Throughout The Ringed City DLC, keen observation and exploration will reveal numerous hidden paths and shortcuts, essential for navigating the often-treacherous environments and making your way back to bonfires after difficult encounters.
- Dreg Heap: Look for crumbling walls that can be broken, hidden ledges behind debris, and pathways that descend into unexpected areas. Some shortcuts might involve dropping down from higher vantage points.
- Earthen Peak Ruins: This area often features precarious bridges and narrow walkways. Pay attention to seemingly inaccessible ledges that might be reachable with a well-timed jump or by defeating certain enemies that drop items allowing access.
- Ringed City Streets: The urban environment is ripe for hidden passages. Look for breakable doors, illusory walls (though less common in this DLC), and pathways that lead behind buildings or into sewers. Activating levers or switches can often open up new routes.
- Shared Grave: This area can have hidden alcoves and pathways that lead to optional areas or valuable items.
Always be on the lookout for suspicious-looking walls, unusual lighting, or areas that seem difficult to reach. Many shortcuts in Dark Souls III are designed to loop back to bonfires, significantly reducing the travel time through dangerous zones. Activating these shortcuts is a priority after clearing a new area.