In the world ofDark Souls III, every boss soul holds a unique power, offering players a choice between forging legendary weapons or gaining extra souls to strengthen their character. One of the most curious examples is theSoul of the Rotted Greatwood, obtained after defeating the grotesque Curse-Rotted Greatwood in the Undead Settlement. Many players often wonder whether this soul is worth keeping or if it’s better to consume it for an instant boost. Understanding what this soul can do, and how it fits into different playstyles, is key to making the best choice for your build and long-term strategy.
The Origin of the Soul of the Rotted Greatwood
TheCurse-Rotted Greatwoodis an early to mid-game optional boss located in the Undead Settlement, a massive, decaying tree that has absorbed the curses of countless undead. It’s a visually striking and memorable fight, especially for new players encountering it for the first time. Upon defeating this monstrous being, players are rewarded with theSoul of the Rotted Greatwood, a unique boss soul that can either be consumed for a substantial number of regular souls or traded with Ludleth of Courland in Firelink Shrine to obtain special weapons or equipment.
Boss Souls in Dark Souls III
Each boss soul inDark Souls IIIrepresents the essence of the defeated foe and can be transposed into items that reflect the enemy’s abilities. The transposition process allows the player to exchange boss souls for powerful weapons, spells, or shields. However, this means the player must decide whether to keep the soul for crafting or consume it to gain immediate souls for leveling up. TheSoul of the Rotted Greatwoodis no exception to this decision.
What Can You Do with the Soul of the Rotted Greatwood?
There are two primary uses for theSoul of the Rotted Greatwoodtransposition into a unique weapon or consuming it for souls. Both have their own benefits depending on your build and progression in the game.
1. Transposing the Soul into Weapons
When taken to Ludleth of Courland at Firelink Shrine, theSoul of the Rotted Greatwoodcan be exchanged for one of two weapons
- Hollowslayer Greatsword
- Arstor’s Spear
Each of these weapons has distinct properties and scaling that cater to different playstyles. Understanding their strengths and weaknesses can help determine whether keeping the soul is worth it.
2. Consuming the Soul for Souls
If you choose not to transpose the soul, you can simply consume it to gain3,000 souls. While this amount isn’t particularly large compared to later rewards in the game, it can be useful in the early stages when every soul counts for leveling up stats, purchasing equipment, or upgrading weapons. However, since boss souls are finite and unique, most players prefer to hold onto them until they are sure of their decision.
The Weapons Created from the Soul of the Rotted Greatwood
Hollowslayer Greatsword
TheHollowslayer Greatswordis one of the more underrated early-game greatswords inDark Souls III. It scales well with Dexterity and Strength, making it a versatile choice for hybrid melee builds. Its most notable feature is the 20% bonus damage against Hollow enemies, which make up a large portion of the game’s foes. This added damage boost can make many encounters significantly easier, especially in early to mid-game areas.
In terms of gameplay, the Hollowslayer Greatsword has a balanced moveset and moderate weight, making it suitable for players who want a powerful yet manageable weapon. Its wide swings and strong attacks allow for effective crowd control. Many players consider this weapon a reliable choice even into the late game due to its scaling and Hollow-slaying bonus.
Arstor’s Spear
The second weapon,Arstor’s Spear, offers a different playstyle. It’s a thrusting weapon that deals physical and poison damage, allowing it to chip away at enemies over time. This makes it a great option for players who prefer agile, hit-and-run tactics or want to inflict status effects on enemies. The spear also provides a small health restoration effect when dealing damage, which can be handy for sustaining long fights or saving Estus flasks.
However, while Arstor’s Spear has interesting attributes, its damage potential is somewhat limited compared to other spears, and the poison buildup is relatively slow. It can still be effective in specific PvE situations or for players who enjoy experimenting with unique weapons, but it may not be the most optimal choice for those seeking raw power or speed.
Is the Soul of the Rotted Greatwood Worth Keeping?
Whether or not theSoul of the Rotted Greatwoodis worth keeping depends heavily on your playstyle, progression, and the type of build you are pursuing. Here’s a breakdown to help make that decision easier
Reasons to Keep the Soul
- If you plan to use theHollowslayer Greatsword, especially for a Strength/Dexterity hybrid build.
- If you enjoy experimenting with unique weapons likeArstor’s Spearand want to diversify your arsenal.
- If you are collecting all boss weapons or trophies for completion purposes.
- If you are undecided you can always hold onto it and decide later after unlocking more equipment options.
Reasons to Consume the Soul
- If you are in the early game and need extra souls to level up key stats.
- If you do not plan to use Dexterity-based weapons or thrusting weapons.
- If you are not interested in boss weapon collecting or trophy hunting.
Comparing the Value of the Soul
Compared to other boss souls inDark Souls III, theSoul of the Rotted Greatwoodis relatively less valuable in terms of raw power or soul yield. Some boss souls later in the game can be transposed into devastating weapons or spells with unique abilities, whereas this one offers more practical and moderate options. However, the Hollowslayer Greatsword, due to its bonus against Hollow enemies, can remain relevant for a surprisingly long time, making the soul worth keeping for many players.
Long-Term Perspective
For those focused on long-term builds or multiple playthroughs, it’s generally a good idea to keep theSoul of the Rotted Greatwood. You can always farm regular souls later, but boss souls are limited to one per playthrough unless you use New Game+. Having the ability to transpose both weapons in future playthroughs gives more flexibility and variety in gameplay.
Tips for Managing Boss Souls
Here are a few general tips for handling boss souls like that of the Rotted Greatwood
- Never consume a boss soul immediately after obtaining it unless you are certain you won’t use it for transposition.
- Store boss souls in your inventory or the storage box until you have access to Ludleth of Courland in Firelink Shrine.
- Read the soul descriptions carefully they often contain lore hints and help you understand the weapon’s nature.
- Plan your build early; some souls offer better scaling for specific attributes.
So, is theSoul of the Rotted Greatwood worth keeping?In most cases, yes especially for players who value versatility and want access to the Hollowslayer Greatsword, one of the more reliable early-game greatswords inDark Souls III. While the soul doesn’t yield many souls when consumed, its potential for crafting unique weapons makes it far more valuable in the long run. On the other hand, players seeking a quick boost in early leveling might opt to consume it instead. Ultimately, the decision depends on your playstyle, priorities, and approach to the game. In trueDark Soulsfashion, every choice carries weight and sometimes, holding onto a soul can lead to rewards that outlast any temporary gain.