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DARK SOULS™: Prepare To Die Edition > Guides > {SNS}HeroFallenVillain's Guides
61 ratings
Suggested Progression with vital notes
By {SNS}HeroFallenVillain
This guide is to help suggest to players (esp on their first playthrough) where they should go next and what to watch out for, so they don't miss vital parts/items of the game! This is NOT a walkthrough! This is a simple guideline to show which direction to go and what important things not to miss! There is very little story/spoiler info included in this guide, making it a good choice to use while making a (near)blind run.
   
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Created by
{SNS}HeroFallenVillain
Offline
Category: Loot, Maps or Levels
Languages: English
Posted
Updated
28 Nov, 2013 @ 1:32pm
5 Apr, 2014 @ 5:39pm
4,467 Unique Visitors
114 Current Favorites
Guide Index
Overview
Introduction 
Section Description 
Northern Undead Asylum 
Firelink Shrine 
Undead Burg 
Lower Undead Burg 
Undead Parish 
Depths 
Blighttown 
Qualaag's Domain 
Darkroot Gardens 
Darkroot Basin 
Sen's Fortress 
Anor Londo 
New Londo Ruins 
The Duke's Archives 
Crystal Cave 
Demon Ruins 
Lost Izalith 
The Catacombs 
Tomb of Giants 
The Abyss 
Kiln of the First Flame 
Great Hollow (Optional) 
Ash Lake (Optional) 
Undead Asylum (Optional Return) 
Painted World of Artemis (Optional) 
Valley of Drakes (Optional) 
Sanctuary Garden (DLC Optional) 
Oolacile Sanctuary (DLC Optional) 
Royal Wood (DLC Optional) 
Oolacile Township (DLC Optional) 
Battle of Stoicism Gazebo (DLC Optional) 
Chasm of the Abyss (DLC Optional) 
Comments
Introduction
  • This is a work in progress. I will be filling in the information as much as I can, as soon as I can.
  • I understand that this information is available in many other places, however not all in a compressed quick guide. This is for a quick reference and I will be linking in the appropriate pages on other sites for the more detailed information.
  • Please feel free to point out anything I have wrong or that you feel is a "vital" piece of info. Thank you.
  • Thinking of adding shortcuts, Crystal Lizards & farming to each area.
  • Also looking to add a beginner's guide.
Section Description
Link to this area's Wiki
  • A link to a more detailed page if you need additional help.

Suggested Level:
  • The suggested level to be at while in the area. Mainly relevant to areas that you can be summoned to help others with their bosses.

Boss:
  • The main boss(es) of an area. After these are defeated you should not be able to be invaded.

Mini Bosses:
  • Notable strong enemies.

NPCs:
  • Non-Player Characters that can be found in the area.
  • If the NPC has a * in front of their name, that means that they have storylines that can be followed.
  • If the NPC is found in more than one location, they will have a number coordinating with the order of areas they are in, followed by what area they will be found in next after exhausting all of their dialogue and/or any other requirements. Example: Patches is found in 2 places, so for the Catacombs he is listed as "(1 > Firelink Shrine)", meaning this is the first place you see him and he will go to Firelink Shrine next.
  • If the NPC has just a number in parentheses, that means that area is the last location in their storyline. For example, in Firelink Shrine, Patches is listed as "(2)".

Important Items:
  • Items that should not be missed.
  • Note that these are NOT all the items found in the area. For a full list see the area's wiki.

Summoned NPCs:
  • NPCs that can be summoned to help with the area's boss. Only one can be summoned at a time.

Phantom NPCs:
  • NPCs that will invade your world.
  • You must be in the proper location, be in human form, and have not defeated the area's boss.

Notes:
  • Other relevant important information related to the area.
Northern Undead Asylum
Link to this area's Wiki[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Suggested Level:
0-5

Boss:
Asylum Demon[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
(Beating this boss the very first time you encounter him awards you a Demon's Great Hammer[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com])

Mini Bosses:
None

NPCs:
Elite Knight (Oscar of Astora)
Snuggly[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Important Items:
Estus Flask[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Summoned NPCs:
None

Phantom NPCs:
None

Notes:
None
Firelink Shrine
Link to this area's Wiki[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Suggested Level:
5-10

Boss:
None

Mini Bosses:
None

NPCs:
Crestfallen Warrior[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Petrus of Thorolund[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Giant Crow
* Reah of Thorolund[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] (1 > Tomb of the Giants)
Vince of Thorolund[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Nico of Thorolund[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
* Anastacia of Astora[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Griggs of Vinheim[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] (2)
Kingseeker Frampt[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
* Knight Lautrec of Carim[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] (2)
Laurentius of the Great Swamp[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] (2)
* Siegmeyer of Catarina[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] (4 > Blighttown)
* Sieglinde of Catarina[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] (2&3 > Ash Lake)
* Big Hat Logan[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] (2 > the Duke's Archives)
Domhnall of Zena[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] (2)
Ingward[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] (2)
Patches the Hyena[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] (2)

Important Items:
Zweihander[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Undead Asylum West F2 Tower Key[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Summoned NPCs:
None

Phantom NPCs:
None

Notes:
  • You can join the Way of White[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] covenant by talking to Petrus.
  • You can kill Anastacia of Astora to get a Fire Keeper Soul, however, it is recommended to kill her at the end of the game. Firelink Shrine is a very useful warp point and you get a few items for following her storyline. Killing her will reset the kindle level of her bonfire. Her bonfire can still be warped to after killing her.
  • You can return to the Undead Asylum. Jump off the elevator going to the Undead Parish, go to the right and jump/roll to the ledge going up to the tower. Follow the steps up until you get to the bird's nest, then press the button to curl up and wait for the cutscene.
  • Inside the flooded ruin is an open chest, beside a statue of a maiden. Should the player be so unfortunate to drop a game breaking item, it can be retrieved from the chest, which will then be closed with the item inside. (Salvageable items: Covenant of Artorias, Orange Charred Ring, Cat Covenant Ring, Darkmoon Blade Covenant Ring, Blue Eye Orb)
Undead Burg
Link to the area's wiki[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Suggested Level:
10-15

Boss:
Taurus Demon[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Mini Bosses:
Black Knight[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Havel the Rock[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Hellkite Wyvern[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
(Cutting off this boss' tail awards you a Drake Sword[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com])

NPCs:
Undead Merchant (Male)[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
* Solaire of Astora[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] (1 > Anor Londo)

Important Items:
White Sign Soapstone[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Summoned NPCs:
None

Phantom NPCs:
None

Notes:
None
Lower Undead Burg
Link to this area's wiki[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Suggested Level:
?

Boss:
Capra Demon[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Mini Bosses:
None

NPCs:
Griggs of Vinheim[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] (1 > Firelink Shrine)
Undead Merchant (Female)[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Important Items:
Sorcerer Set[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Thief Set[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Summoned NPCs:
None

Phantom NPCs:
None

Notes:
None
Undead Parish
Link to this area's wiki[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Suggested Level:
15-25

Boss:
Bell Gargoyles[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
(Cutting off this boss' tail awards you a Gargoyle Tail Axe[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com])

Mini Bosses:
Black Knight[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Fang Boar[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Tower Knight[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Channeler[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

NPCs:
* Knight Lautrec of Carim[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] (1 > Firelink Shrine)
Blacksmith Andre of Astora[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
* Siegmeyer of Catarina[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] (1 > Sen's Fortress)
Oswald of Carim[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
* Reah of Thorolund[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] (3 > the Duke's Archives)
* Solaire of Astora[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] (3 > Demon Ruins)

Important Items:
Fire Keeper Soul[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Halberd[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Summoned NPCs:
Solaire of Astora[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Knight Lautrec of Carim[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Phantom NPCs:
None

Notes:
  • You can join the Warrior of Sunlight[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] covenant here. Turn to the right at the bonfire under the Hellkite Wyvern and pray at the broken alter where Solaire stands. You must have at least 25 faith to get the window to join. This requirement drops by 5 points for each boss you help defeat as a white phantom.
Depths
Link to this area's wiki[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Suggested Level:
?

Boss:
Gaping Demon / Klaffdrachen[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
(Cutting off this boss' tail awards you a Dragon King Greataxe[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com])

Mini Bosses:
Butcher[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Giant Rat[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Channeler[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

NPCs:
Laurentius of the Great Swamp[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] (1 > Firelink Shrine)
Domhnall of Zena[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] (1 > Firelink Shrine)

Important Items:
Large Ember[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Warrior Set[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Summoned NPCs:
Solaire of Astora[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Knight Lautric of Carim[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Phantom NPCs:
Kirk, Knight of Thorns[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Notes:
  • If you do not kill the Channeler before fighting the boss, he will shoot Soul Arrows at you and buff the boss.
Blighttown
Link to this area's wiki[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Suggested Level:
?

Boss:
None

Mini Bosses:
None

NPCs:
Quelana of Izalith[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Shiva of the East[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] (2)
Shiva's Bodyguard (2)
Laurentius of the Great Swamp[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] (Hallowed Form) (3)
* Siegmeyer of Catarina[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] (5 > Lost Izalith)

Important Items:
Shadow Set[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Iaito[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Eagle Shield[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Pyromancy: Power Within[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Pyromancy: Poison Mist[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Wanderer Set[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Great Club[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Fire Keeper Soul[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Crimson Set[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Tin Banishment Catalyst[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Sorcery: Remedy[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Summoned NPCs:
None

Phantom NPCs:
Maneater Mildred[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Notes:
  • This area has a new enemy called the Blowdart Sniper[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]. It is highly recommended to make sure you have Blooming Purple Moss Clumps[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] to cure the toxic status. Fortunately they are not hard to kill and do not respawn.
  • The Rusted Iron Ring[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] is very useful when you reach the bottom of the area, as it allows you to run in the water without slowing you down.
Qualaag's Domain
Link to this area's wiki[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Suggested Level:
?

Boss:
Chaos Witch Quelaag[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Mini Bosses:
None

NPCs:
Eingyi[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Quelaan[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Important Items:
None

Summoned NPCs:
Maneater Mildred[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Phantom NPCs:
None

Notes:
  • You can join the Chaos Servant[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] Covenant by talking to Qualaan.
  • If you reach the second rank of the Chaos Servant[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] (Offer 30 humanity to Qualaan) you can unlock a shortcut to Lost Izalith. You can acces the shortcut by turning to the right just before where you fight the Demon Firesage and going down the branch. Touching the giant door will open it. Be sure to read Solaire of Astora's[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] storyline before going through the shortcut.
  • You can kill Qualaan to get a Fire Keeper Soul, however, it is recommended to do this after unlocking the Lost Izalith Shortcut. This will reset the kindle level of her bonfire. Her bonfire can still be warped to after killing her.
Darkroot Gardens
Link to this area's wiki[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Suggested Level:
?

Boss:
Moonlight Butterfly[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Great Grey Wolf Sif[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Mini Bosses:
Giant Cats[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

NPCs:
Alvina of the Darkroot Wood[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Shiva of the East[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] (1 > Blighttown)
Shiva's Bodyguard (1 > Blighttown)

Important Items:
Covenant of Artorias[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Wolf Ring[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Enchanted Ember[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Elite Knight Armor Set[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Eastern Set[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Hornet Ring[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Divine Ember[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Stone Knight Set[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Summoned NPCs:
Witch Beatrice[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Phantom NPCs:
None

Notes:
  • You can join the Forest Hunter[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] Covenant by talking to Alvina.
  • Joining the Forest Hunter[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] covenant causes Shiva of the East & his bodyguard to appear.
  • You can kill Shiva's Bodyguard for the Dark Wood Grain Ring[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]. However, it is recommended to wait until they move to blighttown and buying all the items from Shiva first.
Darkroot Basin
Link to this area's wiki[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Suggested Level:
?

Boss:
Hydra[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Mini Bosses:
Black Knight[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Golden Crystal Golem[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

NPCs:
Dusk of Oolacile[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Important Items:
Hunter Set[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Grass Crest Shield[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Antiquated Set[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Summoned NPCs:
None

Phantom NPCs:
None

Notes:
  • The Rusted Iron Ring[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] is very useful for this area because it lets you run in the water.
  • This is where you access the DLC areas. After defeating the Hydra, follow the area to the left past the ladder to an alcove in the back. Defeat the Golden Crystal Golem here to release Dusk of Oolacile. After speaking with her, go all the way back to the right side of where the Hydra was and use her summoning sign. After being summoned, return to where the Golden Crystal Golem was and there will be the Antiquated Set and a warp to the new areas.
  • Be careful when you summon her as the nearby enemies can kill her.
  • You may need to quit and reload the game after summoning her to get her set and the warp to appear.
  • You need to get the Broken Pendant[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] from the first Crystal Golem in the Duke's Archives to use the warp.
Sen's Fortress
Link to this area's wiki[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Suggested Level:
?

Boss:
Iron Golem[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Mini Bosses:
Tower Knight[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Ricard the Archer[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Firebomb Giant
Gate Giant


NPCs:
* Siegmeyer of Catarina[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] (2 > Anor Londo)
* Big Hat Logan[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] (1 > Firelink Shrine)
Crestfallen Merchant[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Important Items:
Covetous Gold Serpent Ring[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Slumbering Dragoncrest Ring[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Ring of Steel Protection[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Black Sorcerer Set[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Summoned NPCs:
Iron Tarkus[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Phantom NPCs:
None

Notes:
  • The Mimic[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] here drops a Lightning Spear.
  • There is a pit that you can go down into with 4 Titanite Demons.
Anor Londo
Link to this area's wiki[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Suggested Level:
?

Boss:
Dragonslayer Ornstein & Executioner Smough[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Dark Sun Gwyndolin[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Mini Bosses:
None

NPCs:
Darkmoon Knightess[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Dark Sun Gwyndolin[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
* Solaire of Astora[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] (2 > Undead Parish)
* Siegmeyerof Catarina[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] (3 > Firelink Shrine)
Giant Blacksmith[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Gwynevere[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]


Important Items:
Lordvessel[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Havel's Set[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Black Iron Set[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Havel's Greatshield[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Dragon Tooth[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Silver Knight Set[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Dragonslayer Greatbow[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Hawk Ring[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Summoned NPCs:
Solaire of Astora[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Phantom NPCs:
None

Notes:
  • If you want to join the Darkwraith[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] covenant, DO NOT speak to Frampt after obtaining the Lordvessel!
  • You can kill the Darkmoon Knightess to get a Fire Keeper Soul. This will reset the kindle level of her bonfire. Her bonfire can still be warped to after killing her.
  • Attacking Dark Sun Gwyndolin or Gwynevere will make Darkmoon Knightess Hostile.
  • Killing Gwynevere will cause the sky to turn dark. Darkmoon Knightess will become hostile, you cannot join the Princess Guard covenant and you will be continually invaded by members of the Blade of the Darkmoon Covenant.
  • You can escape the Mimics grab attack by pressing L1, then R1 repeatedly.
  • You can join the Princess Guard[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] covenant by talking to Gwynevere.
  • You can join the Blade of the Dark Moon[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] covenant here. Lower the rotating elevator all the way down, then go down to the bonfire. Equip the Darkmoon Seance Ring[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] and the statue will disappear. Go down and kneel at the rug to enter the covenant. DO NOT GO THROUGH THE FOG! Doing so will break the covenant or prevent joining, as it starts the boss fight of Dark Sun Gwyndolin[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com].
  • There are 4 mimics here. They drop a Crystal Halberd, Silver Coins, Gold Coins & an Occult Club.
New Londo Ruins
Link to this area's wiki[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Suggested Level:
?

Boss:
Four Kings[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Mini Bosses:
None

NPCs:
Rickert of Vinheim[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Ingward[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Important Items:
Fire Keeper Soul[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Cursebite Ring[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Summoned NPCs:
Witch Beatrice[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Phantom NPCs:
None

Notes:
  • You must equip the Covenant of Artorius[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] to survive in the Abyss.
  • You can remove the Covenant of Artorias[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] and equip the Covetous Silver Serpent Ring[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] (extra souls) between the short animation of the boss dying and souls being awarded, without dying. Doing this on NG+ yields about 244.000 souls.
The Duke's Archives
Link to this area's wiki[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Suggested Level:
?

Boss:
Seath the Scaleless[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
(Cutting off this boss' tail awards you a Moonlight Greatsword[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com])

Mini Bosses:
Fang Boar[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Golden Crystal Golem[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

NPCs:
Big Hat Logan[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] (3)
Reah of Thorolund[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] (4)
Sieglinde of Catarina[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] (1 > Firelink Shrine)

Important Items:
Fire Keeper Soul[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Maiden Set[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
White Seance Ring[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Avelyn[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Crystal Ember[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Channeler Set[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Crystalline Set[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Large Magic Ember[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Big Hat's Set[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Tin Crystallization Catalyst[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Logan's Catalyst[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Sorcery: White Dragon Breath[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Sorcery: Strong Magic Shield[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Miracle: Soothing Sunlight[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Miracle: Bountiful Sunlight[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Summoned NPCs:
None

Phantom NPCs:
None

Notes:
  • You cannot kill Seath here.
  • Using a Ring of Sacrifice[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] during your fight with Seath will allow you to keep all your humanity and souls.
  • This area is full of crystal enemies that are highly resistant to magic.
  • There are 2 mimics here. They drop a Crystal Knight Shield & an Enchanted Falchion.
Crystal Cave
Link to this area's wiki[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Suggested Level:
?

Boss:
Seath the Scaleless[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
(Cutting off this boss' tail will award you a Moonlight Greatsword[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com])

Mini Bosses:
Golden Crystal Golem[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

NPCs:
None

Important Items:
Blue Titanite Slab[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Summoned NPCs:
None

Phantom NPCs:
None

Notes:
  • There are four invisible walkways here. They can be identified by the icicles falling on them. Shoot arrows in front of you to know if it's safe to step there.
Demon Ruins
Link to this area's wiki[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Suggested Level:
?

Boss:
Ceaseless Discharge[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Demon Firesage[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Centipede Demon[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Mini Bosses:
None

NPCs:
Solaire of Astora[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] (4 > Lost Izalith)

Important Items:
Orange Charred Ring[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Large Flame Ember[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Chaos Flame Ember[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Gold Hemmed Black Set[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Summoned NPCs:
Solaire of Astora[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Phantom NPCs:
Kirk, Knight of Thorns[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Notes:
  • There is a shortcut to Lost Izalith here. Must be a rank 2 Chaos Servant[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] to open the giant door. Be sure to read Solaire of Astora's[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] Storyline before entering Lost Izalith.
Lost Izalith
Link to this area's wiki[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Suggested Level:
?

Boss:
Bed of Chaos[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Mini Bosses:
None

NPCs:
Solaire of Astora[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] (5)
Siegmeyer of Catarina[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] (6 > Ash Lake)

Important Items:
Red Titanite Slab[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Pyromancy: Chaos Fire Whip[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Summoned NPCs:
None

Phantom NPCs:
Kirk, Knight of Thorns[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Notes:
  • Daughter of Chaos[darksouls.wikidot.com] Will attack you before you reach the Bed of Chaos fog gate. This is not Qualana.
  • You must equip the Orange Charred Ring[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] to travel across the lava here.
The Catacombs
Link to this area's wiki[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Suggested Level:
?

Boss:
Pinwheel[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Mini Bosses:
None

NPCs:
Blacksmith Vamos[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Patches the Hyena[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] (.5 > Tomb of the Giants)

Important Items:
Darkmoon Seance Ring[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Great Scythe[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Lucerne[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Cleric Set[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Miracle: Tranquil Walk of Peace[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Summoned NPCs:
Paladin Leeroy[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Phantom NPCs:
None

Notes:
  • There are 2 ways to keep the skeletons here from reassembling. You can kill the mages that are reviving them or kill them with a divine weapon.
  • Patches will only be here if you come here before Reah of Thorolund leaves for the Tomb of the Giants.
  • You can join the Gravelord Servant[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] covenant here. In the same room with the Titanite Demon, there is a unoccupied coffin that sticks further out than the rest. Activate it and after 30 seconds (You need an Eye of Death[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] in your inventory), you will be taken to where you battle Nito. Activate his coffin to join.
Tomb of Giants
Link to this area's wiki[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Suggested Level:
?

Boss:
Gravelord Nito[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Mini Bosses:
None

NPCs:
Patches the Hyena[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] (1 > Firelink Shrine)
Reah of Thorolund[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] (2 > Undead Parish)

Important Items:
Rite of Kindling
Large Divine Ember[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Skull Lantern[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Covetous Silver Serpent Ring[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Effigy Shield[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Summoned NPCs:
None

Phantom NPCs:
Paladin Leeroy[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Notes:
  • A light source is highly recommended here. Skull Lantern[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com], Sunlight Maggot[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] or Sorcery: Cast Light[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] are the options. Personally I like the Sunlight Maggot as it doesn't need recasting and constantly provides light, but it's found in Lost Izalith so it may not be available yet.
The Abyss
Link to this area's wiki[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Suggested Level:
None

Boss:
None

Mini Bosses:
None

NPCs:
Darkstalker Kaathe[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Important Items:
None

Summoned NPCs:
None

Phantom NPCs:
None

Notes:
  • You can join the Darkwraith[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] covenant here. After obtaining the Lordvessel, DO NOT speak to Frampt. Go to Ingward in New Londo Ruins, then fight the 4 Kings boss. Once in the Abyss, speak to Kaathe to join.
Kiln of the First Flame
Link to this area's wiki[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Suggested Level:
?

Boss:
Gwyn, Lord of Cinder[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Mini Bosses:
None

NPCs:
None

Important Items:
Black Knight Set[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Summoned NPCs:
Solaire of Astora[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Phantom NPCs:
None

Notes:
  • Solaire's summon sign only appears if you completed his storyline properly.
  • Defeating this boss will end your current playthrough. It is recommended to do anything you want/need to before doing so. This includes killing any NPCs that have unique drops.
  • There are two endings to the game. The only difference between them is the achievement awarded.
Great Hollow (Optional)
Link to this area's wiki[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Suggested Level:
?

Boss:
None

Mini Bosses:
None

NPCs:
None

Important Items:
Cloranthy Ring[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Summoned NPCs:
None

Phantom NPCs:
None

Notes:
  • The Sorcery: Fall Control[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] is very useful here.
  • There are numerous Crystal Lizards[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] here. Below is a video to help find them all. Don't forget to wear the Covetous Golden Serpent Ring[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] to increase your chances of getting Titanite Slabs[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]!
  • You can quit and reload the game to get the lizards to respawn. You may need to do this a few times though as their respawn rate is not 100%.
Ash Lake (Optional)
Link to this area's wiki[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Suggested Level:
?

Boss:
Black Hydra[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Mini Bosses:
None

NPCs:
Great Stone Dragon[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Siegmeyer of Catarina[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] (7)
Sieglinde of Catarina[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] (4)

Important Items:
Miracle: Great Magic Barrier[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Summoned NPCs:
None

Phantom NPCs:
None

Notes:
  • You can join the Path of the Dragon[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] covenant by speaking to the Great Stone Dragon.
  • Cutting off the Great Stone Dragon's tail will award you a Dragon Greatsword[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]. This will not make him hostile or break the covenant in anyway.
Undead Asylum (Optional Return)
Link to this area's wiki[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Suggested Level:
?

Boss:
Stray Demon[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Mini Bosses:
None

NPCs:
Snuggly[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Important Items:
Peculiar Doll[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Rusted Iron Ring[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Crest Shield[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Summoned NPCs:
None

Phantom NPCs:
None

Notes:
  • If you do not want to fight the boss here, make sure to go around the outside of the room where you fought the Asylum Demon! Stepping in the middle of the room will cause the floor to fall and begin the new boss fight.
  • Using Sorcery: Fall Control[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] is recommended here as the fall takes much of your life.
Painted World of Artemis (Optional)
Link to this area's wiki[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Suggested Level:
?

Boss:
Crossbreed Priscilla[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Cutting off this boss' tail awrads you a Priscilla's Dagger[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com])

Mini Bosses:
Undead Dragon[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

NPCs:
None

Important Items:
Dried Finger[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Red Sign Soapstone[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Dark Ember[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Bloodshield[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Velka's Set?
Painted Guardian Set[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Pyromancy: Fire Surge[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Pyromancy: Acid Surge[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Miracle: Vow of Silence[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Summoned NPCs:
None

Phantom NPCs:
Xanthious King Jeremiah[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Notes:
  • To get to this area you need the Peculiar Doll[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]. If you have it in your inventory, touching the giant painting in Anor Londo will send you here.
  • You cannot leave this area until you reach the end. However, You may use the Miracle: Homeward[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] or a Homeward Bone[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] if you have not rested at a bonfire here. You do not have to battle the boss to leave.
  • You can jump off the narrow bridge leading to the house full of Engorged Zombies[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] and down into the courtyard to skip a portion of the level and open the bonfire shortcut door early.
Valley of Drakes (Optional)
Link to this area's wiki[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Suggested Level:
?

Boss:
None

Mini Bosses:
Undead Dragon[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

NPCs:
None

Important Items:
Witch Set[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Brigand Set[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Dragon Crest Shield[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Spider Shield[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Summoned NPCs:
None

Phantom NPCs:
None

Notes:
None
Sanctuary Garden (DLC Optional)
Link to this area's wiki[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Suggested Level:
?

Boss:
Sanctuary Guardian[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
(Cutting of this boss' tail awards you a Guardian Tail[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com])

Mini Bosses:
None

NPCs:
None

Important Items:
None

Summoned NPCs:
None

Phantom NPCs:
None

Notes:
  • Returning to this area after resting at a bonfire will cause 2 weaker Sanctuary Guardians to appear. They respawn.
Oolacile Sanctuary (DLC Optional)
Link to this area's wiki[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Suggested Level:
?

Boss:
None

Mini Bosses:
None

NPCs:
Elizabeth[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Important Items:

Summoned NPCs:
None

Phantom NPCs:
None

Notes:
None
Royal Wood (DLC Optional)
Link to this area's wiki[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Suggested Level:
?

Boss:
Artorias the Abysswalker[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Black Dragon Kalameet[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
(Cutting off this boss' tail awards you an Obsidian Greatsword[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com])

Mini Bosses:
None

NPCs:
Marvelous Chester[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Hawkeye Gough[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Lord's Blade Ciaran[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Important Items:
Guardian Leggings[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Guardian Gauntlets[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Guardian Helmet[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Guardian Armor[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Summoned NPCs:
None

Phantom NPCs:
None

Notes:
  • After going to the area where Kalameet is, you can go to Gough and he will shoot Kalameet down, making the fight much easier.
  • After fighting Artorius, Ciaran will appear and ask for his soul. If you turn her down she will disappear and you cannot kill her for her equipment.
Oolacile Township (DLC Optional)
Link to this area's wiki[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Suggested Level:
?

Boss:
None

Mini Bosses:
None

NPCs:
None

Important Items:
Silver Pendant[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Sorcery: Dark Orb[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Sorcery: Dark Fog[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Summoned NPCs:
None

Phantom NPCs:
Marvelous Chester[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Notes:
There are 2 mimics here. They drop a Very Good! Carving & a Crest Key.
Battle of Stoicism Gazebo (DLC Optional)
Link to this area's wiki[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Suggested Level:
?

Boss:
None

Mini Bosses:
None

NPCs:
None

Important Items:
None

Summoned NPCs:
None

Phantom NPCs:
None

Notes:
This is the area for PvP combat.
Chasm of the Abyss (DLC Optional)
Link to this area's wiki[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Suggested Level:
?

Boss:
Manus, Father of the Abyss[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Mini Bosses:
None

NPCs:
Puppy Sif
Spirit Alvina

Important Items:
Cleansing Greatshield[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Sorcery: Dark Bead[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]
Pyromancy: Black Flame[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Summoned NPCs:
Sif, the Great Grey Wolf[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com]

Phantom NPCs:
None

Notes:
  • You must save Sif for his summon sign to appear.
  • It is highly recommended to get the Silver Pendant[darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com] and use it during the boss fight here. It will reflect his magic and prevent any damage.
25 Comments
< >
Mars Bane 28 Nov, 2015 @ 7:24am 
I would add that the Moonlight Butterfly is the the boss for the Darkroot Basin, not the Garden, and that the hydra is the mini boss, as you can still be invaded (I know this as I invaded and was invaded multiple times and the unleavable are went to the boss chamber). Also I would consider the Black Knights as minibosses as they can be found in early areas of the game and can kill you quite fast.
{SNS}HeroFallenVillain  [author] 6 Apr, 2014 @ 1:59pm 
The first to entice me to beat it 3 times and get 100% achievements in a long time***
{SNS}HeroFallenVillain  [author] 6 Apr, 2014 @ 1:58pm 
...and of course ratings are welcome. This is actually my first and only guide! I'm not sure I'll do another lmao It's a lotta work but DS is an excellent game. The first to entice me to beat it 3 times and get 100% achievements! May this be an endorsement to those that read this ;)
{SNS}HeroFallenVillain  [author] 6 Apr, 2014 @ 1:55pm 
Yeah, thats the point of this guide. I don't want to do the work for people. I link to the places if that's what they want. This is a sorta spoiler free guide. I tell you what it is you might miss and where you should pay extra attention, then let you do the work yourself. I'm glad people have understood the point of this guide. I may put some more work into it... I esp would like to do a beginners guide. Thanks for getting me to pay attention to this cuz like I said I haven't been messing with it. Note to others, if you comment I will see it and try to help out.

Glad I could help^^
Cyba Zero 6 Apr, 2014 @ 3:30am 
Thanks for the info and fast reply; I have now found it. There also appear to be several wikis, some with more specific directions to this key than others. Good call on the mimics warning but not exact details, too - staying on one's toes is somewhat vital to playing Dark Souls. :)
{SNS}HeroFallenVillain  [author] 5 Apr, 2014 @ 5:40pm 
Have noted the presence of mimics in areas that have them. As with the rest of the guide I have left the precise locations omitted.
{SNS}HeroFallenVillain  [author] 5 Apr, 2014 @ 5:20pm 
Yeah, I found it on a map. http://www.kouryakubo.com/darksouls_en/OolacileTownship.html
Those maps can be a lil hard to read but it should get ya close enough. Again, if ya have trouble I'll try to guide you a lil more. Just lemme know^^
{SNS}HeroFallenVillain  [author] 5 Apr, 2014 @ 3:41pm 
Ok, I haven't been playing in a good while. I'm seeing it says "by the lit fireplace on the upper floor of the building containing the many Bloatheads"

If I remember correctly I think that's after you cross the long narrow "bridge" without railings (after the first section that's outside) and go inside the big building. You come into a large room. You go down some steps and then go to the right and through several rooms. You get to a point where if you turn around on some steps, you can run and jump to an area that has some bloats. I think it's right in that area.

Let me know if you have trouble finding it and I'll load it up and give it a look tonight^^
Cyba Zero 5 Apr, 2014 @ 9:33am 
I would second adding in the locations of the mimics - that would be handy. Also, please where is the second mimic in the Oolacile Township? I've been looking for the key to Gough's tower and all the wiki says is 'mimic in Oolacile Township', and I can't seem to find the thing anywhere...
{SNS}HeroFallenVillain  [author] 10 Dec, 2013 @ 9:35am 
Why, thank you. I haven't been messing with this much but I appreciate the feedback. I will try to get some time to mess with this a lil more. I'm glad my guide is helping people. Thanx again^^