Nestled on the coastal side of Drangleic is the only place inDark Souls IIwith a sense of normality. Majula isn’t the first place players visit, yet it serves as a central hub for the game.Dark Souls IIcontains various locations that must be conquered before progressing, yet all roads lead back to Majula eventually.

RELATED:10 Mistakes Everyone Makes On Their First Playthrough Of Dark Souls II

Location Shard

Uncannily placed opposite the coastal line is an abandoned mansion. Majula’s various points of interest, like the abandoned mansion and the pit, play a vital part in progression. At face value, Majula is a dilapidated town in dire need of repairs. However, this location serves many purposes throughoutDark Souls II.

10Find Estus Flask Shards

Majula is not the most expansive location in the scope of things, but it contains many secrets. Two ofDark Souls II’s Estus Flask Shards are found in this quaint settlement. The first is easy to find. It is located on a corpse dangling from atop a well.Strike the rock counterweightto bring the item into your grasp. The second Estus Flask Shard is found in the abandoned mansion.

9Buy Rings From A Talking Cat

One of the NPCs you’ll meet in Majula happens to be a speaking feline. Found near the pit in Majula, she talks to you about various things, including the lore behindDark Souls II.This NPC is unique in the way that theplayer cannot kill Sweet Shalquoir.Most NPCs inDark Soulscan be slain, which can have dire consequences for the player. In addition to being able to separate you from a covenant, Sweet Shalquoir sells valuable rings.

8Find Human Effigies To Reverse Hollowing

The first time we are introduced to Human Effigies, one of the Old Ladies presents you with one. A few combat sequences later, you make your way to Majula. Like in many places inDark Souls II,players can find Human Effigies in Majula. For example, Merchant Hag Melentia sells five Human Effigies in Majula at a later point in the game. Burning Bonfire Ascetics also yields Human Effigies after slaying skeletons in the abandoned mansion.

7Use It As A Central Hub For Traveling To Other Locations

One big reason to visit Majula is that it acts as a central hub for traveling to other locations. All paths lead to Majula in one way or another. This quaint coastal settlement is considered the crown jewel ofDark Souls II. The setting has a surreal atmosphere that contrasts with the game’s other levels. Majula directly leads to important places, like takingThe Pit to the Gutter,venturing directly Heide’s Tower of Flame, or the Forest of Fallen Giants.

6Visit An Abandoned Mansion

Walking inside Majula’s abandoned mansion requires the House Key, located in the Forest of Fallen Giants. Talk to Cale the Cartographer until you’ve exhausted his dialogue options to obtain the key.

RELATED:Ranked: 10 Most Powerful Weapons In Dark Souls 2

Inside the mansion, you’ll face several skeletons depending on the intensity of the Majula bonfire. You’ll also find a map of Drangleic, the kingdom setting ofDark Souls II.Given the dilapidated state of the mansion, most are reluctant to venture inside.

5Take A Break

Dark Souls IIfollows suit withother Souls gamesby having a safe zone for players.Demon’s Soulscontains the Nexus, whileDark Souls IIuses Majula as a haven. Technically, there are enemies in Majula. Enslaved Pigs will attack if you get too close. There are also skeletons residing in the abandoned mansion. Stick to the shoreline or NPC houses and you should live to see another day.

4Level-Up

Dark Souls IIfollows suit with the series by providing a painstakingly challenging experience. From the beginning, you are immersed in a world filled with terrible creatures. As a role-playing game,Dark Souls IIlets players level-up to advance their skills.

RELATED:Dark Souls 2: Every Starting Class, Ranked

Players level-up by speaking to the NPC Emerald Herald. She replaces leveling-up at bonfires, like in the firstDark Souls.This fundamental part of the game is vital for progression.

3Get To Know The Locals

Getting toknow the local NPCswill benefit you in the short and long-term — Majula in particular contains quite a few NPCs that are game-changing, and many of the NPCs you encounter in your journey will wind up back there. Whether it is a blacksmith who can repair equipment, a merchant who buys and sells goods, or an NPC that lets you join a covenant, Majula has got you covered. Talk to NPCs in Majula to find out Souls II’s story.

2Fall Down An (Almost) Bottomless Pit

Dubiously placed in the middle of Majula is a wide, deep pit. Try jumping into the hole early in the game, and the dreaded message will appear, “You Died.” However, if you wait until you have a largebar of health or a Silvercat Ring,this pit leads toDark Souls II’s The Gutter. Despite being one of themost frustrating parts ofDark Soulshistory,the pit and The Gutter are accessed via a journey through Majula.

1Join A Covenant

There are two joinable covenants inDark Souls II’sMajula.TheBlue Sentinels is acovenant that specializes in PVP.This is the only covenant that can use Cracked Blue Eye Orbs, which are used to invade other players. You can’t heal with an Estus Flask after using a Cracked Blue Eye Orb, although healing Spells work.

The other covenant that players can join is the Company of Champions. Found in Majula, this covenant increases the HP and damage resistance of enemies, providing an experience similar to NG+. Take the coastal path near Heide’s Tower of Flame to pray to a Victor’s Stone monument. Here you may join the Company of Champions.

Dark Souls 2 Majula Cat

NEXT:Dark Souls 2: The 5 Best Armor Sets In The Game (& 5 Worst)

Effigie

Dark Souls 2

Dark Souls 2 Abandoned

Safe Zone

Majula

Rosabeth of Melfia

Dark Souls 2

Blue Sentinel