The Dark Souls series built its reputation on spectacular boss fights and aggressive difficulty. Even as the player grows in power and becomes more confident in their abilities, there are always new challenges and more formidable creatures waiting to send them straight back to the bonfire.
In Dark Souls 3, the player will need every chance and every soul they can get to survive. Thankfully, there are many useful soul-farming locations throughout the game where the player can grind to increase their level and overcome tough enemies. Most enemies in the Souls series can be slain, even if the player is under-leveled. That said, sometimes even just one well-placed level-up in vigor or stamina can make the difference between victory and crushing defeat.
Updated on June 10, 2024, by Ritwik Mitra: Dark Souls 3 is a video game that needs no introduction, with players being well aware of the final game in FromSoftware's genre-defining trilogy that sparked the rise of a genre of games that prioritize tough combat and environmental storytelling over everything else. The game is a blast to play through every single time, with players pursuing different builds and completing questlines in a manner they're comfortable in. Regardless of whether players are checking out this game for the first time or want to optimize their run in a subsequent playthrough, they should always try and accumulate as many Souls as possible to level up and purchase valuable equipment. Thankfully, there are many ways players can farm a bunch of Souls in no time, with some avenues being better than others in every way.
16 Before Grinding, Get Some DS3 Easy Soul Farm Gear
Optimizes The Player's Farming Activities
The best thing a player can do to prepare for a bit of Dark Souls 3 soul farming is to hunt down and equip the right gear. There are five items in the game that can do wonders in improving one's soul intake when killing enemies: The Covetous Silver Serpent Ring (10% boost), the Shield of Want (20% boost), the Symbol of Avarice (50% boost), and the Medicant's Staff (20% boost). Combined, these items will double the number of souls a player acquires, but that's not all.
If players can kill enemies in one hit they will also receive an overkill bonus of 20% extra souls, which means a total 120% bonus with all of these items equipped. The Covetous Silver Serpent Ring comes in three levels, too, with the +3 version only available in The Ringed City Dreg Heap area. This boosts the ring from 10% extra souls to a whopping 35% bonus. All in all, these items at their maximum level give a 125% bonus to souls when killing any enemy, and a 145% boost when killing enemies in one hit.
That's nothing to sneeze at, but coming up with a build that works with all of these items and doesn't suffer from the Symbol of Avarice health-draining effect is a challenge.
15 Engage In An Optimized Boss Rush
Players Who Know What They're Doing Can Defeat These Tough Enemies And Get A Ton Of Souls
Souls Dropped Per Enemy
- Iudex Gundyr: 3000
- Vordt Of The Boreal Valley: 3000
- Crystal Sage: 8000
- Deacons Of The Deep: 13000
- Abyss Watchers: 18000
- High Lord Wolnir: 22000
- Pontiff Sulyvahn: 28000
- Yhorm The Giant: 36000
- Dragonslayer Armour: 48000
- Aldrich, Devourer Of Gods: 50000
- Dancer Of The Boreal Valley: 60000
- Lothric, Younger Prince & Lorian, Elder Prince: 85000
- Soul Of Cinder: 100000
While some people may scoff at the idea of killing actual bosses to farm Souls, there's no denying that players on an NG+ playthrough or people who know what they're doing can easily rush past every boss and beat them to get a wealth of Souls in no time.
This strategy is undoubtedly hard to pull off in a regular run but is relatively easier when players have beaten the game once and are at a relatively high level to brush past everything without facing too many problems. A player who knows what they're doing can beat the game in just 2 hours, as long as they run past everything and navigate areas with a great degree of familiarity.
14 Kill The Scholars In The Grand Archives
Get A Ton Of Souls In Just A Minute
Souls Dropped Per Enemy
- Grand Archives Scholar: 871
Players who head to the Grand Archives after a grueling trek through the game can find a wealth of new enemies in this area including Scholars who vary in difficulty. Three of these enemies can be found near a pool of wax in this area, and players have to take out another one of these foes before reaching the three clumped together.
With a nice AoE spell, players can make quick work of these foes. Melee attacks are also viable but take more time and put the player at risk. Still, players who rigorously beat down these enemies can net a ton of Souls in no time.
13 The Dragon Atop The High Wall Of Lothric
Use His Flames To Kill A Bunch Of Enemies In No Time
Souls Dropped Per Enemy
- Hollows: 30
- Hollow Soldiers: 30-80
Players struggling in the early game will find it profitable to farm souls by simply running between the first two bonfires on the High Wall of Lothric.
Related
Dark Souls 3: The 15 Best Shields In The Game, Ranked
While weapons and armor sets tend to hog the limelight, shields also have their uses in Lothric. Here are the best shields in Dark Souls 3.
This run is particularly easy as many of the enemies are found kneeling in prayer, making them incredibly easy to backstab. Furthermore, the dragon on the wall can be used to kill the Hollow Soldiers without any need for combat at all. Players can increase their soul yield with a Covetous Silver Serpent Ring that is acquired by finding the illusionary wall at Firelink Shrine.
12 The Farron Followers in the Snowy Mountain Pass
The DLC Enemies Are Easier To Deal With And Drop More Souls
Souls Dropped Per Enemy
- Farron Follower: 700
While the Corvian Settlement is decent for the purposes of soul farming, there is another area in the Ashes of Ariandel DLC that is a bit more efficient. The twisting paths just ahead of the Snowy Mountain Pass bonfire are full of enemies that are much easier to kill than the ruthless Corvian Knights.
The terrain in this area allows players to effectively separate the roaming groups Farron Followers so they can be picked off one at a time. These enemies have a range of different weaponry and attacks however, they are all vulnerable to being stun locked. A powerful strength weapon at the right level will be able to regularly kill these enemies in a single shot.
11 The Church of Yorshka Loop
Numerous Enemies Can Be Dealt With For A Decent Haul of Souls
Souls Dropped Per Enemy
- Boreal Immolator: 1800
- Pontiff Knight: 900
- Irithyllian Slave: 250
After exiting the Church of Yorshka out the main entrance and turning left, the player can drop attack a Boreal Immolator and proceed to fight their way up to the fog gate for Pontiff Sulyvahn.
After killing the two Boreal Knights near the fog gate, the player can optionally lay their summon sign down for Pontiff Sulyvahn, one of the game's hardest bosses, possibly yielding more souls if they help kill him. Directly opposite the boss arena is a ledge the player can fall off to kill one more knight and exit at the staircase back to the Church. This loop is small which makes it very efficient for quickly generating a large number of souls.
10 The Sewer Centipedes Under Irythill
A Wealth Of Enemies Who Are Easy To Deal With
Souls Dropped Per Enemy
- Sewer Centipedes: 750
Very close to the Distant Manor bonfire is a half-submerged chamber beneath Irythill full of Sewer Centipedes. These monstrous, insectile creatures look like drowned ladies until they attack making them an unpleasant surprise for unsuspecting players.
Despite their nightmarish appearance, they are relatively easy to kill, especially with a strong dexterity weapon. There are nine centipedes waiting to ambush the player in this area and it is necessary to try and draw them one at a time to avoid being overwhelmed. By repeatedly killing the whole room and running back to the bonfire, the player will quickly rack up a hefty soul count.
9 The Helpful Dark Wraiths in the Keep Ruins
Pit Enemies Against Each Other For An Easy Farming Method
Souls Dropped Per Enemy
- Ghru Grunt: 350
- Ghru Conjuror: 350
- Mad Ghru: 600
- Darkwraith: 2500
Should the Ashen One decide to grind up souls before trying to defeat the Abyss Watchers they can farm the Ghru outside of their fog gate.
Related
Dark Souls Remastered: The 19 Best Soul Farming Locations
Dark Souls Remastered is still as tough as ever, and you may need to farm souls to gain strength. Here's a look at 17 locations perfect for farming.
This run is made far more efficient by the two Darkwraiths who will charge through the courtyard attacking the Ghru, meaning that once the player has cleared the three enemies to the far right they can simply wait for the wraiths to kill the rest. After the Ghru are annihilated, the player can kill the weakened Darkwraiths for more souls before returning to the bonfire.
8 A Tough Yet Rewarding Soul Farm In The Corvian Settlement
Hone A Player's Combat Skills And Get Some Souls In The Process
Souls Dropped Per Enemy
- Covian Settler: 110
- Crawling Corvian Settler: 90
- Corvian Mage: 180
- Large Corvian Settler: 160
- Sewer Centipede: 750
- Corvian Knight: 2800
The first DLC of Dark Souls 3 sees the ashen one drawn into the painted world of Ariandel. The enemies in this frozen landscape are dangerous and often attack in groups. Since many of the hostiles don't drop a lot of souls, this DLC isn't the best place for farming.
One area where players can successfully grind up levels is the village immediately outside the Corvian Settlement bonfire. While the weaker enemies here only provide a paltry number of souls, there are plenty of them to slay. Furthermore, the Corvian knights are difficult to defeat but well worth the effort. Players struggling with these murderous knights should aim to dodge behind their swings and go for the backstab. Alternatively, magic users will find both Hidden Body and Rapport to be very useful when dealing with these lethal opponents.
7 The Jailers And Gargoyles at the Profaned Capital
An Easy Way To Kill Enemies For A Good Haul Of Souls
Souls Dropped Per Enemy
- Jailer Handmaid: 850
- Headless Gargoyle: 2500
After battling through the Irythill Dungeon, one of the more intriguing levels in Dark Souls 3, players will reach the subterranean ruins of the Profaned Capital.
Killing the Jailers and Gargoyles outside the boss arena for Yhorm the Giant is an easy way to gather souls. Since Yhorm is one of the less challenging bosses in the game, unlocking his bonfire will make this run very quick and profitable. The one thing to beware of is getting surrounded by these enemies, so it is important to try and pick them off one at a time or in small manageable groups. Using the pillars for cover will also help the player avoid the jailers' multiple projectiles.
6 Sleeping Giants & The Deacons After Pontiff Sulyvahn
Tough Enemies That Can Be Dealt With For A Serious Haul Of Souls
Souls Dropped Per Enemy
- Deacon of the Deep: 600
- Giant Slaves: 3800
Pontiff Sulyvahn is one of the more difficult bosses in Dark Souls 3, however, many of the challenges after defeating him are even more grueling. Thankfully, there is a good soul-farming area immediately after his boss fight.
Related
Dark Souls 3: 10 Things You Need To Know About The Deacons Of The Deep
The Deacons of the Deep are a unique encounter in Dark Souls 3. Here's all you need to know about the group.
Once players have opened all of the doors in Pontiff's arena, they can leave via the small door to the left of the elevator and kill the eight Deacons of the Deep. These enemies can be tricked with the spell Hidden Body, making them easy to pick off without getting swamped by fireballs. After finishing them off, the player can go down to a courtyard full of giants, two of which are alive and snoring. Killing these giants before returning to the bonfire will maximize the number of souls gained from this run.
5 The Guardians Of Anor Londo
Take Out A Bunch Of Knights With Optimal Strategies For A Lot Of Souls
Souls Dropped Per Enemy
- Silver Knights: 2500
The inclusion of Anor Londo in Dark Souls 3 was one of the many rumors surrounding the game's release that turned out correct. The bonfire at the bottom of the steps to the legendary castle is also a very effective soul-farming spot.
The two Silver Knights patrolling the giant staircase are easy to separate and kill one at a time, once players learn their move set. Their high soul yield per kill and proximity to the bonfire make this one of the more efficient places to farm souls as players hone their skills for the battle against Aldritch, Devourer of Gods.
4 The Knights Of The Ringed City DLC
DLC Enemies Drop A Ton Of Souls, Especially In The Ringed City
Souls Dropped Per Enemy
- Ringed Knight: 7000
The Ringed City DLC was the epic conclusion many Darks Souls fans wanted. As well as having some of the largest areas and toughest boss fights, it also has one of the best enemies for soul farming.
Related
Dark Souls 3: How to Start the Ringed City DLC
Dark Souls 3's latest DLC, The Ringed City, is available now. Find out how to unlock the new content, which includes more PvE areas and bosses, as well as a PvP arena.
The awesome Ringed Knights found in the DLC's titular area are brilliant for collecting not just souls but also many other items like titanate chunks and slabs. This makes them a particularly useful enemy for players trying to max out their weapons to +10. Killing all four knights can be a challenge, but it is made easier by remembering they are weak to frost and bleed damage. The best strategy for tackling Ringed Knights is to bait their thrust attacks and roll behind them for the backstab.
3 Endless Soul Farming Without Using the Bonfire
Abuse The Respawning Drakeblood Knight For A Lot Of Souls
Souls Dropped Per Enemy
- Drakeblood Knight: 4000
- Serpent-Man Summoner: 2400
There is a Drakeblood Knight In Archdragon Peak that drops a minimum of 4000 souls per kill and players will not even have to return to the bonfire when farming him.
This knight is not a regular enemy since he is summoned by the first Man-Serpent Summoner encountered at Archdragon Peak. Provided the player doesn't kill the summoner, this enemy can be killed indefinitely, making him possibly the most efficient way to gather souls in Dark Souls 3. To maximize efficiency, simply stand behind where the knight summons and backstab him as soon as he materializes. With a good strength weapon like the Demon's Greataxe (one of the best axes in the game), this enemy often requires no more than two hits to be killed, allowing the player to easily rack up over 100,000 souls in 5-10 minutes.
2 A Highly Profitable Soul Farm for Late-Game Magicians
Use Crystal Soul Spears To Kill Lothric Knights From Afar
Souls Dropped Per Enemy
- Lothric Knight: 4000
As players progress through the game, they will often find that they have more than enough levels to face the final bosses. However, soul farming can still be useful for buying new weapons and the necessary upgrade materials to enhance them.
A great spot for gathering souls in the late game is the courtroom immediately outside the bonfire for the Twin Princes' boss fight. Here the player can find 4 Lothric Knights descending the Staircase to the boss fight. Four well-placed Crystal Soul Spears will make quick work of these knights, making this a great farming spot for mage builds to level up their intelligence or prepare for the challenges of the DLCs.
1 Winged Knights On The Roof Of The Grand Archives
Backstab These Slow Knights For Serious Damage
Souls Dropped Per Enemy
- Gertrude Knight: 13000
The Grand Archives is already a great level to replay for the purposes of soul farming. However, players looking for a shorter run need only take the elevator to the right and find their way up to the roof.
On the rooftops above the archive, there is a group of three Gertrude Knights. These knights are tough enemies so it is advisable to try and separate them from each other to kill them one at a time, and even then they will present a considerable challenge. One tactic that works very well is to put 15 levels into intelligence and buy a pyromancy called Rapport. When used right, this spell will make the knights fight each other, meaning the player only has to kill a single weakened knight at the end.
Dark Souls 3
- Platform(s)
- PS4 , Xbox One , PC
- Released
- March 24, 2016
- Developer(s)
- From Software
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
