Welcome to our essential Dark Souls 3: Crafting and Item Guide! Whether you’re a seasoned warrior or a fresh Undead, mastering the art of crafting and item management is crucial to your survival and success in the treacherous world of Lothric. Dive into our comprehensive guide where we’ll walk you through Finding Materials, Crafting Items, optimizing your Crafting Efficiency, Using Items effectively in combat and exploration, and top-tier tips for Managing Items. Unleash your character’s full potential and conquer your foes with ease—let’s get crafting!

Dark Souls 3: Finding Materials#

Finding materials in Dark Souls 3 is essential for upgrading your gear and surviving the many challenges the game throws at you. Whether it’s boosting your weapons or fortifying your armor, knowing where to look for resources can make all the difference. Here’s a detailed guide on where to find various key materials in the game.

Titanite Shards#

Titanite Shards are the first upgrade material you’ll need to strengthen your weapons. You can find them all over the game world:

• High Wall of Lothric: Many enemies in this area drop Titanite Shards, especially the Lothric Knights.
• Undead Settlement: Check the area around the big bonfire where lots of enemies gather.
• Purchase: From the Shrine Handmaid after you give her the Dreamchaser’s Ashes.

Large Titanite Shards#

Once your weapon reaches +3, you’ll need Large Titanite Shards:

• Farron Keep: Dropped by the enemies there, particularly the slugs.
• Cathedral of the Deep: The leech monsters in the deep water areas often drop these.
• Purchase: Available from the Shrine Handmaid after you give her the Grave Warden’s Ashes.

Titanite Chunk#

To further reinforce your gear beyond +6, you’ll need to find Titanite Chunks:

• Lothric Castle: Start your search here, as the knights in this area often drop Titanite Chunks.
• Grand Archives: These can be found on various corpses and are also dropped by the Crystal Lizards.
• Smouldering Lake: The giant crabs in this area frequently drop Titanite Chunks.

Titanite Slab#

The final step in weapon upgrading involves the rare Titanite Slabs:

• Lothric Castle: You can find one slab in a room behind a red-eyed knight.
• Archdragon Peak: One slab is behind the Nameless King.
• Reward: Completing Siegward of Catarina’s questline will net you one Titanite Slab.

Twinkling Titanite#

Some unique weapons and armor require Twinkling Titanite:

• Crystal Lizards: These little guys are the main source, so always chase them down when you see them.
• Irithyll Dungeon: The mimic chest drops a Twinkling Titanite.
• Purchase: Once you find the Xanthous Ashes, you can buy Twinkling Titanite from the Shrine Handmaid.

Titanite Scale#

For boss weapons, you’ll need Titanite Scales:

• Crystal Sage’s Room: Explore the area after defeating the sage.
• Archdragon Peak: Found lying around in this late-game area.
• Purchase: Buy them after giving the Dragon Chaser’s Ashes to the Shrine Handmaid.

Other Useful Locations#

• Decoration Items: Specific areas often contain decorative items that give you other materials. For instance, smashing vases in certain areas can yield useful loot.

• Backtrack Often: Previous areas might have newly accessible turns or drops after certain events, so always revisit earlier levels to maximize your material collection.

With these tips, you can efficiently gather the materials you need to upgrade your gear and stand a better chance against the fierce foes of Dark Souls 3. Happy hunting, Ashen One!

Crafting Items in Dark Souls 3#

Crafting is a huge part of Dark Souls 3. While it might seem confusing at first, this guide will break it down so you can start making the most out of your materials and upgrading your gear in no time. Whether you’re enhancing weapons, upgrading shields, or reinforcing armor, knowing how to use your materials wisely is key.

Types of Materials#

In Dark Souls 3, there are different kinds of materials you’ll need to collect for crafting and upgrading:

• Titanite Shards: The most common material used to reinforce weapons up to +3.
• Large Titanite Shards: Used to reinforce weapons from +4 to +6.
• Titanite Chunks: Needed for reinforcing weapons from +7 to +9.
• Titanite Slabs: These rare items are required to upgrade weapons to their maximum level of +10.
• Twinkling Titanite: Special Titanite used to reinforce unique weapons and equipment.
• Titanite Scales: Used for upgrading some boss weapons.
• Infusion Gems: There are several types of gems like Fire, Lightning, and Raw that are used to change a weapon’s attributes.

Reinforcing Weapons#

Upgrading weapons is essential for surviving tougher enemies and bosses. Here’s how to do it:

1. Visit the Blacksmith: Head to Andre the Blacksmith in Firelink Shrine. He’s your go-to guy for all your crafting needs.
2. Select ‘Reinforce Weapon’: This option lets you use your Titanite to upgrade any weapon in your inventory.
3. Choose the Weapon: Select the weapon you want to upgrade and confirm your choice.
4. Confirm the Materials: Ensure you have the required Titanite and some souls to complete the process.

This process can make a significant difference in your damage output and overall combat effectiveness.

Infusing Weapons#

Besides upgrading weapons, you can also infuse them with gems to add special effects or scale better with certain stats:

1. Acquire an Infusion Gem: These are found throughout the game world. Gems like Fire, Refined, and Raw can drastically alter your weapon’s properties.
2. Talk to Andre: Same as weapon reinforcement, you’ll need to talk to the blacksmith.
3. Select ‘Infuse Weapon’: Choose this option to use your gems.
4. Pick Your Weapon and Gem: A menu will allow you to choose a weapon and see what effects the gem will have before you apply it.

Remember, some base stats may decrease, but certain attributes will scale better or your weapon might gain elemental damage.

Reinforcing Armor and Shields#

Similar to weapons, armor and shields also can be reinforced to boost their defensive capabilities:

1. Collect Titanite: You’re going to need various Titanite types for shields, just like with weapons.
2. Go to Andre: Once again, the blacksmith is your man for reinforcing armor and shields.
3. Select ‘Reinforce Armor’: Pick this option and then choose the armor piece you want to enhance.
4. Confirm Material and Souls: You’ll need fewer materials than for weapons, but it still costs souls.

Crafting Special Items#

Some items require special treatments:

• Boss Weapons: These cool weapons are made from Boss Souls. Go to Ludleth of Courland in Firelink Shrine to create new weapons, rings, or spells with these souls.
• Estus Flask Shards: Collecting these will increase the number of times you can use your Estus Flask. Bring them to the blacksmith to reinforce your flask.

Tips and Tricks#

• Explore Thoroughly: Many upgrade materials are hidden or dropped by specific enemies.
• Know Your Build: Some infusions are better for certain builds. For instance, if you’re heavy on dexterity, a Sharp Gem will serve you well.
• Don’t Hoard: Use your materials regularly to keep your gear in top shape. This game is tough—better gear often means survival.

Crafting and upgrading might seem tricky at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be unstoppable. Keep gathering those materials, and with this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to face any challenge Dark Souls 3 throws your way.

Crafting Efficiency: Get the Most Out of Your Materials#

Welcome, Ashen Ones! If you’re looking to optimize your crafting efficiency in Dark Souls 3, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll cover how to make the best use of your materials without wasting valuable resources.

Understanding Crafting Materials#

First things first, let’s get familiar with the items you’ll be using for crafting:

• Titanite Shards: Common upgrade material.
• Large Titanite Shards: Mid-level upgrade material.
• Titanite Chunks: High-level upgrade material.
• Titanite Slabs: Rare, max-level upgrade material.
• Twinkling Titanite: Used for unique weapons.
• Infusion Gems: Alters your weapon’s properties (Raw, Fire, Lightning, etc.).

Efficiently Upgrading Your Weapons#

Upgrading weapons is all about maximizing their potential without wasting rare items. Here’s a breakdown of some efficient upgrade paths:

1. Start Small: Use Titanite Shards to get your weapon to +3. These are abundant, so don’t worry about running out too soon.
2. Mid-Tier Power: Move on to Large Titanite Shards to upgrade from +4 to +6. These become more common as you progress.
3. Chunk Time: Use Titanite Chunks to push from +7 to +9. Always think carefully here, as Chunks are valuable but not exceedingly rare.
4. Slab It Up: Finally, you’ll need Titanite Slabs to reach +10. These are rare, so save them for your very best weapons.

Infusion Choices: Make Smart Decisions#

Infusing your weapons can give you the edge in battle, depending on your build and the enemies you’re facing.

• Raw Infusion: Great for early game; boosts base damage but removes scaling. Good for those still leveling up.
• Fire/Deep Infusion: Adds elemental damage but removes scaling—awesome for enemies weak to fire or dark.
• Refined Infusion: Balances scaling with Strength and Dexterity, perfect for quality builds.
• Sharp/Heavy Infusion: Focuses scaling on Dexterity or Strength, respectively, for specialized builds.

Farming Materials Efficiently#

To make the best of your crafting, you’ll need a steady supply of materials. Here are some prime farming spots:

• Titanite Shards: High Wall of Lothric; Lothric Knights drop shards reliably.
• Large Titanite Shards: Farron Keep; enemies here drop them, and there’s a crystal lizard that leaves some.
• Titanite Chunks: Lothric Castle; covered heavily with Lothric Knights and Winged Knights that drop them.
• Titanite Slabs: Various limited sources; main ones being game completion rewards and some hidden in end-game areas.

Pro-Tip: Manage Your Infusions Wisely#

When you infuse a weapon, consider its natural scaling and your build. A weapon that scales well with Strength should be infused with a Heavy Gem if you’re focusing on that stat. Likewise, if your build leans toward Dexterity, using a Sharp Gem on a good scaling weapon maximizes your output. Keep backup weapons with different infusions for various enemy types.

Reinforcing Armor: Is It Worth It?#

In Dark Souls 3, armor upgrades are largely negated in favor of skill and dodging. However, don’t completely ignore it. Reinforcing key pieces when you get excess materials can give you that slight edge.

Wrap-Up#

Efficient crafting in Dark Souls 3 is about smart resource management and knowing when and where to invest your materials. Follow the upgrade path laid out above, infuse weapons to suit your build, farm strategically, and you’ll conquer Lothric with a weapon worthy of legends. Keep your Estus Flask handy, and happy upgrading, Ashen Ones!

Using Items in Dark Souls 3#

In Dark Souls 3, mastering the use of items is crucial to surviving the harsh world of Lothric. From healing potions to weapon buffs, knowing when and how to use your inventory can make or break your game. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get the most out of your items.

Healing Items#

Probably the most important items in your arsenal are the healing ones. Here are some you’ll commonly use:

• Estus Flask: This is your bread-and-butter healing tool. You can refill it at any bonfire, and it’s unlimited as long as you’ve rested. Be sure to upgrade it with Estus Shards you find along your journey to increase the number of uses.

• Ashen Estus Flask: Similar to the Estus Flask but it replenishes your FP (magic points) instead. Great for magic users or those who rely on weapon arts.

• Lifegems and Divine Blessings: These aren’t as commonly used because they’re rarer, but they can be lifesavers in critical moments. Lifegems heal over time, while Divine Blessings give a full health boost.

Resource Management#

Managing your resources is crucial. You can balance how many Estus and Ashen Estus uses you have at Andre the blacksmith. If you’re a spell-heavy build, allocate more to Ashen flasks. If you’re a melee-heavy character, more health Estus will serve you better.

Temporary Buffs#

Buffs can turn the tide of battle, whether it’s against a fearsome boss or a tough mob of enemies.

• Gold Pine Resin: Apply this to your weapon to add lightning damage for a short period. Especially effective against enemies weak to lightning.

• Charcoal Pine Resin: This adds fire damage to your weapon. Handy against foes vulnerable to fire.

• Magic Buffs: If you prefer magic, there are items like the Magic Weapon spell that temporarily enhance your weapons. You’ll need a catalyst to use these.

Buffs generally don’t last long, so use them in preparation for big encounters or tough fights.

Survival Items#

Some items are there to get you out of sticky situations:

• Homeward Bone: Teleports you back to the last bonfire you rested at. Great for when you find yourself out of flasks and stuck in a bad spot.

• Undead Hunter Charm: Prevents Estus use in PvP encounters. Use this to stop invaders from healing.

• Purple Moss Clump: Cures poison. Essential for areas like Farron Keep where poison is a constant threat.

Consumables#

Consumable items provide an array of effects and can be game-changers in a pinch.

• Green Blossom: This increases stamina regeneration. Use it when you need to dodge and attack more frequently.

• Repair Powder: Fixes weapon durability on the go. Handy if you’re deep in an area without access to a blacksmith.

• Lloyd’s Shield Ring: Grants extra damage absorption when at full health. Equip it if it matches your play style.

Pro Tips#

1. Quick Access: Hotkey your most-used items. This makes them easier to access during high-pressure situations.

2. Read Descriptions: Each item has flavor text that can provide valuable hints or lore about its use.

3. Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try different items in various scenarios. You might discover a new strategy that works better for your play style.

4. Recycle: Sell unwanted or rarely used items to vendors for extra souls.

Effectively using your items in Dark Souls 3 can significantly enhance your gameplay experience. Remember, proper preparation and strategic use of items can transform impossible battles into manageable challenges. Happy exploring, Ashen One!

Managing Items in Dark Souls 3#

So, you’re diving deep into the dark and eerie world of Dark Souls 3. One of the most crucial aspects of surviving in this brutal game is managing your items. To keep you from getting overwhelmed, here’s a rundown on how to efficiently manage your inventory:

Know Your Inventory Sections#

Your inventory in Dark Souls 3 is divided into several sections: Equipment, Inventory, and Storage Box.

• Equipment: This is where you equip weapons, armor, rings, and items.
• Inventory: This section holds everything you pick up on your journey—consumables, upgrade materials, key items, and more.
• Storage Box: Found at any bonfire, this is where you can store excess items that you don’t need immediately.

Use Bonfires Wisely#

Bonfires aren’t just for leveling up—they’re critical for item management. Here’s what you can do:

• Replenish Estus Flasks: Sitting at a bonfire refills your Estus Flasks, crucial for healing and magic.
• Access Storage Box: Offload items you don’t immediately need so your inventory isn’t cluttered.
• Attune Spells: If you’re a spellcaster, bonfires allow you to switch up which spells you have ready for combat.

Keep an Eye on Your Weight#

Equip load is super important! If you go over 70% of your equip load, you’ll move slower and roll less effectively. Stick to below 30% for the snappiest dressers or between 30% and 70% if you need that extra bit of armor.

Tips to Manage Weight#

1. Light Armors: They might have less defense, but they keep you nimble.
2. Rings: Some rings, like the Ring of Favor or Havel’s Ring, can help manage your load.
3. Drop Unneeded Items: If you’re sure you won’t need an item, dropping it frees up weight instantly.

Know When to Use, Keep, or Sell#

Your decision-making with items can make or break your game:

• Consumables: Don’t hoard them. Use items like Ember, Green Blossom, and Gold Pine Resin during tough fights.
• Upgrade Materials: Only use these once you’re certain which weapons or armor you want to invest in. Twinkling Titanite and Titanite Slabs are rare, so spend them wisely.
• Key Items: These are critical for progression and can’t be sold. Make sure to keep these handy.

Trading and Selling#

Head over to Firelink Shrine, where you can trade excess souls and items with the Shrine Handmaid. While trading souls for immediate rewards can be tempting, sometimes it’s worth holding onto your items until you know you don’t need them.

Use Your Toolbelt and Quick Items Wisely#

Your Toolbelt and Quick Items slots are invaluable for quick access in battle. Here’s how to maximize their use:

• Toolbelt Option: Great for items you need less frequently, like Homeward Bones or Prism Stones.
• Quick Items Slot: Reserve this for things you need in the heat of battle—Estus Flasks, Green Blossom, Firebombs, etc.

Regularly Sort Your Inventory#

Dark Souls 3 doesn’t automatically sort your inventory, so take time periodically to manually organize it. This helps you keep everything in check and makes it less likely you’ll fumble around during a tough fight.

Backup Weapons#

Experimenting with different weapons can give you a tactical edge. Carry backups in case your primary weapon isn’t effective against a particular enemy. Having a variety of damage types (physical, magic, fire) ensures you stay versatile.

Final Tips#

• Read Descriptions: Items often have lore or tips that give you insight into their best uses.
• Don’t Get Attached: Sometimes it’s better to let go of weaker gear to lighten the load.
• Experiment: Try different combinations of items and gear to find what works best for your play style.

Managing your items efficiently in Dark Souls 3 will help you stay prepared and adjust to the game’s challenges. Keep these tips handy, and you’ll be slaying bosses and evading death like a pro. Good luck, Ashen One!