These expertly-written characters hold host to all sorts of great content, be it covenants, unlockable shops, allies during hard times, or hidden strains of lore! Join me today as we go through some of the best NPCs in DS3! Note: these NPC’s are being ranked based on their usefulness, storyline, and/or lore implications, alongside my opinion! Also, spoilers!
15. Irina of Carim
Innocent Irina is a blind nun, accompanied on her journeys by the intimidating Eygon. Being of faith, she is one of the few NPCs in the game that will sell the player miracles. And the first one you’ll encounter on your travels. Be careful with your choices, however, as Irina’s mind is frail. And asking too much of her may prove to be more than she can handle. Where to find: First encountered in the cell at the bottom of the undead settlement.
14. Pickle Pee, Pump-a-Rum
One of the few NPCs to make it through all 3 installments of Dark Souls, Pickle Pee is a rather enigmatic character. Going officially by ‘The Nestling of Firelink Shrine’ in the credits and DS3 guidebook, not much is known about this crow duo(?). It is clear, however, that they have a want for certain items. And will trade a whole host of inventory with the player if they can give them something they like! Where to find: Their disembodied voice can be interacted with in the nest atop Firelink.
13. Company Captain Yorshka
The first of the covenant NPC’s on this list, the well-hidden Yorshka leads the blades of the darkmoon. Referring to lord Gwyn as her father and Gwynevere as her sister, it’s possible that she could be of some relation to the Anor Londo lineage. She bares many similarities to Priscilla of Dark Souls 1 origin, too. Even sharing the same strange dragon tail. It’s still not fully known how Yorshka fits into the lore of Dark Souls 3, and may be a mystery for many years to come. Where to find: Atop the spinning tower of Anor Londo, carefully walk along the invisible bridge leading to her tower.
12. Rosaria, Mother of Rebirth
Another covenant leader, the mute Rosaria may not be quite as pretty to look at as Yorshka. But she’s shrouded by just as much mystery. Being the instrument for the coveted stat respec within Dark Souls 3, there’s more to this NPC than meets the eye. Some theories even suggest that she may be Gwynevere herself! Her existence holds massive lore implications. And it’s extremely fun to speculate what that could mean for the world of Dark Souls. Where to find: In her room on the top floor of the cathedral of the deep.
11. Yoel of Londor
Mr. free levels himself, the frail Yoel is a doomed pilgrim who failed to die. After bestowing the dreaded dark sigil and 5 free levels upon the character, he’ll bite the bullet at last. And it’s hard not to feel sorry for him upon seeing his crumpled body in Firelink. There are far too many theories surrounding Yoel, and the pilgrims as a whole, to list here. The research others have done is truly fascinating. And I cannot recommend more that you read into it yourself! Where to find: Right at the very beginning of the undead settlement.
10. Sister Friede
Bearing thematic resemblance to Lady Maria of Bloodborne, the badass sister Friede is not your typical nun. She is, in fact, the final challenge of the painted world DLC. And will give players a run for their money to beat her. On top of this, she seems acutely aware of events that are occurring in the world of Dark Souls. Impressive for someone stuck in a painting for literal ages! Of this knowledge, however, very little has been garnered. And many mysteries still surround this fearsome character. Where to find: At the end of the painted world DLC, she can be interacted with outside of her boss arena.
9. Anri of Astora
Kindness is of little supply in Dark Souls, yet Anri manages to have some to spare. Sadly, Anri can have quite the tragic fate, indeed. Another multiple-ending character, the player can either choose to carry Anri to the ends of the earth, or… Marry them? Being part of the ‘evil’ ending, it’s a hell of a ceremony, and Anri parties a little too hard, as sadly their interaction goes no further. Anri acts as an insight into the unfortunate fate that awaits many unkindled on their travels. But, if you wish to intervene, you may be able to save this hopeful soul. Where to find: First encountered in the road of sacrifices.
8. Filianore
The end-point of the ringed city DLC, Filianore has some of the biggest lore implications of any NPC in the entire game. Pages upon pages of speculation and theories can be read online, though at face-value, it appears Filianore may be the last hope for the world of Dark Souls, and her waking would spell doom for all. So, of course, we wake her up. Doing so takes the player to a barren world of ash and ruin- is this the future? The past? Something else? No-one’s entirely sure, yet. What is sure, however, is that Filianore is a character with immense gravity, and the rabbit hole only goes deeper and deeper… Where to find: At the end of the ringed city DLC- you can’t miss her.
7. Giant of the Undead Settlement
“I help anytime!” This lovable lug is the savior of many players first run of DS3, and he will smite your foes with his enormous arrows, once you befriend him. His assist locations are marked by white trees, and bringing any enemies near one will cause him to snipe away with incredible accuracy at anyone bothering you! Whilst not having crazy lore implications like some of the other entries, it’s hard to not include our giant friend into the list.
6. Slave Knight Gael
Seeker of the dark soul, the strange slave knight Gael is the gateway to the painted world DLC. And he returns as the final boss of the ringed city. Being, in my opinion, the hardest boss in the entire game, I love Gael. His story and drive are truly fascinating. And it all comes together when he is revealed as the dark-sign-bearing monster at the conclusion of the Dark Souls saga. Evidently, Gael succeeded in his quest. Though whether he fell to madness or was a willing sacrifice for a greater purpose is a topic of much discussion. Where to find: First encountered in the cathedral of the deep’s cleansing chapel.
5. Ludleth of Courland
The only willing lord of cinder, the legless Ludleth sits upon his throne, awaiting the end. Ludleth is the character that allows transposition to occur, forging powerful equipment from the souls of fallen bosses. It’s even speculated that he may be one of the illusive pygmies, thanks to a translation from the Japanese version of the game. Where to find: On his throne, in Firelink.
4. Unbreakable Patches
Annoying as he may be, it’s hard not to include this Dark Souls classic. Making an appearance in every Miyazaki-directed game, the back-stabbing Patches is no different in this installment, and will regularly mess with the player, only to prostrate for forgiveness once confronted. In Dark Souls 3, he even goes so far as to make an attempt at Siegward’s life! Truly unforgiveable. If you can find it in your heart to spare him, however, he is a merchant. Though his inventory isn’t the most interesting. Where to find: First encountered in the cathedral of the deep.
3. Siegward of Catarina
The onion knight himself. Another character from the original Dark Souls, Siegward continues his trend of being a fan-favorite. From assisting in battles to sharing a brew, he’s a valuable ally and a beacon of hope on your tiring journey. He also has some interesting backstory, sharing ties with the giant Yhorm- one of the lords of cinder the player must seek. Where to find: First encountered at the end of the undead settlement.
2. Blacksmith Andre
On the subject of fan-favorites, every Dark Souls fan had a smile on their face when seeing this guy again. One of the most useful NPC’s in the game, Andre is responsible for upgrading your weapons and estus flask! It’s safe to say that without him, you’d have a very hard time in the world of Dark Souls 3. And it’s for this reason he makes our list.
1. Fire Keeper
Whilst it feels cliché to be ending a top NPCs list with the fire keeper, it’s hard to overlook the top girl. Your one true ally in this harsh world, the fire keeper is at your side through thick and thin. On top of this she’s also (arguably) the most useful NPC there is, being the easiest way to level up. She has some extremely interesting lore, too. And seems to happily assist the player, even if they make some… questionable choices.
