Welcome to our “Dark Souls 3: Beginner’s Guide”! Embark on your journey through the treacherous world of Dark Souls 3 with confidence and cunning. Whether you’re new to the series or a seasoned veteran looking for a quick refresher, our guide is here to help you navigate this unforgiving game. Dive deep into essential subtopics such as Game Basics to understand core mechanics, First Area Walkthrough to breeze through initial hurdles, Early Game Tips to give you the upper hand, Essential Early Items to stockpile must-have gear, and First Boss Tips to help you conquer your first formidable foe. Ready to become the Ashen One? Let’s get started!

Dark Souls 3: Beginner’s Guide#

Game Basics#

Welcome to the unforgiving world of Dark Souls 3! If you’ve just started out or need a quick refresher, this guide will cover the basics to help you survive and thrive.

Combat Mechanics#

Dark Souls 3’s combat is all about timing, patience, and learning from mistakes. Here’s what you need to know:

• Attacking: Use light attacks for quick strikes and heavy attacks for more damage but at the cost of stamina.
• Blocking and Dodging: A good defense is essential. Use a shield to block incoming damage or roll to dodge attacks. Watch your stamina bar!
• Stamina Management: Almost every action uses stamina. Always leave some stamina for emergency dodges or blocks.
• Parrying and Riposting: Mastering parry timing allows you to perform devastating counterattacks. Practice makes perfect!

Character Stats#

Your character’s abilities come from their stats. Here’s a quick rundown of what each stat does:

• Vitality: Increases your health points (HP).
• Attunement: Gives you more spell slots and increases your focus points (FP).
• Endurance: Increases your stamina for attacking and dodging.
• Strength: Improves damage with strength-based weapons.
• Dexterity: Improves damage with dexterity-based weapons and also reduces fall damage.
• Intelligence: Increases magic damage and allows you to use stronger spells.
• Faith: Boosts miracles and some specific spells.
• Luck: Increases item discovery and the chance of finding rare drops.

Bonfires#

Bonfires are your safe havens. They act as checkpoints in the game where you can rest, recover health, and refill your Estus Flasks. Here’s what else you can do at bonfires:

• Level Up: Trade souls to increase your character’s stats.
• Travel: Warp between discovered bonfires.
• Manage Flasks: Allocate how many Estus (healing) or Ashen Estus (magic) flasks you carry.
• Burn Undead Bone Shard: Make your Estus Flasks more effective by increasing the healing amount.

Exploring the World#

The world of Dark Souls 3 is vast and interconnected. Here’s how to make the most of your explorations:

• Search Thoroughly: Look everywhere for items, shortcuts, and hidden paths. You never know where a useful item or a new secret might be.
• Read Messages: Other players leave messages that can help or hinder. Always check them but be wary!
• Practice Caution: It’s tempting to rush, but taking your time and proceeding cautiously will save you many deaths.

Souls and Death#

Souls are the currency in Dark Souls 3. You earn them by defeating enemies and can spend them to level up or buy items. But beware:

• Death Penalty: If you die, you drop all your collected souls at the spot you died. You have one chance to get them back; if you die again before retrieving them, they’re gone forever.
• Corpse Runs: Plan your route back to your souls. Sometimes, it’s better to take a safer path.

Multiplayer#

Multiplayer in Dark Souls 3 can be either cooperative or competitive. Here’s what to expect:

• Summon Signs: Use white summon signs to invite other players to help you with tough bosses or areas.
• Invasions: Red summon signs or invading covenant items allow you to invade other players’ worlds to defeat them.
• Emotes: Communicate with other players using emotes. Show gratitude or challenge with a wave, bow, or point.
• Covenants: Join different covenants to access unique multiplayer interactions and earn rewards.

There you have it, the basics to get you started in the treacherous world of Dark Souls 3. Remember, every defeat is just a lesson learned, and every victory hard-earned is a testament to your growing skills. Good luck, Unkindled One!

Dark Souls 3: Beginner’s Guide#

First Area Walkthrough#

Welcome to the dark and moody world of Dark Souls 3! Buckle up, because we’re diving right into the twisted world that’s equal parts spooky and exhilarating. Here’s your walkthrough for the first area to get you started on the right foot.

Getting Started: Things Betwixt#

As soon as you begin, you’ll notice a few key things:

1. Cemetery of Ash: This is your first playground. Get used to the movement, controls, and basic combat here.
2. Bonfires: These are your best friends, acting like checkpoints.
3. Enemies: Expect weak, shambling enemies. But don’t drop your guard!

Let’s break down the steps.

1. Wake Up and Smell the Ash#

You start in the Cemetery of Ash. Move forward and you’ll see a tutorial message on the ground. Read them! They teach you basic moves like attacking and dodging. There’s a glowing item straight ahead—snag it. It’s a Soul of a Deserted Corpse. You can use this later for extra souls.

2. First Combat: The Naked Undead#

After following the path and grabbing some items, you encounter your first enemies: slow, sword-wielding Hollow Soldiers. Practice your attacks and blocks with them. They’re not strong, but treat every enemy with respect.

Tip: Always keep your shield up when exploring if you have one. You never know what’s around the corner.

3. Shameless Aggression: Don’t Be a Turtle#

Move up the stairs and deal with a few more Hollow Soldiers. Use the block, dodge, and roll techniques you’re learning from the ground messages. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a parry. It’s risky but rewarding!

4. Your First Bonfire#

Keep climbing the hill until you reach the first bonfire. Bonfires are where you save, heal, and warp to other bonfires. Light it up!

Resting at bonfires:

• Refills your Estus Flask: Your main healing item.
• Respawns enemies: Be strategic when using them.

5. Shiny Things: Collect Every Item#

Explore every nook. There are items scattered around, like a Titanite Shard (for upgrading weapons) and Black Firebombs (explosives). Collecting these will help you in the long run.

6. Big Bad Boss: Iudex Gundyr#

Once you’ve collected items and leveled up at the bonfire, it’s time to face your first real challenge—Iudex Gundyr. This guy is tough but slow. Watch his moves, dodge, and strike when there’s an opening.

Pro Tips:

• Stay close: Most of Gundyr’s attacks are easy to dodge if you’re right next to him.
• Watch for the transformation: Halfway through the fight, he morphs and becomes more aggressive. Be ready to dodge!

7. Victory and Beyond#

After defeating Iudex Gundyr, you’ll get the Coiled Sword. Stick it in the bonfire to open the path to the Firelink Shrine, your main hub for leveling up and upgrading gear.

8. Exploring Firelink Shrine#

Inside Firelink Shrine, talk to the Fire Keeper to level up your stats with your collected souls, and chat with NPCs to learn about the world and gather useful hints.

Congratulations, you’ve conquered the first area! Remember: Dark Souls 3 is all about patience, learning from your mistakes, and adapting. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll get through the game just fine.

Good luck, and praise the sun! 🌞

Ready for the next area? Stay tuned for more guides!

Early Game Tips#

Starting Dark Souls 3 can be tough and confusing. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back with some simple tips to get you rolling in Lothric. Here’s some early game advice to help you survive—and maybe even thrive—in the dangerous world of Dark Souls 3.

Choose the Right Class#

Your starting class matters, but it’s not the end-all-be-all. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Knight: Great for beginners. High health and good armor.
• Pyromancer: Medium difficulty. Solid balance of melee and fire spells.
• Sorcerer: For spellcasters. Be ready for low health but powerful magic.
• Cleric: Great healing abilities, helpful early on.

Pick a class that matches your playstyle. You can always adapt your character later with different weapons and spells.

Get Comfortable with Controls#

Dark Souls 3 controls can be tricky. Spend some time in the Cemetery of Ash practicing:

• Lock on to enemies. This helps keep them in your sights.
• Dodge roll effectively. Rolling at the right time can avoid damage.
• Manage your stamina. Don’t empty it completely; you need it for attacking and dodging.

Level Up Wisely#

When you get souls, you can level up at the Firelink Shrine. Focus on these early stats:

• Vigor: Increases your health. More HP means more mistakes allowed.
• Endurance: Boosts stamina. Helps with dodging and attacking.
• Strength/Dexterity: Depends on your weapon choice. Heavy weapons need strength; quick weapons need dexterity.

Avoid spreading points too thin. Specialize in the stats that match your playstyle.

Explore Everything#

Dark Souls 3 hides lots of secrets. Always explore:

• Break wooden crates and open every chest.
• Check hidden walls by attacking them or pressing action.
• Talk to every NPC. Some offer useful items or side quests.

Exploration rewards you with items, shortcuts, and lore.

Combat Strategy#

Fight smart. Here are some tips:

• Learn enemy patterns. Watch how they move before you attack.
• Use your shield if you have one. Blocking can save you.
• Backstab enemies. Sneak behind and hit them for a powerful attack.

Boss fights need patience. Study their moves and look for openings.

Use Bonfires#

Bonfires are lifesavers. Remember to:

• Rest at them to refill health and Estus Flask charges.
• Travel between them. They act like checkpoints.
• Burn Undead Bone Shards to boost your Estus Flask.

Find new bonfires as you progress to make your journey easier.

Upgrade Your Gear#

Don’t forget about your weapons and armor:

• Visit the blacksmith at Firelink Shrine to upgrade weapons.
• Find Titanite Shards throughout the world to use in upgrades.
• Reinforce your Estus Flask with Estus Shards to get more uses.

Strong gear means easier battles.

Use Items Wisely#

You’ve got an inventory full of items. Use them smartly:

• Homeward Bones help you return to the last bonfire safely.
• Firebombs are great for dealing with groups or tough enemies.
• Embers give you extra health and let you summon help from other players.

Save rare items for tough spots or bosses.

Summon Help#

Feeling stuck? Summoning is your friend:

• Use an Ember to become kindled.
• Look for summon signs near bonfires or boss gates.

Summoned players can help you defeat enemies and bosses.

Be Patient and Have Fun#

Dark Souls 3 is tough, but remember:

• Be patient. Learn from each death.
• Stay calm. Rushing leads to mistakes.
• Enjoy the journey. The challenge is what makes victories sweet.

Follow these early game tips, and Lothric won’t seem quite as cruel. Good luck, Ashen One!

Essential Early Items#

Starting out in Dark Souls 3 can be brutal, especially if you’re new to the series. To make your journey through Lothric a bit more manageable, there are a few key items you should aim to grab early on. Here’s a guide to some of the most crucial items you can find at the beginning of the game.

Estus Shard#

What it is: The Estus Shard is an upgrade material that lets you increase the number of uses for your Estus Flask, which is crucial for healing.

Where to find it: The first Estus Shard is located in the Firelink Shrine. Head to the lower part of the Shrine, past the thrones, and you’ll find it in a small area after descending some steps. It’s hard to miss and worth grabbing ASAP.

Why it’s important: More Estus Flask uses mean more opportunities to heal and stay alive. It’s a no-brainer.

Fire Gem#

What it is: The Fire Gem is an infusion material that can add fire damage to your weapon.

Where to find it: Defeat the Sword Master outside Firelink Shrine. Yes, he’s tough, but it’s worth the effort since this is one of the best early game infusions.

Why it’s important: Early fire damage can help you take down enemies quickly, making your game a bit less grueling.

Cell Key#

What it is: The Cell Key is an item that unlocks a cell in the High Wall of Lothric, freeing a useful NPC.

Where to find it: As you wander through the High Wall of Lothric, you’ll eventually come upon a room full of enemies. There’s a staircase leading downward; the Cell Key is located at the end of this path.

Why it’s important: This key frees Greirat, a thief NPC. He becomes a valuable vendor who sells useful items and even goes out on scavenging missions to find rare stuff.

Covetous Silver Serpent Ring#

What it is: This ring boosts the number of souls you collect from fallen enemies.

Where to find it: Go to Firelink Shrine and head up the stairs to the outside roof. Drop through a hole to access an upper tower. The ring is hidden inside an illusory wall near a nest where you can trade with Pickle Pee, the crow.

Why it’s important: More souls mean more levels! The faster you can level up, the stronger and more capable you become.

The Way of Blue Covenant#

What it is: A covenant item that essentially makes it easier for you to get help when invaded by other players.

Where to find it: After defeating Vordt of the Boreal Valley, speak with Emma in the High Wall of Lothric. She’ll give you the Way of Blue covenant.

Why it’s important: Invasions from other players can be a nightmare early on. This covenant calls in help from other players when you’re invaded, making the experience a lot less stressful.

Tips for Getting Early Items#

1. Explore Everywhere: Dark Souls 3 rewards thorough exploration. Check every nook and cranny because you never know what useful item might be hidden away.
2. Patience is Key: Some of these items are guarded by tough enemies. Be patient, learn their patterns, and strike when the moment is right.
3. Level Up Smart: Use the souls you gather to boost crucial stats that work with the specific weapons and items you find.

Equipped with these essential early items, you’ll be well on your way to surviving the brutal world of Dark Souls 3. Happy gaming, and may the flames guide thee!

First Boss Tips#

Alright, brave Unkindled, it’s time to face your first major challenge in Dark Souls 3: the fight against Iudex Gundyr. This boss serves as a perfect introduction to the mechanics and brutality you’ll face throughout the game. To make sure you step into this battle with some confidence, here are some essential tips to help you claim your first victory.

Understand His Moves#

Iudex Gundyr’s attack patterns might seem intimidating, but they can be mastered with a bit of practice. Here’s a rundown of his main moves before his transformation:

• Basic Swings and Stabs: He’ll throw swift swings and jabs with his halberd. Most of these can be dodged by rolling to the side or backward.
• Overhead Smash: When he lifts his halberd high, brace yourself. Roll to the side as he brings it down.
• Charge Attack: He may wind up and rush towards you. Dodge sideways to avoid it.

Stay Mobile and Patient#

Patience is key in any Dark Souls boss fight. Stay light on your feet:

• Stick to His Side: Many of Gundyr’s attacks are forward-focused. Sticking close to his side or back can give you openings to attack.
• Dodge, Don’t Block: While you might be tempted to block with a shield, dodging is usually the safer bet to conserve stamina.

Manage Your Stamina#

Your stamina bar is your lifeline. Without it, you can’t dodge or attack effectively. Make sure to:

• Watch Your Stamina: Avoid spamming attacks. You need enough stamina to dodge his incoming hits.
• Rest When Safe: If you see an opening, create some distance and let your stamina recharge.

The Transformation Phase#

Once you reduce Gundyr’s health by about half, he transforms into a gruesome beast with extended reach and more aggressive attacks.

• Maintain Distance Initially: His new form has unpredictable and swift moves. Observe them from a safe distance before jumping in.
• Avoid Grab Attacks: He has a nasty grab that can deal massive damage. If you see him winding up for this, get out of range ASAP.
• Attack Windows: Look for moments after his big swings or attacks to get in a few quick hits. Then, back off and repeat.

Healing Strategy#

Using your Estus Flask wisely can save you:

• Heal When He’s Recovering: If you’ve taken a hit, wait for an opportunity when Gundyr is recovering from an attack to quickly heal.
• Don’t Heal Greedily: Trying to heal when he’s mid-attack or too close can be a fatal mistake.

Weapon Tips#

Starting classes come with different weapons that can change your approach:

• Knight: If you chose the knight, use your broadsword for balanced damage and watch your shield stamina.
• Mercenary and Warrior: These classes have sharper weapons and can deal fast attacks. Use their agility to your benefit.
• Pyromancer and Sorcerer: Spells can keep a safe distance. Be sure to manage your magic carefully and hit when it’s safe.

Summarize#

Facing Iudex Gundyr successfully is all about learning his phases, managing your stamina, and timing your attacks wisely. Engage with confidence, and don’t worry too much if you fall a few times—the dance of dodging and attacking gets easier with each attempt. Remember, every death is a lesson.

Get out there, fight with courage, and may your ember never fade!

Ready for more adventures? Take a deep breath and dive back into the world of Dark Souls 3. You’re stronger than you think!