What is the Hardest Area in Dark Souls 3?

The crown for the most challenging area in Dark Souls 3 arguably belongs to the Ringed City. This DLC location, situated at the very end of the game’s progression, throws everything it has at the player: relentless enemies, punishing environmental hazards, tricky level design, and some of the most formidable bosses in the entire Dark Souls franchise.

Why the Ringed City Takes the Top Spot

While difficulty is subjective and depends heavily on player build, playstyle, and experience, several factors contribute to the Ringed City’s reputation as the most brutally difficult area in Dark Souls 3:

Brutal Enemy Placement and Variety

The Ringed City doesn’t hold back on throwing hordes of challenging enemies at you, often in cunningly designed ambushes. Ringed Knights, with their diverse weapon sets and aggressive AI, are a constant threat. Harald Legion Knights, with their immense size and unpredictable attacks, can easily overwhelm unprepared players. Adding to the chaos are enemies like Murkmen, which are fast, agile, and come in large groups, and Judicators, which continually revive fallen Ringed Knights, forcing players to prioritize them. The sheer density and variety of enemies, combined with their aggressive behavior, makes progressing through the Ringed City a constant test of skill and patience.

Punishing Environmental Hazards

The Ringed City is not just populated with tough enemies; the environment itself is often a deadly opponent. Deep water slows movement, making you vulnerable to attack. Precipitous cliffs and narrow walkways punish careless missteps. Perhaps the most infamous hazard is the Curse pools scattered throughout the area, which build up the Curse status effect, leading to instant death if the meter fills. These environmental dangers demand careful navigation and a keen awareness of your surroundings. They contribute significantly to the overall sense of dread and danger that permeates the Ringed City.

Challenging Boss Encounters

The Ringed City is home to some of the most notoriously difficult bosses in Dark Souls 3. Darkeater Midir, a colossal dragon, is a brutal test of endurance and skill, requiring precise dodging and strategic attacks. Slave Knight Gael, the final boss of the DLC, is a relentless and unpredictable opponent who evolves through multiple phases, demanding mastery of the game’s combat mechanics. These bosses aren’t just damage sponges; they have complex movesets and require a deep understanding of their attack patterns to defeat. Overcoming them is a true test of a player’s Dark Souls skills.

Complex and Ambiguous Level Design

The Ringed City’s level design is intentionally confusing and labyrinthine. Finding your way through the city’s winding streets, crumbling ruins, and hidden passages requires a sharp eye and a willingness to explore. The interconnected nature of the levels, with shortcuts and hidden paths, can be rewarding but also disorienting. This intricate level design adds another layer of difficulty, requiring players to not only overcome enemies and hazards but also navigate the environment effectively.

Late-Game Placement

The Ringed City is designed to be tackled at the very end of your Dark Souls 3 journey, after you have leveled up your character and acquired powerful weapons and armor. This means that the enemies and bosses in the Ringed City are scaled to challenge even the most experienced and well-equipped players. By this point, players should have mastered the game’s combat mechanics, but the Ringed City still manages to push them to their limits.

Honorable Mentions: Other Difficult Areas

While the Ringed City is generally considered the hardest area, other locations in Dark Souls 3 present significant challenges:

• Irithyll Dungeon: A claustrophobic and oppressive area filled with unsettling enemies and a pervasive sense of dread.
• Archdragon Peak: A hidden area accessible through a difficult questline, featuring challenging enemies and a brutal boss fight against the Nameless King.
• Consumed King’s Garden: Short but packed with tough enemies, including the notoriously difficult Oceiros, the Consumed King.
• Grand Archives: Home to numerous Scholar enemies, crystal sage clones, and the challenging Twin Princes boss fight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dark Souls 3 Difficulty

1. What makes Dark Souls 3 so difficult?

Dark Souls 3’s difficulty stems from its punishing combat system, unforgiving enemy placement, challenging boss encounters, and emphasis on learning from your mistakes. The game demands precision, patience, and a willingness to adapt to overcome its challenges.

2. Is Dark Souls 3 harder than Dark Souls 1 or Dark Souls 2?

This is subjective, but many players find Dark Souls 3 to be harder than Dark Souls 1 due to its faster combat and more aggressive enemies. Some also consider it harder than Dark Souls 2 due to its tighter level design and more challenging boss fights. Others disagree. It depends on the player’s playstyle and experience with the series.

3. What is the easiest starting class in Dark Souls 3?

The Knight class is often recommended for beginners due to its high Vigor (HP) and solid starting armor. This allows players to make more mistakes and survive longer in combat while they learn the game’s mechanics.

4. How can I make Dark Souls 3 easier?

Level up your character, upgrade your weapons, learn enemy attack patterns, use summons, and don’t be afraid to grind for souls. Experiment with different builds and weapons to find what works best for you.

5. What is the best weapon in Dark Souls 3 for beginners?

The Long Sword is a versatile and reliable weapon that is available early in the game and can be effective throughout the entire playthrough. It has a good moveset and is relatively easy to use.

6. Are summons a sign of weakness in Dark Souls 3?

No, summons are a valid and legitimate part of the game. Using summons can make certain areas and boss fights easier, but it doesn’t diminish your accomplishment in any way. Play the game however you enjoy it the most.

7. How important is leveling up in Dark Souls 3?

Leveling up is crucial for increasing your character’s stats, such as health, stamina, damage output, and resistances. Proper stat allocation is essential for building a strong and effective character.

8. What stats should I focus on leveling up first?

Vigor (HP) is generally considered the most important stat to level up early in the game, as it allows you to survive more hits. Endurance (stamina) and Strength/Dexterity (depending on your weapon choice) are also important stats to focus on.

9. Is armor important in Dark Souls 3?

Armor provides defense against physical and elemental damage, as well as poise, which affects your ability to withstand enemy attacks without being staggered. While not as crucial as in some other games, armor can still make a significant difference in your survivability.

10. What is the best way to farm souls in Dark Souls 3?

There are many efficient soul farming methods in Dark Souls 3, depending on your location and level. Some popular options include killing the Lothric Knights on the High Wall of Lothric, farming the Silver Knights in Anor Londo, or defeating the Golden Winged Knights on the Grand Archives rooftop.

11. How do I respec my character in Dark Souls 3?

You can respec your character by talking to Rosaria, Mother of Rebirth, in the Cathedral of the Deep. You will need to offer her a Pale Tongue to respec your stats.

12. What are the Covenants in Dark Souls 3?

Covenants are factions that players can join, offering different rewards and gameplay experiences. Each covenant has its own unique objectives and requirements.

13. What is the best covenant in Dark Souls 3?

The “best” covenant depends on your playstyle and preferences. Some popular covenants include the Warriors of Sunlight (co-op focused), the Blue Sentinels/Darkmoon Blades (PvP focused), and the Mound-Makers (unpredictable PvP).

14. Are the DLC areas in Dark Souls 3 harder than the base game?

Yes, the DLC areas (Ashes of Ariandel and The Ringed City) are generally considered to be more challenging than the base game, featuring tougher enemies, more complex level design, and more difficult boss fights.

15. Should I play the DLC before or after finishing the main story in Dark Souls 3?

It is recommended to play the DLC after finishing the main story, as the DLC areas are designed to be tackled at higher levels and offer a greater challenge. The Ringed City, in particular, should be played last due to its difficult enemies and bosses and its narrative connection to the end of the game.