Dark Souls 3 is packed with hidden secrets, unique mechanics, and surprising interactions. This guide highlights lesser-known tips, item locations, and important NPC encounters to help you make the most of your journey through Lothric.

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1. Trading with Pickle Pee and Pump-a-Rum

At the top of Firelink Shrine (accessible via the Tower Key from the Handmaiden), you’ll find the nest of Pickle Pee and Pump-a-Rum. Drop shiny items one at a time to receive valuable rewards:

• Lucatiel’s Mask
• Unique gestures
• A Lightning Gem
• Other rare or nostalgic items

Bonus Tip: Explore the rafters while you’re there to find an Estus Shard and an illusory wall hiding the Covetous Silver Serpent Ring (boosts soul drops by 10%).

Shortcut: You can reach this area early with a tree-jump trick near the shrine. It may take practice—or may be patched—depending on your game version.

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2. Trigger the Dancer of the Boreal Valley Early

Killing Emma, the NPC in the High Wall of Lothric’s cathedral, immediately summons the Dancer boss, unlocking access to endgame areas early. While challenging at Soul Level ~35, it’s possible and worth it for powerful loot—especially for Faith and Strength builds.

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3. Join the Mound-Makers Covenant Early

You can join the Mound-Makers covenant before killing the Curse-Rotted Greatwood:

• From the burning tree in the Undead Settlement, turn right and cross the bridge.
• Find the cage-carrying NPC behind the buildings.
• Climb into the cage (while the boss is alive) to meet Hodrick, who initiates the covenant.

Mound-Maker signs are purple, and summoned players can choose to help or betray their hosts.

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4. Fire Is Your Friend

Some enemies have strong weaknesses to fire:

• Dogs and Tree Hollows: Stagger or die instantly from fire damage.
• Maggot Monsters: Set them ablaze to prevent bleed buildup. If they latch onto you, pull out a torch to burn them off.

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5. Hidden Rewards in Farron Swamp

Stick to the left wall of Farron Swamp and defeat three tree monsters to find:

• Black Bow of Pharis – One of the game’s best bows.
• Pharis’ Hat

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6. NPC Invasions and Exclusive Loot

While embered, you’ll trigger invasions from unique NPCs in different zones. For example:

• Yellowfinger Heysel (Crucifixion Woods): Drops Xanthous Crown and Heysel Pick.
• These invasions often drop rare weapons, armor, or gesture items.

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7. What Happens if You Kill NPCs?

While risky, killing certain NPCs unlocks gear or shop access:

• Anri: Luck-scaling straight sword
• Horace: Shield with balanced defense
• Cornyx: Pyromancer set
• Eygon: His weapon and shield
• Irina: Tower Key
• Siegward: Storm Ruler and Catarina Set
• Sirris: Talisman
• Yuria: Darkdrift (invisible katana)
• Leonhard: Mask
• Patches: Spear and ring

Most will drop their ashes, allowing the Handmaiden to sell their gear.

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8. Miscellaneous Secrets and Tips

• Young White Branch (Starting Gift): Prevents the giant in the Undead Settlement from attacking you.
• Firekeeper Gestures: Try bowing or kneeling near the Firekeeper—she reacts to some gestures.
• Cage NPC Mystery: Near the Mound Maker route, a strange NPC encourages you to “climb in.” His meaning is unclear but connected to the covenant.

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9. Community Contributions

Consider helping the Dark Souls community by contributing video captions, translations, or notes. The game thrives on shared exploration and learning.

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Final Thoughts

From clever item trades to high-risk invasions and secret covenants, Dark Souls 3 rewards the curious. Use these secrets and tips to get stronger early, uncover hidden paths, and deepen your understanding of Lothric’s lore and design. Praise the sun—and let the flames guide your way!