Solaire of Astora
Solaire of Astora is one of the most beloved and iconic NPCs in Dark Souls Remastered, a knight whose unwavering optimism and quest to find his own "sun" provide a stark contrast to the bleakness of Lordran. Players first encounter Solaire early in their journey, often found resting on the bridge in the Undead Burg, contemplating the nature of the sun. His presence offers a glimmer of hope and a potential ally in the fight against the undead.
Solaire's personal questline is deeply intertwined with the player's progression and involves his assistance in several key boss fights. He can be summoned for battles against the Taurus Demon, the Gargoyles, and the Centipede Demon, among others. His participation in these battles can significantly ease the difficulty, and his cheerful demeanor during combat is a welcome respite. However, Solaire's journey is fraught with peril, and he is at risk of succumbing to Hollowing, a state of madness that overtakes Undead who lose their purpose.
To ensure Solaire does not go Hollow, players must undertake a specific and somewhat challenging task in the treacherous area of Lost Izalith. This involves opening a shortcut that leads to a Sunlight Maggot infestation. If You defeats the Sunlight Maggot before Solaire encounters it, they can then speak to him and prevent him from going mad. This requires a significant amount of Humanity (around 30) to open the shortcut and a keen understanding of the game's intricate questlines. Successfully saving Solaire leads to him becoming a powerful ally in the final boss fight and offers a deeply satisfying conclusion to his personal narrative, reinforcing the game's themes of hope and perseverance even in the face of overwhelming despair.