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Dark Souls Walkthrough

By: Jason Venter, Kurtis Seid, GameSpot - Posted on Oct 4, 2011

Praise the sun. Our Dark Souls Walkthrough provides tips for surviving the adventure, a guide to the entire world, and hints for slaying bosses.

Dark Souls Walkthrough

What's New:

  • October 18, 2011: Version 1.3. The walkthrough now covers all of the areas for the standard (good guy) storyline.
  • October 10, 2011: Version 1.2. Our walkthrough takes you all the way into Anor Londo.
  • October 5, 2011: Version 1.1. Updated the Equipping section with info about armor defenses and how to cure status effects.
  • October 4, 2011: Version 1.0 of the Dark Souls Walkthrough is here. We are starting with a Primer to get you started, but will be updating to a full walkthrough. Check back later for more info.

199 Comments

  • Derugs

    Posted Feb 22, 2012 2:40 pm GMT

    Greatest and most in 'DEPTH' game ever made!!! the detail in this game is unparalleled with anything. Closest thing is Skyrim and even that doesn't compare to the dynamics of this game. Never played anything like it before. i thought this wouldn't top Demon's Souls.. boy was I wrong!!

  • kambion313

    Posted Feb 21, 2012 5:05 pm GMT

    PEOPLE, everyone plays this game differently, if you're having a hard time with an area, drop a summoning stone, and learn the area before going forward. DUH!

  • PerseusSuthil

    Posted Feb 21, 2012 4:27 pm GMT

    I need some advice, my character is at level 115 with only the last boss left, is there any point in leveling up some more before the last boss? will i benefit from that in NG+?

  • toonsim2

    Posted Feb 21, 2012 9:22 am GMT

    This game is really tough and im struggling so far. This guide is helping me understand the basics so thank you Gamespot.

  • xkrlosmirandax

    Posted Feb 17, 2012 7:46 am GMT

    I talked to that Oswald of Carim and I think this game is great but does very little explanation on game mechanics so when i talked to him i had like 15000 souls to level up and i just wasted 13500 to be "cleared from sin" but i really dont know what that does....

  • peter_siong

    Posted Feb 16, 2012 7:59 pm GMT

    Tough game to play and finish, invested lots of time and effort but the ending..... not worth it. Sigh...

  • Stormbringer33

    Posted Feb 16, 2012 3:05 pm GMT

    @nappy4u---you need to have a curved sword (scimitar/falchion etc.) at +10 and the soul of quelaag and ascend it at the giant blacksmith in anor londo it is upgradeable to +5 with demon titanite and scales with humanity(i think)

  • nappy4u

    Posted Feb 15, 2012 11:21 am GMT

    can anyone tell me how to get the quelag furysword, i know it says that you can only get it by ascention, but ascention what?

  • gnarink

    Posted Feb 13, 2012 1:41 pm GMT

    @peter_siong is pretty spot on the tips he provided:
    "Best combination for me: Knight, skill: thief, balance between sword and pyromancy. best sword: Quelag furysword, best shield: crystal ring shield."

    Also IMO best items are as follows:
    (rings = Dark Wood Grain Ring + Havel's Ring) (armor = Havel's Set) (sword = Quelag furysword) (shield for perry = Grass Crest Shield) (shield for offence = crystal ring shield) (shield for lightweight builds = Dark Hand)

  • peter_siong

    Posted Jan 25, 2012 11:33 pm GMT

    For those who are working, and find it impossible to juggle the time between work, life and dark souls, there is no other way but play with guidance of this online walkthrough.. Start with the walkthrough from page 1. It will save you from utter disappointment and frustration when you made grave mistake: i.e: killing the only guys who sells egg vermifuge when you are infected with the stupid egg helmet!

    Best combination for me: Knight, skill: thief, balance between sword and pyromancy. best sword: Quelag furysword, best shield: crystal ring shield.

  • 666Rich666

    Posted Jan 25, 2012 11:04 am GMT

    @Chachachedda
    Don't give up bro. While I'm one of this games biggest fans, I have to admit that the learning curve can be a bit steep for some gamers. I'm not afraid to admit to a few of the bosses having kicked my ass 10 times before I defeated them, but with persistence and attention to their patterns I overcame them. It's a very unforgiving game, yet it is the best I've played in years. My advice would be to watch the enemies attack patterns and learn to counteract them. Also don't go by anyone's set strategy or charachter build. Find out what works for you and go with it. Good Luck! I hope you're still giving it a chance. Don't give up and go hollow!

  • 666Rich666

    Posted Jan 25, 2012 10:42 am GMT

    Isn't it funny when people review this game and give it a low score just because it kicked their pathetic asses? I read these reviews and realize that they probably didn't get much farther than the first or second boss (if that). I'm not a fan of Call of Duty games, but that doesn't mean I'm going to go online and give it a sh*tty review just because I don't like the game. Anyway Dark Souls 10/10.... PRAISE THE SUN!

  • chachachedda

    Posted Jan 25, 2012 12:41 am GMT

    Right i got this game at the weekend after reading the reviews and it was 30 quid for the limited edition, so thought 'no brainer'
    but i am terrible at it, i know it says you die alot in it but this is ridiculous, was thinking about getting rid because i find myself doing the same bit over and over. Am i giving up too easy, should i soldier on because around work gym and the ladies haha, im an avid gamer, great at the likes of skyrim etc but im having muchos trouble with this game, maybe i need to work out a combat strategy or something, also with there being no map or general 'what to do' its a little overwhelming.
    so back to my original question..... am i giving up too quick or should i just stick to it?
    also my xbox live is Chachach3dda if anyone wants to send me any tips or anything haha
    thanks

  • kserpen

    Posted Jan 24, 2012 4:25 am GMT

    "This is the best game to come out since the next-gen platforms were introduced. If more game developers would pay this much attention to detail in their games, we wouldn't be overwhelmed with crap"... I totally agree with this comment. I'm in front of screen since Commodore 64 days, this one has been the most addictive, best looking and most thrilling game ever made... 10/10... I hope they make the 3rd one very soon Totally recommended to real gamers...

  • 666Rich666

    Posted Jan 16, 2012 11:12 pm GMT

    New Game + just makes a great game even better. When i watched the credits roll I had to drink a toast to all of the people who worked so hard to make this game. Not since Castlevania Symphony of the Night, Metal Gear: Solid, Resident Evil 2, Silent Hill 2, have I felt so drawn in by a games environment and depth. This is the best game to come out since the next-gen platforms were introduced. If more game developers would pay this much attention to detail in their games, we wouldn't be overwhelmed with crap.

  • Gravelord_Nito

    Posted Jan 16, 2012 3:43 am GMT

    so funny that the dark lord (the bad) ending is actually the GOOD ending. praise the sun? i don' think so the 'gods' just try to use you to extend the age of fire(age of gods), while in truth, the age of dark is the age of men. the only good thing about these sun deities are the princess's boobs

  • 666Rich666

    Posted Jan 15, 2012 1:05 pm GMT

    Just beat Dark Souls... Best game I have played in years is the simplest way to put it. Now to play new game+ to get the other ending. To be honest I was sad to fight the final battle. I didn't want such an amazing gaming experience to end. Game of 2011.

  • killer_rabbit20

    Posted Jan 12, 2012 7:22 pm GMT

    @cayne_phoenix

    Infinite.

  • cayne_phoenix

    Posted Jan 11, 2012 11:20 pm GMT

    how many New Game+ modes r there?

  • DbzJohno

    Posted Jan 8, 2012 1:39 pm GMT

    I just finished the game last night. Man what an epic game that was. One of my top games of all time!!!!

  • ChaosPhalanx

    Posted Dec 30, 2011 10:43 pm GMT

    This is my best game of the year hands down

  • adamomars

    Posted Dec 30, 2011 12:46 pm GMT

    i also kind of resent admitting i checked out this page.... but i got stuck on the drake on the castle... didnt think id make it passed.. and the catacombs were to much.. lol

  • adamomars

    Posted Dec 30, 2011 12:42 pm GMT

    man, this is game is f*cking CLASSIC... its def added to the list of my favourites... its so good, and original and classic. i just wanna... keep playin it.

  • gamer2190

    Posted Dec 30, 2011 3:00 am GMT

    I used to play Skyrim. Then I got Dark Souls.

  • slainta

    Posted Dec 30, 2011 2:25 am GMT

    Skyrim might be a fantastic game in terms of variety, but in terms of fighting it plain sucks compared to the king of it: Dark Souls!

  • sam1z

    Posted Dec 28, 2011 6:33 pm GMT

    why was skyrim choosen RPG Game of the year ?? even though Gamespot gave 9.5/10 in reviews and 9/10 for skyrim .... i dont understand this game is waaayyy better than skyrim !!

  • xgalacticax

    Posted Dec 28, 2011 5:47 am GMT

    I love this game. The problem is I have no time to play it because of work...and it requires a lot of time. I just wish the farming thing didn't have to be done. I'd rather go up against a very hard optional boss to get tons of souls than kill the same people over and over again for hours.

  • Jahames1

    Posted Dec 27, 2011 7:14 pm GMT

    I wish they would develop DLC for this game. I would definitely buy all quality DLC.

  • Gravelord_Nito

    Posted Dec 24, 2011 3:40 pm GMT

    dark souls...has something you can't put into words. accidentally getting a Dark Lord ending while wearing a black knight armor was truly a perfect end to a perfect adventure. 'let the true dark be cast upon the world' - the age of men

  • TheLordHimself

    Posted Dec 19, 2011 4:27 pm GMT

    Just finished it today. Best game ever made. Part of me feels bad for completing it because I could've just traversed the world forever looking for items I missed, but I must accept that all things come to an end. An unforgettable experience.

  • Reaper-Creeper

    Posted Dec 16, 2011 10:45 am GMT

    Finished it today. Epic Game.

  • VilandasUK

    Posted Dec 15, 2011 6:41 am GMT

    If you can just beat this game you're a true gamer

  • BadNewsBen

    Posted Dec 12, 2011 9:33 pm GMT

    Just beat the game... Holy **** was that rewarding.

  • holyghost87

    Posted Dec 11, 2011 10:01 am GMT

    I'm in 200++hrs, 4th character and still never get bored of the gameplay. New patch is awesome, especially smoothing out the targeting system.

  • roganth

    Posted Dec 9, 2011 9:50 pm GMT

    @yamster 99 is the limit. Not all weapons scale with strength. Dragon weapons and fire/lightning weapons do not scale with strength (or other abilities). Check your weapon's stats for damage scaling.
    S is the best followed by A,B,C,D,E and -. A dash - indicates no damage scaling.
    As for resistances, not all resistances rise as you level up at higher levels.

  • kambion313

    Posted Dec 1, 2011 1:26 pm GMT

    new patch = awesome, especially since you cant cheat anymore, and souls come at a higher rate, it might be a little easier, but thats okay

  • yamster

    Posted Nov 30, 2011 8:05 am GMT

    Is there a limit on upgrading strength? I am about 53 and went to upgrade and did not see an improvement in weapon strength or magic defense. Also resistance did not move up either if upgrading that stat.

  • indzman

    Posted Nov 22, 2011 12:55 pm GMT

    @andreperezpalha - I haven't noticed the update yet , i'll log on shortly on PSN to update DS . Thanks for the info

  • andreperezpalha

    Posted Nov 22, 2011 12:44 pm GMT

    @indzman

    They new patch just got out and it seens it make the game easier (kinda).

  • twztid13

    Posted Nov 19, 2011 7:04 am GMT

    @racrok
    it breaks if you take it off, so why wouldn't you just leave it on until NG+?

  • racrok

    Posted Nov 17, 2011 5:14 am GMT

    Has anyone else found it difficult to take off the Ring of Favor and Protection? I'm sl58 and just can't tell if I'm going to get butt whupped if I take it off.

  • twztid13

    Posted Nov 15, 2011 10:59 pm GMT

    @yamster just figured it out, the white glow is for humanity & the gold glow is for estus.

  • jefer12

    Posted Nov 15, 2011 6:51 am GMT

    This game is really really hard but i,m playing it bcs its gameplay is really good!!!

  • 666Rich666

    Posted Nov 14, 2011 11:18 pm GMT

    Beware... All bs aside this is the GOTY... Quality trumps quantity and day of the year.

  • erunno_minyatur

    Posted Nov 14, 2011 12:16 pm GMT

    @indzman i've heard they nerfed certain enemies and changed the location and quantity of enemies in certain areas, probably the ones the were considered hard beyond necessary (like the matherf**** room before pinwheel i hope)

  • indzman

    Posted Nov 14, 2011 7:57 am GMT

    @andreperezpalha - I see , was hoping this new patch 'd make gameplay kinda easier lol

  • andreperezpalha

    Posted Nov 14, 2011 7:53 am GMT

    @indzman

    Nothing can make Dark Souls easier, just trial and error.