Homeward Bone

Homeward Bones are a consumable item in Dark Souls that allow players to return to the last bonfire they rested at without losing souls or Humanity. Their reliability and ease of use make them a vital tool for both exploration and survival.

Bone fragment reduced to white ash. Return to last bonfire used for resting.

Bonfires are fueled by bones of the Undead. In rare cases, the strong urge of their previous owner's to seek bonfires enchants their bones with a homeward instinct.

Usage

When used, the Homeward Bone transports the player to the last bonfire they rested at, preserving all collected souls and Humanity. This makes it an excellent tool for escaping dangerous areas, avoiding unnecessary risks, or quickly returning to a bonfire after acquiring valuable loot. Unlike death or using the Dark Sign, the Homeward Bone ensures no penalties, making it a safer alternative in perilous situations.

Acquisition

Merchants

• 1x sold by the Male Undead Merchant in the Undead Burg for 800 souls.
• Unlimited quantities sold by Marvelous Chester in the Artorias of The Abyss DLC for 1,000 souls each.
  

World Locations

• 9x found on a corpse in Firelink Shrine, near the path to the graveyard.
• 6x found in a chest in Undead Burg, near the wooden tower leading to the Taurus Demon.
• 3x found on a corpse in Anor Londo, in the room with Silver Knight archers.
  

Enemy Drops

• Rarely dropped by Vagrants, though this is an unreliable source.

Notes

• The Homeward Bone is consumed upon use, so players should ensure they carry enough when exploring unfamiliar or high-risk areas.
• It can be used to avoid losing progress in particularly dangerous zones, such as Blighttown or New Londo Ruins, where bonfires are sparse.
• The item is especially useful in boss arenas or after retrieving souls from a death zone, providing an instant retreat to safety.
• Once the Homeward miracle is obtained, it serves as a reusable alternative, though it requires Faith to use.
  

Trivia

• Its association with bonfires and safe return symbolizes the player's dependence on the fading light of the First Flame throughout their journey.
• The Homeward Bone has analogs in subsequent games in the series, including the Homeward Idol in Dark Souls III.
• Players often save Homeward Bones for use in areas with high soul rewards, using them to safely exit after farming.
  
• Homeward Bone is a play on words with the expression "Homeward bound".