Depths

The Depths (最下層) is a Location in Dark Souls. It is accessed via Lower Undead Burg, and leads to Blighttown. 

Information

The Depths is a dimly lit and treacherous area beneath the Undead Burg, filled with labyrinthine corridors, ambushes, and enemies with devastating effects. This area leads to Blighttown and is home to the Gaping Dragon, one of the game's more challenging early bosses. Be prepared with repair items, such as Repair Powder, to counteract the durability damage caused by the Gaping Dragon.

Area Bosses

Mandatory

Gaping Dragon:

• A massive, deformed dragon that deals heavy damage and reduces equipment durability with its acid attacks.
• Drops:
  • Blighttown Key
  • Dragon King Greataxe (by cutting off its tail).

Enemies

Hollows:

• • Common enemies found throughout the area.
  • Some are armed with torches, which can deal significant fire damage.

Hollow Cooks:

• • Found in the kitchen areas, often ambushing players from above.
  • Attack with cleavers and are accompanied by dogs.

Hollow Dogs:

• • Found near the kitchen and waterlogged areas.
  • Fast-moving enemies that inflict bleed.

Rats:

• • Found in various sizes, from small to giant.
  • Inflict poison and drop Humanity.
  • Giant Rats have higher health and can be exploited using ranged attacks through grates.

Basilisks:

• • Found in the lower areas of the Depths.
  • Release a curse-inducing mist that instantly kills and halves the player’s health upon death.

Slimes:

• • Found on ceilings in the waterlogged corridors.
  • Resistant to physical damage but weak to fire.
  • Drop large and green titanite shards.

Kirk, Knight of Thorns (Invader):

• • Appears if you are in human form while exploring the lower waterlogged areas.
  • Drops the Spiked Shield and Barbed Straight Sword upon defeat.

Merchants

Female Undead Merchant:

• Found near the shortcut to Firelink Shrine.
• Sells:
  • Poison Moss
  • Blooming Purple Moss Clump
  • Various consumables.

Domhnall of Zena:

• Found near the exit to Blighttown.
• Sells rare items, including the Crystal Set and Gold Pine Resin.

NPCs

Laurentius of the Great Swamp:

• Found trapped in a barrel near the kitchen.
• Roll to free him without attacking to avoid hostility.
• Moves to Firelink Shrine and offers pyromancies for sale.

Items

Key Items:

• Large Ember: Found in the kitchen area, used to upgrade weapons to +10.
• Blighttown Key: Dropped by the Gaping Dragon, unlocking the entrance to Blighttown.

Weapons and Armor:

• Spider Shield: Found in the Giant Rat's room.
• Dragon King Greataxe: Dropped by severing the Gaping Dragon's tail.
• Heavy Crossbow and Bolts: Found near the boss fog gate.

Rings:

• Evil Eye Ring: Found in the Basilisk’s lair, restores HP upon enemy kills.

Consumables:

• Humanity: Dropped by rats and found throughout the Depths.
• Repair Powder: Essential for countering the Gaping Dragon's acid attacks.

Walkthrough

Entry Point

• Use the Key to the Depths obtained from the Capra Demon to unlock the door leading into the Depths.
• Be cautious of ambushes from Hollows and Hollow Dogs.

Kitchen Area

• Deal with the Hollow Dogs first before engaging the Hollow Cook.
• Open the nearby treasure chest to obtain the Large Ember.
• Destroy the wooden crates to reveal a shortcut leading to the Giant Rat’s room.

Saving Laurentius

• From the kitchen, proceed to the waterlogged section.
• Free Laurentius from the barrel trap and defeat nearby enemies.
• He will relocate to Firelink Shrine and sell pyromancies.

Waterlogged Corridors

• Beware of Slimes clinging to the ceiling; use fire to dispatch them.
• Progress through the long corridor, avoiding ambushes from Slimes and rats.
• Obtain the Sewer Chamber Key from a corpse to unlock the nearby bonfire.

Giant Rat Room

• Use the shortcut from the kitchen to ambush the Giant Rat.
• Alternatively, shoot it through the grate using ranged weapons.
• Defeat it to obtain Humanity and loot the Spider Shield.

Basilisk Nest

• Descend into the lower levels, avoiding the curse-inducing gas of the Basilisks.
• Collect the Evil Eye Ring and other items while navigating the area.

Gaping Dragon

• Use the Sewer Chamber Key to unlock the door leading to the boss fog gate.
• Prepare by equipping items and armor resistant to acid.
• Strategy:
  • Focus on staying near its hind legs.
  • Avoid its acid breath attacks, which can destroy equipment.
  • Sever its tail to obtain the Dragon King Greataxe.

Shortcuts

Kitchen Shortcut:

• • Leads from the cooking area to the Giant Rat's room.

Firelink Shrine Shortcut:

• • Unlocks access to the Female Undead Merchant near the aqueduct.

Soul Farming

Rats:

• • Drop Humanity, useful for co-op and farming.

Slimes:

• • Drop titanite shards, valuable for weapon upgrades.

Notes

• Basilisks’ curse mist can easily overwhelm players. Use ranged attacks to deal with them safely.
• The Gaping Dragon’s acid attacks drastically reduce equipment durability. Carry Repair Powder or visit a blacksmith afterward.

Trivia

• The Gaping Dragon's design is inspired by gluttony, as it features a grotesque mouth on its chest.
• The Depths serve as a turning point in the game, transitioning from undead-themed areas to the toxic and swampy Blighttown.
• Kirk, Knight of Thorns, invades in multiple locations and is associated with the Darkwraith covenant.