The crow lands you at the hub: the bonfire, Petrus's covenant, the loot behind the ruins and the climb to the aqueduct.
Covenant: Way of WhiteQuest stepMissablePoint of no return
Location
Firelink Shrine · Petrus's archway – From the bonfire, climb the steps behind the Crestfallen Warrior and take the middle of the three archways to Petrus. Talk to him until he offers his covenant and accept; the trophy pops. A Knight or Cleric starts in this covenant without the trophy: leave it at a bonfire first, then talk to him again.
Why you can lose it
Join through Petrus on this visit and never attack him: he and a second cleric met much later are the only ones who offer this covenant.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Up from Firelink into the Undead Burg: the merchant, the Taurus Demon, Solaire and the dragon's bridge.
Drake SwordWeaponMissablePoint of no return
Location
Undead Burg · Hellkite bridge – From the Taurus Demon's fog gate, go down the stairs and out onto the long bridge on the left. Sprint along its right side: the dragon sweeps the bridge with fire, so make for the stairs going down on the right at the halfway point. At the bottom, take the larger door first and kick down the ladder at the end: it links to the Undead Burg bonfire (buy a Short Bow and a few dozen arrows from the merchant if you have none). Then take the smaller door to the bridge's lower level, kill the two soldiers, and from the right-hand edge shoot the dragon's dangling tail until it falls. The sword goes straight into your inventory.
Why you can lose it
Cut the tail before the dragon dies: once it is dead there is no tail left, and the sword is gone until the next run.
Point of no return
Killing the dragon on the Undead Burg bridge. A dead dragon leaves no tail to cut, so the Drake Sword is lost until the next run.
Through the Undead Parish to the Bell Gargoyles and the first Bell of Awakening, with Andre, the elevator to Firelink and Lautrec's cell on the way.
Exhaust Siegmeyer's talk at Sen's gateQuest stepMissablePoint of no return
Location
Undead Parish · Sen's Fortress gate – Talk to him at the gate, then keep talking until he only repeats that the gate is still shut. Then head back to the bonfire.
Why you can lose it
Meet him here before the second Bell of Awakening rings, since he leaves the gate after that. Once you start talking, keep going until his lines repeat.
Point of no return
Pulling the lever that rings the second Bell of Awakening (the first is already rung).
Lautrec: collect his reward at Firelink (Sunlight Medal)Quest stepMissablePoint of no return
Location
Firelink Shrine · Anastacia's stairs – At Firelink, take the curved stairs down beside the bonfire: Lautrec sits by Anastacia's cell. Talk to him for the medal (and give Anastacia the Fire Keeper Soul while you are here).
Why you can lose it
Talk to him here at Firelink before you ring the second bell: after that he leaves the shrine, and the medal goes with him.
Point of no return
Pulling the lever that rings the second Bell of Awakening (the first is already rung).
Talk to the freed Lautrec at Firelink for a Sunlight Medal, one of the ten the Warrior of Sunlight rank needs. Talking also puts his summon sign at the Bell Gargoyles.
Gargoyle Tail AxeHidden spoiler – activate to revealWeaponMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Undead Parish · Church roof – Ride the elevator back up to the Parish, take the stairs beside it to the Channeler's room and follow the passage on the right to the ladders up to the fog gate. In the fight, go for the tail of the first gargoyle (the one there from the start) and cut it off before it dies; a second gargoyle joins when the first is about half dead.
Why you can lose it
Cut the first gargoyle's tail before it dies: a dead gargoyle leaves no tail. If you miss it, the first gargoyle in Anor Londo, later in the run, is a second chance at the axe.
Point of no return
Killing the Bell Gargoyles on the Undead Parish roof. The first gargoyle's tail is gone with it, and an unfreed Lautrec leaves his cell on his own.
Sunlight Medal (Solaire at the Bell Gargoyles)ConsumableMissablePoint of no return
Location
Undead Parish · Church roof – In human form, Solaire's summon sign lies near the fog gate at the top of the church ladders. Summon him before you go in; if he is still standing when the gargoyles fall, the medal is yours.
Why you can lose it
Summon Solaire for this fight and keep him alive to the end: a win without him leaves this medal behind for the run.
Point of no return
Killing the Bell Gargoyles on the Undead Parish roof. The first gargoyle's tail is gone with it, and an unfreed Lautrec leaves his cell on his own.
Undead Parish · Bell tower – Buy it from Oswald at the foot of the bell tower, reached from the Undead Parish bonfire by the church ladders and the roof. It costs a lot: if you can't afford it yet, come back later.
Why you can lose it
Buy it before you ever attack Oswald: killing him closes his shop for the rest of this run.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Down through the Basement Key door to free Griggs, open two shortcuts and beat the Capra Demon for the Key to the Depths.
Fall ControlSpellMissablePoint of no return
Location
Firelink Shrine · Griggs by the well – From the Firelink Shrine bonfire, find Griggs under a ledge by the well, just before the cliff path up toward the Burg. Buy it from him; he needs you at 10 Intelligence or more.
Why you can lose it
Only Griggs teaches it, and he can leave Firelink later in the run. Buy it on this visit, and never attack him.
Firelink Shrine · Griggs by the well – From the Firelink Shrine bonfire, find Griggs under a ledge by the well, just before the cliff path up toward the Burg. Buy it from him; he needs you at 10 Intelligence or more.
Why you can lose it
Only Griggs teaches it, and he can leave Firelink later in the run. Buy it on this visit, and never attack him.
Thorolund: meet Rhea, Vince and Nico beside PetrusQuest stepMissablePoint of no return
Location
Firelink Shrine · Petrus's ruin – From the Firelink Shrine bonfire, climb the stairs on the right to the ruined room on the way to the Parish elevator: Rhea and her two escorts, Vince and Nico, now pray there beside Petrus. Talk to each of the three before you talk to Petrus.
Why you can lose it
Talk to the three before you speak to Petrus: once he has talked to you, they set off the next time you leave Firelink.
Point of no return
Talking to Petrus while Rhea, Vince and Nico stand beside him, then leaving Firelink Shrine (a boss in the Catacombs also sends them on).
Firelink Shrine · Petrus's archway – From the Firelink Shrine bonfire, climb the steps behind the Crestfallen Warrior to Petrus in the middle archway. If three travellers stand beside him, speak to them first; then ask Petrus to teach you: it costs 2,000 souls. If you can't afford it yet, buy it on a later stop at the shrine.
Why you can lose it
Only Petrus and one other cleric teach this miracle. Never attack Petrus before you have bought it.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Firelink Shrine · Petrus's archway – From the Firelink Shrine bonfire, climb the steps behind the Crestfallen Warrior to Petrus in the middle archway. If three travellers stand beside him, speak to them first; then ask Petrus to teach you: it costs 4,000 souls. If you can't afford it yet, buy it on a later stop at the shrine.
Why you can lose it
Only Petrus and one other cleric teach this miracle. Never attack Petrus before you have bought it.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Firelink Shrine · Petrus's archway – From the Firelink Shrine bonfire, climb the steps behind the Crestfallen Warrior to Petrus in the middle archway. If three travellers stand beside him, speak to them first; then ask Petrus to teach you: it costs 8,000 souls. If you can't afford it yet, buy it on a later stop at the shrine.
Why you can lose it
Only Petrus and one other cleric teach this miracle. Never attack Petrus before you have bought it.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Through the kitchen and the sewers to the Gaping Dragon, then back to Firelink for pyromancy.
Kirk, Knight of Thorns (Depths)Hidden spoiler – activate to revealBossMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
The Depths · Basilisk tunnels – From the Humanity, return to where you first landed, a small waterfall by the stairs. Go down those stairs, follow the passage to a junction and turn left: rats come round the corner, and if you're human Kirk invades here. His attacks make you bleed; fight him alone, away from the rats.
Why you can lose it
He invades only while you are human and the Gaping Dragon is alive, so beat him before that fight. His armor later needs this win too.
An invader in spiked armor, the first of his three invasions. He may drop a Spiked Shield or a Barbed Straight Sword, and his armor appears only after all three are won.
Dragon King GreataxeWeaponMissablePoint of no return
Location
The Depths · Gaping Dragon arena – From the Depths bonfire, take the passage beside the bonfire room past the Giant Rat's fence, go left at the junction and down the stairs where the Sewer Chamber Key lay. Turn back and take the walkway under those stairs: the passage opening on its right has a drain hole near its end. Drop through into the Basilisk tunnels, go down the stairs beside the little waterfall where you land, follow the passage, turn left at the junction and climb into the Slime room. Take the passage on the left there (the long stairs on the right open the crate-ladder shortcut for next time), bear right and go down two flights of stairs to the fog; sliding down the waterfall in the Giant Rat's pit, along its left wall, is a quicker way down to the hall by the great doors. In the fight, hit the tail first; once it drops, pick the axe up from it.
Why you can lose it
Cut the tail before the Gaping Dragon dies; the weapon is gone for this run once it is dead.
Sunlight Medal (Solaire at the Gaping Dragon)ConsumableMissablePoint of no return
Location
The Depths · Gaping Dragon arena – In human form, Solaire's summon sign glows by the pillar on the level above the fog. Summon him before you go in; if he is still standing when the dragon dies, the medal is yours.
Why you can lose it
Summon Solaire for this fight and keep him alive to the end: a win without him leaves this medal behind for the run.
Answer No to Laurentius and open his shopHidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Firelink Shrine · First stairs up from the bonfire – From the Firelink Shrine bonfire, climb the first stairs; he sits on the ground to the left at the top. Talk to him, and when he asks whether you find the magic distasteful, answer No. (After a Yes, he asks again later whether you've changed your mind: answer Yes to that.)
Why you can lose it
Answer No to his first question, and never attack him: his shop and upgrades are lost if he dies or leaves Firelink.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Firelink Shrine · First stairs up from the bonfire – Laurentius hands it over at Firelink as soon as you answer No and accept his teaching, if you don't own a flame yet. Pyromancers already carry one: tick this when the shop opens.
Why you can lose it
Take it from Laurentius at Firelink and never attack him; if he dies first, the next flame is offered only much later in the game.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Iron FleshHidden spoiler – activate to revealSpellMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Firelink Shrine · Laurentius's shop – Buy it from Laurentius at Firelink Shrine, at the top of the first stairs up from the bonfire.
Why you can lose it
Buy it from Laurentius on this trip, before you enter Quelaag's Domain or meet the pyromancer in the Blighttown swamp. If he later asks where you found new pyromancy, answer No: a Yes sends him away from Firelink and closes his shop for this run. Never attack him.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Flash SweatHidden spoiler – activate to revealSpellMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Firelink Shrine · Laurentius's shop – Buy it from Laurentius at Firelink Shrine, in the same visit as Iron Flesh.
Why you can lose it
Buy it from Laurentius on this trip, before you enter Quelaag's Domain or meet the pyromancer in the Blighttown swamp. If he later asks where you found new pyromancy, answer No: a Yes sends him away from Firelink and closes his shop for this run. Never attack him.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Down the shanty town to the poison swamp, Quelana's pyromancies and the way to Quelaag.
Maneater MildredHidden spoiler – activate to revealBossMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Blighttown · Swamp, outside the bonfire tunnel – From the Swamp bonfire, leave the tunnel and go right: a Cragspider waits on a patch of dry land, and she appears behind the nearby pillar. Stay on the dry ground and let her come to you; the water slows you but not her. She invades in the same spot every time.
Why you can lose it
Mildred invades only while you are human and Chaos Witch Quelaag is alive: restore human form and beat her before you go through Quelaag's fog.
Quelana of IzalithHidden spoiler – activate to revealNPCMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Blighttown · Swamp, the pillars below Quelaag's mound – From the Swamp bonfire, leave the tunnel to the right and follow the wall on your right past the torch-lit wooden ramp (the lift out of Blighttown) toward the mound at the far end of the swamp, with a cave in its side. Of the big stone pillars standing closest to that cave, she leans against the one on the far left, near a Cragspider.
Why you can lose it
She appears only once your flame is at +10, and never if the Bed of Chaos dies before you have met her: speak to her on this visit.
Answer Yes to Quelana and open her shopHidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Blighttown · Swamp, the pillars below Quelaag's mound – From the Swamp bonfire, leave the tunnel to the right and follow the wall on your right past the torch-lit wooden ramp toward the mound with a cave at the far end of the swamp. She sits against the leftmost of the stone pillars nearest that cave (only with a +10 flame). When she asks whether you seek her pyromancy, answer Yes; a No just ends the talk, so speak to her again.
Why you can lose it
Meet her and answer Yes before the Bed of Chaos dies: if it dies first she never appears, and her five spells go with her for this run.
Across the swamp to Chaos Witch Quelaag, the second Bell of Awakening and the Chaos Servants.
Bonfire: Daughter of ChaosAreaMissablePoint of no return
Location
Quelaag's Domain · Daughter of Chaos room – From the bell lever, take the doorway on the right and go down the stairs. Cross the room past the round platform (not the broken gap on the left) and hit the wall opposite: it is an illusion. Answer Yes to Eingyi, the egg-headed man behind it, so he lets you through, then light the bonfire beyond.
Why you can lose it
Light it and rest here before anything happens to the Fair Lady beside it. Never attack the Fair Lady: if she dies, her bonfire goes out and the Chaos Servant covenant is closed for the rest of this run.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Covenant: Chaos ServantHidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Quelaag's Domain · Daughter of Chaos room – At the Daughter of Chaos bonfire, talk to the Fair Lady beside it and accept her covenant. Joining moves you out of your current covenant (you can switch back at a bonfire later), and leaving a covenant can cost half of what you have offered to it.
Why you can lose it
Join while the Fair Lady lives. Never attack the Fair Lady: if she dies, her bonfire goes out and the Chaos Servant covenant is closed for the rest of this run.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Great Chaos FireballHidden spoiler – activate to revealSpellMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Quelaag's Domain · Daughter of Chaos room – The Fair Lady hands it over as you join, at the Daughter of Chaos bonfire.
Why you can lose it
Join the covenant while the Fair Lady lives. Never attack the Fair Lady: if she dies, her bonfire goes out and the Chaos Servant covenant is closed for the rest of this run.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Through the traps of Sen's Fortress to the Iron Golem, freeing Logan on the way, and the flight to Anor Londo.
Turn the boulder machine for Siegmeyer on the ledgeHidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Sen's Fortress · Boulder machine room – From the Undead Parish bonfire, cross the bridge into the fortress and follow the main route above to the boulder machine. Push its lever counter-clockwise once and let a boulder or two roll out to smash the wall where a Serpent Soldier slept, then push it counter-clockwise once more so nothing rolls down the paths you walk next.
Why you can lose it
Never hit Siegmeyer, here or later: an attack keeps him hostile and ends his story, and the miracle it leads to, for this run.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Turning the boulders away from the slope by his ledge is what moves Siegmeyer on; his story continues in Anor Londo and leads to a miracle at Firelink Shrine.
Free Big Hat Logan from his cageHidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Sen's Fortress · Logan's cage room – With the Cage Key, go back down into the fortress: from the roof fog gate, down past the last line of blades, the stairs and the blade walkway, through the arrow passage into the boulder machine room. Take the path the boulders broke open to the cage room, unlock Logan's cage and talk to him: he leaves for Firelink Shrine.
Why you can lose it
Never attack Logan, here or at the shrine: killing him before his story ends loses the sorceries he teaches later in the run.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
From the landing to the first bonfire, over the chapel rafters and down the spiral tower.
Bonfire: Anor LondoHidden spoiler – activate to revealAreaMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Anor Londo · Bonfire room – Where the Batwing Demons set you down, at the top of a long stairway (a Batwing Demon waits there to fly you back to Sen's if you talk to it), take the stairs down past a Sentinel and go through the door on the left, then the door on the right into the great courtyard. The bonfire is in the big doorway on the left, with the Knightess beside it. Rest here before anything else.
Why you can lose it
Rest here, and never attack the Knightess: if she dies, this fire stays out for the rest of the run.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Gargoyle Tail Axe (Anor Londo tail cut)WeaponMissablePoint of no return
Location
Anor Londo · Gargoyle walkway – From the Anor Londo bonfire, ride the round elevator in the small tower across the courtyard and go down the spiral stairs to the walkway, where a lightning-breathing Gargoyle waits. Cut its tail before it dies and pick the axe up from it.
Why you can lose it
Cut its tail before this Gargoyle dies; it doesn't come back. This is the second chance at the axe if you missed the Undead Parish tail.
Into the painting with the Peculiar Doll: two spells, the Dark Ember, and Priscilla's tail.
Xanthous King Jeremiah (invader)Hidden spoiler – activate to revealNPCMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Painted World of Ariamis · Yard of impaled bodies – In human form, head down toward the cliff edge of the yard, or start to leave it: he appears at the top of the stairs. He throws chaos fire, so fight from behind the big stone blocks in the yard and close in after each cast; he is weak to fire. Keep him away from the cliffs.
Why you can lose it
Be human in the yard of impaled bodies before Priscilla dies: Jeremiah invades only while she is alive, and his rewards go with him.
Notched WhipHidden spoiler – activate to revealWeaponMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Painted World of Ariamis · Yard of impaled bodies – Jeremiah drops it when you beat him in the yard. If he falls off a cliff instead, the whip can be lost with him.
Why you can lose it
Be human in the yard of impaled bodies before Priscilla dies: Jeremiah invades only while she is alive, and his rewards go with him. Don't knock him off a cliff: a fall can take the whip.
Xanthous SetHidden spoiler – activate to revealArmorMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Painted World of Ariamis · Behind Priscilla's arena – With Jeremiah beaten, go from the Painted World bonfire through the courtyard to the foot of the central tower and through the metal door, open once the Bonewheel-hall lever is pulled. Cross the long stone bridge (Hollows and a Tower Knight on it) and go through the fog. Priscilla won't fight unless you strike her: walk past her to the walkway at the back, where the set lies on a corpse by the benches. Stop before the end of the plank, which takes you out of the painting. If the corpse isn't there, quit and reload.
Why you can lose it
It appears only once you beat Jeremiah, and he invades only while Priscilla lives: deal with him in the impaled yard before her fight.
Priscilla's Dagger (tail cut)Hidden spoiler – activate to revealWeaponMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Painted World of Ariamis · Priscilla's arena – Already in the arena after the Xanthous Set? Walk back to Priscilla. Otherwise, from the Painted World bonfire, go through the wooden doors into the courtyard and back through the fog gate to the foot of the central tower, where the metal door now stands open. Cross the long stone bridge beyond: an archer shoots from ahead, a Hollow hides behind a wall on the right, more climb up over the sides, and a Tower Knight with a sword waits further on (you can run past him). Past the fog gate, strike Priscilla to start the fight and go for her small tail first; once it drops, pick the dagger up from it.
Why you can lose it
Cut her tail before she dies; the dagger is gone for this run once she is dead.
Over the buttresses into the cathedral, through the Silver Knights' halls to Ornstein and Smough and the Lordvessel, then a first round of warps to Firelink, Andre and the Giant Blacksmith.
Clear the three Silver Knights for SiegmeyerHidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Anor Londo · Below the rooftop – From the rooftop courtyard, go through the doorway on the left that the sword knight guarded and down the stairs: Siegmeyer stands at the bottom. Talk to him until he repeats, then open the door beside him. One knight waits just to the right of it; draw him back out, and pull the other two out one at a time with arrows or spells. Don't land a hit on Siegmeyer. With all three dead, talk to him again.
Why you can lose it
Clear the room and talk to him afterwards, and never strike him: an attack turns him hostile, and Emit Force goes with him for this run.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Black Eye Orb invasion (great hall)Hidden spoiler – activate to revealBossMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Anor Londo · Great hall – From the Giant Blacksmith, climb the long stairs beside him to the great hall's side balcony and go down to the hall's floor, where the Black Eye Orb starts to shake. Clear the hall first, then use the orb. Lautrec fights beside a sorcerer and a spear warrior, but only he has to die: stand at the top of one of the side staircases and pull him with an arrow; he is faster than his friends and arrives alone.
Why you can lose it
Use the Black Eye Orb in the great hall and beat Lautrec there before this run ends: only that invasion gives it.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
An optional invasion with the Black Eye Orb from the Firelink Fire Keeper's cell. Its rewards are a ring, a Souvenir of Reprisal, five Humanity and a Fire Keeper Soul that brings the shrine's fire back.
Fire Keeper Soul (great hall invasion)Hidden spoiler – activate to revealUpgradeMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Anor Londo · Great hall – One of the rewards for winning the Black Eye Orb invasion in the great hall. Keep it for the Fire Keeper's cell at Firelink: don't use it to strengthen your Estus.
Why you can lose it
Use the Black Eye Orb in the great hall and beat Lautrec there before this run ends: only that invasion gives it.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Sunlight Medal (Solaire at Ornstein and Smough)Hidden spoiler – activate to revealConsumableMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Anor Londo · Ornstein and Smough's arena – In human form, summon Solaire from his sign on the stairs below the archer's balcony before you go through the fog. If he is still standing when the second boss falls, the medal is yours.
Why you can lose it
Summon Solaire for this fight and keep him alive to the end: a win without him leaves this medal behind for the run.
Leo RingHidden spoiler – activate to revealCollectibleMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Anor Londo · Ornstein and Smough's arena – Kill Smough first. When Ornstein falls last, he leaves the ring on the arena floor along with his soul; pick it up.
Why you can lose it
Make Ornstein the one who dies last: if Smough outlives him, the ring is gone for this run.
Join Gwynevere's covenant. The trophy comes with the join, and two miracles, Soothing Sunlight and Bountiful Sunlight, can only be cast by its members.
Tell Siegmeyer you opened Sen's gateHidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Firelink Shrine · By the bonfire – Warp from the Chamber of the Princess bonfire to Firelink Shrine (a dead bonfire can still be warped to). Siegmeyer stands near the bonfire. Talk to him and answer Yes when he asks whether it was you who opened the gate in Sen's Fortress. Once he has given you the miracle, talk to him one more time: that sends him on to Blighttown, where the route meets him next.
Why you can lose it
Answer Yes, and never strike him: a No or an attack loses his gift for this run.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Firelink: restore the Fire Keeper's flameHidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Firelink Shrine · Fire Keeper's cell – From the bonfire, take the curved stairs down to the Fire Keeper's cell and use the Fire Keeper Soul from the invasion there. The Firelink bonfire then works again, warps included.
Why you can lose it
Take the soul to the Fire Keeper's cell: spent on Estus anywhere, it is gone, and the Firelink fire stays out for this run.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Down the hollow tree below Blighttown to Ash Lake, the Stone Dragon's covenant and its tail.
Give Siegmeyer three Purple Moss ClumpsHidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Blighttown · Swamp, near the giant tree – Have three Purple Moss Clumps first: if you lack them, buy them from the female Undead Merchant in the aqueduct passage beyond Firelink's shortcut gate. Warp to the Daughter of Chaos bonfire, then go back past Eingyi and up the stairs to the bell's round room, then back along the hall and down the stairs into Quelaag's empty lair, and leave through the Egg Carriers' tunnel and the cave mouth down the mound into the swamp. Head for the giant tree, whose root slopes up from the water like a ramp. Siegmeyer sleeps on a small island close to that root, by a support column near the stretch of Giant Leeches where the Server lay. Talk to him twice to wake him, then agree to hand over the moss.
Why you can lose it
Never attack Siegmeyer: an attack keeps him hostile from then on, and his story ends without this.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Siegmeyer has come down to the swamp after your talk at Firelink. Giving him three Purple Moss Clumps is required: it moves his journey on, the start of a chain that ends in a Titanite Slab, one of the nine the upgrade trophies need. He also gives a shield.
Through Darkroot Garden to the Moonlight Butterfly, Alvina's covenant and Great Grey Wolf Sif, then down into Darkroot Basin for the Hydra, Dusk's shop and Havel, and out to Shiva in Blighttown.
Covenant: Forest HunterHidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Darkroot Garden · Alvina's ruin – From the Darkroot Garden bonfire, open the glowing door with the Crest of Artorias, go down the stairs and keep to the left side of the woods to a ruined stone building; Alvina crouches in a window inside, near the bridge out the back. Talk to her and answer yes to both of her questions. A no by mistake can be undone with Oswald's absolution.
Why you can lose it
Never attack Alvina: hitting her makes her vanish, and the covenant and its trophy with her, for the rest of this run.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Summon Dusk at the lake shoreHidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Darkroot Basin · Hydra lake – Back on the shore, her white summon sign lies beside a rock in front of the lake, near the corpse that held the Knight Set; it can be hard to see, or sit in the water. Touch it to call her (you don't need to be human), with no enemies nearby, since she can get hurt.
Why you can lose it
Answer yes to everything she asks when you free her, and never attack her: a refusal or an attack loses her summon sign and her shop for this run.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Down through the flooded ruins of New Londo for Ingward's key, then into the Abyss for the Four Kings, Kaathe's covenant and the Lordvessel.
Give Rickert the Enchanted EmberQuest stepMissablePoint of no return
Location
New Londo Ruins · Cell below the cliff – Still at his cell, talk to Rickert through the bars and hand over the Enchanted Ember you found in Darkroot Garden; if you say no, he asks again next time. Keep spears and wide spells away from the bars: one stray hit turns him hostile.
Why you can lose it
Never hit Rickert, even by accident through the bars: a hostile or dead Rickert can't ascend weapons for the rest of this run.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Meet Darkstalker KaatheHidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
The Abyss · By the bonfire – Kaathe appears beside the Abyss bonfire. Talk to him and answer yes to his first question.
Why you can lose it
Kaathe shows himself only while the Lordvessel is still unplaced: do every Kaathe step and join his covenant before the Lordvessel goes on the altar, and never place it with Frampt or by dropping into his hole.
Accept Kaathe's offer and ride to the Firelink Altar, then leave without placing the LordvesselHidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Firelink Altar · The altar – Talk to Kaathe again, carrying the Lordvessel, and say yes when he offers to take you to the altar. Don't place the Lordvessel. Leave with a Homeward Bone or the Homeward miracle, which brings you back to the Abyss bonfire.
Why you can lose it
Kaathe shows himself only while the Lordvessel is still unplaced: do every Kaathe step and join his covenant before the Lordvessel goes on the altar, and never place it with Frampt or by dropping into his hole.
Covenant: DarkwraithHidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
The Abyss · By the bonfire – Back at the Abyss bonfire, talk to Kaathe: he now offers you his art, the Darkwraith covenant. Accept. The trophy comes as soon as the offer appears.
Why you can lose it
Kaathe shows himself only while the Lordvessel is still unplaced: do every Kaathe step and join his covenant before the Lordvessel goes on the altar, and never place it with Frampt or by dropping into his hole.
Dark HandHidden spoiler – activate to revealWeaponMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
The Abyss · By the bonfire – Kaathe gives it the moment you join his covenant. If it is ever missed, Darkwraith Knights in lower New Londo drop it, very rarely.
Why you can lose it
Join Kaathe's covenant before the Lordvessel is placed; after that the only source is a very rare drop from the Darkwraith Knights.
Red Eye OrbHidden spoiler – activate to revealKey itemMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
The Abyss · By the bonfire – At the Abyss bonfire, offer Humanity to Kaathe: ten in all brings rank 1 and the orb. You can warp back here to offer more at any time this run.
Why you can lose it
Kaathe ranks you up only in the Abyss and only in this run, since the next run places the Lordvessel with Frampt. Make the offerings before you face Gwyn, and never attack Kaathe.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
DarkswordHidden spoiler – activate to revealWeaponMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
The Abyss · By the bonfire – Keep offering Humanity to Kaathe at the Abyss bonfire: thirty in all brings rank 2, the Darksword and the Dark Set.
Why you can lose it
Kaathe ranks you up only in the Abyss and only in this run, since the next run places the Lordvessel with Frampt. Make the offerings before you face Gwyn, and never attack Kaathe.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Dark SetHidden spoiler – activate to revealArmorMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
The Abyss · By the bonfire – Given with the Darksword when your offerings to Kaathe reach thirty Humanity.
Why you can lose it
Kaathe ranks you up only in the Abyss and only in this run, since the next run places the Lordvessel with Frampt. Make the offerings before you face Gwyn, and never attack Kaathe.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Through the old golden fog to the Archives, the prison tower and the library, out to the garden.
Free Big Hat Logan from the prison towerHidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
The Duke's Archives · Pisaca cell, bottom of the tower – From the balcony bonfire, climb the main stairs of its room (not the rotating ones) to the floor above, where a short way leads back into the prison tower. Go down to the Pisaca cell at the bottom (more Pisacas may be waiting) and open the barred door at its back with the Giant Cell Key.
Why you can lose it
Free Logan from his cell before you kill Seath: if Seath dies first, Logan may never open his library shop.
Buy every spell from Logan in the libraryHidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
The Duke's Archives · Secret library, small room – Climb back up the tower and return through the short way to the balcony bonfire. Logan now sits in the small room of the secret library, where the Blue Titanite Chunk chest was. Buy everything he sells; if souls run short, buy the three crystal sorceries first and come back for the rest after Seath.
Why you can lose it
Free Logan from his cell before you kill Seath: if Seath dies first, Logan may never open his library shop. Never attack him.
Required: answering Yes keeps her story going toward the Titanite Slab the upgrade trophies need. She leaves for Firelink Shrine, where she asks again.
Across the invisible paths to Seath, then back up into the Archives and on to Rickert.
Moonlight Greatsword (tail cut)Hidden spoiler – activate to revealWeaponMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Crystal Cave · Seath's chamber – From the slab, go back through the lizards' tunnel to the invisible platform and follow the straight invisible path ahead to solid ground; the cave beyond leads to Seath's chamber. During the fight, strike the very tip of his tail until it falls off, then pick the sword up from it. The best moment is just after the Primordial Crystal breaks, while he reels.
Why you can lose it
Cut Seath's tail before he dies; once he is dead the sword is gone for this run.
Wisdom of a SageHidden spoiler – activate to revealAchievementMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
The Duke's Archives · Seath's first room – Pops when White Dragon Breath is picked up, if every other sorcery is already yours: the ones from Griggs, Logan, Dusk (or Elizabeth in Oolacile) and Ingward, plus Hush, Remedy, Great Magic Weapon and Strong Magic Shield from the world. If it doesn't, buy whatever is missing from those sellers.
Why you can lose it
Several sorceries are sold only by Griggs, Logan, Dusk and Ingward: never attack them before their stock is bought.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Sieglinde: answer Yes again at FirelinkHidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Firelink Shrine · By the bonfire – Warp to the Firelink Shrine bonfire (it can be warped to even if its fire is out). If Sieglinde stands near the bonfire, talk to her until she asks whether you have seen her father, and answer Yes again; she then sets off once more.
Why you can lose it
Answer Yes when she asks about her father; No may end her story for this run.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Give Rickert the Large Magic EmberQuest stepMissablePoint of no return
Location
New Londo Ruins · Rickert's cell – From the Firelink Shrine bonfire, go back to Rickert's cell: take the stairs down past the Fire Keeper's cell to the lift and ride it down, walk down the stairs and through the doorway on the left, then go right past the door to the Valley of Drakes to the Hollow lying on his side and take the stairs down on his left. Rickert sits behind bars at the bottom; give him the ember when he asks.
Why you can lose it
Never hit Rickert: long weapons and wide spells reach him through the bars, and an angry or dead Rickert takes no embers and ascends nothing for the rest of the run.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Chaos Servant rank +2, then down through the lava ruins to the Centipede Demon and both flame embers.
Chaos Servant: offer 30 Humanity for rank +2Hidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Quelaag's Domain · Daughter of Chaos room – At the Daughter of Chaos bonfire, talk to the Fair Lady beside it. If you have joined another covenant since (the Darkwraiths, for one), rejoin hers first: you can offer only as a member. Offer Humanity until your total reaches 30. Stay a Chaos Servant until you have opened the door in the ruins.
Why you can lose it
Reach rank +2 while the Fair Lady lives. Never attack the Fair Lady: her death ends the Chaos Servant covenant and its rewards for the rest of this run.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
The second rank of the Chaos Servants. It brings Chaos Storm, a pyromancy for Bond of a Pyromancer, and lets you open the sealed door near the Demon Firesage.
Chaos StormHidden spoiler – activate to revealSpellMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Quelaag's Domain · Daughter of Chaos room – The Fair Lady gives it when your offerings reach rank +2, at the Daughter of Chaos bonfire.
Why you can lose it
Reach rank +2 while the Fair Lady lives. Never attack the Fair Lady: her death ends the Chaos Servant covenant and its rewards for the rest of this run.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Return to Eingyi with an Egg HeadHidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Quelaag's Domain · Eingyi's passage – At the Entrance bonfire, kick or strike one of the Egg Carriers so it turns on you, and let it grab you until an egg shows on your head. Walk back up through the broken gap to Eingyi in the passage before the Daughter of Chaos bonfire and talk to him while the egg is there. He hands over an Egg Vermifuge; use it to cure the egg once you are done with him. One talk is enough: his shop stays open after that.
Why you can lose it
Talk to him with the egg while he is still friendly. Never attack Eingyi or the Fair Lady: if Eingyi dies, or turns on you after her death, his pyromancy is gone for the rest of this run.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Toxic MistHidden spoiler – activate to revealSpellMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Quelaag's Domain · Eingyi's passage – Buy it from Eingyi after the egg talk, in the passage before the Daughter of Chaos bonfire. It costs 25,000 souls; if you can't pay yet, buy it when the route brings you back to this bonfire near the end of the section.
Why you can lose it
Buy it while Eingyi is friendly. Never attack Eingyi or the Fair Lady: if Eingyi dies, or turns on you after her death, his pyromancy is gone for the rest of this run.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Kirk, Knight of Thorns (Demon Ruins)Hidden spoiler – activate to revealBossMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Demon Ruins · Cliff path above the ruins – Be in human form (restore it at the Entrance bonfire). Past the first Capra Demon, as you walk the narrow path along the cliff toward the ruins, he invades behind you. Turn and fight him on the path or back down on the lava bed; never lead him down toward the pack of Capra Demons ahead. His blows make you bleed.
Why you can lose it
He invades only while you are human and the Demon Firesage still lives: be human on this path and beat him before that boss.
Solaire: kill the red-eyed Chaos Bug in the shortcut corridor before entering Lost IzalithHidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Demon Ruins · Corridor behind the sealed door – Go through the hole in the wall right of the Demon Firesage's fog and climb down the roots to the large door at the bottom. Touch it: as a rank +2 Chaos Servant you can open it. Chaos Bugs crawl in the corridor on both sides of the door, nine in all; kill every one, above all the red-eyed bug, which gives more souls than the rest. Don't walk on through the corridor into Lost Izalith: climb back up the roots, then quit and reload. Toxic Mist cast at the closed door also reaches the bug.
Why you can lose it
Kill the red-eyed bug before you first set foot in Lost Izalith, from either side.
Point of no return
Walking on from the Lost Izalith bonfire into the lava field with the red-eyed Chaos Bug still alive.
One bug behind the sealed door has red eyes. Killing it before you set foot in Lost Izalith keeps Solaire's story going toward his sign at the last boss.
Sunlight Medal (Solaire at the Centipede Demon)Hidden spoiler – activate to revealConsumableMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Demon Ruins · Centipede Demon's fog – In human form, Solaire's gold summon sign lies a few steps before the Centipede Demon's fog, by the root on the left of the door (it is there only if you spoke to him at the Sunlight Altar). Summon him before you go in; if he is still standing when the demon dies, the medal is yours.
Why you can lose it
Summon Solaire for this fight and keep him alive to the end: a win without him leaves this medal behind for the run.
Across the lava to the Bed of Chaos, with Siegmeyer's pit and two Red Titanite Slabs, then Quelana, the Sunlight Altar, Snuggly and Ash Lake.
Solaire: talk to him outside the shortcut door (Gwyn summon)Hidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Lost Izalith · Shortcut passage – Past the shortcut bridge, a dark passage leads to a huge door; Solaire sits on the ground near it. Talk to him until he has nothing more to say.
Why you can lose it
Kill the red-eyed Chaos Bug before you walk into Lost Izalith, then talk to him here before you go on to the final area; otherwise his sign never appears this run.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Let Siegmeyer fight the Chaos EatersHidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Lost Izalith · Chaos Eater pit – From the ledge where the floor dropped you, work round to the left: Siegmeyer stands over the pit on the far side. Don't talk to him yet. From up here, thin the Chaos Eaters below with arrows or spells until a single one is left, and leave it weak. Then talk to him: he jumps in. Put on the Rusted Iron Ring if you have it, drop in after him and finish the last one without hitting him. Talk to him again: if he says he only needs a rest, it worked.
Why you can lose it
Leave at least one Chaos Eater alive in the pit until Siegmeyer jumps in, and help him finish the fight with half his health or more; otherwise his story ends here with a ring instead of the slab.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
A ring that raises magic, fire and lightning defense. Siegmeyer gives it only if the pit fight goes the other way, which also ends his story; the route aims for the slab instead.
Kirk, Knight of Thorns (Lost Izalith)Hidden spoiler – activate to revealBossMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Lost Izalith · Stairs to the Bed of Chaos – In human form, he invades as you head back up toward the fog gate. Fight him on the stairs, away from any Chaos Eater.
Why you can lose it
Kirk invades here only while you are human and the Bed of Chaos lives: be human on the way to the fog.
Barbed Straight SwordHidden spoiler – activate to revealWeaponMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Lost Izalith · Stairs to the Bed of Chaos – Each of Kirk's invasions (the Depths, the Demon Ruins and this one) can drop it. Tick it if any of them did.
Why you can lose it
Kirk's invasions are its only source, and this is the last; each ends when that area's boss dies.
Set of ThornsHidden spoiler – activate to revealArmorMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Quelaag's Domain · Daughter of Chaos bonfire room – With his Depths, Demon Ruins and Izalith invasions all won, the set lies on a corpse by the rear wall of the room where the Daughter of Chaos bonfire burns. The route warps there after the Bed of Chaos: pick it up then.
Why you can lose it
Win all three of Kirk's invasions; the last one ends when the Bed of Chaos dies.
Return to Quelana after the Bed of ChaosHidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Blighttown · Swamp, the pillars below Quelaag's mound – Warp from the Heart of Chaos to the Daughter of Chaos bonfire. Walk back past Eingyi, up to the bell's round room, back along the hall and down into Quelaag's empty lair, then out through the Egg Carriers' tunnel and down the mound into the swamp. Quelana leans on the same pillar as before: the leftmost of the stone pillars nearest that cave, as seen from the swamp. Talk to her for the gift. Then use her upgrade menu: take your Pyromancy Flame to +15 (it costs souls) and ascend it. Don't upgrade the ascended flame: Snuggly takes it only at +0. If Laurentius later asks where this power came from, answer No.
Why you can lose it
Never attack Quelana: her gift and the ascension are hers alone.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Quelana thanks you with Fire Tempest for the Bed of Chaos. While you are with her, she also ascends your flame, which Snuggly takes for a Red Titanite Slab.
Bond of a PyromancerHidden spoiler – activate to revealAchievementMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Blighttown · Swamp, the pillars below Quelaag's mound – Pops when Fire Tempest arrives, if every other pyromancy is already yours: Laurentius's five, Quelana's five, Eingyi's Toxic Mist, Poison Mist, the two Chaos Servant gifts, the Chaos Fire Whip, Power Within, Fire Surge and Acid Surge. If it doesn't, buy whatever is missing from Quelana or Laurentius.
Why you can lose it
Several pyromancies are sold or given only by Laurentius, Quelana and Eingyi, and two only while Quelaag's Sister lives: never attack them.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Talk to Sieglinde after Lost IzalithHidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Firelink Shrine · By the bonfire – Warp to the Undead Parish bonfire, go into the church, and with your back to the altar take one of the two elevators on the right down to Firelink Shrine. Sieglinde stands near the bonfire: talk to her until she has nothing more to say.
Why you can lose it
Never attack Siegmeyer or Sieglinde: an attack ends their story for this run.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Find Siegmeyer and Sieglinde at Ash LakeHidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Ash Lake · Beach by the Great Hollow – Warp from Firelink to the Stone Dragon bonfire (if Firelink's fire is out, ride the elevator up into the Undead Parish and warp from the Undead Parish bonfire). Walk back along the sand the way you came in: past the first great tree and the big dune (keep to the dune's crest if the Black Hydra lives) to the hollow log beside the Great Hollow's tree. The Ash Lake bonfire is just there on the beach, with father and daughter near it.
Why you can lose it
Never attack Siegmeyer or Sieglinde: an attack ends their story for this run.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Titanite Slab (Sieglinde)Hidden spoiler – activate to revealUpgradeMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Ash Lake · Beach by the Great Hollow – Talk to Sieglinde by the Ash Lake bonfire; she hands it over. Warp out from the Stone Dragon bonfire when you are done.
Why you can lose it
Never attack Siegmeyer or Sieglinde: an attack ends their story for this run.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Down from the graveyard through the skeleton tunnels to Vamos's forge and the Rite of Kindling.
Give Vamos the Large Flame EmberQuest stepMissablePoint of no return
Location
The Catacombs · Vamos's corridor – From the Catacombs (Vamos) bonfire, walk down the corridor to Vamos and talk to him; hand over the Large Flame Ember from the Demon Ruins.
Why you can lose it
Vamos is the only smith for the Fire and Chaos paths. Never hit him, and don't lead the Bonewheel Skeletons into his corridor: a dead Vamos ends both trophies for this run.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Give Vamos the Chaos Flame EmberQuest stepMissablePoint of no return
Location
The Catacombs · Vamos's corridor – In the same talk with Vamos, hand over the Chaos Flame Ember from the lava of the Demon Ruins.
Why you can lose it
Vamos is the only smith for the Fire and Chaos paths. Never hit him, and don't lead the Bonewheel Skeletons into his corridor: a dead Vamos ends both trophies for this run.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Into the dark above Pinwheel's room: Rhea's rescue, one round trip for the Gravelord rank, then Paladin Leeroy, the White Titanite Slab, Gravelord Nito and the Divine Weapon.
Rhea: find her in the pit below Patches's ledgeHidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Tomb of the Giants · Patches's pit – From the Tomb of the Giants bonfire, climb the ladder to Patches and walk to the Prism Stone at the edge on his right: he kicks you into the pit (he does it even if you never speak to him). From where you land, work round the right side of the pit to Rhea, sitting by a pillar, and talk to her.
Why you can lose it
Don't attack Petrus, Patches or Rhea before she gives you this: an attack can turn her hostile or send her away for this run.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Twin Humanities (refuse to forgive Patches)Hidden spoiler – activate to revealConsumableMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Tomb of the Giants · Patches's ledge – Back at Patches, talk to him: when he begs your forgiveness, say No and he hands over Twin Humanities. Talk until he has nothing more to say; either answer still lets him open a shop at Firelink once Nito is dead, as long as he is alive and not hostile.
Why you can lose it
Refuse when he asks for forgiveness; forgiving him gives no Humanities.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Covenant: Gravelord ServantHidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
The Catacombs · Open coffin in the hall of tombs – Warp to the Catacombs (Vamos) bonfire and go through the hole Vamos smashed into the ravine below. Watch for the wheel-riding skeletons on its floor and search its walls for a hole into the tomb chamber where the last Necromancer stood with two archers. Inside, follow the corridor and climb the ladder to the room above, then step into the next room, where a tomb stands between dark floor tiles: keep to the tomb and off the dark tiles, which drop you back to the Black Knight's room. Climb that room's ladder into the room with the wide square pit and leave it through the hole in its wall into the hall of tombs where the Titanite Demon was (it need not be dead): one coffin sticks out further than the rest, half open. With an Eye of Death in your pack and no phantoms summoned, lie in it and wait about half a minute; it carries you to Nito's chamber, which is free of enemies, and he can't be fought from here. Walk away from your coffin to the great coffin across the room and pray there to join. The trophy pops when the offer appears.
Why you can lose it
Join while Nito lives: once he is dead the covenant can't be joined again this run.
Nito's covenant, joined at his great coffin, which you reach by lying in a half-open coffin in the Catacombs. Joining gives a Knight's Honor weapon and a miracle, and it pops its trophy.
Gravelord Servant: offer 10 Eyes of Death for rank +1Hidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
The Catacombs · Nito's chamber (through the coffin) – Still at Nito's great coffin, offer all ten Eyes of Death. Then leave with a Homeward Bone or the Homeward miracle, which returns you to the Vamos bonfire.
Why you can lose it
Offer the Eyes while Nito lives: his death ends the covenant's offerings for this run.
Paladin Leeroy (the ledge before Nito's cave)Hidden spoiler – activate to revealNPCMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Tomb of the Giants · Narrow ledge by the waterfall – From the Tomb of the Giants 2 bonfire, in human form, go back up the path and down at the pillar, past the alcove, and keep to the right-hand wall past the three Skeleton Beasts until it curves to a ramp down. At its foot carry on down the next ramp and drop off its left side to a square opening with a ladder: climb down and walk out of the dark. A narrow ridge runs along a misty chasm, with a cave opening on the right that the gold fog used to close; Leeroy invades here. Draw him back into the cave or a wider spot before you fight, and don't knock him off the edge: his weapons go with him (quitting and reloading at once can sometimes bring them back).
Why you can lose it
Beat Leeroy before you kill Nito, in human form; once Nito is dead he never comes for this run.
Rhea: find her at the church altarHidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Undead Parish · Church altar – Rest at the Altar of the Gravelord and warp to the Undead Parish bonfire. From the Undead Parish bonfire, go back up the stairs and along the narrow path to the church's side door: Rhea prays at the altar on your right. She appears only once the church's Berenike Knight is dead; if she is missing, rest at the bonfire and come back.
Why you can lose it
Never attack Rhea at the church: once struck, she stops selling to you.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Undead Parish · Church altar – From the Undead Parish bonfire, go back up the stairs and along the narrow path to the church's side door: Rhea prays at the altar on your right. Buy it from her for 10,000 souls.
Why you can lose it
Never attack Rhea at the church: once struck, she stops selling to you.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Undead Parish · Church altar – From the Undead Parish bonfire, go back up the stairs and along the narrow path to the church's side door: Rhea prays at the altar on your right. Buy it from her for 10,000 souls.
Why you can lose it
Never attack Rhea at the church: once struck, she stops selling to you.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Undead Parish · Church altar – From the Undead Parish bonfire, go back up the stairs and along the narrow path to the church's side door: Rhea prays at the altar on your right. Buy it from her for 6,000 souls.
Why you can lose it
Never attack Rhea at the church: once struck, she stops selling to you.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Patches opens his shop at FirelinkHidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Firelink Shrine · Wall by the graveyard path – From Andre's anvil, go up to the church and ride its elevator down to Firelink Shrine. Patches squats by the wall nearest the path down to the graveyard and the Catacombs.
Why you can lose it
Answer No to his cleric question, talk to him after the pit and never attack him; otherwise he never opens his shop.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Back to the Darkmoon Tomb with the Seance Ring: Gwyndolin's covenant and rank, then his fight, the tomb behind him and the Darkmoon Bow.
Covenant: Blade of the DarkmoonHidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Anor Londo · Darkmoon Tomb – Warp to the Darkmoon Tomb bonfire, at the foot of Anor Londo's spiral tower, and rest. Put on the Darkmoon Seance Ring and walk up to the great statue of Gwyn at the back of the room: it vanishes, and stairs lead down to a fog gate. Walk down toward it without stepping in; when Gwyndolin has finished speaking, kneel on the carpet just before the fog gate (the action button does it) and accept.
Why you can lose it
Do this before you ever walk through Gwyndolin's fog: stepping in expels you from his covenant, and once he is dead it can't be joined again in this run.
Point of no return
Walking through the fog gate to Dark Sun Gwyndolin.
Blue Eye OrbHidden spoiler – activate to revealKey itemMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Anor Londo · Darkmoon Tomb – Handed over as you join on the carpet; check your key items.
Why you can lose it
Do this before you ever walk through Gwyndolin's fog: stepping in expels you from his covenant, and once he is dead it can't be joined again in this run.
Point of no return
Walking through the fog gate to Dark Sun Gwyndolin.
Darkmoon Blade Covenant RingHidden spoiler – activate to revealCollectibleMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Anor Londo · Darkmoon Tomb – Handed over with the Blue Eye Orb as you join; check your rings.
Why you can lose it
Do this before you ever walk through Gwyndolin's fog: stepping in expels you from his covenant, and once he is dead it can't be joined again in this run.
Point of no return
Walking through the fog gate to Dark Sun Gwyndolin.
Blade of the Darkmoon: offer 10 Souvenirs for rank +1Hidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Anor Londo · Darkmoon Tomb – From the Darkmoon Tomb bonfire, with the Seance Ring still on, walk down to the carpet before the fog, kneel again and offer the Souvenirs until your rank reads +1.
Why you can lose it
Reach rank +1 before you walk through Gwyndolin's fog: stepping in expels you from his covenant, and once he is dead no more offerings can be made in this run.
Point of no return
Walking through the fog gate to Dark Sun Gwyndolin.
Darkmoon BladeHidden spoiler – activate to revealSpellMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Anor Londo · Darkmoon Tomb – Given at the carpet as the rank reaches +1; check your miracles.
Why you can lose it
Reach rank +1 before you walk through Gwyndolin's fog: stepping in expels you from his covenant, and once he is dead no more offerings can be made in this run.
Point of no return
Walking through the fog gate to Dark Sun Gwyndolin.
Darkmoon TalismanHidden spoiler – activate to revealWeaponMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Anor Londo · Darkmoon Tomb – Given with the Darkmoon Blade as the rank reaches +1; check your catalysts and talismans.
Why you can lose it
Reach rank +1 before you walk through Gwyndolin's fog: stepping in expels you from his covenant, and once he is dead no more offerings can be made in this run.
Point of no return
Walking through the fog gate to Dark Sun Gwyndolin.
Down through Oolacile Township for the Crest Key, Hawkeye Gough and his arrow at Black Dragon Kalameet (a Titanite Slab waits in the dragon's basin), then on to the Township Dungeon bonfire.
Lord's Blade CiaranHidden spoiler – activate to revealNPCMissablePoint of no returnDLC: Artorias Of The AbyssMinor spoiler
Location
Royal Wood · Artorias's arena – Having rested, walk back through the large door into Artorias's arena. Ciaran now kneels at a small grave there; if she isn't there, warp away and back. She appears only while the Soul of Artorias is still in your inventory. When she asks for it, answer yes or attack her: never no.
Why you can lose it
Keep the Soul of Artorias unused until you meet Ciaran and never answer no: give her the soul or attack her in your first conversation, before you rest, warp or leave the area.
Point of no return
Using or spending the Soul of Artorias, refusing Lord's Blade Ciaran, or resting, warping or leaving the area after meeting her without giving her the soul or attacking her.
Gold TracerHidden spoiler – activate to revealWeaponMissablePoint of no returnDLC: Artorias Of The AbyssMinor spoiler
Location
Royal Wood · Artorias's arena – Answer yes when Ciaran asks for the soul and she hands over both of her swords. Or strike her instead: she drops both swords with her armor, and you keep the soul. She fights fast, causes bleeding and poison, and blocks your Estus with talismans; resting at the Township bonfire makes retries quick.
Why you can lose it
Keep the Soul of Artorias unused until you meet Ciaran and never answer no: give her the soul or attack her in your first conversation, before you rest, warp or leave the area.
Point of no return
Using or spending the Soul of Artorias, refusing Lord's Blade Ciaran, or resting, warping or leaving the area after meeting her without giving her the soul or attacking her.
Dark Silver TracerHidden spoiler – activate to revealWeaponMissablePoint of no returnDLC: Artorias Of The AbyssMinor spoiler
Location
Royal Wood · Artorias's arena – It comes in the same trade or the same fight as the Gold Tracer above. Giving her the soul first and then attacking does not earn a second pair: she simply has none to drop.
Why you can lose it
Keep the Soul of Artorias unused until you meet Ciaran and never answer no: give her the soul or attack her in your first conversation, before you rest, warp or leave the area.
Point of no return
Using or spending the Soul of Artorias, refusing Lord's Blade Ciaran, or resting, warping or leaving the area after meeting her without giving her the soul or attacking her.
Lord's Blade SetHidden spoiler – activate to revealArmorMissablePoint of no returnDLC: Artorias Of The AbyssMinor spoiler
Location
Royal Wood · Artorias's arena – Strike Ciaran while she kneels at the grave and win the fight: her mask, robe, gloves and waistcloth drop together. Fighting her also keeps the Soul of Artorias for the Giant Blacksmith.
Why you can lose it
Keep the Soul of Artorias unused until you meet Ciaran and never answer no: give her the soul or attack her in your first conversation, before you rest, warp or leave the area.
Point of no return
Using or spending the Soul of Artorias, refusing Lord's Blade Ciaran, or resting, warping or leaving the area after meeting her without giving her the soul or attacking her.
Red phantom on the long stairsHidden spoiler – activate to revealBossMissablePoint of no returnDLC: Artorias Of The AbyssMinor spoiler
Location
Oolacile Township · Long stairs – Now take the long straight flight down from the split. If you are in human form, a red phantom invades somewhere on this descent, before the long wooden walkway to the Mimic, and opens fire with a crossbow from behind. He comes back each time the area reloads while the Royal Wood merchant lives.
Why you can lose it
Be human on this stretch before Manus dies: he invades only while Manus lives and the Royal Wood merchant is alive.
Obsidian GreatswordHidden spoiler – activate to revealWeaponMissablePoint of no returnDLC: Artorias Of The AbyssMinor spoiler
Location
Royal Wood · Kalameet's basin – Get behind Kalameet: the best opening is just after he slams his tail down, and arrows can finish a tail that is nearly off. Cutting it gives the sword at once.
Why you can lose it
Cut Kalameet's tail before he dies: he doesn't come back in this run.
Into the dark below Oolacile for young Sif, the White Titanite Slab and Manus, Father of the Abyss.
Kiln of the First Flame
Open the Kiln with the four Lord Souls, farm its Black Knights, finish the last upgrade trophies at the smiths, then the final fight and The Dark Lord.
Give the Giant Blacksmith the Crystal EmberQuest stepMissablePoint of no return
Location
Anor Londo · Giant Blacksmith's forge – From the Firelink Altar, warp to the Chamber of the Princess. Ride a lift down into the arena and walk out into the great hall. Climb to its side balcony and take the long stairs down to the Giant Blacksmith, the way you came up after first meeting him. Give him the Crystal Ember from the Duke's Archives. While you are here, buy the shards for Andre and Rickert: Large Titanite Shards (nine for each normal weapon Andre takes past +5: the Strongest, Crystal and Lightning ones, and the seven bases for the next two runs) and Green Titanite Shards (ten each for the Occult and Enchanted ones). He sells both without limit; the Green ones for Vamos come on the second visit.
Why you can lose it
Never attack the Giant Blacksmith: without him there is no Crystal path this run, and the trophy needs this run's Crystal Ember.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Solaire: summon him for GwynHidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Kiln of the First Flame · Top of the stairs – At Firelink Shrine (warp there if you are elsewhere), walk into the drained ruin beside the bonfire, where Frampt used to rest; jump down the hole there and you land on the Firelink Altar. Rest at the Lordvessel. Walk down through the Kiln again (the knights are back). In human form, at the end of the third knight's beam, look left before the staircase: summon Solaire from his sign.
Why you can lose it
His sign appears only in this run: summon him before you walk through the last fog.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire or walking out of his arena: either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
If Solaire was saved in Lost Izalith and you talked to him by the shortcut door, his golden sign waits in the Kiln; he helps with the last two knights and the final fight.
The lean second run: the Sunlight Spear, the six weapons that need a second boss soul, a few optional fights, and To Link the Fire.
Blighttown swamp encounter (after a Yes at Firelink)Hidden spoiler – activate to revealBossMissablePoint of no returnNG+1Minor spoiler
Location
Blighttown · Swamp near the bonfire tunnel – From the Daughter of Chaos bonfire, walk back past Eingyi to the bell's round room, along the hall and down through Quelaag's empty lair and the Egg Carriers' tunnel into the swamp, and make for the Blighttown Swamp bonfire's tunnel: he is on the dry ground near it, among the mosquitoes. Walk back the same way to the Daughter of Chaos bonfire.
Why you can lose it
He comes here only if you freed him from his barrel in the Depths this run and answered Yes at Firelink; a No keeps him there and the encounter never happens.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire in his arena (or walking out of it): either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Sunlight Straight SwordHidden spoiler – activate to revealWeaponMissablePoint of no returnNG+1Minor spoiler
Location
Lost Izalith · Near the Bed of Chaos's fog – Dropped where the fight in the row above ends.
Why you can lose it
These come only from the optional Lost Izalith row above: talk to Solaire in the Undead Burg and by the Anor Londo Residence bonfire this run, and leave the red-eyed Chaos Bug in the Demon Ruins shortcut alone, or he never comes.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire in his arena (or walking out of it): either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Sunlight ShieldHidden spoiler – activate to revealWeaponMissablePoint of no returnNG+1Minor spoiler
Location
Lost Izalith · Near the Bed of Chaos's fog – Dropped with the Sunlight Straight Sword.
Why you can lose it
These come only from the optional Lost Izalith row above: talk to Solaire in the Undead Burg and by the Anor Londo Residence bonfire this run, and leave the red-eyed Chaos Bug in the Demon Ruins shortcut alone, or he never comes.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire in his arena (or walking out of it): either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Sunlight TalismanHidden spoiler – activate to revealWeaponMissablePoint of no returnNG+1Minor spoiler
Location
Lost Izalith · Near the Bed of Chaos's fog – Dropped with the Sunlight Straight Sword.
Why you can lose it
These come only from the optional Lost Izalith row above: talk to Solaire in the Undead Burg and by the Anor Londo Residence bonfire this run, and leave the red-eyed Chaos Bug in the Demon Ruins shortcut alone, or he never comes.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire in his arena (or walking out of it): either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Iron and Sun SetHidden spoiler – activate to revealArmorMissablePoint of no returnNG+1Minor spoiler
Location
Lost Izalith · Near the Bed of Chaos's fog – Dropped with the Sunlight Straight Sword.
Why you can lose it
These come only from the optional Lost Izalith row above: talk to Solaire in the Undead Burg and by the Anor Londo Residence bonfire this run, and leave the red-eyed Chaos Bug in the Demon Ruins shortcut alone, or he never comes.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire in his arena (or walking out of it): either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
Pendant (Undead Parish altar)Hidden spoiler – activate to revealConsumableMissablePoint of no returnNG+1Minor spoiler
Location
Undead Parish · Church altar – Only if, this run, you talked to Rhea in the Tomb's pit, beat the two knights near her and spoke to her again, and later left part of her stock at this church unbought: after two more bosses fall (Nito and the Bed of Chaos count), the items lie at the altar. From the Undead Parish bonfire, go up and along the narrow path to the church's side door; the altar is on your right. If the armored knight by the altar still stands, beat him, rest and come back.
Why you can lose it
Leave part of Rhea's stock unbought at the church and never attack Petrus, or these never appear this run.
Point of no return
Beating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, then lighting the bonfire in his arena (or walking out of it): either ends this run at once and starts the next one.
A Pendant and some Humanity that can turn up by the Parish church altar late in this run, on one branch of Rhea's story. Snuggly trades a Souvenir of Reprisal for a Pendant.
A short third run, from the Asylum to Sif and the Giant Blacksmith, for the last two Knight's Honor weapons and the Platinum.
Greatshield of ArtoriasWeaponMissablePoint of no returnNG+2
Location
Anor Londo · Blacksmith's workshop – At the anvil, hand the Giant Blacksmith the Soul of Sif with a shield at +10 on the standard path, and pay his fee.
Why you can lose it
Forge it before you ever strike the Giant Blacksmith: once he is dead, nobody makes boss-soul weapons for the rest of this run.
Great Lord GreatswordWeaponMissablePoint of no returnNG+2
Location
Anor Londo · Blacksmith's workshop – Still at the anvil, hand him the Soul of Gwyn with a dagger, straight sword or greatsword at +10 on the standard path, and pay his fee.
Why you can lose it
Forge it before you ever strike the Giant Blacksmith: once he is dead, nobody makes boss-soul weapons for the rest of this run.
Gwyn's sword for Knight's Honor, made from the Soul of Gwyn the end of New Game Plus gave you. A Soul of Gwyn can only be spent in the run after the one that drops it.
Knight's HonorAchievementMissablePoint of no returnNG+2
Location
Anor Londo · Blacksmith's workshop – It pops as the second of the two weapons comes off the anvil. If it doesn't, make sure you still hold every weapon this guide has collected, none sold or thrown away, and both Greatswords of Artorias: the one made from the hilt or broken sword in the first run and the cursed one from the second.
Why you can lose it
Forge it before you ever strike the Giant Blacksmith: once he is dead, nobody makes boss-soul weapons for the rest of this run.