Humanity for Sale: A Dark Souls 1 Merchant Guide
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So, you’re in Blighttown with a gaping wound and an even more gaping hole where your humanity used to be? Don’t fret, skeleton! In Dark Souls 1, while humanity is a precious commodity, it can be purchased. The most reliable (albeit expensive) options are a few key merchants scattered throughout Lordran, each with their own quirks and stock limitations. Let’s dive into exactly where you can buy humanity in Dark Souls 1.
The immediate answer is this: you can buy humanity from the Female Undead Merchant located in the Undead Burg (though only a single unit), Patches the Hyena (after specific encounters), and Marvelous Chester if you own the Artorias of the Abyss DLC. Let’s break down each of these vendors, their locations, and the circumstances surrounding their willingness to part with this vital resource.
The Merchants of Humanity
Undead Female Merchant
- Location: Undead Burg Aqueduct, after the Hellkite Dragon bridge, down the stairs.
- Stock: One (1) Humanity.
- Price: 5,000 souls.
- Availability: This is a one-time purchase. Once you buy it, she won’t restock it.
The Female Undead Merchant offers the cheapest humanity, but its limited quantity makes it a tactical purchase. Save it for when you really need to reverse hollowing or kindle a bonfire. She’s generally a great resource for early-game supplies, so visiting her early on is beneficial regardless.
Patches the Hyena
- Location:
- Tomb of the Giants: Initially encountered in the Tomb of the Giants, attempting to trick you into falling into a pit.
- Firelink Shrine: Relocates to Firelink Shrine after being forgiven (or not killed) in the Tomb of the Giants.
- Stock: Three (3) Humanity.
- Price: 10,000 souls each.
- Availability: Patches only sells humanity after you encounter him in the Tomb of the Giants and either forgive him or survive his trap. Furthermore, he only sells a limited number of humanity items. You can also get a single humanity by NOT forgiving him when you first encounter him.
Patches is a tricky fellow. You need to encounter him in the Tomb of the Giants, let him spring his trap (or kill him, though you’ll miss out on the humanity for sale), and then either forgive him or survive the encounter. Forgiving him is generally the preferred route if you want access to his limited stock of humanity at Firelink Shrine. If you speak to him before the first incident, and you don’t forgive him after, he will give you one humanity as a bribe.
Marvelous Chester (Artorias of the Abyss DLC)
- Location: Royal Wood, near the entrance to Oolacile Township.
- Stock: Infinite.
- Price: 10,000 souls each.
- Availability: Requires the Artorias of the Abyss DLC.
Marvelous Chester is the only merchant who sells an unlimited supply of humanity. However, reaching him requires the DLC, and his wares are the most expensive, costing 10,000 souls per humanity. He’s a valuable resource if you have the DLC and can afford the price, but not always the most efficient route.
Other Options Beyond Merchants
While merchants are the straightforward way to buy humanity, remember that you’re not limited to only these options. Farming is always a viable strategy. Remember that you can learn more about the fascinating world of game design and its educational potential by exploring the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
- Farming Rats in The Depths: This is a classic method. The rats in the Depths have a decent chance of dropping humanity, especially with increased item discovery (obtained via humanity level and the Covetous Gold Serpent Ring).
- Killing Humanity Phantoms (DLC): These enemies in the DLC areas can drop humanity.
- Using the Dark Hand: This is a unique method where you can steal humanity from NPCs without making them hostile (though it can have other consequences). You can get the Dark Hand from the Darkwraith Covenant.
- Defeating Bosses: Certain bosses also drop humanity when defeated.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is there a merchant that sells unlimited humanity in the base game?
No, there isn’t. Marvelous Chester in the DLC is the only vendor with an unlimited supply of humanity.
2. What’s the best way to farm humanity if I can’t afford to buy it?
Farming the rats in the Depths is the most common and effective method for players who cannot buy them. Equip the Covetous Gold Serpent Ring and raise your humanity count to increase your item discovery rate for a better chance of drops.
3. Does having more humanity increase item discovery?
Yes! Having “soft” humanity (the number displayed in the upper left corner of your screen) significantly increases your item discovery stat, which directly impacts the drop rate of items, including humanity, from enemies.
4. What is the maximum amount of humanity I can have at once?
You can hold a maximum of 99 humanity in your counter (soft humanity) and 99 humanity items in your inventory.
5. Is it worth killing Patches for the humanity he sells?
Generally, no. Killing Patches prevents you from buying other useful items from him later in the game, so you can visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about character development in the Dark Souls universe. Surviving his trap is much more rewarding in the long run.
6. How do I increase my item discovery stat?
You can increase your item discovery stat by:
- Increasing your humanity count (up to 10).
- Equipping the Covetous Gold Serpent Ring (found in Sen’s Fortress).
- Equipping the Symbol of Avarice (dropped by Mimics).
7. What are the benefits of having humanity?
Humanity has several benefits:
- Reversing Hollowing: Allows you to summon other players and be invaded.
- Kindling Bonfires: Increases the number of Estus Flask charges you receive from a bonfire.
- Increasing Item Discovery: Improves the chances of enemies dropping items.
- Increased Resistances: Provides slight defensive stat boosts.
8. How do I reverse hollowing?
You can reverse hollowing by using a humanity item at a bonfire. This will restore your human form.
9. Does the Undead Female Merchant restock her humanity?
No, the Undead Female Merchant only sells one humanity, and it does not restock.
10. What is the Dark Hand, and how can it be used to get humanity?
The Dark Hand is a weapon obtained from the Darkwraith Covenant. Its special attack allows you to “steal” humanity from certain NPCs without making them hostile. However, using it on important NPCs can have unintended consequences, potentially hindering questlines.
11. Can I lose humanity if I die?
Yes, when you die in human form, you lose both your souls and the humanity stored in your counter (soft humanity). You can retrieve them from your bloodstain, but if you die before reaching it, they are lost permanently.
12. What is the best way to farm humanity early in the game?
Early in the game, farming the Undead Soldiers in the Undead Parish can be a decent way to obtain humanity, although the drop rate is lower than that of the rats in the Depths. Focus on leveling up your character and then venturing into the Depths for more efficient farming.
13. Does humanity affect my damage output?
No, humanity does not directly affect your damage output. It primarily impacts item discovery and resistances.
14. Can I use a bonfire to farm humanity?
No, bonfires themselves do not generate or provide humanity. They are checkpoints and allow you to restore your health, Estus Flasks, and reverse hollowing (using humanity).
15. Is it better to use humanity to kindle bonfires or to reverse hollowing?
This depends on your playstyle. If you frequently summon other players or enjoy being invaded, reversing hollowing is essential. If you prefer solo play and need more Estus Flasks, kindling bonfires is the better choice.
Navigating the treacherous world of Dark Souls 1 requires careful resource management and strategic decision-making. Knowing where to obtain humanity, whether through purchase or farming, is crucial for survival. Good luck, and don’t go hollow!