Forbidden Woods

Bloodborne guide · After touching the skull in the Grand Cathedral

Unlocked with the password obtained by examining Laurence's skull in the Grand Cathedral, the Forbidden Woods is a massive, winding wilderness filled with infected villagers and grotesque snake clusters. Navigating through the sprawling village and treacherous snake-infested swamps ultimately leads down to the forbidden tomb, where you must defeat the Shadows of Yharnam to gain access to Byrgenwerth.

Don't miss 0/1

Cainhurst Summons: Found on a desk inside the clinic sickroom, accessed via the hidden cave shortcut leading back to Iosefka's Clinic

Items

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Graveguard Set: Found on a corpse across a gap in the snake swamp near where giant snake parasite enemies patrolClockwise Metamorphosis: Found in the lower marsh section guarded by giant snake clustersAnti-Clockwise Metamorphosis: Found on a ledge accessible via roots near the windmill elevator shortcutCannon: Found on the upper rafters inside the large wooden windmill barn housing the elevatorBeast Roar: Found inside a locked house surrounded by hounds in the village section, requiring access through a window or nearby roof

Secrets

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Shortcut to Iosefka's Clinic | Found by descending into a poisonous cave behind the dog cages in the village, leading to a long ladder that exits into the clinic's courtyardLeague Oath | Speak to Valtr inside the shack next to the first lantern to acquire the Impurity rune and join the League

Enemies

Shadow of Yharnam

Weak to Bolt, ArcaneSteal / drop Blood Rapture Rune

A trio boss consisting of a melee katana wielder, a hybrid candle-flame caster, and a long-range pyromancer

Snake Ball

Weak to Fire, Thrust

Groups of serpents that can spit poison and bite rapidly

Giant Snake Cluster

Weak to Fire

Massive tangled balls of serpents that possess high poise, deadly reach, and high poison buildup

Snake parasite villager

Weak to Fire, Thrust

Huntsmen whose heads burst into snakes when brought below half health, giving them extended range

Suspicious Beggar

Weak to Poison, FireSteal / drop Beast Rune

An NPC found atop a roof who is secretly an Abhorrent Beast; attacking him triggers a fierce miniboss fight

Shops and people

Valtr: Gives the Impurity rune to initiate the League, offering rewards and summon availability upon crushing Vermin

Tips

Equip armor with high slow poison resistance and bring plenty of Antidotes before entering the lower swamp areas.
Look out for tripwires on the forest floor, as stepping on them triggers swinging wooden spiked traps that deal massive damage.
During the Shadow of Yharnam fight, use the large tombstone in the arena to block fireballs while focusing down the aggressive melee katana user first.

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Hemwick Charnel Lane

Byrgenwerth

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