Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin Cheats & Secrets

FromSoftware’s Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin is an enhanced and rearranged version of 2014’s Dark Souls 2. Originally released on April 1, 2015, Scholar of the First Sin takes the core gameplay of Dark Souls 2 and rearranges many enemy and item placements while also adjusting certain difficulty and balance parameters to become a more accessible version of the game. Additionally, this re-release of Dark Souls 2 includes all previously released DLC expansions.

Dark Souls 2 is notorious for being one of the few modern FromSoftware games not directed or overseen by now-president Hidetaka Miyazaki, creator of the Demon’s Souls and Dark Souls series. Despite this notoriety, though, both players and critics responded well to Dark Souls 2, which manages to introduce several novel ideas over its predecessor despite its reportedly troubled development cycle. In addition to a very strong 87% positive review aggregate score, Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin has reportedly sold 1.25 million units on top of the base Dark Souls 2‘s more than 5 million units.

Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin Premise

Far from the kingdom of Lordran in which the first Dark Souls takes place, another land is engulfed in an undead curse. This kingdom, Drangleic, is host to a never-ending cycle of undeath thanks to the misguided efforts of its failed king. As an undead warrior, the player character travels to Drangleic seeking a way to break the undead curse, ultimately coming into contact with the kingdom’s rulers who are at fault for its ruin.

In terms of its gameplay, Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin carries over the same basic gameplay as Dark Souls 2, which, in turn, borrows heavily from the first Dark Souls. Players begin with a blank slate character to whom they get to assign a background and starting stats, traveling through various realms and defeating enemies to gain a currency called “Souls”. Souls can be exchanged for leveling up or to purchase items, which players will need to do to equip themselves and enhance their gear toward taking on increasingly challenging enemies and bosses. Combat is slow and methodical, governed by a stamina meter and encouraging players to observe enemies for their attack patterns and behavior before responding.

Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin Main Characters

In Dark Souls 2, players take on the role of the Bearer of the Curse. This warrior is a human who is cursed to become an undead Hollow after dying, traveling to the distant land of Drangleic in hopes of breaking that curse. To do so, they learn they must gather 4 Great Souls from legendary undead, using them to gain an audience with Drangliec’s rulers: King Vendrick and Queen Nashandra. Main characters in Dark Souls 2 include:

• Bearer of the Curse: The player character and protagonist of Dark Souls 2. This hero heads to the kingdom of Drangleic in search of a way to break the undead curse.
• Emerald Herald: The player character’s guide, the Emerald Herald informs the Bearer of the Curse how to break the curse’s hold over Drangleic while also helping them power up in exchange for Souls.
• King Vendrick: The deposed King of Drangleic. King Vendrick failed his people, which ultimately resulted in the spread of the undead curse.
• Queen Nashandra: Queen Nashandra is the true antagonist of Dark Souls 2, causing the ruin of Drangleic by deceiving the king into invading the Land of the Giants.

Games in the Dark Souls Series

FromSoftware‘s Dark Souls served as the continuation of many of the ideas the developer introduced in Demon’s Souls, but it would achieve far greater commercial and critical success, helping to catapult FromSoftware into the spotlight as one of the most important developers working today. Since the release of the original Dark Souls, the series has expanded into a trilogy of titles, each with major DLC expansions and remasters/reissues compiling all content into a single package. Games in the Dark Souls series include:

• Demon’s Souls (PlayStation 3, 2009)
• Dark Souls (PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, 2011)
• Dark Souls II (PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, 2014)
• Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin (PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, 2015)
• Dark Souls III (PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, 2016)
• Dark Souls Remastered (PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, 2018)

Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin Cheats & Secrets

While there are no official cheats for Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin, there are several secrets to uncover as well as vital information that will help players make their first trip through Drangleic. Additionally, PC players can use third-party cheat engines and cheat trainer files.

Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin Secrets

Vendrick’s Blessing and True King’s Crown

To obtain the True King’s Crown, players first need to obtain the three crowns from Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin‘s DLC content: The Crown of the Sunken King, The Crown of the Ivory King, and The Crown of the Old Iron King. After, enter the Memory Of The King and complete the following steps:

• Open the gates at the Shrine Of Winter and enter Drangleic Castle.
• Uncover the hollowed King Vendrick in the Undead Crypt, get the King’s Ring, and enter Aldia’s Keep.
• Reach the Ancient Dragon and obtain the Ashen Mist Heart
• Interact with King Vendrick’s armor in the chamber at the end of the Undead Crypt to enter the Memory Of The King.
• Talk to King Vendrick and view the dialogue for each DLC crown, after which each of the three crowns will have a new effect.
• If you have already defeated King Vendrick and have the King’s Crown, it will be upgraded to the True King’s Crown.

Equipping any of the Crowns after obtaining King Vendrick’s Blessing results in death no longer Hollowing and an immunity to Curse status.

Secret Dragon Memory

Towards the end of the game, you will have to travel to the Dragon Shrine to obtain the Ashen Mist Heart from the Ancient Dragon. The Ashen Mist Heart allows you to travel into the dark memories of the past. You can use it on the Hollowed Giants in the Forest Of Fallen Giants. You must fight the Giant Lord by entering one of these memories to complete the game. However, there is also a secret place to use the Ashen Mist Heart. After obtaining the Ashen Mist Heart, travel to the Duke’s Dear Freja arena, and a new crystal will appear under the hollowed dragon. Interact with it to enter the Dragon Memory. You will be taken to an arid wasteland resembling the dragon battleground described in the original Dark Souls. Interact with the ancient dragon’s corpse to acquire an Ancient Dragon Soul.

Reaching the Darklurker Boss Fight

The optional Darklurker boss is found in the Dark Chasm Of Old, past a series of extremely challenging enemies. To enter the Dark Chasm Of Old and fight the Darklurker, you must join the Pilgrims Of Dark Covenant and reach Rank 2. After opening the gate to the Dark Chasm Of Old, you need to reach and defeat a series of enemies in three areas. Defeat the enemies in each section and light the sconce at the end with your torch. Light all three braziers and speak with Grandahl to activate the elevator leading to the Darklurker.

Note: If you die in the Abyss, you must offer a Human Effigy to Grandahl to re-open the portal. When you are Rank 2 in the covenant, the elevator inside the Dark Chasm Of Old will activate. Travel through the Drangleic Castle portal to reach it.

Titanite Farming

Players will need Titanite to reinforce weapons and armor in Dark Souls 2. The easiest way to obtain it is via purchases from the following places:

• Titanite Shard: 800 Souls from Blacksmith in Majula (10 pieces)
• Large Titanite Shard: McDuff in the Bastille (infinite)
• Titanite Chunk: Girl at the entrance of Harvest Valley (infinite)
• Titanite Slab: Blacksmith’s Daughter (one piece)

Additionally, there are locations where Titanite farming is easier:

Brightstone Cove Tseldora: Go to the Chapel Threshold bonfire in the Brightstone Cove Tseldora. From there, go downstairs to fight three different species of spiders. Focus on the Humanoid Spiders, as they are the ones that drop the Large Titanite Shards. Proceed past the first zip-line and smash a bookshelf to reveal a secret room. Enter the room and go through two doors to reach the first Humanoid Spiders. Defeat them, then go back to the room to fight three more Humanoid Spiders. Defeat the spiders then go outside to drop down near the quicksand. There will be three doors, and one of them will have a bonfire (Lower Brightstone Cove). Travel back to the Humanoid Spiders to get more Titanite. Repeat the process as many times as desired.

Black Gulch: Travel to the Grave Of Saints and defeat the Royal Rat Vanguard. After, proceed to the first bonfire in The Gutter. Keep traveling into the Black Gulch to find black oil puddles with enemies coming out of them. These enemies drop Titanite Shards and Titanite Chunks.

Princess Bell Covenant: Join the Bell Keepers covenant and wear the ring you are given. Then, go out to fight the invaders. Each time you defeat the invaders, you will be rewarded with Titanite.

Fragrant Branch of Yore

The Fragrant Branch Of Yore is a rare item that can cure NPCs and yourself from petrification. At least one is required to complete the game. When used on NPCs, they also give bonuses, unlock special stores, and lead to unique items. Fragrant Branch Of Yore can be found in the following locations:

• Black Gulch: It is located in a treasure chest past two giants. Drop down the platforms near the hidden room bonfire, and enter the treasure room at the back of the cave.
• Brightstone Cove Tseldora: It is located in the library after defeating the Duke’s Dear Freja.
• Harvest Valley (1): Before reaching the Mines bonfire, look in a cave to the right after exiting the first poisonous valley to find it.
• Harvest Valley (2): After the Mines bonfire, enter the room with all the sickle-wielding enemies. Knock down the wooden wall, and look through the doors to find it.
• Iron Keep: It is available for sale at Magerold of Lanafir’s shop for 7,500 souls.
• Sinner’s Rise: It is located in a chest after defeating the Lost Sinner.
• The Gutter: It can be found before reaching the first bonfire in the Black Gulch.
• The Shaded Woods: Unpetrify the tribal enemy blocking the entrance into a building near the path to the Scorpioness Najka boss arena to find it.

Using Fragrant Branch of Yore

The following are the locations where you can use the Fragrant Branch Of Yore:

• Doors Of Pharos (Petrified Gyrm): There are multiple Gyrm petrified near the second bonfire.
• Majula (Rosabeth of Melfia – Required): Travel up the shaded path to the ruins to find Rosabeth of Melfia blocking a door switch. Unpetrify her with the Fragrant Branch Of Yore to activate the switch leading into the Shaded Woods. She is a merchant who sells Pyromancy spells and items.
• The Lost Bastille (Straid of Olaphis): Before going to Sinner’s Rise, travel to the top of the tower with exploding hollows. Blocking a bonfire in one of the cells is the petrified Straid of Olaphis. Unpetrify him to trade Boss souls for powerful unique items.
• The Shaded Woods (Weaponsmith Ornifex): There are three tribal petrified enemies in The Shaded Woods. The first is located on a ledge near the entrance bonfire. Unpetrify and kill him to obtain the Fang Key, which opens the door in the cave below that leads to Weaponsmith Ornifex. Talk to her, and she will return to her home in Brightstone Cove. Travel there to trade unique items with her for powerful souls.
• The Shaded Woods (Manscorpion Tark): The second petrified enemy is blocking the path to the Manscorpion Tark. He will only talk if you have the Ring Of Whispers equipped, which can be purchased from the cat merchant in Majula. He will reward you with the Second Dragon Ring after defeating the Scorpioness Najka.
• The Shaded Woods (Lion Mage): The third petrified enemy is blocking the entrance into a building near the path to the Scorpioness Najka boss arena. Unpetrify him to enter the area and find the Lion Mage armor set.

Joining Covenants & Rewards

Complete the following tasks to join the corresponding covenant. Increase your rank in the indicated covenant to receive the listed reward(s):

Way of the Blue

Talk to the man (Saulden) sitting on the tall monument in Majula. If you talk to him enough, you will be able to join the covenant, and he will give you a special Blue Seal. Wear the Blue Seal to increase the chances that a Blue Sentinel will appear during an invasion. Kill the invaders to increase your rank in the covenant.

Rewards

• Rank 1: Defeat 1 Phantom Invader to get the Bloodbite Ring.
• Rank 2: Defeat 5 Phantom invaders to get the Hush.
• Rank 3: Defeat 10 Phantom invaders to get the Blue Tearstone Ring.

Company of Champions

Travel to the tablet to the right of the stone ruins leading to Hiede’s Tower Of Flame. Read it to get a Champion’s Tablet and the option to join the covenant. Note: This covenant increases the difficulty of the game, making it comparable to New Game+.

Rewards

• Rank 1: Offer 10 Victor’s Stones to get the Great Magic Weapon.
• Rank 2: Offer 25 Victor’s Stones to get the First Dragon Ring.
• Rank 3: Offer 50 Victor’s Stones to get the Vanquisher’s Seal.

Heirs of the Sun

Just before entering the Earthen Peak from Harvest Valley, there is a path leading to a shrine to the left of the interior entrance. Join this covenant to get the Sun Seal. You will be rewarded with medals for helping other players defeat Bosses while wearing the Sun Seal.

Rewards

• Rank 1: Offer 10 Sunlight Medals to get the Sunlight Parma.
• Rank 2: Offer 20 Sunlight Medals to get the Sun Sword.
• Rank 3: Offer 30 Sunlight Medals to get the Sunlight Spear.

Brotherhood of Blood

Travel to the Undead Purgatory from the Hunter’s Copse, and defeat the Chariot to find Titchy Gren. To join the covenant, you will need a Token Of Spite, which can be found in a chest on the path through the Majula pit to the Gutter. It can also be acquired by invading and defeating another player. Wear the Crest Of Blood, and invade other players to increase your rank.

Rewards

• Rank 1: Get 50 Host or Blue Phantom deaths or victories to get the Curved Twinblade.
• Rank 2: Get 150 Host or Blue Phantom deaths or victories to get the Crescent Sickle.
• Rank 3: Get 500 Host or Blue Phantom deaths or victories to get the Great Chaos Fireball.

Bell Keepers

Talk to the Bell Keeper in Belfry Sol or Belfry Luna, which is reached through the Iron Keep or Lost Bastille. Use a Pharos Lockstone to access a secret path leading up to the belfry. Use the Bell Keeper’s Seal to defend the Belfry against other players.

Rewards

• Rank 1: Get 10 defeats in Belfry (attacking or defending) to get the Titanite Slab.
• Rank 2: Get 10 defeats in Belfry (attacking or defending) to get the Hidden Weapon.
• Rank 3: Get 10 defeats in Belfry (attacking or defending) to get the Bell Keeper Bellyband, Bell Keeper Trousers, Bell Keeper Helmet, and Bell Keeper Cuffs.

Blue Sentinels

Defeat the Old Dragonslayer in the Blue Cathedral, which is reached through the left path in Heide’s Tower Of Flame to open the back area of the structure. Collect a Token Of Fidelity from a random drop before speaking with Targay to join the covenant. Use the Guardian Seal to help Way Of The Blue covenant members when they are invaded.

Rewards

• Rank 1: Get 50 Black Phantom defeats or training match victories to get the Spirit Tree Shield.
• Rank 2: Get 150 Black Phantom defeats or training match victories to get the Wrath Of The Gods.
• Rank 3: Get 500 Black Phantom defeats or training match victories to get the Bountiful Sunlight.

Rat King

Find the Rat King after defeating the Royal Rat Vanguard in the Grave Of The Saints or in the Doors Of Pharros. Talk to him with a Rat Tail in your inventory to join the covenant. Defeat players fighting in each of the two Boss arenas when summoned to increase your rank.

Rewards

• Rank 1: Offer 10 Rat Tails to get the Smooth & Silky Stone (10).
• Rank 2: Offer 20 Rat Tails to get the Smooth & Silky Stone (10).
• Rank 3: Offer 30 Rat Tails to get the Slumbering Dragoncrest Ring.

Dragon Remnants

Bring the Petrified Egg from the Dragon Shrine to the merchant inside the Iron Keep. Speak to him with the egg in your inventory to join the covenant. Defeat dragons or drakes to increase your rank.

Rewards

• Rank 1: Offer 10 Dragon Scales to get the Dragon Head Stone.
• Rank 2: Offer 20 Dragon Scales to get the Dragon Torso Stone.
• Rank 3: Offer 30 Dragon Scales to get the Black Dragon Greatsword.

Pilgrims of Dark

Talk to Grandahl in the following three dark locations throughout the kingdom:

Black Gulch: Go far down the path to reach a difficult-to-see ledge in the area with worms and black lurkers. Use a torch to see areas to drop down to. Locate a large locked door, then drop down further to reach a tunnel. Go through the tunnel, and defeat the two enemies inside to get a key. Return to the locked door above to find Grandahl.

Shaded Ruin: Before reaching the scorpion, look to the right of the ramp for a breakable wooden floor. Drop through it to find Grandahl.

Drangleic Castle: Search the large room next to the King’s Gate Bonfire. Grandahl is behind a locked door in the back left edge of the chamber.

During the third conversation, he will offer to let you join the covenant. Use the Abyss Seal and offer an Effigy to open a portal to a new location called the Dark Chasm Of Old.

Rewards

• Rank 1: Successfully complete one section of the chasm to get the Resonant Soul.
• Rank 2: Light all three Braziers in the chasm to get the Great Resonant Soul.
• Rank 3: Defeat the Boss of the Dark Chasm to get the Xanthous Crown, Xanthous Waistcloth, Xanthous Gloves, Xanthous Overcoat, and Climax.

Opening the Mansion in Majula

In the back corner of Majula, near the armor shop, is a two-story mansion with the front door locked. To get the key, travel to the Forest Of Fallen Giants. The path is located near the bonfire on a road leading down next to the cliffs. Defeat the Cardinal Tower bonfire, then go down the ladder. Defeat the two enemies near the arched bridge and enter the door on the left. Walk through the white mist to enter a difficult area.

Walk up the sloping tree, and drop down onto the rooftop to your right. Then, jump over to the scaffolding and enter the cave. Wait near the entrance until a large boulder rolls past, then proceed up the passage to your left to reach Cale the Cartographer. Talk to the cartographer multiple times until he gives you the key. Return to the mansion door in Majula with the key to open it. Deep inside the basement of the mansion is a map of the continent. Continue down the steps into a small ruin to find two rare items: a Soul Vessel in a treasure chest, and an Estus Flask shard on a dead body.

Soul Vessel Locations

To reset any allocated soul level points to their base class stats, take a Soul Vessel to the Old Firekeepers in Things Betwixt. The Soul Vessel is a rare consumable item, of which there are only 6 in the entire game. Players can find Soul Vessels at the following locations:

• One is inside the locked mansion in Majula. Open the chest in the back of the mansion to obtain a Soul Vessel.
• After bringing four merchants to Majula, speak with Crestfallen Saulden to be rewarded with a Soul Vessel.
• There is a Soul Vessel behind a Pharros Lockstone in the Lost Bastille. It is near McDuff’s workshop, behind some wooden planks.
• There is a Soul Vessel inside Drangleic Castle, near the Central Castle Drangleic bonfire. After reaching the giant elevator tower and taking the elevator to the top, look in the chest behind the cage to find it.
• In the Undead Crypt near the Undead Ditch bonfire, you can create a shortcut by lowering a bridge. After lowering the bridge, look down and drop onto the platform below to find a Soul Vessel.
• After acquiring the ability to enter memories, interact with the fallen giant tree (where you first met the Pursuer) to create the Memory Of Orro. A Soul Vessel can be found in the memory.

Reaching Brume Tower

Have the Heavy Iron Key in the “Key” section of your inventory, then go to Eygil’s Idol bonfire. Travel to the Old Iron King primal bonfire. You can now enter a new room in the rear corner of the area. Interact with the statue to teleport to the Brume Tower entrance. Use the Heavy Iron Key on the huge door to open the entrance into Brume Tower. Note: The Heavy Iron Key may require the Ashen Mist Heart to work.

Reaching the Sir Alonne Boss Fight

Fast travel to the Foyer Bonfire, which is the third bonfire in Brume Tower. It is located near the giant kiln switch that activates the tower elevators. Ride up the iron ore elevator located to the left of the key switch to reach the balcony. Move forward to find another elevator, and ride it up. Use the Tower Key to open the locked door and continue to find another elevator. Ride it up, then go up the stairs and around to a circular room with a set of glowing armor. The Ashen Mist Heart is needed to use the armor. Once used, the memory will begin. Sir Alonne, the optional boss, will appear at the end of the memory.

Hollow Skin

At the Foyer bonfire (third bonfire), use the first elevator to the left when you walk out. When you exit, there will be another elevator next to you. Use it to go up again. Repeatedly search against the wall while going up that elevator to reveal a hidden room. It contains the Hollow Skin in a chest. The Hollow Skin features 1,000 Curse resistance, effectively making you immune to them. It also causes more messages to appear.

Tower Key Location

The Tower Key can be found on the large ashen cliffs. Find a large jutting rock platform that is covered with ash corpses in the lower levels of the tower. The area is patrolled by hidden headless knights wielding clubs. Loot the furthest corpse to find the key.

Ashen Mist Heart Location

The Ashen Mist Heart is collected from the Ancient Dragon in the Dragon Shrine. The Dragon Shrine is found beyond Aldia’s Keep, through the King Door, which is unlocked with the King’s Ring found in the Undead Crypt.

Smelter Wedges

Smelter Wedges are used to destroy Ashen Idols, which remove bonuses to nearby enemies. Equip one in an inventory slot, select it, and interact with an Ashen Idol to destroy it. There are a total of eleven Smelter Wedges you can collect:

• Six Smelter Wedges can be found just past the Heavy Iron Key doors at the start of Brume Tower. Loot an ashen body before stepping onto the large chain that leads to the main section of the tower to collect them.
• Four Smelter Wedges can be obtained by teleporting to the Foyer bonfire after collecting the Scorching Iron Scepter and activating the elevator contraptions inside the tower. Go up the elevator to the left of the Scorched Iron Scepter switch, then get off and onto the second elevator going up. You will reach a barred hallway near the locked Tower Key door. Travel down the hall opposite the gate door, and enter the arched passageway with bullhead statues. Defeat the enemies, then go upstairs. Open the chest under the last arch to the left to collect the wedges.
• One Smelter Wedge is found on the throne after defeating Sir Alonne.

Reaching Frozen Eleum Loyce

Light all four primal fires beyond the Old Iron King, The Rotten, Duke’s Dear Freija, and The Lost Sinner to unlock the Shrine Of Winter. Go to the Ruined Fork Road bonfire in the Shaded Woods. Go upstairs in the small structure to find the large doors to the Shrine Of Winter. Interact with the Shrine Of Winter altar to teleport to a room with a large locked door. Use the Frozen Flower that is now in the “Key” section of your inventory to open the path to Frozen Eleum Loyce. Note: The Frozen Flower may only function after getting the Ashen Mist Heart.

Reaching Shulva – Sanctum City

With the Dragon’s Talon in your inventory, you can examine it in the “Key” section. Teleport to the Black Gulch bonfire and head to the Hidden Chamber bonfire by going along the right side cliff’s edge outside The Rotten’s boss arena. Head inside The Rotten’s arena (defeating him if you haven’t yet), and once there, you will see multiple stone obelisks with inscriptions. Interact with the center obelisk to teleport to a room with a massive doorway. Interact with the gates and use the Dragon’s Talon to open the lock to access Shulva – Sanctum City. Note: The Ashen Mist Heart may also be required before the Dragon’s Talon will unlock the gates.

Reaching The Gutter

The Gutter is a secret area players can access from the pit in Majula. But to do so, you will need a special ladder. After reaching the Central Earthen Peak bonfire, past Hunter’s Copse, and through Harvest Valley, you will see an outer walkway in the huge tower looking out over a large window. Go along the walkway and smash the multiple wooden railings, then continue along the ledge left to reach a man. This is Laddersmith Gilligan. Talk to him and he will offer to lend you a bridge for 2,000 souls. Agree to purchase the bridge and he will then relocate to Majula.

Talk to Laddersmith Gilligan once he’s in Majula and he will offer to build another ladder. The length of the ladder is based on your donation; the larger the donation, the further the ladder will reach. 500 souls will get the shortest ladder, 3,000 souls will get a middle-length ladder, and 12,000 souls will get the longest ladder. Purchase the longest ladder to be able to reach The Gutter. Follow the walkways at the bottom of the ladder, dropping from platform to platform, and you’ll eventually reach a sewer area that leads to a bunch of scaffolding. Keep climbing down to reach the giant hole in the ground that leads to The Gutter.

Unlocking the Forgotten Doors

Once you reach the darkness of the Black Gulch, you can obtain the Forgotten Key and Havel’s Armor. In The Gutter and Black Gulch areas, there are giant stone doors that can only be opened with the Forgotten Key. To obtain the key, travel to the Hidden Chamber bonfire in the Black Gulch. You can reach it by exploring the ledge to the right of the entrance into The Rotten’s boss arena. From the bonfire, go back to the ledge overlooking a deep pit. Use a torch and follow the ledge until you see a platform below. It should be near an area with black pools and spider abyssal creatures.

On the first platform is a locked Forgotten Door that you can enter after obtaining the Forgotten Key, which you won’t have just yet. Instead, drop down to the second, lower platform. Through the cave entrance are two Giants. Defeat them to get the Forgotten Key. After obtaining the Forgotten Key, you can use it to open the Forgotten Doors in the following locations:

Majula

Once you purchase a ladder, climb down the pit in Majula to reach another ladder leading to the locked Forgotten Door. It contains three treasure chests.

The Black Gulch

The Forgotten Door is on the first platform above the cave where you obtain the Forgotten Key. It leads to an encounter with the Darkdiver Grandahl, who will open a portal to the Dark Chasm Of Old secret area if you find all three of his locations.

The Gutter

This Forgotten Door is inside a cave. Unlock the door to find Havel’s Armor.

Royal Soldier’s Ring

Look around the far edge of No-Man’s Wharf to find a small room full of poison jars. The wall behind the two guards sleeping at the table is false. Use a speel to breach it to find some souls and the Royal Soldiers Ring.

Repair Tree

From the second bonfire in Shulva – Sanctum City, head up the hill. Move along the edge and look down until you see a large stone tower and a platform below, next to a cave in the rock wall. Enter the cave by using a bow and looking to the left of the path entrance that is out of reach. You should see a narrow ledge covered in small statues and a switch. Shoot the switch with your bow and the tower will rise, creating a bridge to the dark tunnel. Once inside, kill the clusters of poison statues to reach a larger chamber.

In the center of the chamber is a strange tree that appears to have eyes. Near the tree is a Notched Whip. Hit the tree with the Notched Whip and it will glow. If you are close enough, the light will repair all your equipped gear. Note: Hitting the tree too many times will kill it.

Obtaining Havel’s Armor

To obtain Havel’s Armor, start from the first bonfire in The Gutter and turn and jump down to the building below with a ladder. Climb up the ladder and enter the dark cave that contains poison-spitting creatures. Defeat them and open the Forgotten Door. Then, smash the vase near the back wall to obtain Havel’s Armor.

Obtaining Navlaan’s Chaos Set

The royal sorcerer Navlaan can be found in Aldia’s Keep, which can be reached via the Forking Path bonfire in the Shaded Woods. Follow the upper path and open the King’s Door with the King’s Ring. As a reminder, the King’s Ring can be found in the Undead Crypt, past Veldstadt the Royal Aegis. Take it from Vendrick’s tomb to enter Aldia’s Keep.

In Aldia’s Keep, go under the huge staircase to the right, in the large entrance hall with the collapsing dragon skeleton. Talk with the man behind the glowing shield to begin the quest. However, do not pull the switch to the left, as it will free him and forfeit the assassination quest. For each target in the assassination quest, Navlaan will ask you to bring him a unique item. After obtaining the item, return to Navlaan to receive a reward and be given your next target. Complete all four targets to get Navlaan’s Chaos Set.

Laddersmith Gilligan

• Target: Laddersmith Gilligan
• Location: Earthen Mound Tower, outside the windows leading to an enclosed ledge near the windmill. Talking to him will cause him to move to Majula
• Item: Ladder Miniature (purchase from Gilligan)
• Reward: Dispelling Ring

Cale the Cartographer

• Target: Cale the Cartographer
• Location: Forest of Fallen Giants. From the Tower bonfire, head down the ladder and into a courtyard covered with tree roots. Jump across the rooftops to reach the scaffolding and enter the cave. Talk to the man up the ramp past the falling boulder to get the key to the mansion in Majula, where Cale is waiting.
• Item: Cale’s Helmet. You must light all the major bonfires in the game to receive it from him.
• Reward: Simpleton’s Spice

Felkin the Outcast

• Target: Felkin the Outcast
• Location: Huntsman’s Copse, just outside the first bonfire
• Item: Sunset Staff. In Aldia’s Keep, defeat the Mimic Chest to the left of the entrance stairs.
• Reward: Forbidden Sun Pyromancy

Emerald Herald

• Target: Emerald Herald
• Location: Majula
• Item: Aged Feather. In Aldia’s Keep, take the elevator to the Dragon Aerie to meet the Emerald Herald. Speak with her to obtain the item.
• Reward: Unleash Magic Sorcery, Navlaan’s Chaos Set

Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin Cheat Engine Cheats (PC Only)

The PC version of Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin is compatible with third-party cheat engines and cheat trainer files. One such cheat trainer file can be found here and contains the following options:

Player Mods

• Infinite Health
• Infinite Stamina
• Infinite Items
• Infinite Torch
• Infinite Shop Items
• Infinite Carrying Weight
• Infinite Spells
• Infinite Weapon/Armor Durability
• One-Hit Kills

Inventory Mods

• Souls Modifier
• Select Item Quantity
• Item Editor Weapon 1
• Item Editor Weapon 2
• Item Editor Armor 1
• Item Editor Armor 2
• Item Editor Armor 3
• Item Editor Magic
• Item Editor Rings
• Item Editor Keys
• Item Editor Consumables
• Item Editor Non-Boss Souls
• Item Editor Arrows and Bolts
• Item Editor Shards and Stones
• Item Editor Summon Stones
• Item Editor Gestures
• Item Editor Boss Souls
• Reset Last Edited Item

Stat Mods

• VGR
• END
• VIT
• ATN
• STR
• DEX
• ADP
• INT
• FTH

Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin Achievements/Trophies

Completing the following in-game tasks will unlock the corresponding achievement/trophy.

Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin Cheat FAQs

Can you get banned for using cheats or mods in Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin?

In short, yes. If players have cheats or mods active via a third-party cheat engine, there is the possibility of getting your account banned. While Dark Souls 2 does not have “anti-cheat” software in the traditional sense, servers will detect anomalies in the game’s run files if mods are active and you happen to be playing online. If planning on using third-party cheat engines or mods, make sure to play in Offline Mode.

How do you get infinite Humanity in Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin?

Humanity is a necessary resource for reversing Hollowing and other actions in Dark Souls 2, and players will need Human Effigies to gain Humanity. There is a trick players can use to easily farm Humanity. Travel to the Tower of Prayer bonfire and use a Bonfire Ascetic. The Bonfire Ascetic makes nearby enemies more challenging but offers greater rewards. Players can easily farm the enemies here for Human Effigies as well as Twinkling Titanite and Petrified Dragon Bone.

What is the hardest boss in Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin?

While difficulty is largely subjective, there are a handful of bosses generally considered to be the hardest fights players face in Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin. Some of these bosses even rank among the hardest boss fights in the entire Dark Souls series. Foes like the Fume Knight, Sir Alonne, and the Darklurker are incredibly challenging and act as Dark Souls 2‘s ultimate tests of skill.

How long to beat Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin?

While a single playthrough of Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin will take between 35-40 hours to complete the main story, the game offers up much more content than just the main quest. Completing all optional side quests, defeating all optional bosses, and taking the time necessary to fully optimize and max out a character build will take much longer, as will completing the three DLC campaigns included as part of the Scholar of the First Sin edition of Dark Souls 2. To fully complete the game, players can expect to spend between 100-120 hours.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin key art.