Alright guys, this is a WIP but once complete should give you the tools you need to find everything important to getting the platinum. This will basically blow away the Future Crap guide in terms of what you need to know and when. Everything bolded is either a specific thing you will need for a trophy or is indirectly required to get an item for one.
Guide begins after the tutorial.
[CUSTOMSPOILER=Prepare to Win]
I. FIRELINK SHRINE [CUSTOMSPOILER=Show]
Petrus of Thorolund (4,000 Souls Required)
Objectives: Join covenant Way of White; Purchase miracle Heal.
Don’t sweat not being able to buy everything right away, as there will be opportunities from start to finish to get the rest. Talk to Petrus a few times before he’ll ask if you’re interested in learning miracles. Answer yes and you’ll be prompted to join his covenant as a token of faith. Get the miracle Heal for now, then raise Faith to 14 first to use it.
Area Objective: Loot Talisman from a chest.
Rather than spend your hard earned souls at Petrus, simply walk up the two sets of stairs near him until you reach an area with two doorways. Pick one and walk into it, which will land you in an area with four chests. Loot them and drop down, then sprint to your left away from the spawning skeletons.[/CUSTOMSPOILER]
II. VALLEY OF DRAKES [CUSTOMSPOILER=Show]
Zombie Dragon (Requires Master Key)
Objectives: Loot corpses for Astora’s Short Sword and the Dragon Crest Shield.
To reach him you must travel down the spiral staircase that is immediately left of the only NPC near the first bonfire in Firelink Shrine, then another downward staircase until you reach a lever for an elevator. Using this will deposit you in New Londo Ruins and soon as the music dongs the new area, take a right and find the tower staircase leading up to a locked door that is unlocked with the Master Key. Take the narrow bridge and go left across the rope bridge. Here you will find a sleeping Zombie Dragon guarding Astora’s Short Sword and the Dragon Crest Shield. Grab these quickly and enjoy the free trip back to Firelink.[/CUSTOMSPOILER]
III. UNDEAD BURG [CUSTOMSPOILER=Show]
Zombie Merchant (Male) (2,250 Souls Required)
Objectives: Purchase Residence Key, Short Bow and 25 Standard Arrows.
To find him, from the first bonfire travel down the stairs to the right and take an immediate left across a bridge where two undead spearmen are guarding a hidden stairwell. Dispose of them and smash the barrels. He is waiting outside of the room below, so check your fire on the outcropping.
Havel the Rock (Optional; Requires Master Key)
Objective: Loot Havel for Ring of Havel.
In the tower leading to the Taurus Boss, unlock the door with the Master Key here leading down instead of up. You can bait him all the way upstairs and he will leash if you walk out of the tower. Use this to your advantage and keep him in front of you, dodging his attacks and lunging forward with Astora’s to slowly kill him. This ring will help early on to keep your equip weight down, but is not necessary for trophies.[/CUSTOMSPOILER]
IV. UNDEAD PARISH [CUSTOMSPOILER=Show]
Solaire of Astora
Objectives: Join covenant Warrior of Sunlight; Receive reward miracle Lightning Spear; Get White Sign Soapstone.
To find him, once you encounter the Hellkite Dragon on the bridge do a 180º and he’ll be on a semi-circle landing. Converse with him a few times for now to get White Sign Soapstone. He will invite you to the Warrior of Sunlight covenant if you have 50 Faith (yeah right) but this is reduced by 5 each time you assist an online player to kill a boss.
Alternatively, you can join Solaire’s covenant after touching the Altar of Sunlight near the upcoming bonfire. The requirement above still stands and you must run past the Hellkite Dragon on the bridge to get here, however. Once you join, Lightning Spear will be given to you free.
Hellkite Dragon
Objective: Cut off tail for Drake Sword.
Travel underneath the bridge at the halfway point across it and take the first right you can out a doorway (you may also want to continue downward first to knock a ladder shortcut down). Dispose of the two skeleton warriors here (one is lurking on a ledge) and note that on the right side you can view the dragon’s tail swaying. Equip the bow and arrows, press triangle to 2H it, L1 to zoom, and hold R1 to draw. Aim for the top of the bridge and loose the arrow a split-second before his tail swings into the path. Quickly duck back under the bridge for cover and rinse repeat ~20 times until his tail severs. I should note that this is the first good farm spot for souls, since you can run onto the bridge and quickly back underneath for 300 souls each time. Simply return to the bonfire below each time to reset the enemies for him to fry.
Andre of Astora (2,000 Souls Required)
Objectives: Purchase Weapon/Armor Smithbox, Repair Box.
Andre is across the bridge leading away from the church and opposite the elevator shortcut inside the church. For now, buy at least the repair box for bonfire repairs.
Siegmeyer of Catarina (Optional Conversation)
Objective: None.
This is purely a formal introduction speech and doesn’t affect his quest line, but if you’d like to stop and say hello early he’s sitting on the steps to Sen’s Fortress. Visit him by crossing the bridge outside of the bonfire above Andre.
Heavy Knight (Mace)
Objective: Loot corpse on altar for Fire Keeper Soul.
He is inside the church at the altar on the ground floor.
Knight Lautrec of Carim (Master Key Required)
Objective: Free Lautrec from his cell.
After killing your first Channeler, ignore the doorway and keep traveling around back of the church. Break the boarded wall here and talk to Lautrec. FREE him using the Master Key (he will get out anyway) to get a Sunlight Medal back at Firelink.
Twin Gargoyle Boss
Objectives: Summon Solaire (Sunlight Medal reward if he lives); Cut off tail for Gargoyle Tail Axe (Optional).
Before entering, reverse hollow at either the bonfire in Firelink Shrine or the one immediately above the first blacksmith. Use the golden summon sign outside the fogged door to summon Solaire. If you do not do this, he will not offer his services again throughout the game and thus you will not get more than four Sunlight Medals this play-through. This is also a good time to practice using the white soapstone to help other players kill the boss for more medals and reducing the Faith requirement to join Solaire’s covenant.
Oswald of Carim
Objectives: Purchase miracle Karmic Justice, Purging Stone (Optional for curse removal possibly needed later).
Oswald appears after the boss is defeated and you ring the first bell, so you can’t miss him on your way down. He also opens shop and sells the miracle Karmic Justice for a measly 40,000 souls. More than likely, you won’t have the souls until NG+ so don’t sweat it. He is also the person to see if you accidentally piss anyone off. He’ll absolve your sins and make everything right again.[/CUSTOMSPOILER]
V. LOWER UNDEAD BURG [CUSTOMSPOILER=Show]
Griggs of Vinheim
Objective: Free Griggs from the house.
To find Griggs, listen for him to call out as you pass a locked door to the right down the path after you clear some Undead Attack Dogs, just before the Capra Demon fight.[/CUSTOMSPOILER]
VI. THE DEPTHS [CUSTOMSPOILER=Show]
Butcher
Objective: Loot Large Ember from a chest (used by Andre of Astora to ascend +5 weapons).
The Butcher is immediately apparent upon arriving in the Depths, as you will hear the mashing of meat and see him below from the entrance. Kill him (and his two guard dogs) and loot the chest to the left of his refuse pit hole.
Laurentius of the Great Swamp
Objective: Free Laurentius from the barrel.
To find Laurentius, he will be having a ‘barrel of fun’ once you’ve offed the two Butchers. He’s in a storage room to the left after traversing some knee-deep water below the kitchen and running up some rubble. I recommend rolling towards the wall to free him so you don’t accidentally hurt and piss him off. He’s still a bit shaken, so be sure to visit him topside.
Gaping Dragon
Objectives: Summon Solaire; Cut off tail for Dragonking Greataxe.
Once again if you’re not human already, reverse hollow at the nearby bonfire and use the golden summon sign upstairs from the fogged door to summon Solaire.[/CUSTOMSPOILER]
VII. FIRELINK SHRINE [CUSTOMSPOILER=Show]
Area Objectives: Collect reward Sunlight Medal from Lautrec (down the steps from bonfire); Purchase sorceries Aural Decoy and Fall Control from Griggs (side area between path to Undead Burg and elevator to Undead Parish); Upgrade Pyromancy Flame to +10 and purchase pyromancies Iron Flesh and Flesh Sweat from Laurentius (behind the wall the Crestfallen Warrior is leaning against at the bonfire).
At this point, it’s a good time to return back to Firelink just to get your affairs in order before moving on. It also gives you a chance to unlock two shortcuts leading to Blighttown. The first is to the left of a waterfall in the sewers, in the area where you unlock the door to Blighttown and meet Domnhall of Zena. The second is inside the aqueduct when making your way back up from Lower Undead Burg past the Female Undead Merchant.
Once back at Firelink Shrine, Laurentius will ask if you find magic unsavory and you MUST SAY NO. He will gift you the Pyromancy Flame at this point and open shop. Just pick up Iron Flesh and Flesh Sweat for now and I highly recommend upgrading Pyromancy Flame to at least +10 ASAP, but it’s not a priority until you kill Bed of Chaos late in the game.
Similarly, Griggs will ask if you’d like to begin your training, so say yes and buy Aural Decoy and Fall Control for now.
Rhea, Nico, and Vince of Thorolund (Optional Conversation)
Objective: None.
You may notice Petrus has some visitors on your return so you can investigate further until they exhaust their dialogue options if you wish. This has no impact other than your own personal experience.
From here, you have a choice of either going back the way you came or proceeding to the Valley of Drakes once again, only taking a right after the first narrow bridge and entering the cave there. You miss quite a few items doing the latter, but you bypass most of the town and go straight to the lower level.
*WARNING*
Petrus will take leave with his comrades at this point, so it may be worthwhile to purchase Homeward if you have 18 Faith at this time. He will return later, so this is purely a heads up if you wanted any of his miracles now. Knight Lautrec will soon disappear after killing the fire keeper, Anastacia of Astora, once you defeat Quelaag as well so be sure you claimed his reward and upgrade your Restus Flask with her before leaving.[/CUSTOMSPOILER]
VIII. BLIGHTTOWN [CUSTOMSPOILER=Show]
Area Objectives: Loot chest for sorcery Remedy; Loot corpse for pyromancy Power Within; Loot Fire Keeper Soul from corpse (Optional).
If you took the shortcut via Valley of Drakes, you will find Remedy in a chest after descending six ladders but before hitting the swamp. I highly recommend descending the first five ladders here, then following the platform to an area with Blowdart Snipers. Taking these guys out now will make getting Remedy easier and they don’t respawn. Taking the ladder down in this sewer area will be filled with Flaming Attack Dogs whom are guarding the Fire Keeper Soul. Retrace your steps and take the sixth ladder down and follow the platform here, crossing the narrow tree branch bridge. Ignore the ladder here and press on until you find the chest at a dead end. Be careful returning to the waterwheel, as the branches are slippery.
Power Within is unfortunately back up towards the start of this level, but since we’re going in reverse you can catch many enemies off guard. After leaving the waterwheel, you will be invaded by Maneater Mildred if you’re human. Killing her is optional. Taking an immediate left and hugging the wall to avoid poison buildup, you will soon come to a sewer access with a bonfire. Grab it and the Dragon Scale from the chest at the end of the tunnel. Proceed left out of the tunnel until you find some platforms that ramp upward. Follow the series of ladders here until you come across the Parasite Wall Hugger. You can either range it down with spells/arrows or bait his attack, then strike with melee. If you picked up the Heavy Crossbow near the Gaping Dragon boss, now is the time to use it. Once vanquished, the corpse he’s guarding has the spell you seek.
Quelana of Izalith (75,000 Souls and Pyromancy Flame +10 Required)
Objectives: Purchase pyromancies Great Fireball, Firestorm, Fire Whip, Great Combustion, and Undead Rapport; Upgrade Pyromancy Flame +15 to Quelana’s Flame.
Quelana is behind a pillar immediately right from the waterwheel. Be sure to clear the immediate area of enemies before talking to her. The Giant Mosquitoes here should stop and hover above you if you’re close to her. Make sure this is the case otherwise they can knock you into her and possibly upset her. You must have a Pyromancy Flame +10 to purchase pyromancies, but they are rather expensive so probably best to save this for NG+ unless you happen to be a pyromancer. If you meet the requirements, you must say yes when she inquires if you’re a fellow pyromancer. It’s not required, but she can also upgrade a Pyromancy Flame +15 to Quelana’s Flame (choose the second modify on the list even though it looks like it downgrades the item).[/CUSTOMSPOILER]
IX. THE GREAT HOLLOW [CUSTOMSPOILER=Show]
Area Objective: Nothing of note here except the Cloranthy Ring is inside the hollowed top of this dead tree. This is one of the items required for the infinite item exploit if you ever wish to partake.
To reach the entrance of the Great Hollow, travel left from the swamp bonfire in the tunnel and past the ramps that led to Power Within. Here you will find another path leading up into a cave with a Planked Shield on a corpse. Hit the wall to the left of the cadaver to reveal a secret room. Hit the wall in this tiny room to find the path leading down.[/CUSTOMSPOILER]
X. ASH LAKE [CUSTOMSPOILER=Show]
Area Objective: Loot miracle Great Magic Barrier off corpse.
To find this miracle make your way to the second tree in the distance and ascend the path wrapping around the tree, looking off the ledge for a broken log. Carefully drop onto the opening below and take the tunnel inside to the corpse.
Stone Dragon
Objectives: Join covenant Path to the Dragon; Cut off tail for Dragon Greatsword.
To reach him, just travel the entirety of Ash Lake until it dead ends with him. Speak to him to join the covenant (you will receive the Dragon Head Stone which is the other item required for the infinite item exploit). Once pledging loyalty, immediately test his patience by slicing of his tail around back. Don’t worry, he couldn’t care less he’ll never fly again and lets you off with a roar.[/CUSTOMSPOILER]
XI. QUELAAG’S DOMAIN [CUSTOMSPOILER=Show]
Chaos Witch Quelaag
Objective: Kill for Soul of Quelaag.
Quelaag is at the extreme end of Blighttown swamps if you go right from the bonfire. If you killed Maneater Mildred as an invader, she will be available to summon just before the fogged door. Once she’s dealt with, descend the staircase and attack the wall opposite of you.
Eingyi (35,000 Souls Required)
Objectives: Purchase pyromancies Poison Mist and Toxic Mist.
Eingyi is the Daughter of Chaos’ butler of sorts. He will admit you if you claim to be a new servant, despite appearances. To gain his trust however, will require infecting yourself with a parasite from the Egg Carriers native to this area. To be infected, simply piss off one of these docile creatures until they grab you and inject your head. The incubation period is a few minutes, so I recommend doing this ASAP before your dealings with the daughter. Once you start scratching your head, it won’t be long. Eingyi will sympathize with your new predicament and offer you a free cure as well as open his shop. Buy Poison and Toxic Mist while you’re infected now if you can afford it.
Daughter of Chaos
Objectives: Join covenant Chaos Servant; Receive signing bonus pyromancy Great Chaos Fireball.
The Daughter of Chaos will allow you to join her covenant no questions asked, so sign your soul away. This will grant the Great Chaos Fireball spell for free. She also serves as a fire keeper, so offload the souls you have to reinforce the Restus Flask.
Area Optional Objective: Loot Gold-Hemmed Black set in Demon Ruins.
If you’re feeling adventuresome, you may wish to sidetrack into the Demon Ruins for what is arguably the best armor in the game statwise. To get the set, follow the red-hued tunnel next to the covenant and ignore the Egg Carriers here as you make your way down. Hug the right ledge until you can take the hidden path to a bridge. Cross this and take a left through the fog door. Ignore the Ceaseless Discharge on the left as you make your way towards an alter near him. Loot the armor and immediately run all the way back to the blocked door. The boss will follow you and then fall into a pit, so hit his fist to make him let go. Hey, you’ve earned 10,000 free souls making it this far right?
The only thing left to do here is ring the second bell back upstairs, so hop to it.
*WARNING*
Upon returning to Blighttown Swamps, speak with Quelana of Izalith again until she asks a favor to put her mother and sister to rest.[/CUSTOMSPOILER]
XII. FIRELINK SHRINE/UNDEAD ASYLUM [CUSTOMSPOILER=Show]
Anastacia of Astora
Objective: Loot corpse for Black Eye Orb.
Lautrec being the nice guy he is has murdered the fire keeper here, so be sure to loot her corpse so as to take revenge later. She was behind bars on the path to New Londo Ruins in case you forgot.
Kingseeker Frampt (Optional Conversation)
Objective: None.
Frampt is your ticket to the Firelink Altar, but for now will happily direct you on your quest and eat any items you don’t value for souls. Keep your items for now since some worthless items will come in handy soon. . .
Area Objective: Obtain passage back to Undead Asylum.
To reach the Giant Crow’s nest, you will need to take the elevator shortcut up but walk off as it passes the first ledge. From here, you will need to run and jump to a buttress supporting the chapel. Walk up this and grab the key from the rooftop in front of you. Look for a small ledge to return where you were and take the staircase up until you find the nest. Here it will prompt you to curl up in a ball and shortly after your flight will arrive.
Hawk Girl (Sparkly)
Objective: Trade Humanity for Ring of Sacrifice.
Once you arrive, keep an eye on the left for a nest and vet’s of Demon’s Souls will know what to do here. The idea is you drop an item in the nest and Sparkly will either reject it or say nothing. Then quit via in-game menu and reload for a different item. This is optional and none of the items here save for a few upgrade items are needed for a trophy, but make sure to drop one Humanity for a Ring of Sacrifice. Hang onto this for much later in the game!
Stray Demon
Objective: Kill for Titanite Slab.
This is just a tougher version of the tutorial boss without the overhead advantage this time.
Area Objective: Loot the Peculiar Doll in a cell.
After slaying the Stray Demon a second time, climb the ladder out of here and take a left down the long hall. Dispose of the Black Knight and grab the doll for later use.
Knight of Astora, Oscar
Objective: Kill for Crest Shield.
Remember the first living NPC you met just before he died of his wounds? He’s back, hollow, and ready to die again. You will find him in the same room you left him after springing the boulder trap again.
There’s only one other item in this place, so explore upstairs until you unlock the door previously inaccessible during the tutorial.[/CUSTOMSPOILER]
XIII. SEN’S FORTRESS [CUSTOMSPOILER=Show]
Siegmeyer of Catarina
Objectives: Converse to progress quest line; Change direction of boulders.
Everyone’s favorite onion-head hasn’t made it very far since you opened the gate. To find Siegmeyer, simply roll off the side of the staircase leading up when you first encounter the Indiana Jones style trap. You will need to change the direction of the pinball machine clockwise after talking with him so that he can progress.
Big Hat Logan (Master Key Required)
Objective: Free from his cage.
Logan is another incompetent mage stuck locked up, so time to be his knight in shining armor. After moving the pinball machine a few times clockwise, you will smash a wall leading down a long path. Let him out and he’ll return to Firelink a little wiser (for now).
Mimic
Objective: Kill for Lightning Spear.
This chest is so obviously placed in your path just before the only elevator in the fort. Strike first and loot it for the spear when it stops moving.
Area Objectives: Loot Covetous Gold Serpent Ring and sorcery Hush from corpses.
The ring is an optional loot that will pay dividends when you’re farming for rarer weapons as it adds 200 magic find. To find the ring, allow the boulders to pile up down a hole after they change direction for the first time. Once it’s full, one will smash the wall here and the ring is inside.
Hush is slightly trickier to get if you don’t want to wait until later to get it. From the boulder room, take the path that leads to a Mimic chest and as you turn the corner look right to see a gap in the wall. Jump through this and kill the Serpent Mage. Take the hallway opposite the broken wall to find it on a corpse with some armor.
Iron Golem
Objective: Kill for Core of an Iron Golem.
Outside the fogged door you can choose to summon Black Iron Tarkus from the golden summon sign in the small room down a narrow path nearby.[/CUSTOMSPOILER]
XIV. ANOR LONDO EXTERIOR [CUSTOMSPOILER=Show]
Area Objective: Loot sorcery Great Magic Weapon.
From the first bonfire here, head straight and down the elevator. Exiting the pavilion, hang a left off the ledge and onto a buttress leading up to the manor here. Carefully navigate the rafters inside until you can cut down the chandelier in the middle. Finish making your way down and find the spell on the downed ornament. From here, walk to the large painting on the wall and enter using the Peculiar Doll.[/CUSTOMSPOILER]
XV. PAINTED WORLD OF ARIAMIS [CUSTOMSPOILER=Show]
Area Objectives: Loot corpses for pyromancy Acid Surge, Annex Key, pyromancy Fire Surge, Velka’s Rapier, Dark Ember (used by Andre of Astora to ascend dark weapons), and miracle Vow of Silence.
Acid Surge can be found after reaching the main courtyard and heading left down the steps, then right at the cliff. It’s hidden behind a wall here.
The Annex Key is behind a series of hidden walls in the narrow corridors of the basement.
After grabbing the Annex Key, head straight back down the tunnel and take a right to find the stairs leading up where an Engorged Torch Zombie is waiting. Kill him for Fire Surge.
After using the Annex Key at the back of the chapel, go all the way upstairs taking a right outside and break the boarded door to get Velka’s Rapier.
The Dark Ember can be found on the roof of the small chapel by taking a right on your way back from getting the sword.
Return to the crossroads once more and take another right to head upstairs until you find a murder of crows guarding Vow of Silence.
Zombie Dragon
Objective: Loot corpse for Blood Shield.
There’s two ways to get this: either kill the dragon or suicide run to the corpse he guards and loot very quickly. If you choose the latter, realize you have only one shot at this and must ignore the first corpse to the left. Simply walk to just before the first corpse, then sprint to the second and grab the shield.
Priscilla the Crossbreed
Objectives: Kill for Soul of Priscilla; Cut off tail for Priscilla’s Dagger.
Priscilla gives you the option to pass without a fight, so take advantage of this rare opportunity and open up on her tail. You can always return here later if you’re not in a position to kill her yet.[/CUSTOMSPOILER]
XVI. ANOR LONDO CASTLE INTERIOR [CUSTOMSPOILER=Show]
Silver Knight (Sword/Spear/Greatbow)
Objectives: Kill each type for Silver Knight Straight Sword, Silver Knight Spear, and Silver Knight Shield.
You will first encounter this enemy just before entering the castle and while any of them can drop the shield, only the sword and spear knights can drop their respective weapons. Immediately upon entering you will find a bonfire in the room to the left and once you have unlocked all the doors on the 2nd floor, this is a perfect farm spot for these weapons. There are three spear and one sword knights in the area with each being worth ~1K souls so you should have a nice nest egg saved up by the time you’re finished. Hopefully you took my advice to pick up the Covetous Gold Serpent Ring, so slap that band on and get farming.
Area Objectives: Loot Sunlight Medal (x3), Dragon Tooth, Havel’s Greatshield, and Occult Club from chests.
After reaching the first bonfire inside, go to the room immediately opposite of you to find the Sunlight Medals in a chest after killing the spear knight.
From the first bonfire, take a left outside the room and ignore the spiral staircase for now. The only unlocked door left here will have a fireplace in the corner, which you need to strike to reveal a hidden path. Downstairs you will find the Dragon Tooth and a full set of Havel’s armor. Beware the Mimic chest here, but do kill him for the Occult Club.
Siegmeyer of Catarina
Objectives: Converse to progress quest line; Kill Silver Knights.
This guy sure knows when to just give up. While clearing the 4th floor, you will run into him pondering what end of the sword goes into enemies. Help him out by killing the Silver Knights here and talk to him again for a reward.
Prowling Demon
Objective: Kill for chance at Titanite Catch Pole.
On the 3rd floor, you will find him in a room on the left before entering the great hall. Make sure Covetous Gold Serpent Ring is equipped!
Giant Blacksmith (5,000 Souls Required)
Objective: Craft boss weapons; Purchase Giant’s Halberd.
Just the second blacksmith you will have encountered so far is waiting downstairs after crossing the great hall of the castle. He will be able to forge weapons with any boss souls you acquire, so you will be visiting him a lot. He can also upgrade the Lightning Spear you got in Sen’s Fortress. He’s somewhat guarding a chest with the Hawk Ring if you squeeze by to the left of him. He won’t mind if you take it at all. Outside you can unlock the gate shortcut if you wish as well.
Knight Lautrec of Carim
Objective: Kill for Souvenir of Reprisal.
Once in the great hall, use the Black Eye Orb you looted from Anastacia’s corpse in Firelink. Since you’re invading a sinner, you will be granted a favor of Darkmoon for killing Lautrec. Once disposed of, you can return her soul to Firelink Shrine and use the bonfire there once again.
Area Objective: Loot Dragonslayer Greatbow from corpse.
Do NOT attempt this without a Homeward Bone or Homeward spell handy, else you can become permanently trapped depending what ledge you drop down to. From the blacksmith, head back upstairs and right to the smashed window and drop down the steps until you find the corpse with the bow.
Dragon Slayer Ornstein & Executioner Smough
Objectives: Summon Solaire (Sunlight Medal reward if he lives); Kill for Soul of Ornstein or Soul of Smough.
Solaire’s summon sign is on the halfway landing near where the Greatbow Silver Knight is shooting at you in the great hall. This boss is unique in that you can only get one of the two souls per playthrough. For your first time, I recommend killing Ornstein (the skinny one) last because while he’s the harder of the two, you will need both for the platinum and do you really want to face him in NG+? Solaire will naturally pick up the first boss to get close anyway, so make haste and kill Smough while Ornstein is distracted.
Gwynevere
Objective: Join covenant Princess’ Guard.
This one is not as obvious since it requires speaking with her again after receiving the Lordvessel.
Solaire of Astora
Objective: Converse to progress quest line.
Solaire is warming himself at the bonfire near Sunlight Altar. With the Lordvessel in hand, you can warp straight to him at this time.
*WARNING*
Do NOT speak with Kingseeker Frampt (Primordial Serpent) back in Firelink Shrine at this point or you will miss out on a covenant. Additionally, Laurentius will leave after you speak with him since he wishes to learn the powerful spells you bought from Quelana, so this is a last call for any unpurchased pyromancies from him. If you’ve been following the guide to a T, you already have the only two spells unique to him anyway.[/CUSTOMSPOILER]
XVII. FIRELINK SHRINE [CUSTOMSPOILER=Show]
Siegmeyer of Catarina
Objective: Converse to progress quest line; Receive reward Emit Force.
Siegmeyer will question his good luck and ask if you were responsible for opening the gates to Sen’s Fortress. Answer yes to get a reward. Now go to Blighttown via any path so that the area loads and return to Firelink to verify he’s gone.[/CUSTOMSPOILER]
XVIII. UNDEAD PARISH/DARKROOT BASIN [CUSTOMSPOILER=Show]
Andre of Astora (20,000 Souls Required)
Optional Objective: Purchase Crest of Astorias.
This will unlock a shortcut very shortly, but is purely optional. I highly recommend just coughing up the souls now, since you can farm them back very easily once you do.
Prowling Demon
Objective: Kill for chance at Titanite Catch Pole.
From Andre, go straight out his door to face this demon. Make sure Covetous Gold Serpent Ring is equipped! Once slain, travel into Darkroot Garden and not too far into this area there will be a path on the right leading down.
Hydra
Objective: Kill to spawn Amber Crystal Golem.
This is your second and only other encounter with this boss in the game. While the first one was optional, you will need to defeat this one to spawn a Golem. Once the last head rolls, hug the left side of this lake all the way to a dead end while ignoring the ladder (this is the path to bypass the shortcut if you did not purchase Crest of Astorias).
Amber Crystal Golem
Objective: Free Dusk of Oolacile.
Stay a little ways back from the cove and quit via in-game menu. Reload your game and an the monster will be waiting. Shatter it to free Dusk.
Dusk of Oolacile (18,000 Souls Required)
Objectives: Purchase sorceries Hidden Weapon, Hidden Body, Cast Light, Repair, and Chameleon.
While in human form, you will find her summon sign on a rock near where you first fought the Hydra.[/CUSTOMSPOILER]
XVIX. DARKROOT GARDEN/BLIGHTTOWN [CUSTOMSPOILER=Show]
Area Objective: Light hidden bonfire.
From Undead Parish, head straight until you find the sealed door. Strike the wall left of it to reveal the bonfire.
Great Stone Knight
Objective: Kill for Stone Greatsword and Stone Greatshield.
Ignoring the sealed door for now, take the path to the right instead. In the valley at the end you can farm the knights for their two rare drops. Make sure Covetous Gold Serpent Ring is equipped!
Moonlight Butterfly
Objective: Kill for Soul of the Moonlight Butterfly.
This boss is on the stone bridge after climbing the tower just past the knights here.
Area Objective: Loot corpse for Divine Ember (used by Andre of Astora to ascend light weapons).
Run up the second tower after the boss to find this ember.
*WARNING*
Do NOT talk to Alvina until you finish farming her clansmen unless you don’t care about being kicked out.
Alvina of the Darkroot Wood (Cheshire Cat)
Objective: Join covenant Forest Hunter.
To reach Alvina, pass through the shortcut door and battle her clan up the hill to a small stone tower. Worth noting that each of her clansmen are worth 2K souls a pop (except the axe-wielder) and can be respawned with the nearby bonfire. This is the best farm spot in the game for easy souls since you can knock them off the ledges here.
Shiva of the East
Objective: Converse to progress quest line.
Shiva will be immediately back outside the tower after joining Forest Hunters. Talk to him to learn the rules of the clan and so that you can meet him again shortly.
Area Objective: Loot chest for Enchanted Ember (used by Rickert of Vinheim to ascend enchanted weapons).
This ember is smack in the middle of the forest just past Alvina. The chest is submerged in a small pond guarded by two Mushroom Parents.
Sif, The Great Grey Wolf
Objective: Kill for Soul of Sif.
Sif is across a bridge from the forest and the fogged door is easy to spot straight ahead after leaving Alvina’s tower.
Shiva of the East (15,000 Souls Required)
Objective: Purchase Demon’s Spear.
With Sif dead, you will need to warp to the Daughter of Chaos bonfire and enter the swamp heading for the waterwheel. Shiva will be just right of the device and be sure the enemies are dead before speaking with him.[/CUSTOMSPOILER]
XX. NEW LONDO RUINS [CUSTOMSPOILER=Show]
Rickert of Vinheim
Objective: None.
Rickert is the third of four blacksmiths in the game, but his specialty is magic and enchanted weapons. He is directly below the first area of the ruins by taking a path towards the rightmost ledge.
Ingward
Objective: Get Key to the Seal.
Ingward is atop the second building you will find while traveling through the ruins. To reach him, find the main room inside with a fireplace. After disposing of the tons of ghosts here (including a Banshee), climb the ladder in the hearth and he’ll be on the roof.
Area Objective: Loot chest for Very Large Ember (used by Andre of Astora to ascend +10 weapons); Farm Male and Female Ghosts for Jagged Ghost Blade and Ghost Blade respectively.
After draining the area, return to the first building (the one Ingward was NOT on) and take the spiral stairway inside, then follow the series of pathways to a ledge where the ember is.
By the time you finish this area, it’s highly likely you have the Jagged Ghost Blade but not the one females. I found only two that are relatively easy to farm, but each trip will require running back from Firelink sadly. The first banshee is on a ledge outside the first building, just after where you removed the first fogged door. The second you already met when getting to Ingward. You may wish to wait until you have a good cursed weapon to do this however. Also, make sure Covetous Gold Serpent Ring is equipped for this!
Darkstalker Kaathe
Objective: Join covenant Darkwraith; Receive joining bonus weapon Dark Hand.
After defeating the Four Kings, Kaathe will appear and ask if you want to hear the truth. Answer yes and after placing the Lordvessel, you can join his covenant. He will also give you a weapon for joining. This pisses off Frampt, so you’ll no longer be able to sell items this playthrough. He rips you off anyway, so good riddance.[/CUSTOMSPOILER]
XXI. THE DUKE’S ARCHIVES [CUSTOMSPOILER=Show]
*WARNING*
Equip the Ring of Sacrifice you got from Sparkly before entering the fogged door in the crystal hallway. You can’t win the upcoming fight. Also, resist the urge to use any bonfires you find after the one you find in the prison, as they will make rescuing Logan more tedious by having to re-clear back to him.
Pisaca
Objectives: Kill for miracles Soothing Sunlight and Bountiful Sunlight.
Pisacas are guardians of the prison here and you will need to kill the little sister and elder sister versions of them for the miracles. They’re the only two who don’t come rushing out when the alarm is sounded.
Area Objectives: Loot sorcery Strong Magic Shield, Crystal Ember (used by Giant Blacksmith to ascend crystal weapons), and Archive Tower Giant Cell Key from chests.
After you rotate the first stairway and drop down to a second one, you can loot Strong Magic Shield from a chest to the right at the top.
Once you ascend a long ladder from the archives and reveal a hidden stairway, both the ember and key can be found in chests here.
Big Hat Logan (183,000 Souls Required)
Objectives: Free from his cell; Purchase sorceries Soul Arrow, Great Soul Arrow, Heavy Soul Arrow, Great Heavy Soul Arrow, Homing Soulmass, Homing Crystal Soulmass, Soul Spear, Crystal Soul Spear, Magic Weapon, Great Magic Weapon, Crystal Magic Weapon, and Magic Shield.
You likely already saw his sorry ass locked away while in the prison, but now that you have the key to his cell you will need to return here and free him. He will then appear in a room near where you found the key to free him. Don’t forget to grab the Fire Keeper Soul in his large cell!
At this juncture, you will want to buy everything he has to offer since it not only satisfies requirements for the trophy but also progresses his storyline. This may seem like a lot of souls, but since you’ve unlocked all the shortcuts by now you can always warp to Darkroot Garden to farm what you need in no time.
Channeler
Objective: Kill for Channeler’s Trident.
Once your business with Logan is done, make your way to the bonfire just outside the area he sits. From here, you will want to go straight up staircase and take a left. Keep circling around to the right, making your way up more stairs. At the top, you should find a Channeler to your left and if you keep the rotating staircase in the same direction each time, you can proceed up those stairs for a second Channeler. You will need to farm these two until they drop the polearm. As always, make sure Covetous Gold Serpent Ring is equipped for this!
Sieglinde of Catarina
Objective: Free her from an Amber Crystal Golem.
Once outside the Duke’s Archives on the way to the Crystal Cave, you should spot the golem you want since it’s yellow. Like Dusk, smash it to free her. She will ask if you’ve seen her father (guess who!), so say yes.[/CUSTOMSPOILER]
XXII. CRYSTAL CAVE [CUSTOMSPOILER=Show]
Area Objective: Loot corpse for Blue Titanite Slab.
This one is a huge pain since you will need to slowly traverse a narrow invisible path that curves. Once you drop down to the final invisible path to the boss, turn around and go through the small hollowed cave (be quick and you can catch the two geckos in here). Slowly make your way to the end of this path to get the slab.
Seath the Scaleless
Objective: Cut off tail for Moonlight Greatsword.
To pull this off, you will need to slice at the very tip of his tail a few times.
Big Hat Logan
Objective: Kill hallowed Logan for White Dragon Breath; Loot chest for Large Magic Ember (used by Rickert of Vinheim to ascend +5 magic weapons).
Once Seath is dead, return to Logan to see he has grown angry and he will leave shortly after. Now that Seath is gone, make your way back to the room you first encountered him to see Logan’s fate. This is best done by entering from Anor Londo and making your way to the platform where you can call the second elevator down. Once you make it into the room, put Logan out of his misery and claim his parting gifts. The chest in the middle of this room contains the ember you need as well.[/CUSTOMSPOILER]
XXIII. NEW LONDO RUINS/FIRELINK SHRINE/BLIGHTTOWN [CUSTOMSPOILER=Show]
Ingward
Objectives: Converse to progress quest line; Purchase sorcery Resist Curse.
Ingward is still admiring the view from his rooftop in New Londo Ruins, so make the trek back and he’ll congratulate you for killing the Four Kings. However, he feels like a change of pace and will meet you back at Firelink. Use Homeward so you can warp back easier. Once there, buy his only sorcery.
Sieglinde of Catarina
Objective: Converse to progress quest line.
She is also at Firelink now and will ask once again if you’ve seen her father, so say yes again.
Siegmeyer of Catarina (3x Purple Moss Clumps Required)
Objective: Converse to progress quest line.
Warp to the Daughter of Chaos bonfire and enter the Blighttown swamps and head for the tree root you used to get into the Great Hollow at the other end of the bog. He’ll be snoozing not far from here, back where the Giant Leeches are. Give him three Purple Moss Clumps for a reward and be on your way.[/CUSTOMSPOILER]
XXIV. CATACOMBS [CUSTOMSPOILER=Show]
Vamos
Objective: None.
Vamos is the final blacksmith in the game and unfortunately isn’t easy to get to. After traveling across a stone bridge, you will find a spiral stairway that ends in darkness with visible loot on a ledge. You must make a series of drops to get down safely and he’ll be waiting down below.
Prowling Demon
Objectives: Kill for chance at Titanite Catch Pole; Loot corpse for Eye of Death (x3).
After Vamos smashes the wall, start heading to the left and take the series of eventual ladders here. Once you come across a hallway filled with sarcophagus, he’ll be to the right guarding a corpse. Make sure Covetous Gold Serpent Ring is equipped! After he slumps to the floor, grab the eyes he was defending.
Gravelord Nito
Objectives: Join covenant Gravelord Servant; Receive joining bonus Gravelord Sword and miracle Gravelord Sword Dance.
After looting the eyes, get in the only tomb protruding from the wall here. After a short time, a cutscene will trigger and you’ll enter Tomb of Giants. Here you can join Nito’s covenant. Once you join, Gravelord Sword Dance will be given to you free. Return topside, then take the path opposite of the short hall leading back up.
Area Objectives: Loot coffin for Darkmoon Séance Ring; Loot corpse for Tranquil Walk of Peace.
After following the horseshoe ledge, take a left through a destructible wall in the next room. Drop down from here and exit to a long hallway. At the end is the ring you want guarded by a Giant Skeleton Warrior. Grab it quickly and retreat back down the hallway.
As you’re dodging some very pissed off skeletons, dart through the doorway to the left as you’re headed back out. Follow this until you can climb a ladder and the spell will be at the top.[/CUSTOMSPOILER]
XXV. TOMB OF GIANTS [CUSTOMSPOILER=Show]
Area Objective: Loot corpse for Large Divine Ember (used by Andre of Astora to ascend +5 blessed weapons).
After killing the first Giant Skeleton Warrior here, there will be a small pillar jutting out of the cave wall you need to drop down onto. If you have Cast Light or any Prism Stones, use them to find it. Drop down further and take the ladder immediately left of you, then roll past the sword skeleton and sprint down the path until you find a tomb cover with a hole in it. Turn left after dropping inside, then do a running jump over the ladder hole. The ember is down below all the way at the end and if you’re quick you can make it back to the ladder while avoiding the Giant Skeleton Warriors. This may end up being a suicide run, so if you have another ring of sacrifice this would be the time to use it. Either way, I recommend using Homeward back to a bonfire.
Patches
Objective: Converse to progress quest line.
Good ole Patches is back (if you’re familiar with Demon’s Souls) and hasn’t changed a bit. He’s right in front of you after sliding down the third pillar, so don’t attack! Before talking to him, use the bonfire down a ladder nearby as well. He’ll first ask if you’re a Cleric and you MUST SAY NO. You already know what’s coming after he’s done talking, so bend over and take it.
Rhea of Thorolund
Objective: Receive reward miracle Replenishment.
After Patches kicks you into the pit, search the area for Rhea between two pillars directly behind you. Her two bodyguards have gone hollow and are nearby so go kill them straight ahead. Once they’re dead, return to her and she’ll reward you.
Patches
Objective: Converse to progress quest line.
Take your time and travel back to him so you can curse him out. When you do, tell him NO you’re not friends for a nice reward. This will also send him packing to Firelink Shrine where he’ll open shop.
Area Objective: Loot corpse for Effigy Shield.
After putting Patches in his place, start heading down and once taking the first ramp, go right down a path that dead ends with this loot.
Paladin Leeroy
Objective: Kill for Grant and Sanctus.
Leeroy (Jenkins) will invade you if you’re human form and travel to the dead end of the cliffside ledge, just before the Skeleton Baby room. Kill him for his weapon.
Area Objective: Loot corpse for White Titanite Slab.
While in the Baby Skeleton room, be sure to drop down to the path left of the fogged boss door for this loot. It’s worth noting that these skeletons respawn infinitely and with high magic find will drop humanity like crazy. This is the spot to farm to level up Chaos Servant easily.[/CUSTOMSPOILER]
XXVI. FIRELINK SHRINE/UNDEAD PARISH/ANOR LONDO [CUSTOMSPOILER=Show]
Patches (19,000 Souls Required)
Objective: Purchase Eye of Death (x3) and Crescent Axe.
Patches is on the platform near the path you took to Catacombs. Purchase out his stock of these, as you will need them later.
*WARNING*
At this time you have a decision to make, as Petrus will soon kill Rhea if you allow it. What this means is you need to purchase certain miracles from her before this happens or kill Petrus now so you can farm the souls if you need to. If at all possible, let him kill her as you can get an item from her corpse that trades for a Souvenir of Reprisal to Sparkly.
Rhea of Thorolund (26,000 Souls Required)
Objectives: Purchase miracles Great Heal, Wrath of the Gods, and Magic Barrier.
Immediately take the elevator shortcut from Firelink to Undead Parish and Rhea will be praying at the altar just to the left as you come out. You may wish to pick up whatever other miracles you’re missing at this time, but only the three listed are absolutely necessary.
Gwydolin
Objectives: Join covenant Darkmoon Blade; Kill for Soul of Gwyndolin; Loot chest for miracle Sunlight Blade.
Warp to the Anor Londo bonfire and go straight across the bridge and down. When you get to the mechanism for turning the bridge, turn it counter-clockwise so that it goes down another level. Take the stairwell down and equip the Darkmoon Séance Ring to reveal a hidden path. Do not enter the fog yet and instead kneel to pledge your allegiance. Immediately forsake your vows and enter the fog where Gwyndolin will attack you. Once he’s dead, loot the chest in the next room for the miracle.
Lady of the Darkling (Optional)
Objective: Kill for Fire Keeper Soul.
Travel back to the Anor Londo bonfire again and she will attack since you killed her master.[/CUSTOMSPOILER]
XXVII. DEMON RUINS [CUSTOMSPOILER=Show]
Area Objectives: Loot corpse for Chaos Flame Ember (used by Vamos to ascend +5 fire weapons); Loot chest for Large Flame Ember (used by Vamos to ascend +5 fire weapons).
Since you drained the lava flow much earlier in the game, head straight down the path and a pack of Minor Taurus Demons will be here. Once the last one falls, find the corpse floating in the lava. If you have the spell Flash Sweat, then use it or else this will just be a suicide run.
Shortly after crossing the bridge past the second bonfire, take a left down a path guarded by more demons and a few Burrowing Rockworm (I recommend dashing past the worms). At the end of the path is the ember.[/CUSTOMSPOILER]
XXVIII. LOST IZALITH [CUSTOMSPOILER=Show]
Siegmeyer of Catarina
Objective: Defeat enemy with Seigmeyer above 50%.
Siegmeyer can be found at the lowest level of the ruins, after falling through a hole in the lower courtyard. Make sure you speak with him a few times before attacking the enemies below and you will get the best possible outcome if he survives with >50%.
Area Objective: Loot chests for Red Titanite Slab and pyromancy Chaos Fire Whip.
After helping Seigmeyer, follow the poisonous sludge until you find a central hallway with loot in sight. Grab the slab and find your way back topside.
After killing a fellow pyromancer, ignore the fogged boss door to the left and continue down the path for a corpse with the spell.[/CUSTOMSPOILER]
XXVIII. FIRELINK SHRINE/BLIGHTTOWN/ASH LAKE [CUSTOMSPOILER=Show]
Rhea of Thorolund
Objective: Loot corpse for Pendant; Trade Sparkly for Souvenir of Reprisal.
Rhea should now be dead thanks to Petrus. Go to where she was in Undead Parish to loot her pendant. Take this to Sparkly in the Undead Asylum and trade it for a Souvenir of Reprisal.
Quelana of Izalith
Objective: Receive reward pyromancy Fire Tempest.
Revisit her at the pillar and she will thank you with this final spell.
Siegmeyer/Sieglinde of Catarina
Objective: Receive reward Titanite Slab.
Warp to the Ash Lake bonfire and make your way to the other one where you will find these two finally reunited. Seems like a lot of effort, but you get a second slab this playthrough for your trouble.[/CUSTOMSPOILER]
XXIX. WRAP-UP [CUSTOMSPOILER=Show]
At this point in the game, it’s time to finish up anything outstanding. Key things to do:
1) Visit blacksmiths to upgrade weapons for trophies or make boss weapons. If you want to cheat, upgrade a weapon to its max using a slab and without backing out of the blacksmith menu, quit via XMB. This will not save your progress but the trophy will pop and you can re-use the slab for another. You only get one slab per playthrough except for Titanite Slab, so this is only if you want them all now.
2) Farm Souvenir of Reprisal for NG+ (you need 10 total). This can either be done by invading sinners using the Blue Eye Stone or killing Crow Demons in the Painted World. I suggest the latter since MP matchmaking usually fails and each attempt takes about as long as it would to just run up and kill four demons. Keep in mind you can get at least two per playthrough via killing Lautrec in Anor Londo (Black Eye invasion) and trading Sparkly Rhea’s pendant after Petrus kills her.
To farm them, from the bonfire run through the courtyard and enter the building on the right. Follow the stairs all the way up and take a left outside, then kill the Engorged Zombie at the top (highly advise you use the Gold-Hemmed armor for the poison resist). Soon as he’s dead, the first crow should pull. Kill him and then kind of run around the short steps leading DOWN past the hole and the second crow should come. Once he’s dead, go up to where they were and soon as both crows land go in swinging. If you have a good 2H at this point, you should be able to kill both before they can do anything. Using both the Covetous Gold and Silver Serpent Rings should net you a decent drop rate of reprisals and souls. Many people complain the drop rate is awful, but I managed to get the last six I needed in about 1.5 hours (and that was with one of them falling off a ledge before I could loot :\ ).
3) Purchase any remaining spells from Petrus, Quelana, Oswald, Logan, and Laurentius. It is possible to pop both the mage and pyromancy trophies in a single playthrough, so if you followed the guide to a T and buy everything that remains at this point, you can get them both. Keep in mind you will need to upgrade your Pyromancy Flame to at least +10 to buy from Quelana if you did not do so earlier. Logan will be where you left him in Duke’s Archives if you were unable to purchase everything. It’s worth killing him for his catalyst even if you don’t this playthrough, since I’ve found it’s the best in the game.
4) Farm any rare weapons that you passed up. The Stone Knights in Darkroot Garden, the Ghosts in New Londo Ruins, Silver Knights in Anor Londo, and any Prowling Demons (these do not respawn) you might have skipped because they were too hard. Doing this now is encouraged since NG+ will only make these guys harder to farm quickly.[/CUSTOMSPOILER]
XXX. KILN OF THE FIRST FLAME [CUSTOMSPOILER=Show]
Black Knight
Objective: Kill for Black Knight Sword, Black Knight Greatsword, Black Knight Greataxe, Black Knight Halberd, and Black Knight Shield.
These are the only respawning Black Knights in the game, so farm away with Covetous Gold Serpent Ring on until you get one of each.
Gwyn
Objective: Kill for Soul of Gwyn.
Put the final boss to sleep for his soul and then make your ending decision. You can either touch the flame for the good ending, or walk away for the evil one. Doesn’t matter what you choose this time as long as you do the opposite in NG+.[/CUSTOMSPOILER]
EPILOGUE [CUSTOMSPOILER=Show]
NG+ and beyond will mostly have you repeat anything not done the first playthrough and collect boss souls for different forging. Key things to do:
1) Finish joining any covenants you missed and rank certain ones up for rewards.
Join Solaire’s covenant and pray to the Altar of Sunlight. This requires 10 Sunlight Medals, so offer them all to get rank +1. With the Soul of Gwyn, you can offer it at this rank for the miracle Sunlight Spear.
Join Daughter of Chaos’ covenant and achieve rank +2 for pyromancy Chaos Storm. This requires 30 humanity so just save and buy the items every chance you get until you can use them all at once. Enough should come naturally through the course of your playthroughs.
Join Gravelord Nito’s covenant and achieve rank +1 for miracle Gravelord Greatsword Dance. This requires 10 Eyes of Death, so offer them all to get the bonus spell. Enough should come naturally through the course of your playthroughs.
Join Gwyndolin’s covenant and achieve rank +1 for miracle Darkmoon Blade. This requires 10 Souvenir of Reprisal, so farm them before killing Gwyndolin a second time.
2) Choose the second ending. Can’t stress this enough as you can totally screw yourself out of an entire playthrough if you forget. To review, either touch the bonfire or walk out the door. Make sure to do the opposite for each game.
3) Sif and Gwyn are quite literally the reason you’ll need to start NG++. Gwyn’s soul is for crafting the Great Lord’s Greatsword and for the miracle mentioned above in NG+, which can be done in Undead Parish.
Sif on the other hand requires you craft two swords and a shield. Make sure you craft one sword with any normal straight type and the other with a broken sword. Your starting weapon works or just farm a few zombies right outside Firelink for one.
4) Most of all just have fun and enjoy this amazing game. I find platinum helps me to fully experience a game after completing it. If you’re not having fun, then just quit now because between the risk vs. reward factor and PvP, FROM delivers. Don’t miss out because of digital trophies![/CUSTOMSPOILER][/CUSTOMSPOILER]
that place.
