Nestled on the coastal side of Drangleic is the only place in Dark Souls II with a sense of normality. Majula isn't the first place players visit, yet it serves as a central hub for the game. Dark Souls II contains various locations that must be conquered before progressing, yet all roads lead back to Majula eventually.
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 throughout Dark Souls II.Â
10 Find Estus Flask Shards
Majula is not the most expansive location in the scope of things, but it contains many secrets. Two of Dark 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 counterweight to bring the item into your grasp. The second Estus Flask Shard is found in the abandoned mansion.
9 Buy 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 behind Dark Souls II. This NPC is unique in the way that the player cannot kill Sweet Shalquoir. Most NPCs in Dark Souls can 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.
8 Find 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 in Dark 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.
7 Use 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 of Dark Souls II. The setting has a surreal atmosphere that contrasts with the game's other levels. Majula directly leads to important places, like taking The Pit to the Gutter, venturing directly Heide's Tower of Flame, or the Forest of Fallen Giants.
6 Visit 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.
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 of Dark Souls II. Given the dilapidated state of the mansion, most are reluctant to venture inside.
5 Take A Break
Dark Souls II follows suit with other Souls games by having a safe zone for players. Demon's Souls contains the Nexus, while Dark Souls II uses 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.
4 Level-Up
Dark Souls II follows 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 II lets players level-up to advance their skills.
Players level-up by speaking to the NPC Emerald Herald. She replaces leveling-up at bonfires, like in the first Dark Souls. This fundamental part of the game is vital for progression.
3 Get To Know The Locals
Getting to know the local NPCs will 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 more about Dark Souls II's story.
2 Fall 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 large bar of health or a Silvercat Ring, this pit leads to Dark Souls II's The Gutter. Despite being one of the most frustrating parts of Dark Souls history, the pit and The Gutter are accessed via a journey through Majula.
1 Join A Covenant
There are two joinable covenants in Dark Souls II's Majula. The Blue Sentinels is a covenant 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 can join the Company of Champions.