Guides / DARK SOULS III

Smouldering Lake

DARK SOULS III guide · After entering the Catacombs of Carthus
← All areas in this guide

Smouldering Lake is an optional underground expanse located beneath the Catacombs of Carthus, characterized by a massive lake constantly bombarded by a giant triple-shot ballista. Players must navigate the hazards of the lake and delve into the labyrinthine Demon Ruins beneath it to disable the siege weapon and defeat the Old Demon King.

Achievements here

Old Demon KingDefeat the Old Demon King in the lake basin near the demon ruins.

Achievement guide and roadmap →

Items

0/10

Secrets

0/3

Enemies

Carthus Sandworm
Weak to Thrust, LightningSteal / drop Lightning Stake, Undead Bone Shard

A massive creature that burrows through the lake bed and shoots electrical beams.

Old Demon King
Weak to DarkSteal / drop Soul of the Old Demon King

The primary boss of the area, who unleashes a devastating final explosion at low health.

Smouldering Bastard Ghru
Weak to Magic, Frost

Aggressive beast-like humanoids that inflict fire damage and jump attack the player.

Ghru Shaman
Weak to Magic, Frost

Spellcasting Ghrus that summon floating fiery skulls that track the player.

Demon Statue
Weak to Physical

Immobile stone carvings that spew continuous streams of fire when approached.

Basilisk
Weak to Physical

Small reptilian creatures that spew clouds capable of inflicting instant-death Curse.

Knight Slayer Tsorig
Weak to StrikeSteal / drop Fume Ultra Greatsword, Black Iron Greatshield

A hostile NPC found guarding a deep lava pool beneath the ruins.

Black Knight
Weak to Strike, LightningSteal / drop Black Knight equipment

A lone knight roaming the lower corridors who will aggressively fight nearby Ghru enemies.

Tips

  • The giant ballista fire can be used to kill the Carthus Sandworm effortlessly if you stand behind the worm and let the incoming bolts hit its body.
  • You can disable the giant ballista entirely by reaching the mechanism at the highest peak of the ruins and interacting with the central lever.
  • Equipping high fire-resistance gear, the Flame Stoneplate Ring, and casting Flash Sweat is necessary to survive walking across the lava to collect items in the lower ruins.

Not listed for this area: shops and people.

Stuck somewhere in DARK SOULS III?

Quest Compendium sees your screen while you play: ask about exactly where you are, and keep this guide open right beside your game.

Get live help while you play

Report a mistake