Dark Souls II beginner route: Majula and the Forest of Fallen Giants
Start Scholar of the First Sin with Estus, a practical first route and access to an early blacksmith.
Guides and pictures cover Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin (2015) on DirectX 11 PC, PS4 and Xbox One. The original game launched in 2014. Original/DirectX 9/PS3/Xbox 360 enemy and item layouts differ, even when sold with the Scholar name.
Set up in Majula
After Things Betwixt, follow the path into Majula and light the bonfire. Speak repeatedly to the Emerald Herald near the cliff to receive your Estus Flask and unlock leveling. Resting at a bonfire alone does not spend your souls on attributes; return to her when you are ready to improve your character.
Take the forest route first
The passage from Majula toward the Forest of Fallen Giants follows a stream through an entrance near the bonfire side of town. Work toward Cardinal Tower, drawing enemies out of groups instead of charging into the courtyard. This route provides an early merchant and a practical introduction to shortcuts before you commit to harder branches.
Buy the blacksmith’s key
At Cardinal Tower, Melentia sells Lenigrast’s Key for 1,000 souls. Take it back to Majula, unlock his workshop and reload the area so he can settle inside. Reinforcing a weapon you can already wield is a useful early investment; do not spend every soul on levels and leave its damage unchanged.
Check your covenant if combat feels unusually hard
The Victor’s Stone in Majula offers the Company of Champions. Membership increases combat difficulty and prevents ordinary cooperative summoning, including NPC summon signs. It is an optional challenge. If you joined without realizing its effect, speak to Sweet Shalquoir in Majula to abandon the covenant before judging the normal difficulty.
Clear a safe path to Cardinal Tower and unlock Lenigrast before spending heavily on unfamiliar weapons.
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