DS2 Torch Tricks That Boost Your Run
- 01. How to Use a Torch in DS2: The Complete Guide
- 02. Getting Your First Torch
- 03. Three Ways to Light a Torch
- 04. Method 1: At a Bonfire
- 05. Method 2: At a Lit Torch Sconce
- 06. Method 3: Using a Flame Butterfly
- 07. Torch Mechanics and Timer System
- 08. Practical Torch Usage Techniques
- 09. Torch Combat and Gameplay Benefits
- 10. Advanced Torch Strategy Tips
How to Use a Torch in DS2: The Complete Guide
To use a torch in Dark Souls 2, approach any bonfire source, press the toggle button (Y on Xbox, Triangle on PlayStation) to switch from "Rest at bonfire" to "Light torch," then select "Light torch" to equip it in your left hand with a visible timer. The torch illuminates dark areas, reduces enemy aggro range, scares certain enemies, cleanses oil status, explodes gunpowder barrels, and can trigger special events when lighting all sconces in specific areas.
Getting Your First Torch
Your first torch location is in Things Betwixt, the game's starting area. Break the small wooden barrel next to the initial bonfire to find the torch inside. Unlike other equipment, the torch doesn't occupy an equipment slot-you always have it available once acquired. After picking it up, check your equipment menu where a timer displays your remaining torch time, starting at 5 minutes for your first torch.
Three Ways to Light a Torch
Dark Souls 2 offers multiple methods for lighting your torch depending on your situation and available resources. Understanding each method helps you conserve torch time effectively throughout your journey through Drangleic.
Method 1: At a Bonfire
- Walk within 2-3 steps of any bonfire until the toggle prompt appears
- Press Y (Xbox) or Triangle (PlayStation) to toggle from "Rest at bonfire" to "Light torch"
- Select "Light torch" from the menu to equip it in your left hand
- Your torch timer begins running immediately after lighting
Method 2: At a Lit Torch Sconce
When you encounter an already-lit torch wall sconce, walk up to it and select the "Light torch" prompt that appears. This method is essential for progressing through dark areas like The Gutter where you must move from one sconce to the next.
Method 3: Using a Flame Butterfly
Flame Butterflies instantly light your torch for approximately 25 minutes of torch time. Use a Flame Butterfly from your inventory to immediately equip a lit torch without needing a fire source nearby.
Torch Mechanics and Timer System
The torch timer system is crucial for strategic torch management. Every time you acquire a torch, you gain "torch time" that accumulates. You receive +5 minutes if you have zero torch time remaining, and +3 minutes if you already have time left over. The timer only runs when the torch is actively equipped and lit, not when stored.
| Torch Time Scenario | Time Added | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| First torch acquisition | 5 minutes | No previous torch time |
| Subsequent torch with zero time | 5 minutes | Previous torch expired completely |
| Subsequent torch with remaining time | 3 minutes | Previous torch time still active |
| Flame Butterfly usage | 25 minutes | Instant activation from inventory |
| Relighting at fire source | Resumes previous | Timer continues from saved point |
Practical Torch Usage Techniques
Press the left button on your d-pad to put the torch away, which stops the timer from running. This timer conservation tactic allows you to save torch time for critical dark sections. To relight, approach any light source and the timer resumes from where you left it. When wielding the torch in your left hand, press the weak attack button to raise it for wider illumination.
The torch replaces whatever item you holding in your left hand, including shields. However, the torch stays lit even when two-handing your right-handed weapon, though illumination effects only appear when one-handing the weapon.Be careful: rolling through water while holding a lit torch causes you to lose it completely.
Torch Combat and Gameplay Benefits
Torches provide seven distinct gameplay advantages beyond simple illumination. Enemy aggro range reduction is the most significant tactical benefit, as carrying a torch decreases how far enemies detect you. Certain enemies specifically fear torch light and will run away when you approach.
| Torch Benefit | Effect | Strategic Value |
|---|---|---|
| Area illumination | Lit pitch-black areas | Prevents falls, reveals traps |
| Aggro reduction | Shorter detection range | Stealth approach possible |
| Enemy intimidation | Some enemies flee | Avoid unnecessary combat |
| Oil cleansing | Removes oil status effect | Prevents fire vulnerability |
| Barrel explosion | Ignites gunpowder barrels | AOE damage opportunity |
| Fire damage stun | Stuns fire-weak enemies | Temporary crowd control |
| Sconce triggering | Activates special events | Progression requirement |
Advanced Torch Strategy Tips
For maximum efficiency, light your torch at a bonfire before entering dark zones, then put it away during travel to preserve torch time. When you reach darkness, equip it immediately. In pitch-black areas requiring multiple sconces, light each sconce sequentially while moving forward, which also permanently illuminates those sections.
Flame Butterflies represent the best torch time investment at 25 minutes per butterfly compared to the base 5-minute torch. Stock up on these before tackling extensive dark areas like The Gutter or Memory of Jeigh. Remember that lighting all sconces in certain areas triggers special events, making complete exploration worthwhile.
The torch system rewards planned resource management rather than constant use. Save torch time for genuinely dark sections where visibility affects survival, rely on sconces for permanent lighting where available, and use Flame Butterflies strategically for extended dark dungeon crawls.
Helpful tips and tricks for Ds2 Torch Tricks That Boost Your Run
Can you two-hand your weapon while using a torch?
The torch stays lit when you two-hand your right-handed weapon, but the illumination effects only appear when you're one-handing the weapon. This means you can maintain torch time while preparing powerful two-handed attacks, but won't see the lighting benefit during the attack itself.
How do you stop the torch timer from running?
Press the left button on your d-pad to put the torch away, which immediately stops the timer from running. This allows you to conserve torch time until you enter genuinely dark areas where illumination is necessary.
Why doesn't my torch option appear at the bonfire?
You must stand within 2-3 steps of the bonfire for the toggle option to appear. Get really close to the bonfire-if the toggle option doesn't show up, take a few more steps forward until the prompt becomes visible.
Does the torch take up an equipment slot?
No, the torch never occupies an equipment slot-you always have it available once acquired. This unique design means you don't need to sacrifice shield or item slots to access torch functionality throughout your entire playthrough.
What happens if you roll through water with a torch?
You permanently lose the torch if you roll through water while holding it. The torch extinguishes completely and must be relit at a fire source, though your accumulated torch time remains saved for when you relight it.
Can you light multiple sconces with one torch?
Yes, you can light multiple unlit torch sconces and braziers with a single torch as long as you have remaining torch time. In areas like The Gutter, you move from one sconce to the next, lighting each progressively to illuminate the entire dark passage.