In this chapter, the swamp area is divided into three main parts, which start at the end of the road that leads from the bonfire near the fortress. The first part is the swamp itself, while the other two are in ruins that are located on both sides.
The lower part of the swamp - on the left
Here you will face the first enemies. Pay attention to the fact that you will find quite a few of them in this area. In addition, they will hide between trees and try to blend in with their surroundings, so go slowly and gradually eliminate them one by one. Dodge their attacks to go behind them (you can also block their attacks).
Turn left and go to the edge so you don't miss anything. You will find a double titanite shard (one is among a group of stone creatures that are extremely toxic. Grab an item and quickly run in the other direction) Among the trees there is a Twin Dragon Greatshield (watch out for peasants with sticks that will pop out of nowhere when you are smaller expect all this).
Find a stone arch and you will find a faded soul. You will be attacked by a group of peasants and mad dogs. Skip the arch and turn left to be above the swamp and reach the bonfire.
The lower part of the swamp - on the right
At the starting point (get to the "Halfway to the Fortress" bonfire) turn right. Follow the road and you will find a titanite shard against the wall (and a few more enemies). Walk a little more and you will reach stone ruins, which you must leave for now.
At the entrance, you will be forced to deal with two opponents with a cross on their back. Sneak up behind them and kill them one by one. Don't let them catch you in a storm of blows, as you will lose a lot of health.
Enter the ruins and turn left. On the right side you should have a stone wall, and a little further some trees and a huge crab. You shouldn't fight him now.
Bottom of the swamp - middle
And finally, get to the middle of the location. You will find Green Blossom. From here, you will find another giant crab on the left side. Not far from it lies a corpse with a Grass Crest Shield.
Go to the next ruins and find a location for the Green Blossom. Turn right (the stairs leading to the ruins are marked "turn back") to find the Fallen Knight's Armor Set.
After you collect all the items, you can start a battle with crabs or explore the ruins. The ruins in the eastern part of the area lead to the Farron Citadel, while the ruins in the western part will lead you to the Voidwatchers boss (along the way, you will encounter another boss, the Crystal Spell Expert).
Fight with Yellowfinger Heysel
In the middle of the swamp, you can use Ember to summon your opponent, Yellowfinger Heysel. Since there are many enemies around you, fight him when they are dead, or lure him into the ruins where you will be somewhat safe (fight in the hallway to avoid colliding with the knight). Heysel will fire projectiles from a distance, so try to fight in close combat. Defeat him and you will receive the Heysel and Xanthous Crown Bundle.
How to deal with crabs
Huge crabs are very tough enemies. First of all, each of them possesses impressive strength, which can be observed through a series of attacks (pincers, grab). In addition, they are very fast and can perform special glides to catch up with their prey. In addition, they release a substance that not only deals damage but also slows down. Crabs can also hide underground and return to the surface with health restored - this happens when they take damage and cannot attack (for example, if you throw incendiary bombs at them from a height that is next to the Crucifixion Woods bonfire).
All of the above makes direct combat extremely difficult. If you think you're ready for this, try to deal damage with ranged attacks. During the battle, do not fix the camera on the enemy and circle around him. Follow these tips and you can attack the crab's legs and body from the back and stun it.
There is another method you can try. Lure a monster between two narrow trees and it should get stuck. Move back and attack the creature from a safe distance.
You can also lure him into a small ruin passage located in the northwest part of the swamp (screenshot). If you manage to lure him there, the creature will have almost no chance of catching you. There isn't much room to maneuver, but on the other hand, the crab won't be able to attack you.
Remember: crabs are not enemies that only appear once, and they will respawn when you visit bonfires or die. If you find it too difficult, just forget about crabs and collect items that you find along the way.
Remember 2: Before entering the battle, kill other minor enemies that are scattered around the perimeter. If you don't, they will make the crab fight even more difficult.
Ruins in the eastern part of the location
The first part of the ruins is located at the bottom of the swamp. There are rocks along the road that leads to them, and you will face poisonous creatures and two opponents with crosses on their backs. The entrance is in the corner of the location.
Remember: Behind the bars, on the right, there is a crystal lizard. The passage can be opened from the other side in Farron Citadel.
A knight will be waiting for you inside. It is especially lethal as it deals massive physical damage. Your only chance to defeat him is to dodge all blows and strike back. Don't let him hit you, because 2-3 hits will kill you. Beware of the lunge, which is often perceived as running, and the attack, during which he drags his weapon.
This opponent is brutal, so it's okay if you give up the fight or use a clever trick. If you're lucky, the knight should be at the end of the stairs when you first enter the hallway. Instead of drawing attention to yourself, head out onto the balcony on the right. You will find the Sellsword Set. You will be able to jump lower, behind the knight, and thus collect the Sellsword TwinBlade in the hole on the right. There is also Farron Coak. This position will allow you to sneak up on him and perform a hard hit (screenshot).
Ruins in the eastern part of the location - the road to Farron Citadel
After you collect the items and win the fight (or not), exit the same way you came and walk along the wall. Continue higher to find the large Soul of the Unknown Traveler hidden under the rocks.
Enter the balcony to find the Homeward bone. The staircase will lead you directly to the bonfire in Farron's Citadel.
However, two guards are blocking your way. Fighting both of them at the same time is suicide, so it is very important to lure one of them out. You can head towards the swamp (but only if you've killed the giant crab), but it's entirely possible that both of them will follow you. Another method is to stand in front of them and lead them to the ruins. Go to the balcony behind them and one of them should stop chasing you. If you are unable to do this, try to avoid the guards in the first place and use the stairs that will lead you to the bonfire. Try again by going up the stairs (only one guard should notice you).
One of the opponents with a sword will try to attack from the middle of the air (while moving backward) and perform vigorous blows. The first attack is easy to dodge and the enemy will stay on the ground for a few seconds, giving you enough time to hit them. If you keep walking backwards, he will continue this attack. Don't get caught up in the last attack. Kill him and collect the Exile Greatsword.
It's time to fight the second enemy. Despite the fact that he has a small shield that allows him to block your attacks, it is easy to break through his defense from hitting immediately after dodging. The enemy performs attacks similar to the previous enemy. So strike back after a mid-air attack. Moreover, he can heal himself. Whenever he is on his knees and yellow luminescence appears around him, you must run up to him and deliver a powerful blow from the middle of the air. This should stop him from healing and deal additional damage. Kill him and get the Reinforced Club.
Ruins in the western part
Walk from the Crucifixion Woods bonfire and find nearby ruins. Do not go inside yet and walk around, along the wall on the left side. On your way, you will meet four enemies.
At the end of the road, jump down - you will land in the corner and you will find a fragment of Estus near the body. Go to the fire and you will face Ember and a powerful enemy with a cross on his back. Kill him and go right, leaving the ruins, and you will find the Soul of the Unknown Traveler under the tree.
Walk around the wall on the right and find the entrance (screenshot).
Once you're inside, go to the right side and kill the two enemies that spot you. The mage standing above you will shoot projectiles. If you stay behind the wall, he will not be able to hit you, and other enemies will come to you one by one. If for some reason the plan didn't work, run inside, get the attention of at least a few opponents, and quickly get outside. You will be able to deal with them individually next to the narrow passage. Clear the area and collect the Heretic's Staff located in the corner. Go up the stairs.
There is only one enemy here who will rush at you as soon as you pass the bridge. Turn right and head downstairs. Eliminate the crystal lizard and receive the Crystal Gem. Use the stairs in the next room. You will see a hole in the wall that leads outward - stick to this wall and eventually you will reach the platform and shield of the Golden Falcon. Return to this place one more time and head up the stairs. Jump down from the balcony and at the end take the Ring of Sacrifice from the adjacent body.
Exit the ruins and walk around the wall on the right side. You will find a small passage that leads to a locked room. Watch out for the sleeping enemy who will attack you as soon as you find yourself inside. Kill the creature and collect the Sorcerer Set and Scholar Ring.
Return to the bridge in ruins.
Turn left and head upstairs. If your intelligence is 10 or higher, Orbek will teleport to the Cleansing Chapel. If you promise him all the scrolls, he will teach you some spells. There is also a Blue Bug Pellet on the other side, on the intermittent staircase.
Go back and go to the bridge, or jump down to where you met Orbek. The path to the boss leads through the corridor. Avoid the wizards or throw them down (it will be advisable to kill one by jumping on him from top to bottom). Defeat the Master of Crystal Spells boss and unlock the path to the Temple of the Deep.
Remember: If you have any problems, you can call Eygon for help. The place where you can name him is behind one of the columns in the corridor with two sorcerers and several other creatures (see screenshot and don't forget to use Ember). You must kill all other monsters before summoning your ally. He will be of great help in the coming battle.
Boss Fight Crystal Spell Expert
Path to the Temple of the Deep
After the battle with the Crystal Spell Expert, a passage will open on your left. Walk up where you might want to jump down on the ledge. You will encounter the first crystal lizard and the second is around the corner. For each raptor killed, you will receive Shimmering Titanite. The path will lead you to a bonfire. Depending on the path you choose, you will encounter two creatures with cages on their backs, or a witch. Draw the attention of opponents near the main road and fight them one on one. Don't underestimate them as they are more demanding versions or monsters than those found in the Undead Settlement. Look for the corpse of the body where the Herald Set will be, and cross the bridge that leads to the first bonfire in the Temple of the Deep.
