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Undead Burg

Undead Burg (城下不死街) is a Location in Dark Souls. It is accessible via Firelink Shrine, and leads to the Undead Parish. 

Information

The Undead Burg is an early-game area that introduces players to a variety of enemy types and gameplay mechanics. It serves as a path to several key areas, including the Taurus Demon boss, Black Knight encounters, several merchants.

Area Bosses

Mandatory

  • Taurus Demon

Enemies

Black Knight:
    • Location: Found down a staircase in the area near the crossbow Hollow Soldiers.
    • Details:
      • Guards the Blue Tearstone Ring, which boosts defense when HP is low.
      • Strong opponent with high poise.
      • Effective Strategies:
        • Backstabs are highly effective.
        • Dodge heavy attacks using rolls or block lighter attacks with a shield.
        • Alternatively, use ranged attacks (15+ Firebombs can defeat it from a safe position).
Havel the Rock:
    • Location: Found behind a locked door in the tower before the Taurus Demon. Accessible with the Watchtower Basement Key (acquired after the Moonlight Butterfly) or the Master Key.
    • Details:
      • Extremely high poise and strong melee attacks.
      • Drops Havel’s Ring, which increases equipment load.
    • Effective Strategies:
      • Use backstabs or hit-and-run tactics.
      • Lure Havel outside the tower and attack with ranged weapons or firebombs while he retreats.
      • Requires patience and focus if attempting in early-game with un-upgraded weapons.

Merchants

Male Undead Merchant:
  • Found below a staircase near the first bonfire.
  • Sells:
    • Firebombs (50 souls each)
    • Repair Powder
    • Residence Key
    • Throwing Knives
  • Drops the Uchigatana if killed.

Items

General Items:
  • Garbage – Found near a ladder that leads back to the entrance area.
  • Soul of a Nameless Soldier – Located on the lower route near the merchant.
  • Gold Pine Resin – Found in a chest behind a locked door (requires the Residence Key or Master Key).
Weapons and Shields:
  • Wooden Shield – Located on the balcony near the bonfire.
  • Light Crossbow – Found on a rooftop near throwing knives.
  • Claymore – Found on the large bridge guarded by the Hellkite Drake.
  • Drake Sword – Obtained by severing the Hellkite Drake’s tail.
Rings:
  • Blue Tearstone Ring – Dropped by the Black Knight near the staircase.
  • Havel’s Ring – Dropped by Havel the Rock.
Consumables:
  • Throwing Knives – Found on a rooftop near the merchant.
  • Black Firebombs – Found in a chest.
  • Humanity – Dropped by various enemies and found near the starting bonfire.

Walkthrough

  1. Starting Path:
    • Begin at Firelink Shrine, ascending the stairs to the right.
    • Clear the Hollow Soldiers as you proceed toward the aqueduct.
  2. Entering Undead Burg:
    • Cross through the aqueduct and into the Undead Burg.
    • The path diverges:
      • Lower Route: Leads to consumables and minor items.
      • Upper Route: Leads to progression.
    • Take the upper route, clearing Hollow Soldiers with crossbows and swords.
  3. First Bonfire:
    • Enter the building near the crossbow Hollows to find the first bonfire.
    • This bonfire will serve as a key checkpoint for most of your exploration in this area. Kindle it early for increased Estus Flask charges.

From the Bonfire to the Taurus Demon

  1. Hollow Ambushes:
    • Move up the staircase from the bonfire and deal with Hollows waiting in ambush.
    • Check the area near the spear-wielding Hollows to find the merchant.
  2. Narrow Path to the Battlements:
    • Progress through the narrow streets filled with multiple enemies.
    • Use firebombs or lure enemies out to prevent being overwhelmed.
    • Loot the area for the Black Firebombs from a chest and other consumables.
  3. Path to the Boss:
    • At the spiral staircase, choose:
      • Lower Route: Leads to the Black Knight, guarding the Blue Tearstone Ring.
      • Upper Route: Leads to the Taurus Demon boss fog gate.
    • Clear enemies on the spiral staircase and ascend to reach the fog gate.

The Taurus Demon

  1. Preparation:
    • Eliminate the two crossbow Hollows atop the nearby tower before entering the fog gate.
    • Buff your weapon with Gold Pine Resin for increased damage (optional).
  2. Battle Strategy:
    • Lure the Taurus Demon to the center of the bridge.
    • Climb the ladder to the tower, and perform plunging attacks for significant damage.
    • After the attack, retreat to a safe distance or circle around to repeat the process.
  3. Victory:
    • Defeating the Taurus Demon unlocks access to the bridge guarded by the Hellkite Drake.

Covenants

Warrior of Sunlight:
  • After defeating the Taurus Demon, players can meet Solaire of Astora and join the Warrior of Sunlight covenant.
  • Requires 25 Faith to join, but summoning or being summoned lowers the requirement.

Shortcuts

Bonfire Shortcut

  • After defeating the Taurus Demon, proceed to the large bridge guarded by the Hellkite Drake.
  • Lure the Drake to activate its flame attack and rush to the staircase in the center of the bridge.
  • Descend the stairs and kick down the ladder to unlock a shortcut to the Undead Burg bonfire.

Hellkite Drake Bridge Bypass

Watchtower Shortcut to Havel’s Tower

  • Use the Watchtower Basement Key (obtained after the Moonlight Butterfly) or the Master Key to unlock the door near the spiral staircase.
  • Leads to Havel the Rock and connects to Darkroot Basin.

Soul Farming

The Hellkite Drake can be used to farm souls by baiting its flame attack to burn nearby enemies. This method yields 555 souls per cycle and is a safe way to level up early.

Notes

  • The bonfire near the spear Hollows is a crucial checkpoint; upgrading it early with Kindling ensures better sustainability in the area.

Trivia

  • The Drake Sword’s ranged R2 attack emits a shockwave, making it effective in narrow corridors. However, the attack consumes significant durability.
  • The Black Knight in Undead Burg is one of several scattered throughout Lordran, each guarding valuable items or key locations.
  • The Taurus Demon’s design emphasizes vertical combat, teaching players to use the environment to their advantage.
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