"A bowl is most useful when it is empty." These wise words were uttered by Laozi in the 6th Century before the Common Era and over 2,500 years later, the world is still learning to understand and debate the philosophy behind the concept of "usefulness." Indeed, a lump of coal has many uses, but when lit aflame and tossed into the engine of a train, it has only one use. That's not to say that it has lost value, of course, but the item has been reduced to one purpose.
Dark Souls 3 has a number of these "empty bowls." When a player has an item like these, the utility of them is not limited to a single function. These aren't keys to one door, health potions, or weapons with a single object in mind. The following items offer players choices, opportunities, and dynamic experiences.
10 Young Grass Dew
Most RPG items exist only to sit in the inventory waiting for their numbers to be called. The player pulls them out and uses them when the situation finally arrives. Oddly, one of the most useful items in the game never needs to be "used" at all.
If the character is going to have to deal with all of the powerful bosses in Dark Souls 3, then they will be greatly aided by as many boosts as possible. And this item gives passive boosts to a whole bunch of stats and access to a bonus Homing Knife (more on that later).
9 Titanite
If Dark Souls 3 had a currency, this would be it. Farming Titanite is an important part of strengthening the character's gear. It isn't necessary for one specific piece of equipment; it's necessary for just about every single armor and armament.
Titanite does not only have a variety of uses, it also has a variety of forms! Shard, scale, chunk, slab, and twinkling all have unique models. And do not forget that there is a humongous lizard made entirely out of this stuff lurking around!
8 Ember
Here is a crossover item for the gamer who participates in both the PvE and PvP aspects of the game. Using an Ember allows the player to host a multiplayer competition. Additionally, it provides a buff to the character's maximum health.
Assisting other players in tough zones grants more Ember, but they can also be found at specific locations throughout the single-player campaign. The enkindled buff it gives is functionally delightful, but also remember that an equally aesthetical delight occurs during the buff's duration.
7 Red Eye Orb
Having trouble finding some fantastic magic weapons? If the current world is proving to be too stingy, why not try hopping over to another player's world and fighting against them for their loot? The Red Eye Orb is an upgrade from the previous iteration (Cracked Red Eye Orb) because it allows for transportation to any available realm again and again!
This item is dropped by Darkwraith, so consider this a warning that any competition with another player meeting through this method. Their character will be at least that powerful. But if the tongue collection is running low, this item presents a bottomless way to stock up.
6 Coiled Sword
Being time-consuming can be the hallmark of both good and bad video games. When trying to stock up on Titanite Slabs, it's best to waste as little time as possible. The player could walk and spend loads of time taking in the scenery, but the back-and-forth can only be fresh so many times.
Here is a nifty item that allows the player to transport from bonfire to bonfire. The Coiled Sword requires only a single thrust into the Firelink Shrine for its power to be unlocked. Afterward, players are capable of fast traveling between fires in an instant.
5 Alluring Skull
Combat in Dark Souls 3 can be difficult to navigate for characters with even the highest of dexterity. Flipping from enemy to enemy is cumbersome, to be sure, but it is also deadly. As the gamer tries their hardest to dodge attacks, eventually the mobs become too numerous and strong.
Wouldn't it be nice if they'd all bunch up in a certain place to be attacked as a group instead of individually? Ta-Da! The Alluring Skull is here to save the day. Enemies will hear one break and bunch around the pieces, giving the player the perfect opportunity for the first strike against the entire group.
4 Church Guardian Shiv
One might look at the very low damage of the Church Guardian Shiv and wonder why it has been included on this list. With so many other great shields and weapons, why does this projectile get a spot over the others?
First off, its damage that doesn't take up a weapon slot. It's a projectile, and thusly frees up a slot. The damage is lower than other throwing blades, but in the thick of deadly combat, having a weapon that automatically seeks out enemies in spite of the player's aim is invaluable.
3 Eyes Of A Fire Keeper
This item is turned in to the Fire Keeper. But the value on the exchange is absolutely unreal. Many players start a brand new game without exploring the entire content of their old games. That's right, The Eyes Of A Fire Keeper adds game content!
The immediately noticeable effect is that fire is removed from the world (don't worry, fire weapons still work). But listen carefully; the music at the Firelink Shrine changes! And new dialogue options pop up when conversing with the Fire Keeper after the turn-in. That's some legitimately serious bang for the buck.
2 Basin Of Vows
Here's one more item that is exchanged for far more than the cost. No, not at one of the game's merchant locations, it's actually cashed in at an alter. When placed in front of the statue of the beheaded night, multiple changes take place... and one nearly impossible but unique opportunity reveals itself.
The Dancer of the Boreal Valley boss fight will queue up and a ladder will drop down giving access to a new area. But if this item is acquired early by Emma having an "unfortunate accident" when running into the player, it allows for a large chunk of the game to be skipped. The fight will be challenging at this early level, but it is possible!
1 Sword Of Avowal
Video games have been pushing the envelope of romance and alternative endings for decades now. Dark Souls 3 might appear like a violent hack-and-slash style romp through an unforgiving dungeon of demonic forces to the unaffiliated, but this installment has the possibility for love and alternative finales.
At first glance, one might be disappointed that this can't be equipped. But what the Sword of Avowal lacks in firepower, it makes up for in possibilities. The player is given the option to marry Anri of Astora after the sword is acquired. And more than one possible ending is unlocked. Enjoy the new horizons!