Nashandra & Aldia

Return to the Throne of Want to take on the final boss(es) of the game.

92. Nashandra and Aldia, Dark Souls II: SotFS

Nashandra

This boss is weak against lightning. Use a weapon that deals strike damage, e.g. any great hammer. After defeating Throne Defender and Throne Watcher, if you have already defeated the Giant Lord, then Nashandra would spawn to fight you. However, you can prevent a two-part boss fight by defeating Throne Defender and Throne Watcher first, then defeat the Giant Lord. That way, you wouldn't be immediately forced into the fight against Nashandra once the Throne Defender and Throne Watcher are defeated. Equip the Hollow Skin to negate the curse status effect, making the fight against Nashandra much easier than without the Hollow Skin. Nashandra tends to drain your HP whenever you're close to her. Consuming an Elizabeth Mushroom can help to offset the HP drain. You might find a ranged fight to be an easy way to deal with the boss, e.g. use the Avelyn to shoot Lightning Bolts.

After defeating Nashandra, either of two events would occur. If you haven't been following Aldia's quest line, then Nashandra is the final boss of the game and you now have the option of choosing one of two endings. In case you have been following Aldia's quest line, once Nashandra is defeated you would be thrown into the fight against Aldia. Following Aldia's quest line means that you would be doing a two-part boss battle. The first part is Nashandra and the second Aldia. There is no benefit to fighting and defeating Aldia. You would not get Aldia's soul nor would your soul counter be incremented. Being forced into the fight against Aldia, after defeating Nashandra, isn't as bad as it sounds. As soon as Aldia spawns, use a Homeward Bone to return to the last bonfire rested at and prepare for the fight against Aldia.

Aldia, Scholar of the First Sin

This is an optional final boss of the game. There is no benefit to fighting and defeating Aldia. Buff your weapon with Gold Pine Resin and stack as high fire defense as possible, e.g. equip the Flame Quartz Ring+3. Use a weapon that deals strike damage, e.g. any great hammer. Only attack when Aldia is not immersed in flame. Once Aldia is immersed in flame, quickly move away and use ranged attacks such as Throwing Knives, a bow and arrows, or the Avelyn and Lightning Bolts.