Catacombs of Carthus & Smouldering Lake

Catacombs of Carthus & Smouldering Lake

The Catacombs of Carthus is a labyrinthine area filled with skeletal enemies and traps, leading to the optional Smouldering Lake. This region is critical for several NPC questlines, including Anri of Astora's, and offers a challenging detour with an optional boss.

The Catacombs of Carthus is a significant location in Dark Souls III, accessible after defeating the Abyss Watchers. This area features rolling skeleton balls and numerous skeletal adversaries. From the Catacombs, players can find an optional path leading to the Smouldering Lake, which houses the optional boss, the Old Demon King.

For Anri of Astora's questline, specific steps must be followed within these areas:

• Talk to Anri in the Catacombs of Carthus in a hallway before the first rolling skeleton ball. Exhaust all dialogue, choosing "no" and "do nothing" when prompted.
• Speak to Anri again at the wooden bridge before the boss.
• Proceed to the Smouldering Lake and kill Horace the Hushed. It is crucial not to tell Anri about Horace's whereabouts.
• These steps for Anri's questline in Smouldering Lake must be completed before killing High Lord Wolnir to ensure the quest continues.

Another NPC interaction in Smouldering Lake involves Great Swamp Cuculus. To progress this, summon Phantom Great Swamp Cuculus for the Old Demon King fight. Cuculus must survive the boss encounter. Afterward, revisit Cornyx's cage at the Undead Settlement to receive Cuculus's armor set and the Spotted Whip.