How to Get to Archdragon Peak in Dark Souls 3
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How to Get to Archdragon Peak in Dark Souls 3
What to Do in Archdragon Peak
Archdragon Peak is one of the most visually spectacular areas in Dark Souls 3 — a mountaintop kingdom above the clouds filled with ancient dragon worshippers. It is entirely optional but contains some of the game’s best lore, the hardest optional boss, and unique covenant rewards. Many players miss it entirely on their first playthrough because the gesture-based entry is completely unmarked — so if you want the full experience, make sure you grab the Path of the Dragon gesture right after defeating Oceiros.
FAQ
⚡ Quick Answer
How to Reach Archdragon Peak
Archdragon Peak is accessed by performing the Path of the Dragon gesture while sitting at the altar in the Irithyll Dungeon — specifically in the area after the Profaned Capital. You must first find the gesture by defeating the Oceiros boss and exploring the basement of Consumed King’s Garden.
1
Defeat Oceiros, the Consumed King. He is found in the Consumed King’s Garden, accessible via a lift in Lothric Castle. After beating Oceiros, go through the fog gate behind him and descend the stairs into a basement chamber. Here you will find a corpse holding the Path of the Dragon gesture — pick it up.
2
Reach the Irithyll Dungeon and Profaned Capital. Progress through Irithyll of the Boreal Valley into Irithyll Dungeon, then find the Profaned Capital area. This is a mid-to-late game area — you should be around Soul Level 60–70 before attempting it.
3
Find the dragon altar in the Profaned Capital. From the Profaned Capital bonfire, head through the toxic swamp area and up into the ruined building. Navigate past the gargoyle enemies on the rooftop. At the far end of the roof you will find a stone altar with a dragon carving — this is the teleport point.
4
Perform Path of the Dragon at the altar. Stand directly in front of the altar, open your gesture menu, and use Path of the Dragon. Your character will kneel in the gesture pose — hold it for a few seconds until the screen fades to black and you are transported to Archdragon Peak.
5
Activate the bonfire immediately upon arrival. Archdragon Peak has no shortcuts back to the main game — the only way in and out is the altar gesture. Rest at the bonfire at the start of the area before exploring, so you have a fast travel point to return to.
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Fight the Nameless King: the area’s main boss is the Nameless King — widely considered the hardest optional boss in Dark Souls 3. He is a two-phase fight involving a dragon mount and then the Nameless King himself. Highly recommended for the challenge and the lore.
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Dragon Stones and covenant: Archdragon Peak is home to the Covenant of Champions (Path of the Dragon). Collect Dragon Stones from the dragon enemies and offer them to the altar inside the peak to level up the covenant and earn dragon transformation items.
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Dragon Torso and Head Stones: found in the area — these items let you transform parts of your body into a dragon form and give you a powerful breath attack. The Dragon Torso Stone is near the start of the area; the Dragon Head Stone is dropped by a wyvern enemy partway through.
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Watch for the lightning wyvern: midway through the area a massive wyvern lands on the path and breathes lightning. You can either run past it quickly or fight it for a large soul reward and the Dragon Head Stone. A strong weapon and patience makes the fight very manageable.
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Upgrade before visiting: Archdragon Peak enemies deal heavy lightning and physical damage. Arrive with a soul level of 70+ and a +8 or better weapon. The Nameless King in particular is a late-game challenge best attempted after most other bosses are cleared.
Where do I get the Path of the Dragon gesture?
After defeating Oceiros, the Consumed King in Consumed King’s Garden, go through the fog gate behind him and descend the stairs. At the bottom you will find a corpse holding the Path of the Dragon gesture item — pick it up from the corpse.
Where exactly is the altar to access Archdragon Peak?
The altar is on the rooftop of the main ruined building in the Profaned Capital area, reached from the Profaned Capital bonfire. Navigate through the toxic swamp, up into the building, and across the rooftop past the gargoyle enemies to the far end where the carved dragon altar sits.
Is Archdragon Peak required to finish Dark Souls 3?
No — Archdragon Peak is a completely optional area. The Nameless King boss found there is not required for any ending or trophy related to completing the main story. However, it is strongly recommended for players who want to experience all the content the game has to offer.
Can you return to Archdragon Peak after visiting?
Yes — once you have unlocked the area and activated the bonfire, you can fast travel back at any time from the bonfire menu like any other location. You can also re-enter via the altar gesture in the Profaned Capital at any time.