Hey guys! If you're diving into the brutal world of Dark Souls 3, you'll quickly realize that surviving even the earliest encounters requires every advantage you can get. One of the most crucial things you can do to improve your odds is to upgrade your Estus Flask. This magical flask is your primary source of healing, and the more healing it provides, the longer you can stay alive. The key to upgrading your Estus Flask lies in finding Estus Shards, which can be given to Andre the Blacksmith at Firelink Shrine to increase the number of uses you have. So, buckle up, because we're about to embark on a journey to locate all those precious shards and make your Dark Souls 3 adventure a little less… punishing.

What are Estus Shards and Why Should You Care?

Let's break down exactly what Estus Shards are and why they're so important in Dark Souls 3. Imagine you're in the middle of a tough boss fight, your health is dwindling, and you're desperately trying to find an opening to heal. That's where your Estus Flask comes in. It's your lifeline, a quick and reliable source of HP recovery that can mean the difference between victory and defeat. Now, at the start of the game, you only have a limited number of uses for your Estus Flask, which can be a real problem when you're facing hordes of enemies or a particularly aggressive boss. Estus Shards directly address this issue.

Each Estus Shard you find and give to Andre the Blacksmith permanently increases the number of times you can use your Estus Flask. This is a huge deal because it gives you more opportunities to heal during your adventures. Think of it as increasing your margin for error. With more Estus Flask uses, you can afford to take a few more hits, explore more thoroughly, and generally feel more confident in your ability to tackle the challenges that Dark Souls 3 throws your way. Plus, finding these shards encourages exploration, as many of them are hidden in corners or tucked away in areas you might otherwise miss. So, not only do you get more healing, but you also get to experience more of the game world.

Locations of Estus Shards

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: where do you actually find these coveted Estus Shards? I'll walk you through each location step by step, so you can gather them all and become a true Ashen One. Finding all Estus Shards can be a game-changer, especially if you're new to the game or struggling with certain areas. The additional healing can make a significant difference in your survivability, allowing you to push further and conquer challenges that once seemed insurmountable.

1. Cemetery of Ash

Your journey begins right in the starting area, the Cemetery of Ash. After defeating Iudex Gundyr, don't just rush off to Firelink Shrine! Instead, explore the area thoroughly. Near the boss arena, you'll find a grave with a sword sticking out of it. The Estus Shard is located right next to this grave. It's easy to spot and grab early on, giving you an immediate boost to your Estus Flask. This shard is practically unmissable, and grabbing it early will provide a noticeable improvement to your survivability as you begin your journey.

2. Firelink Shrine

Once you arrive at Firelink Shrine, don't assume it's just a safe haven. There's an Estus Shard hidden here too! Head up to the rafters of the shrine. The easiest way to get there is to purchase the Tower Key from the Shrine Handmaid for 20,000 souls. Once you've unlocked the tower, climb to the top and then cross the bridge to the roof of Firelink Shrine. From there, you can drop down into the rafters inside the shrine. Be careful, as there are a few enemies lurking up there. Navigate the rafters carefully, and you'll find the shard on a corpse hanging from one of the beams. This shard is a bit more challenging to acquire, but it's well worth the effort. Not only does it increase your Estus Flask uses, but accessing the rafters also allows you to reach other valuable items and areas.

3. High Wall of Lothric

Next up is the High Wall of Lothric, a sprawling area filled with dangers and secrets. You'll find an Estus Shard in a room with a patrolling Lothric Knight. This room is accessible from the Tower on the Wall bonfire. Fight your way through the enemies, and you'll eventually reach a room with several Hollows praying. The Lothric Knight will be patrolling nearby. Defeat the knight or sneak past him, and you'll find the shard on a corpse in the corner of the room. This shard is guarded, but it's relatively easy to obtain once you know where to look. Be cautious of the knight's attacks, and you'll be able to claim your prize.

4. Undead Settlement

The Undead Settlement is a grim and sprawling area filled with all sorts of grotesque creatures. The Estus Shard here is located in the area where you encounter the Evangelist, who is essentially a mini-boss. From the Undead Settlement bonfire, proceed through the level until you reach the large open area with the burning tree and the giant throwing spears. Head towards the building where you find the Cage Spider NPC. Just outside this building, you'll find the Evangelist. Defeat her (or run past her, if you're feeling brave), and you'll find the shard on a corpse nearby. This shard requires a bit more effort to reach, but it's well worth the trouble. The Evangelist can be a tough opponent, so be prepared to dodge her attacks and strike when she's vulnerable.

5. Road of Sacrifices

As you venture into the Road of Sacrifices, be prepared for a challenging trek through swampy terrain and hostile enemies. The Estus Shard in this area is located near the halfway fortress. From the halfway fortress bonfire, head outside and look for a Crystal Lizard. Follow the path the lizard takes, and you'll find the shard on a corpse near a ruined building. This shard is relatively easy to find, but the enemies in the Road of Sacrifices can be quite aggressive, so be careful as you make your way through the area. Keep an eye out for the Crystal Lizard, and you'll be able to locate the shard without too much trouble.

6. Cathedral of the Deep

The Cathedral of the Deep is a massive and labyrinthine structure filled with all sorts of horrors. The Estus Shard here is located on a rafter above the graveyard. To reach it, you'll need to navigate through the cathedral until you find a ladder that leads to the rafters. Climb the ladder and carefully make your way across the rafters, avoiding the gaps and enemies. The shard is located on a corpse at the end of one of the rafters. This shard is one of the more challenging to obtain, as it requires careful platforming and awareness of your surroundings. Be patient and take your time, and you'll be able to reach the shard without falling to your death.

7. Smouldering Lake

Smouldering Lake is a fiery and dangerous area located beneath the Catacombs of Carthus. The Estus Shard here is located near the Old Demon King boss arena. From the Old Demon King bonfire, head back towards the entrance of the area and look for a path that leads down to a lower level. Follow this path, and you'll find the shard on a corpse near a ruined structure. This shard is relatively easy to find, but the enemies in Smouldering Lake can be quite challenging, so be prepared for a tough fight. Be cautious of the fire attacks and the Basilisk's curse, and you'll be able to claim your prize.

8. Irithyll of the Boreal Valley

Irithyll of the Boreal Valley is a beautiful but deadly city filled with powerful enemies and hidden dangers. The Estus Shard here is located in a kitchen of a building guarded by fire witches. From the Central Irithyll bonfire, proceed through the city until you reach a bridge guarded by Pontiff Knights. Cross the bridge and enter the building on the other side. Fight your way through the enemies until you reach the kitchen area. The shard is located on a corpse in the corner of the kitchen. This shard is relatively easy to find, but the enemies in Irithyll can be quite tough, so be prepared for a challenging fight. Be cautious of the Pontiff Knights and the fire witches, and you'll be able to claim your prize.

Maximizing Your Estus Flask

Finding Estus Shards is only half the battle. Once you've collected them, you need to bring them to Andre the Blacksmith at Firelink Shrine. He'll reinforce your Estus Flask, increasing the number of uses you have. But here's a pro tip: you can also allocate how many of your Estus Flasks are dedicated to HP recovery versus FP recovery (Ashen Flasks). If you're playing a magic-focused build, you might want to allocate more flasks to FP, while a melee build might prefer more HP flasks. Experiment with different allocations to find what works best for your playstyle. Also, keep an eye out for Undead Bone Shards, which you can burn at the Firelink Shrine bonfire to increase the amount of HP your Estus Flask restores. Combining these upgrades will make you a force to be reckoned with!

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks! A comprehensive guide to finding all the Estus Shards in Dark Souls 3. By collecting these shards and upgrading your Estus Flask, you'll significantly improve your survivability and be better equipped to face the challenges that await you in Lothric. Remember to explore thoroughly, be cautious of enemies, and don't be afraid to experiment with different Estus Flask allocations. Good luck, and may the flames guide thee!