The Painted World of Ariamis is one of Dark Souls’ most iconic hidden areas — a secret zone many players walk past without ever realizing it exists. Beyond this snowy pocket universe, Dark Souls hides several other optional realms, each packed with unique enemies, boss fights, and lore details that reward curious explorers. This guide covers how to access the Painted World and walks you through other major hidden areas you may have missed.
How to Enter the Painted World of Ariamis
Step 1: Retrieve the Peculiar Doll
– Travel to the Undead Asylum (Return Visit)
– Defeat the Stray Demon
– Loot the Peculiar Doll from your old prison cell
You must have this item to enter the painting.
Step 2: Travel to Anor Londo
Head to Anor Londo’s main cathedral building. Inside, you’ll find a giant painting guarded by Painting Guardians.
Step 3: Touch the Painting
Interact with the canvas to be dragged into the Painted World of Ariamis.
Painted World of Ariamis – Full Walkthrough
Layout Overview
A circular, self-contained zone with:
– Unique Undead Dragons
– Toxic Phalanx mobs
– Secret doors and shortcuts
– Exclusive weapons and armor
Key Areas
1. The Courtyard
Filled with Phalanx enemies. Use fire damage to clear them quickly.
2. Undead Dragon
Sever its tail for the Dragonbone Fist (rematch drops the Dragon Scale).
3. Crossroads Tower
Hidden ladders lead to the Vow of Silence miracle.
4. Sewers
Contains Engorged Zombies and fire-resistant loot.
Painted World Secrets & Missable Loot
– Priscilla’s Dagger / Lifehunt Scythe: Only obtainable if you choose to fight Priscilla.
– Set of the Painting Guardians: Full armor set hidden around the level.
– Egg Vermifuge: Rare cleansing cure item.
– Dark Ember: Required for Occult weapon upgrades.
Priscilla – Optional Boss
Should You Fight Her?
She is completely optional. If you want unique weapons and lore progression, engage her. Otherwise, you may leave peacefully.
Boss Fight Tips
– Watch her footprints in the snow
– Use area attacks to reveal her
– Keep distance to dodge Lifehunt bleed
Other Hidden Areas You Probably Missed
1. Ash Lake
A massive, atmospheric secret zone accessed through:
– The Great Hollow inside Blighttown
Features:
– Giant Stone Dragon
– Dragon Covenant
– Primordial Serpent lore
2. The Great Hollow
A vertical maze of tree branches.
Important loot:
– Cloranthy Ring
– Titanite farming mobs
– Mushrooms with rare drops
3. Lost Izalith Shortcuts & Illusions
Hidden walls around Demon Ruins lead to optional loot and alternate routes.
4. Oolacile Township (DLC)
Often skipped by players who never realize how to start the DLC.
Contains:
– Humanities farming spots
– Hidden chests
– The path to Manus
5. New Londo Secret Ledges
Hard-to-see platforms hide extra souls and rare items.
Why These Zones Are Important
Players who skip these hidden areas miss:
– Unique weapons (Lifehunt Scythe, Dragonbone Fist, Occult upgrades)
– Special rings (Cloranthy Ring, Rare Resist rings)
– Lore-critical encounters (Priscilla, Stone Dragon)
– Covenant access (Path of the Dragon)
Dark Souls’ worldbuilding is woven through its secrets — exploring them gives a complete picture of its deeper narrative.
Conclusion
The Painted World of Ariamis and Dark Souls’ other hidden realms offer some of the game’s most memorable exploration sequences. Whether you’re completing your first playthrough or hunting secrets on NG+, these zones provide essential loot, lore, and atmosphere. Don’t miss them — they’re among the richest content the game offers.
GGC