Hidden Areas & Shortcuts
The Ringed City is a sprawling and interconnected environment, filled with hidden paths, secret areas, and crucial shortcuts that can make navigating its treacherous landscape much more manageable. Early in the DLC, after progressing through the initial areas and defeating the first major boss, you'll encounter the Earthen Peak Ruins bonfire. From here, careful exploration can lead you to a hidden path behind some ruins, eventually opening up a shortcut back towards the bonfire, saving you a considerable amount of backtracking through dangerous territory.
As you delve deeper into the city, keep a keen eye on the environment for subtle clues. Illusory walls, while less common than in previous Dark Souls titles, can still exist. More often, you'll find pathways that require a bit of platforming or a well-timed jump to access. For instance, in the area leading up to the Ringed City Streets bonfire, there are several ledges and rooftops that can be reached with careful observation and movement, often leading to valuable items or alternative routes around enemy ambushes.
One of the most significant shortcuts involves the large, circular arena where you face the Demon Prince boss. After defeating this formidable foe, progressing further will eventually lead you to a path that loops back towards the Within the Dragon-Aerie bonfire area, providing a vital link for future exploration and boss runs. Always be on the lookout for levers, switches, or breakable objects that might open new passages. Thorough exploration is key to uncovering these hidden areas and shortcuts, which are essential for survival and efficient progression through The Ringed City.