before facing Mytha the Baneful Queen. Given that her boss fight involves a flooded, poisonous arena unless you take certain steps to burn the windmill earlier, it’s incredibly useful to rest and prepare right before the encounter. From this bonfire, you can also stock up on poison-resistant gear or rings and make any last-minute equipment adjustments.
Crucial for Farming and Exploration
The enemies around this area drop various useful items, including titanite shards and consumables. Having a bonfire this close makes it easy to farm these enemies if needed. It also allows for a quick return if you’re exploring hidden rooms, locked doors, or trying to discover all the secrets of Earthen Peak.
Tips for Reaching the Upper Earthen Peak Bonfire
Burn the Windmill
Before even attempting to fight Mytha, players are advised to burn the windmill located outside the Central Earthen Peak Bonfire area. Doing this stops poison from flowing through the level, including into Mytha’s boss arena, drastically lowering the difficulty. This also makes traveling to the Upper Earthen Peak Bonfire easier, as there will be fewer toxic obstacles along the way.
Use Poison Resistance
Whether or not the windmill is burned, some poison areas may remain. It’s wise to equip:
- Poisonbite Ring
- Armor with high poison resistance
- Moss Clumps to cure poison
These items will help you survive the trek, especially when dealing with areas surrounded by poison-laced jars or traps.
Watch for Ambushes
Earthen Peak is known for surprise attacks. Before reaching the Upper Bonfire, you’ll encounter corridors where enemies wait just out of sight. Use a shield to move cautiously, or lure enemies out with ranged attacks before charging forward.
Nearby Enemies and Hazards
Alonne Knights and Poison Mages
In the stretch between the Central and Upper Bonfires, you’ll face several Alonne-style knights with halberds or rapiers. There are also mages who shoot poison bolts and cast area effects. These enemies can quickly drain your health if you’re not careful, so using ranged attacks or pulling them one by one can be effective.
Exploding Mummies
These suicidal enemies can be found in narrow hallways and are often hidden around corners. Their explosions cause serious damage and can break equipment. Keep your distance, and eliminate them with ranged weapons or spells before they get too close.
Poisonous Jars and Traps
Dozens of jars filled with poison fog litter the rooms. Rolling through them will release a toxic cloud that can quickly overwhelm you. Use a weapon with a wide swing to break them from a distance, or avoid them entirely by hugging the walls. Some traps also release poison darts when triggered by pressure plates, so tread carefully.
What to Do After Reaching the Upper Bonfire
Prepare for the Boss Fight
With the Upper Earthen Peak Bonfire lit, you now have a safe base to prepare for the upcoming boss battle. Rest, upgrade your gear if necessary, and make sure you are equipped with poison-resistant items. If you haven’t already, ensure that the windmill is burned to make the Mytha fight significantly easier.
Explore the Area Around the Bonfire
Before rushing into the boss room, take time to explore the hallways nearby. There are hidden alcoves, lootable corpses, and even a summon sign or two that can aid you in battle. Some illusory walls may hide treasure or shortcuts. Carefully inspecting every corner can lead to valuable discoveries.
Additional Notes and Secrets
Lucatiel of Mirrah
If you’ve been following Lucatiel’s questline, her summon sign should appear nearby. Summoning her and keeping her alive during the boss fight helps progress her story and unlocks unique rewards later in the game.
Shortcut to Iron Keep
Once Mytha is defeated, you’ll gain access to the warp bridge that leads to Iron Keep. Lighting the Upper Bonfire before this point makes it far more convenient to return for any unfinished business in Earthen Peak, and it serves as a strategic hub for switching between zones.
The Upper Earthen Peak Bonfire is more than just a simple checkpoint it’s a strategic asset in one of Dark Souls II’s most devious areas. With proper preparation, knowledge of enemy patterns, and awareness of your surroundings, reaching and utilizing this bonfire gives you a major advantage. It minimizes backtracking, provides a safe location to resupply, and sets the stage for one of the game’s key boss battles. Mastering the route to this bonfire and understanding its benefits can make your journey through Earthen Peak much more manageable and significantly less punishing. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned soul, don’t underestimate the importance of this crucial bonfire on your path through Drangleic.