Dark Souls II – Full Walkthrough, Optimized Build, All NPC Quests

• Step-by-step walkthrough of a full Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin playthrough
  
• All missable NPC questlines completed in a single run
  
• Efficient routing to become powerful early
  
• An optimized PvE and PvP-viable melee build
  
• Clear and efficient stat allocation
  
• Efficient soul farming routes at multiple stages of the game
  
• Suitable for both first-time players and experienced players

• Upgrade your weapon early using titanite from late-game areas
  
• Use spice to reduce the stat requirements of weapon buff spells
  
• The walkthrough uses the Rapier (strong early weapon with low requirements)
  
• Any weapon works if you stay below 70% equip load
  
• Visit DLC areas early for a stronger rapier and a powerful ring
  
• Some soul farming may be required

• It assumes basic familiarity with Dark Souls II mechanics
  
• Kill most Crystal Lizards to avoid farming upgrade materials later
  
• NPC questlines must be completed before killing area bosses
  
• Once a boss dies, all unfinished NPC quests in that area become locked
  
• The guide prioritizes becoming as strong as possible before boss fights
  
• Weaker bosses are generally tackled first
  
• Boss strategies are not explained in detail; external references are recommended
  
• Soloing bosses is strongly encouraged, as boss HP increases per summoned ally

• Quit to the main menu and reload the game
  
• Resets enemies and advances NPC quest states without resting at a bonfire

1. Adaptability → 10
2. Vitality → 8
3. Dexterity → 12
4. Vigor → 20
5. Endurance → 20
6. Adaptability → 17
7. Faith → 14
8. Intelligence → 10
9. Attunement → 10
10. Dexterity → 15
11. Strength → 13
12. Faith → 25
13. Attunement → 13
14. Vigor → 50
15. Faith → 40
16. Attunement → 30

Dark Souls II has unusual default keybindings, especially for mouse and keyboard players. The recommended bindings below make it control much more like the other Dark Souls games.

• To save keybindings, you must cancel out of the menu (Backspace by default)
  
• Even if you change the cancel key, you must still press Backspace to confirm changes
  
• Due to a long-standing bug, the Disable Double Clicking option only works after opening the keybindings menu each time you launch the game

Keyboard

1. Confirm → E
2. Cancel → Q
3. Function 1 → B
4. Use Item → R
5. Interact → E

Mouse

6. Attack (Right Hand) → Left Click
7. Attack (Left Hand) → Right Click
8. Strong Attack (Right Hand) → Shift + Left Click
9. Strong Attack (Left Hand) → Shift + Right Click
10. Use Item → Double Left Click
11. Interact → Double Right Click
12. Disable Double Clicking
    

• Get accustomed to the game’s controls
  
• Search the area for loot (Gold Pine Resin, Rusted Coin, Small Smooth & Silky Stone)
  
• Kill the Ogre for the Stone Ring (can be done later when you’re stronger)
  
• Enter the Firekeeper’s house

• Talk to the Firekeeper
  
• Choose Knight as your starting class (best stats for this build)
  
• Choose the Life Ring as your starting gift
  
• Smaller character models slightly improve visibility

• Two-hand your Broadsword for increased damage
  
• Equip the Life Ring
  
• Go upstairs and loot the chest for a Human Effigy

• Exit through the back door to the Fire Keeper’s Dwelling bonfire and light it
  
• Follow the path forward through the tutorial area
  
• Enter both fog gates on either side of the path and clear each mini-area
  
• Return to the main path and continue to Majula

• Before entering Majula proper, take the tunnel on the left toward the Shaded Woods
  
• Talk to Benhart of Jugo at the blocked gate
  
• Return through the tunnel
  
• Walk off the cliff onto the hidden path and loot Morning Star and Binoculars

• Follow the cliffside path upward
  
• Light the Majula bonfire (you can now warp between bonfires)

• Talk to the Emerald Herald at the bonfire and receive the Estus Flask
  
• Talk to her again to unlock leveling
  
• Follow the stat leveling order listed above

• Go up the stairs to the monument near the bonfire
  
• Talk to Crestfallen Saulden and join the Way of Blue covenant
  
• Receive the Blue Seal ring and equip it (increases max HP, similar to Life Ring)

• The blacksmith shop near the bonfire is locked for now
  
• Sweet Shalquoir lives in the house past it (lets you leave your covenant if needed)
  
• The manor near the well is locked
  
• Avoid falling into the pit in the center of Majula

• Go to the well in front of the mansion
  
• Attack the stone on the well and loot the Estus Shard
  
• Talk to the Emerald Herald and upgrade your Estus Flask

• Go to the armorer on the opposite side of the mansion
  
• Enter Maughlin’s shop and loot the chest upstairs for a Titanite Shard

• From the bonfire, take the path opposite the monument down below the cliffside
  
• Enter the tunnel and cross to the middle of the wooden bridge
  
• Jump to the chest below to loot a Human Effigy
  
• Continue into the open area (run past the Ogre if needed)
  
• Follow the right riverbank and light the Crestfallen’s Retreat bonfire

• Cross the wooden planks and climb into the circular area
  
• Climb the ladder on the right and kill the firebomb-throwing Hollow Soldier
  
• Enter the doorway opposite the ladder and follow the tunnel
  
• Go up the stairs and climb the ladder
  
• Enter Cardinal Tower and light the bonfire

• Talk to Merchant Hag Melentia and buy Leningrast’s Key (1000 souls)
  
• Break the door upstairs and loot the chest
  
• Kill the Crystal Lizard (rest at the bonfire and retry if it escapes)
  
• Exit the tower, drop onto the wooden scaffold below, and loot the area

• Return to Majula and unlock Lenigrast’s blacksmith shop
  
• Talk to him, rest, then buy the Rapier (1000 souls)
  
• Equip and two-hand the Rapier
  
• Have Lenigrast upgrade the Rapier → +1

• Warp to Cardinal Tower and climb down the ladder
  
• Go left past the room with a locked door and exit outside
  
• Climb the tree root ramp to the upper walkway
  
• Turn around and follow the walkway to the explosive barrels
  
• Stand near the barrels to bait a Hollow Soldier’s firebomb, blowing a hole in the wall to the bonfire
  
• Turn back and climb the ladder along the walkway
  
• Loot the Estus Shard on the platform
  
• Ignore the Pursuer (you will fight him later)

• Jump from the tree root ramp onto the rooftops and navigate across while avoiding archers
  
• Drop to the ground to loot a Titanite Shard, then return to the rooftops
  
• Enter the cave near the top of the ramp
  
• Talk to Cale until he gives you the Manor Key

• From the Cardinal Tower bonfire, run out the hole in the wall and down the stairs
  
• Enter the open doorway on the right
  
• Avoid the ballistae and drop to the lower floor
  
• Open the trapped chest and dodge the trap
  
• Attack the nearby locked door to trigger enemies to open it
  
• Kill them and loot the chest for a Large Titanite Shard and Life Ring

• Return to Majula and use the Manor Key to enter the manor
  
• Loot the Pharros’ Lockstone, Titanite Shards, and the Estus Shard in the basement
  
• Upgrade your Rapier → +4
  
• Buy and equip Hard Leather Gauntlets from Maughlin (940 souls)
  
• Talk to Cale again in his cave so he moves to the manor

• Return to the ballista room
  
• Use a Pharros’ Lockstone in the wall
  
• Strike the face that appears to reveal a secret room
  
• Loot the Titanite Slab and Chloranthy Ring (equip it)

• Exit the building and head right to find Pate and talk to him
  
• Enter the gate and go through the building
  
• Interact with the illusory wall at the bottom of the stairs to loot the Sorcerer’s Staff
  
• Return to Pate to receive the White Sign Soapstone

• Return toward the ballista room, turn right, and run past the explosive barrels
  
• Go through the doorway, turn left, and open the gate (shortcut to Cardinal Tower)
  
• Climb the ladder near the explosive barrels for additional loot

• Take the lift past the gate shortcut down
  
• Stay behind the boss to avoid attacks
  
• Defeat the Last Giant and receive the Soldier’s Key

• Unlock the door in the room before the tree root ramp
  
• Light the Soldier’s Rest bonfire and loot the Leather Gloves (and the rest of the set)

• Return past the explosive barrels, turn left, and unlock the door
  
• Fight the Pursuer (optionally use the ballistae to two-shot him)
  
• Defeat him and equip the Ring of Blades

• Continue past the boss room and drop onto the broken stone slab
  
• Loot the Drangleic armor set and equip the Drangleic Mail and Leggings
  
• Return to the ledge and interact with the crow’s nest to travel to the Lost Bastille

• Loot the chest beside you to obtain the Dull Ember
  
• Exit the building, turn right, and follow the ledge
  
• Loot the Large Titanite Shard at the end
  
• Drop down and loot the chest for the Covetous Silver Serpent Ring and a Fragrant Branch of Yore
  
• The Pursuer will spawn behind you (leave the area to despawn him)
  
• Equip the Covetous Silver Serpent Ring (replace Blue Seal)

• Continue forward through the barricaded door and talk to Lucatiel of Mirrah
  
• Exit through the side door
  
• Turn around and go up the stone parapet
  
• Climb the ladder to the second floor
  
• Loot the Large Titanite Shard

• Continue down the path past the first Gaoler
  
• Push the explosive barrel behind the second Gaoler down the stairs
  
• Detonate the wall to reveal McDuff’s Workshop and light the bonfire

• Light your torch at the bonfire
  
• Enter McDuff’s workshop and light the brazier
  
• Rest at the bonfire so McDuff moves
  
• Loot the two Large Titanite Shards from the chests
  
• Give McDuff the Dull Ember, and buy a Large Titanite Shard (2500 souls)
  
• Have him upgrade your Rapier → +6

• Return to Lucatiel’s building
  
• Loot the chest to obtain the Antiquated Key
  
• Warp back to Majula

• From Majula, head toward Things Betwixt and enter the tunnel to the Shaded Woods
  
• Use a Fragrant Branch of Yore to unpetrify Rosabeth
  
• Give her any armor set (e.g. Imported Set) so she relocates later
  
• Talk to Benhart of Jugo so he acknowledges the path is open

• Kill the enemies hiding behind nearby doors
  
• Pull the lever Rosabeth was blocking
  
• Defeat the ambush and kill the Basilisk behind the gate
  
• Open the left door and light the Old Akelarre bonfire
  
• Open the opposite door and loot the Estus Shard
  
• Return to Majula and upgrade your Estus Flask
  
• Continue forward to the Ruined Fork Road bonfire

• From the Ruined Fork Road, take the right path into the misty woods
  
• Hug the left wall to find Vengarl of Forossa’s head in a clearing
  
• Talk to him repeatedly to receive Vengarl’s Helm
  
• Equip Vengarl’s Helm (+2 Vitality, high defense)

• Return to the start of the misty area
  
• Hug the right wall instead
  
• Loot the Old Sun Ring from the first chest
  
• Loot the Chloranthy Ring +1 from the second chest
  
• Replace your base Chloranthy Ring

• Continue past the chests up the hill
  
• Cross the stone bridge
  
• Turn around and light the Shaded Ruins bonfire

• From the bonfire, jump through the window facing back toward the bridge
  
• Enter the building and kill the Syan Knight
  
• Loot the Sublime Bone Dust
  
• Return to Majula and burn it at the bonfire

• At the end of the bridge, circle around and jump to the upper level
  
• Loot the Titanite Chunk
  
• Return to Majula and upgrade your Rapier → +7

• Warp to Cardinal Tower
  
• Buy a Fragrant Branch of Yore from Melentia (12,000 souls)
  
• Talk to her until she gives Covetous Silver Serpent Ring +1 (equip it)
  
• Exhaust her dialogue so she moves to Majula

• Return to Shaded Ruins and head right from the bridge
  
• Drop through the breakable boards into the cave and kill the Basilisks
  
• Exit to the ledge, unpetrify the lion warrior, and kill it to obtain the Fang Key
  
• Free Ornifex and exhaust her dialogue
  
• Loot the Fragrant Branch of Yore from the cell

• Return to the hole above Ornifex’s cave
  
• Continue past it and climb one of the two towers to loot a Skeptic’s Spice
  
• Drop into the hole in front of one of the towers to meet Darkdiver Grandahl

• From the bonfire, head left to the building near the bridge
  
• Exit through the basement to reach Manscorpion Tark’s area
  
• Kill the Crystal Lizard to obtain a Boltstone
  
• Unpetrify the lion warrior blocking the path
  
• Fight Vengarl’s body (heavy attacks will stagger him)
  
• Defeat him and loot Vengarl’s armor set
  
• Equip Vengarl’s Armor and Boots, and the Leather Gloves to stay under 70% equip load

• Warp to McDuff’s Workshop
  
• Infuse your Rapier with Lightning using the Boltstone

• From Majula, enter the stone rotunda next to the manor and light the Heide’s Ruin bonfire
  
• Progress through the area, defeating the Old Knights
  
• Defeat the third Old Knight to spawn a lever and pull it
  
• Defeat the greatsword Old Knight in the large room to spawn a second lever and pull it
  
• Take the right exit, kill the Heide Knight, and loot the Ring of Binding
  
• Equip it (replace the Life Ring unless you rarely die)

• Enter the fog wall and defeat the Dragonrider
  
• Stay behind the boss to avoid attacks
  
• Light the Tower of Flame bonfire and exhaust Licia of Lindeldt’s dialogue (she moves to Majula)

• Continue toward No Man’s Wharf
  
• Kill the Syan Knight guarding the chest and loot the Sublime Bone Dust
  
• Return to Majula and burn it at the bonfire

• Continue along the path toward No Man’s Wharf
  
• Note the petrified enemy near the end of the path blocking a doorway
  
• After obtaining a Fragrant Branch of Yore in the next area, return here to unpetrify him and loot an Estus Shard
  
• Light the Unseen Path to Heide bonfire, then return to Majula

• Buy the Silvercat Ring from Sweet Shalquoir (13,400 souls) and equip it (replace the Covetous Silver Serpent Ring +1)
  
• Drop down the Majula pit using the wooden platforms, and heal as needed
  
• Use the binoculars to prevent rolling upon landing
  
• Enter the lower doorway leading to the Gutter (not the Grave of Saints)
  
• Swap back to your Covetous Silver Serpent Ring +1 after landing

• Cross the rope bridge, drop down, and head left to kill the Syan Soldier and loot the Sublime Bone Dust
  
• Turn around and go right past the Rupturing Hollows
  
• Climb down the wooden structures and light the Upper Gutter bonfire

• Use a torch and light sconces to help navigate
  
• Cross two rope bridges, then descend into the building and loot the Fragrant Branch of Yore
  
• Return to the bridges, then cross the third rope bridge to the tower with a ladder
  
• Walk off the outcrop near the base of the ladder to reach a hidden platform
  
• Loot the Titanite Chunk from the nearby jars
  
• Continue descending to loot the Estus Shard

• Continue through the area until you reach a gap guarded by poison-spitting statues
  
• Jump across to the building with a fog wall and break the wall on the far side to reveal the Central Gutter bonfire
  
• Descend the ladders to the bottom (most are safe)
  
• Break the jars and drop into Black Gulch
  
• Loot the Fragrant Branch of Yore near the entrance
  
• Light the Black Gulch Mouth bonfire

• Progress through Black Gulch while avoiding poison statues and ambushes from Darksuckers
  
• Farm the Darksuckers for Titanite Chunks (5% drop rate)
  
• Return to Majula once you have enough Titanite Chunks
  
• Upgrade your Rapier → +10

• Warp to Things Betwixt
  
• Use a Fragrant Branch of Yore to unpetrify the hollow at the third fog gate
  
• Drop into the pit and loot the Estus Shard
  
• Farm the Basilisks here for a Boltstone (can also buy one later)

• Warp to the Cardinal Tower bonfire
  
• Go to the lift leading to the Last Giant
  
• Equip the Silvercat Ring and drop into the salamander pit
  
• Follow the tunnel into the cave
  
• Loot the Heavy Iron Key from the skeleton

• Talk to Licia of Lindeldt in Majula and pay 2000 souls to rotate the rotunda
  
• Enter Huntsman’s Copse and light the Undead Refuge bonfire
  
• Talk to Felkin the Outcast (requires 8 INT / 8 FTH to access his shop)
  
• Continue past the first large building and light the Bridge Approach bonfire

• Cross the footbridge, then head uphill and curve around to the right
  
• Walk off the ledge onto the round metal structure
  
• Drop inside and loot the Sublime Bone Dust
  
• Return to the top of the hill, pull the lever to lower the bridge, and ignore the cave and locked building ahead

• Cross the small bridge and follow the cliffside path
  
• Go up the path on the left, defeat the invading NPC, and loot the Undead Lockaway Key
  
• Continue along the cliffside and enter the cave from the back
  
• Pull the lever to open the gate, loot the Estus Shard, and kill the Crystal Lizard (Titanite Chunk)
  
• Return to the locked building, unlock it, and light the Undead Lockaway bonfire
  
• Talk to Creighton the Wanderer and exhaust his dialogue
  
• Warp to Shaded Ruins and talk to Creighton atop the right-most tower near the fog wall

• Progress into No Man’s Wharf and climb the stairs
  
• Enter the building on the left and talk to Lucatiel of Mirrah
  
• From the stairs, go right into the clearing guarded by Stray Hounds
  
• Use a Pharros’ Lockstone in the Pharros’ contraption to illuminate the area

• Go up the stairs to the cliff inhabited by Darkdwellers
  
• Enter the building with the hole in the wall
  
• Approach the door to trigger the ambush and loot the chests inside
  
• Continue upward and pull the lever to summon the ship
  
• Drop down into a building and loot the Fragrant Branch of Yore
  
• Continue into a small building and talk to Lonesome Gavlan

• Reach the pier and lower the bridge to unlock the shortcut to the bonfire
  
• Ignore Carhillion of the Fold (requires 8 INT)
  
• Use a Human Effigy and summon Lucatiel of Mirrah on the pier
  
• Board the ship and defeat the Flexile Sentry
  
• Use the contraption past the boss room to sail to the Lost Bastille

• Take the lift up and light the Exile Holding Cells bonfire
  
• Descend into the courtyard
  
• When the Pursuer invades, run left and loot the Estus Shard from the chest
  
• Pull the lever by the gate to unlock the shortcut to McDuff’s Workshop

• From McDuff’s Workshop, climb the stairs and unpetrify the Royal Swordsman
  
• Enter the boss room and defeat the Ruin Sentinels (be aggressive to avoid being outnumbered)
  
• Search the room for 4 illusory walls, then proceed to the Servant’s Quarters bonfire

• Exit the door to the Bastille wall, turn left, and loot the Bastille Key
  
• Return to the bonfire and go down the ladder
  
• Repel the Pursuer’s invasion and loot the Priest’s Chime nearby
  
• Use a Pharros’ Lockstone to access Belfry Luna

• Enter Belfry Luna and run to the top
  
• Loot three Skeptic’s Spice along the way
  
• Ring the bell and defeat the Belfry Gargoyles

• Return to McDuff’s Workshop and go past the Pursuer into the room full of Rupturing Hollows
  
• Use the Antiquated Key to open the door at the far end
  
• Cross the courtyard, climb the ladder, and enter the building
  
• Ride the cage lift up and loot the Skeptic’s Spice
  
• Open the gate leading to Sinner’s Rise
  
• Note the Straid’s Cell bonfire up the stairs (blocked by a statue) for later
  
• Cross the bridge, enter Sinner’s Rise, and climb the ladder to light the Saltfort bonfire

• Ride the lift down and use the Bastille Key to unlock all of the doors
  
• Light the oil on both sides of the fog wall with a torch (enables locking onto the boss)
  
• Use a Human Effigy and summon Lucatiel at the base of the lift
  
• Enter the fog wall and defeat the Lost Sinner
  
• If Lucatiel dies, use a Homeward Bone and retry
  
• Loot the Fragrant Branch of Yore and light the Primal Bonfire

• Return to the Saltfort bonfire, cross the bridge, and go up the stairs
  
• Use a Fragrant Branch of Yore to unpetrify Straid and light his bonfire
  
• Straid can transmute boss souls — do not consume them (used to create unique weapons later)

• Drop down the Majula pit and enter the first doorway to reach the Harval’s Resting Place bonfire
  
• Progress through the area and defeat the Royal Rat Vanguard
  
• Talk to the Rat King after the boss to join the Rat King covenant

• Warp to the Heide’s Ruin bonfire
  
• From the large room, take the left path and fight through the knights
  
• Defeat the Hellkite Dragon to spawn a lever, then pull it to lower the drawbridge
  
• Enter the fog wall and defeat the Old Dragonslayer
  
• Light the Blue Cathedral bonfire and talk to Blue Sentinel Targray (sells Boltstones for 7000 souls; requires a Token of Fidelity)

• Buy the Ring of Whispers from Sweet Shalquoir (5800 souls)
  
• Warp to the Shaded Woods and speak to Manscorpion Tark with the ring equipped
  
• Exhaust his dialogue, then unequip the ring
  
• Use a Human Effigy and summon Tark near the fog wall
  
• Defeat Scorpioness Najka
  
• Speak to Tark again with the ring equipped to receive a Fragrant Branch of Yore
  
• Continue through the boss room to the Doors of Pharros

• Pass the Mastodon Warrior to light the Gyrm’s Respite bonfire
  
• Continue into the large room and activate the Pharros’ contraption on the ground
  
• Crawl through the partially opened door, defeat the Mastodon Warrior, and loot Santier’s Spear
  
• Ignore the other Pharros’ contraptions

• Climb the ladder on the far side of the room and follow the narrow path
  
• Loot the trapped chest in the alcove for a Titanite Chunk
  
• Continue along the path and light the Ordeal’s End bonfire
  
• Defeat the Royal Rat Authority (bring Poison Moss Clumps)
  
• Kill the small rats quickly and cure poison before focusing the boss

• Return to the Gyrm’s Respite bonfire
  
• Climb the staircase to reach Brightstone Cove Tseldora and light the Royal Army Campsite bonfire

• Cross the field and jump into the well at the far end
  
• Follow the tunnel into the building, kill the Mimic, and loot it
  
• Use a Human Effigy and summon Benhart of Jugo near the tents
  
• Proceed through the spider cave to the fog wall
  
• Enter the fog wall and defeat the Prowling Magus and Congregation (kill casters first)
  
• Exit the boss room, climb the ladder outside to reach Cromwell the Pardoner’s room, and loot the Skeptic’s Spice
  
• Enter the cave on the right and light the Chapel Threshold bonfire

• From the Chapel Threshold bonfire, head out of the cave and jump off the ledge onto the lower area with a doorway
  
• Run right onto the wooden platform, drop down, kill the Hollow Mage, and loot the Estus Shard from the structure beside him
  
• Return to the Chapel Threshold bonfire, take the two ziplines down, and drop to light the Lower Brightstone Cove bonfire

• Return to the Chapel Threshold bonfire and enter the doorway instead of dropping down
  
• Pass through the building, exit, and cross the wooden walkway into the spider-infested building
  
• Pull the lever on the left, climb the ladder, and descend the spider webs
  
• Loot the Simpleton’s Spice near the fog wall
  
• Enter the fog wall and defeat the Duke’s Dear Freja (attack the heads)
  
• Continue past the boss, kill the Duke of Tseldora, and loot the Fragrant Branch of Yore
  
• Light the Primal Bonfire

• Warp to the Shaded Woods
  
• Equip the Ring of Whispers and speak to Manscorpion Tark
  
• Receive the Second Dragon Ring and equip it (replace the Ring of Binding)
  
• Equip the Drangleic Gauntlets

• From the Black Gulch Mouth bonfire, light a torch and drop down just before the first tar pools
  
• Talk to Lucatiel of Mirrah on the hidden platform below
  
• Continue past the tar pools to the narrow section where Cragslippers pop out of the wall and try to push you off
  
• Stand between them and carefully walk off the ledge onto the platform below
  
• Facing the stone door, hug the wall and walk off the right side onto a narrow ledge
  
• Follow the ledge in the opposite direction to reach a second platform and enter the cave
  
• Bait the two giants to the cave entrance and kill them to obtain the Forgotten Key

• Use the lift in the cave to exit
  
• Return to the Cragslippers, drop down to the first platform, unlock the stone door, and talk to Darkdiver Grandahl
  
• Return to Majula, descend the pit, and unlock the stone doors between the Grave of Saints and Gutter entrances to loot the Dragon Talon
  
• Warp to the Upper Gutter bonfire, cross the first rope bridge, turn left, drop to the ring of sconces, climb the ladder, and unlock the stone doors

• Return to Black Gulch and continue past the cragslippers
  
• Hug the right cliff and use a Fragrant Branch of Yore to access the Hidden Chamber bonfire
  
• Use a Human Effigy and summon Lucatiel nearby
  
• Enter the fog wall and defeat The Rotten (destroy arms to limit moveset)
  
• Light the Primal Bonfire

• From the Primal Bonfire, interact with the obelisk to enter the Crown of the Sunken King DLC (endgame-level area)
  
• Use the Dragon Talon to open the door and reach Shulva, Sanctum City
  
• Run through the area, descending the stairs until you cross the bridge to the Dragon Sanctum
  
• Progress through the sanctum, passing the circular, revolving stone door, until you reach a staircase in a narrow corridor with a hole in the floor
  
• Drop into the room full of Corrosive Egg Crawlers, climb the ladder, and loot Flynn’s Ring from the chest
  
• Equip Flynn’s Ring (replace the Ring of Blades)

• From the Bridge Approach bonfire, cross the first footbridge, then make a sharp right and cross the second bridge
  
• Climb the hill past the ambush to reach the large rope bridge
  
• Drop off the right side onto a platform to loot the Token of Fidelity (needed for Blue Sentinel Targray), then return and cross the bridge
  
• Enter the Undead Purgatory and reach the boss’ fog wall
  
• Use the wall inlets to avoid the chariot and move forward
  
• Pull the lever to lower the gate, then fight and defeat the Executioner’s Chariot (stay beside it, not in front)

• Warp to the Undead Lockaway bonfire and pass through the cave
  
• Enter the fog wall and defeat the Skeleton Lords (Alluring Skulls help control adds)
  
• Continue forward, cross the metal bridge, and enter Harvest Valley

• Enter Harvest Valley and talk to Stone Trader Chloanne near the Poison Pool bonfire (exhaust her dialogue so she moves to Majula)
  
• Loot a Fragrant Branch of Yore from the cave in the first poison pool
  
• Talk to Gavlan in the nearby cave (he relocates to the Doors of Pharros)
  
• Continue through the valley and light the Mines bonfire

• Past the bonfire, drop into the holes to loot a Simpleton’s Spice
  
• Continue forward and loot another Simpleton’s Spice and a Skeptic’s Spice in the next area (guarded by Undead Huntsmen)
  
• Proceed to the bridge leading to Earthen Peak
  
• At the end of the bridge, go left and interact with the statue to join the Heirs of the Sun covenant

• Enter Earthen Peak and talk to Lucatiel of Mirrah at the end of a flooded hallway to receive the Ring of Steel Protection +1
  
• Loot the Skeptic’s Spice from the alcove near the stairs (guarded by a Poison Brumer)
  
• Enter the fog wall and defeat the Covetous Demon (stay behind it)
  
• Cross the bridge and light the Central Earthen Peak bonfire

• Light a torch at the bonfire and burn the windmill to remove the poison from the next boss room
  
• Go upstairs and outside to find Laddersmith Gilligan
  
• Buy a ladder (2000 souls) and exhaust his dialogue so he moves to Majula
  
• Loot the nearby Simpleton’s Spice

• Continue through Earthen Peak to find Mild-Mannered Pate
  
• Drop to the platform behind his door, open it, and exhaust his dialogue
  
• Warp to Brightstone Cove Tseldora (Chapel Threshold bonfire)
  
• Drop down, enter the doorway, and find Pate and Creighton fighting
  
• Kill one — the other rewards you with a key to the locked house ahead

• Return to Earthen Peak and climb to the top
  
• Use a Human Effigy and summon Jester Thomas near the fog wall
  
• Enter the fog wall and defeat Baneful Queen Mytha (Thomas will carry the fight)

• Take the lift past Mytha’s boss room and light the Threshold Bridge bonfire
  
• Cross the bridge, turn right, and talk to Magerold of Lanafir
  
• Buy a Fragrant Branch of Yore (7500 souls) and enough items (10,000 total) to receive the Covetous Gold Serpent Ring +1
  
• Enter the next area, turn right, and cross the iron bridge to the fog wall
  
• Defeat the Smelter Demon (play cautiously; Lucatiel can be summoned if needed)
  
• Light the Ironhearth Hall bonfire
  
• Return to the boss room and defeat the Pursuer (drops Ring of Blades +1)

• From the bonfire, continue forward and use a Pharros’ Lockstone to reveal the ladder
  
• Climb up to Belfry Sol
  
• Run through, loot three Simpleton’s Spice, ring the bell, and return to Iron Keep

• Ensure you have at least 10 ATN / 10 INT / 14 FTH to cast Dark Weapon
  
• Warp to No Man’s Wharf and talk to Carhillion of the Fold so he moves to Majula
  
• Warp to Huntsman’s Copse and buy Dark Weapon from Felkin the Outcast (2700 souls)
  
• Return to Magerold and use 6 Simpleton’s Spice to reduce Dark Weapon’s INT requirement to 10
  
• Equip the Sorcerer’s Staff in your offhand, swap to the Hard Leather Gauntlets, and attune Dark Weapon at a bonfire
  
• Use Dark Weapon to buff your Rapier before fights (short duration, multiple casts — best used for bosses)

• Continue through Iron Keep and use the lever to reveal the ladder over the lava walkway
  
• Climb the ladder to loot a Simpleton’s Spice if needed
  
• Proceed through the trap room, climb the ladder, and light the Eygil’s Idol bonfire
  
• Pull the lever to disable the flamethrowers
  
• Exit outside, enter the fog wall, and defeat the Old Iron King
  
• Light the Primal Bonfire

• From the Ruined Fork Road bonfire, take the left path to the Shrine of Winter
  
• Enter Drangleic Castle (kill enemies near the golems to open the doors)
  
• Talk to Chancellor Wellager on the staircase and exhaust his dialogue (becomes a merchant)
  
• Go left from the entrance, kill the Syan Knight, and loot the Undead Bone Shard
  
• Return to Majula and burn it to upgrade your Estus Flask to +5 (max)

• Continue through the castle and descend the ladder to the King’s Gate bonfire
  
• In the next room, kill enemies near the doors to activate them
  
• Take the rightmost door on the right wall to progress
  
• Loot the Frozen Flower from the corpse ahead

• Open the far right door on the opposite wall and drop down
  
• Light the Under Castle Drangleic bonfire
  
• Talk to Darkdiver Grandahl and exhaust his dialogue to join the Pilgrims of the Dark covenant
  
• Do not enter the Dark Chasm of Old — warp back to the Ruined Fork Road bonfire

• Warp to the Shrine of Winter and enter the Crown of the Ivory King DLC
  
• Use the Frozen Flower to access Frozen Eleum Loyce
  
• Equip the Covetous Gold Serpent Ring +1 in place of the Covetous Silver Serpent Ring +1
  
• Head right at the first fork and farm the Ice Rapier from rapier-wielding Rampart Soldiers
  
• Once obtained, swap back to the Covetous Silver Serpent Ring +1
  
• Warp to McDuff’s Workshop and infuse the Ice Rapier with Lightning (buy a Boltstone from Blue Sentinel Targray if needed)
  
• Upgrade the Ice Rapier to +5 (requires 15 Twinkling Titanite; upgrade as much as possible if you don’t have enough yet)
  
• Equip the Ice Rapier once upgraded (significant damage and range increase over the Rapier)

• Return to the King’s Gate bonfire and climb the staircase looking over the poison pool
  
• Descend the ladder at the top and open the illusory wall to unlock the Forgotten Chamber bonfire
  
• Enter the throne room and talk to Queen Nashandra
  
• Enter the fog wall and defeat the Dragonrider Duo (kill the archer first)
  
• Continue forward and talk to Benhart of Jugo at the Central Castle bonfire

• Climb the tall ladder at the end of the corridor to a room with a golem
  
• Loot the chests in the next room and kite the assassins to the golem and kill them to activate it
  
• Proceed into the cathedral and defeat the Executioner’s Chariot
  
• Exit the cathedral doors and descend the stairs to a small building and loot the Estus Shard
  
• Have the Emerald Herald upgrade your Estus Flask to have 12 charges (max)

• Return to the Central Castle bonfire and use the lift near tall ladder to reach Milfaneto
  
• Loot the Key to King’s Passage and ride the lift down to open the locked door
  
• Use a Human Effigy and summon Benhart of Jugo near the fog wall
  
• Enter the fog wall and defeat the Looking Glass Knight (stay on his right side)
  
• Take the lift down to the Shrine of Amana and light the Tower of Prayer bonfire

• From the Tower of Prayer bonfire, loot Twinkling Titanite and a Skeptic’s Spice from the branch-covered path
  
• Follow the main path to the hut and talk to the Milfanito, then loot the nearby Skeptic’s Spice
  
• Continue through the cave and light the Crumbled Ruins bonfire

• Archdrake Pilgrims and Amana Priestesses can drop Twinkling Titanite
  
• Equip the Covetous Gold Serpent Ring +1 while farming
  
• Farm Twinkling Titanite until you have enough to upgrade the Ice Rapier → +5 (equip it)
  
• Farm an additional 36 Twinkling Titanite and upgrade Vengarl’s Armor, Helm, Leggings, and Drangleic Gauntlets → +5

• From the bonfire, continue forward and note the bridge on the left guarded by a Dragonrider (return later)
  
• Take the narrow water-covered path opposite the bridge and past the Ogre
  
• Loot the Estus Shard (if you missed one) and Sunlight Blade miracle at the end of the path
  
• Continue to the next hut and loot the Fire Tempest pyromancy from the chest in water to the right
  
• Proceed through the cave and light the Rhoy’s Resting Place bonfire
  
• Loot the Skeptic’s Spice in the circular area ahead

• If you have 25 FTH, warp to Magerold of Lanafir
  
• Use 11 Skeptic’s Spice to reduce Sunlight Blade’s faith requirement (36 → 25 FTH)
  
• Equip the Priest’s Chime in place of the sorcerer’s staff
  
• Equip the Drangleic Gauntlets
  
• Sunlight Blade > Dark Weapon for damage (but only 1 cast vs 4)
  
• Swap based on encounter length

• Continue through the heavily guarded path to the fog wall
  
• Enter and defeat the Demon of Song (attack the face only)
  
• Light the Rise of the Dead bonfire

• Return to Central Castle Drangleic and take the lift to Milfanito
  
• Use the Key to the Embedded to free her
  
• Talk to the Milfanito in the hut past the Tower of Prayer bonfire
  
• Talk to the Milfanito past the Rise of the Dead bonfire
  
• Return to the bonfire and take the lift down to the Undead Crypt Entrance bonfire

• Do not light a torch (Grave Warden Agdayne becomes hostile)
  
• Before crossing the bridge, drop down to the left and climb the ladder
  
• Loot the Crushed Eye Orb from the chest
  
• Cross the bridge and enter the graveyard room
  
• Light the Undead Ditch bonfire on the left
  
• Warp to Maula and use the Crushed Eye Orb in the rotunda to invade Licia

• Return to the Undead Ditch bonfire and proceed through the crypt
  
• Destroy tombstones that spawn Leydia Pyromancers to prevent being overwhelmed
  
• Continue to the end and pull the lever to unlock the shortcut to the boss

• Enter the large room leading to the fog wall
  
• Kill the three hollows near the alarm bell below the stairs without hitting the bell
  
• Clear the room if you want safe access to the chests at the end

• Enter the fog wall and defeat Velstadt
  
• At ~50% HP he buffs himself and becomes more aggressive
  
• He is highly resistant to dark — use Sunlight Blade instead
  
• Continue forward and loot the King’s Ring behind King Vendrick

• Warp to the Straid’s Cell bonfire in the Lost Bastille
  
• Buy a second Sunlight Blade from Straid (12,400 souls)
  
• With 13 ATN, attune both copies for two casts per rest
  
• Transmute the Soul of Velstadt into the Sacred Oath miracle (3000 souls)
  
• Grants +50 physical attack and +75 defense for ~65 seconds
  
• Requires 4 attunement slots (not practical until 30 ATN)

• Warp to the Ruined Fork Road bonfire and take the center path
  
• Equip the King’s Ring to open the gate to Aldia’s Keep
  
• Light the Foregarden bonfire and talk to Lucatiel of Mirrah (if she survived 3 boss fights)

• Proceed through the ground floor and find Royal Sorcerer Navlaan behind the barrier
  
• Do not pull the lever (breaks his questline)
  
• Continue up the stairs and bypass the petrified Ogre using the left path
  
• At the top, pull the lever on the dragon statue to progress
  
• Enter the first door on the left, reveal the illusory wall in the stairwell, and light the Ritual Site bonfire

• Light all four sconces throughout the keep
  
• Return to the dragon skeleton at the base of the stairs to receive Aldia’s Key
  
• Use the key to unlock the side rooms in the main hall

• Continue forward (ogres will break through blocked paths)
  
• Enter the fog wall and defeat the Guardian Dragon
  
• Ride the lift after the fight and light the Dragon Aerie bonfire

• Talk to the Emerald Herald at the entrance to receive the Aged Feather (infinite Homeward Bone)
  
• Equip it on your item bar for quick use
  
• Take the long zipline to skip the area
  
• Cross the unstable rope bridge to reach the Dragon Shrine and light the Shrine Entrance bonfire

• Return to the Dragon Aerie bonfire and explore the Aerie instead of taking the zipline
  
• Kill the Crystal Lizards and Hellkite Wyverns for extra Twinkling Titanite, then return to the Dragon Shrine

• Defeat the massive Drakekeepers (the Dragon Knights become hostile if you run past them)
  
• From the Shrine Entrance bonfire, climb the stairs toward the small door guarded by a greatsword-wielding Drakekeeper
  
• Before entering, turn around and drop down from the stairs to the lower courtyard
  
• Pass through the double doors and defeat the Drakekeeper inside
  
• Climb the spiral staircase to the large room
  
• Loot the Third Dragon Ring from the chest and equip it (replace the Second Dragon Ring)
  
• Loot the Petrified Dragon Egg just past it

• Return to the small door guarded by the greatsword-wielding Drakekeeper
  
• Continue up the massive staircase to the fog wall
  
• Enter the fog wall and speak to the Ancient Dragon to receive the Ashen Mist Heart
  
• Warp to Magerold of Lanafir and show him the egg to join the Dragon Remnants covenant

• Warp to the Cardinal Tower bonfire
  
• Use the Ashen Mist Heart to enter the memories of the giant corpses
  
• Enter the Memory of Vammar (near Mild-Mannered Pate)
  
• Talk to Captain Drummond
  
• Run to the end of the area and loot the Giant Soul from the corpse

• Enter the Memory of Orro (past the Pursuer arena near the crow’s nest)
  
• Talk to Benhart of Jugo before and after entering the memory
  
• Run to the end and loot the Giant Soul from the corpse

• From Cardinal Tower, descend the ladder and use the King’s Ring to open the door
  
• Light the Place Unbeknownst bonfire
  
• Enter the Memory of Jeigh
  
• Use a Human Effigy and summon Benhart of Jugo
  
• Run through the area while avoiding fireballs
  
• Defeat the Giant Lord to receive the Giant’s Kinship (stay behind him)
  
• Loot the Giant Soul past the boss

• Return to the Memory of Vammar
  
• Talk to Captain Drummond again to receive the Drangleic Helm

• Talk to Darkdiver Grandahl in the Shaded Woods to enter the Dark Chasm of Old
  
• Use a Flame Butterfly to light the large sconce
  
• Defeat all enemies to dispel the fog wall blocking the exit
  
• Drop through the hole to exit (each attempt after the first costs a Human Effigy)
  
• Talk to Darkdiver Grandahl in Black Gulch and clear the next Chasm the same way

• Talk to Darkdiver Grandahl near the Under Castle Drangleic bonfire and enter the final Chasm
  
• Light the sconce and defeat all enemies
  
• Drop through the hole to enter the boss arena
  
• Defeat the Darklurker
  
• Talk to Darkdiver Grandahl to receive your reward

• Return to the Dragon Shrine
  
• Enter the fog wall and defeat the Ancient Dragon for another Giant Soul
  
• Attack its back legs
  
• When it flies up to breathe fire, run toward its tail
  
• Do not fully exhaust your stamina (you need it to sprint)

• Return to the Undead Crypt
  
• Enter King Vendrick’s room and defeat him (each Giant Soul halves his defenses)

• Use a human effigy to become human
  
• Warp to the Shrine of Amana
  
• Cross the bridge guarded by the Dragonrider and open the door at the end
  
• Loot the King’s Soul, King’s Armor Set, and King’s Crown

• From the King’s Gate bonfire, open the sealed door using the King’s Ring and Giant’s Kinship and enter the Throne of Want
  
• Defeat the Throne Watcher and Throne Defender
  
• Use the Aged Feather if you are not ready to fight another boss fight
  
• Return to Majula and talk to Cale the Cartographer to receive his armor set

• Return to the Throne of Want
  
• Enter the fog wall and defeat Nashandra
  
• Curse buildup is constant — consider using the Ring of Binding

• After defeating Nashandra, Aldia will appear
  
• Stay away when he is surrounded by fire
  
• Attack when the fire disappears
  
• Defeat Aldia to complete the base game
  
• Do not start Journey 2 yet, there’s still the DLC to clear

• Return to Aldia’s Keep and talk to Navlaan while hollowed
  
• Do not kill the target NPCs — you can complete the quest safely
  
• Buy the Ladder Miniature from Laddersmith Gilligan (8000 souls)
  
• Show Cale’s Helm (obtained after Throne Watcher and Defender)
  
• Obtain the Sunset Staff from Felkin (requires 20 INT / 20 FTH — respec if needed)
  
• Show the Aged Feather (from the Emerald Herald in Dragon Aerie)
  
• Complete the quest to receive the Chaos Armor set
  
• Navlaan’s shop is now accessible while hollowed

• From the Outer Wall bonfire, take the right path (left leads to the boss)
  
• Descend the large staircase and pass through the frozen village
  
• Go up the small staircase and through the building to reach a three-way fork
  
• Ignore the forward path (leads to sealed door with four sconces)
  
• Take the right doorway and drop through the broken floor to reach the Abandoned Dwelling bonfire
  
• From the bonfire, head uphill and follow the stone walkways to the lit structure
  
• Climb up to the altar and loot the Eye of the Priestess (reveals invisible enemies)
  
• Continue forward to loop back near the boss area and light the Inner Wall bonfire

• Warp to the Outer Wall bonfire
  
• Enter the fog wall and defeat Aava (invisible without the Eye of the Priestess)
  
• Continue forward and speak to Alsanna, the Silent Oracle, to remove the ice barriers

• Warp to the Outer Wall bonfire and return to the frozen village
  
• Take the lift near the bridge down to the Lower Garrison bonfire
  
• Take the lift past the bonfire up to rescue the first knight (they assist in the Ivory King fight)
  
• Warp to the Abandoned Dwelling bonfire and take the staircase (now unfrozen) to the balconies where you can loot a Priest’s Chime +8
  
• Upgrade it to +10 and infuse it with lightning if you want to boost the damage of offensive miracles
  
• Continue forward and rescue the second knight
  
• Warp to the Inner Wall bonfire and proceed to the group of three golems where you can rescue the third knight

• Return to Alsanna and leap into the Old Chaos
  
• Defeat the Charred Loyce Knights before the boss arrives (your knights will seal the mirrors they spawn from)
  
• Defeat the Burnt Ivory King
  
• Loot the Ivory King’s Crown

• Return to the area with four sconces just before the Abandoned Dwelling bonfire
  
• Now that the winds are gone, use a torch to light all four sconces
  
• Open the door and defeat the Flexile Sentries
  
• Loot the Garrison Ward Key and Bone Fist
  
• Warp to the Abandoned Dwelling bonfire and unlock the nearby gate to the Expulsion Chamber bonfire

• Use the coffin near the Expulsion Chamber bonfire to travel to the Frigid Outskirts
  
• Move between the distant buildings during breaks in the blizzard (use them as landmarks)
  
• Pass three buildings to reach the ice bridge and fog wall
  
• Defeat Lud and Zallen (very aggressive)
  
• Use Green Blossoms to maintain stamina

• Warp to the Sanctum Walk bonfire and progress through the city using the obelisks to raise/lower structures
  
• Use a bow or spells to activate distant obelisks
  
• Near the far end, activate the line of towers to create a path forward
  
• Cross the towers and light the Tower of Prayer bonfire

• Enter the Dragon’s Sanctum from the Tower of Prayer
  
• Use the buttons on the walls to open and rotate doors (a bow helps)
  
• Destroy the physical bodies of Sanctum Knights to damage their specters
  
• Loot the Eternal Sanctum Key in the room with multiple Sanctum Knights
  
• Loot the Dragon Stone from the chest in the room covered with spikes
  
• Shoot the button on the wall above the stairs to unlock the Hidden Sanctum bonfire

• Continue descending through the Sanctum
  
• Light the Lair of the Imperfect bonfire and traverse to the far side of the cave
  
• Use the Dragon Stone to unlock the path to Dragon’s Rest and the Sanctum Interior bonfire

• At the bottom of the Sanctum, enter the fog wall and defeat Elana
  
• Play aggressively to limit her summons

• Enter the next boss room and defeat Sinh
  
• Stay behind the dragon and watch for aerial attacks
  
• Loot the Crown of the Sunken King

• Return to the entrance of the Dragon Sanctum
  
• Use the Eternal Sanctum Key to climb up to the Priestess’ Chamber bonfire
  
• Follow the path to the Cave of the Dead
  
• Move quickly — traps build curse and can kill you
  
• Defeat the Graverobber trio (kill the archer first)

• Return to the Old Iron King’s boss arena and interact with the obelisk near the Primal Bonfire
  
• Use the Heavy Iron Key to open the door
  
• Collect Smelter Wedges before crossing the large chain (used to destroy Ashen Idols)
  
• Cross the chain and light the Throne Floor bonfire

• Descend the tower (the path is mostly linear despite appearances)
  
• Light the Upper Floor bonfire
  
• Continue past the fog gate, down the ladder, across the ash field, and down the stairs
  
• Light the Foyer bonfire

• Cross the chain past the Foyer bonfire into the adjacent tower
  
• Loot the Scorching Iron Scepter
  
• Return to the Foyer bonfire and use it to activate the tower’s lift mechanism

• Take the lift down one level and enter the stone passage
  
• Loot the Tower Key from the ledge outside (guarded by Iron Warriors)
  
• Use the key to unlock the gate to the Iron Hallway Entrance bonfire
  
• Enter the fog wall and defeat the Aged Smelter Demon

• Return to the lift room and descend to the Lowermost Floor bonfire
  
• Use Smelter Wedges to destroy the Ashen Idols around the boss room
  
• Enter the fog wall and defeat the Fume Knight
  
• Use Brightbugs if needed (they stack with Gold Pine Resin)
  
• Loot the Crown of the Old Iron King

• Warp to the Foyer bonfire and take the lifts up
  
• Unlock the gate with the Tower Key to reach the Smelter Throne bonfire
  
• Interact with the armor to enter the memory
  
• Enter the fog wall and defeat Sir Alonne
  
• Avoid his grab attack (his sword glows gray)
  
• If grabbed, he gains a damage buff for the rest of the fight
  
• Loot the final Smelter Wedge past Sir Alonne’s arena

• Return to the Foyer and unlock the door behind the lift mechanism
  
• Destroy the final Ashen Idol
  
• Combine Nadalia’s fragments into her full soul

• With all crowns obtained, return to the Undead Crypt
  
• Interact with Vendrick’s clothing to enter his memory
  
• Speak to King Vendrick to upgrade the King’s Crown
  
• Wearing it prevents hollowing

• Enter NG+ from the Majula bonfire after beating the game
  
• Defeat the Executioner’s Chariot in NG+ to obtain the Chloranthy Ring +2
  
• Alternatively, burn a Bonfire Ascetic at the Undead Purgatory bonfire to respawn the boss
  
• This permanently scales the area to the next NG+ level though

• In NG+, go to the throne room above the entrance of Drangleic Castle
  
• Defeat the Two Pursuers (the left one drops the Ring of Blades +2)
  
• Alternatively, burn a Bonfire Ascetic at the King’s Gate bonfire to scale the area to NG+

• In NG+, defeat the Dragonrider Duo in Drangleic Castle
  
• Purchase the Dragonrider Gauntlets from Magerold of Lanafir in Iron Keep
  
• These replace the Drangleic Gauntlets
  
• Alternatively, burn a Bonfire Ascetic at the Central Castle Drangleic bonfire to respawn the boss

• Equip all soul-boosting gear before farming (e.g. Covetous Silver Serpent Ring)
  
• Soul-boosting effects stack multiplicatively
  
• Most enemies stop respawning after being killed 15 times
  
• Joining the Company of Champions prevents despawning but makes enemies stronger
  
• This is useful for extended farming despite the difficulty increase
  
• You can reach ~SL150 without farming, so farming is rarely required
  
• NG+ and beyond naturally provide large amounts of souls

• Early Game: Heide’s Tower of Flame
  
• Mid Game: Iron Keep
  
• Late Game: Dragon Shrine

• Use Bonfire Ascetics at the Place Unbeknownst bonfire
  
• This respawns the Giant Lord, which is easy to defeat and drops many souls
  
• Repeat this process for very fast soul gain

• Best starting stats with no wasted levels

1. Adaptability → 10
2. Vitality → 8
3. Dexterity → 12
4. Vigor → 20
5. Endurance → 20
6. Adaptability → 17
7. Faith → 14
8. Intelligence → 10
9. Attunement → 10
10. Dexterity → 15
11. Strength → 13
12. Faith → 25
13. Attunement → 13
14. Vigor → 50
15. Faith → 40
16. Attunement → 30

• Vigor softcaps at 20 and 50
  
• Endurance softcaps at 20
  
• Leveling Vigor from 20 → 50 gives ~43.5% more HP
  
• 8 base Vitality + Vengarl’s Helm + Third Dragon Ring reaches 60.2 max equip load
  
• This maximizes Flynn’s Ring’s damage bonus
  
• 17 Adaptability + 13 Attunement → 96 Agility (early roll i-frames breakpoint)
  
• 16 Adaptability + 30 Attunement → 99 Agility (final roll i-frames breakpoint)
  
• 17 Adaptability + 30 Attunement → 100 Agility (adds 1 backstep i-frame)

• SL 150 is optimal for multiplayer activity
  
• Leveling beyond SL 150 significantly reduces matchmaking

• Chloranthy Ring +2 → 25% increased stamina regeneration
  
• Ring of Blades +2 → +50 weapon damage
  
• Flynn’s Ring → up to +50 weapon damage at 60 or less max equip load
  
• Third Dragon Ring → +7.5% HP, +12.5% stamina, +12.5% equip load

• Vengarl’s Helm, Armor, and Leggings + Dragonrider Gauntlets
  
• Best physical defense-to-weight setup while maintaining Flynn’s Ring’s bonus
  
• Physical damage is the most common damage type in the game

• Available at the start of the game
  
• Low stat requirements and very lightweight
  
• Very low stamina consumption
  
• Best used two-handed (more efficient than dual wielding; no need to upgrade a second weapon)
  
• High attack speed → benefits more from flat damage boosts (Flynn’s Ring, Ring of Blades, weapon buff spells)
  
• Fast attacks let you take advantage of more openings between boss attacks, increasing damage
  
• High critical damage multiplier

• Many enemies are weak to thrust damage
  
• Hitting enemies during their attack animations deals bonus thrust damage (counterattacks)

• Uses regular titanite (not Twinkling Titanite)
  
• Does not compete with Ice Rapier upgrades (which use Twinkling Titanite)

• No horizontal attacks → struggles against groups
  
• Weakness mostly offset by high attack speed
  
• Difficult to hit low targets like Crystal Lizards
  
• Tilt the camera downward to improve hit consistency against low enemies

• Direct upgrade to the standard Rapier
  
• Longer range
  
• Causes bleed buildup
  
• Among the highest DPS weapons in the game

• Loses less physical damage when infused than most weapons
  
• Lightning infusion significantly increases damage
  
• Outperforms standard Rapier when infused

• Unique heavy attack fires a projectile
  
• Hitting with both the blade and projectile deals very high damage

• Heavy attacks consume a large amount of durability — reserve for emergencies
  
• Weapon breaks quickly if overused

• Soulsplanner for their build planner
  
• Fextralife Wiki — used for stats, testing data, and item placement verification
  
• Image credit for all screenshots: Dark Souls Fandom Wiki — Licensed under Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0