World Exploration#

“Over time, even the sturdiest of beasts will fall.” - Hunter’s adage

Yharnam is a city rich in layers and full of secrets. From the gloomy clinic to the spectacular Forbidden Woods, from the eerie nightmare to the magnificent starry sky, every area has its own style and its own challenges. This chapter walks you through every corner in detail.

Area Overview#

Central Yharnam#

Central Yharnam is the game’s first proper area and also the most chaotic one. The streets are packed with mutated citizens, lanterns hang high on the buildings, and firelight flickers.

Important Locations#

Shortcut Routes#

1. Clinic back door → Central Yharnam - come out of the clinic’s back door and climb down the ladder

2. Square elevator → Great Bridge - an elevator to the Great Bridge stands in the middle of the square

3. Hunter’s hut → Cathedral Ward - once you have the small key, you can open the door to Cathedral Ward

Collectibles#

The Great Bridge#

The Great Bridge area connects Central Yharnam and Cathedral Ward, and is the key passage into the heart of the city.

Important Locations#

Hidden Areas#

1. Underground catacomb - below the bridge lies a hidden underground catacomb containing a powerful rune

2. Hunter attire - a full set of hunter attire can be found inside the building at the far end of the bridge

Cathedral Ward#

Important Locations#

NPC Locations#

1. Cathedral elevator → Central Yharnam - ride the elevator from the Cathedral straight to Central Yharnam

Shortcut Routes#

1. Cathedral elevator → Central Yharnam - ride the elevator from the Cathedral straight to Central Yharnam

2. Forbidden Woods entrance → Forbidden Woods - unlocked after defeating Vicar Amelia

3. Byrgenwerth entrance → Byrgenwerth - a key must be found up in the heights

Forbidden Woods#

The Forbidden Woods is one of the largest areas in Yharnam, filled with dangerous enemies and complex terrain. This is where Yharnam’s infected gather, and it is also the only way through to Byrgenwerth.

Important Locations#

Hidden Areas#

1. Snake man cave - deep in the woods lies a hidden cave inhabited by snake men. It holds a powerful blood gem

2. Treasure chest room - beside the poison swamp is a treasure chest room containing a rare item

Byrgenwerth#

Byrgenwerth was the stronghold of the ancient scholars and the site of the moon ritual. The space is small but packed with secrets, and any corner may hide important story information.

Important Locations#

Boss Fight#

Unseen Village#

The Unseen Village is one of the strangest areas in Yharnam, filled with cursed residents and twisted architecture. Entering it requires specific conditions; otherwise it cannot be reached.

Entry Conditions#

1. After defeating Vicar Amelia, find a specific item in the Forbidden Woods

2. Or get taken by a kidnapper (being caught teleports you there automatically)

Important Locations#

The Nightmare#

The Nightmare is a special area in the game that exists parallel to the real world. Entering the Nightmare requires a specific ritual or item.

Nightmare Areas#

Key Items#

Lamp Location Summary#

Shortcut Strategy#

Priority Order#

1. Elevator shortcuts - elevators are the most convenient shortcuts; open them first

2. Door lock shortcuts - gates usually connect two important areas

3. Ladder shortcuts - ladders are vertical shortcuts that make moving up and down easy

Common Shortcut Routes#

Exploration Tips#

1. Observe the Environment#

Every corner may hide an item or a shortcut. Look up, look down, circle around behind buildings - exploration is one of the core pleasures of this game

3. Do Not Overlook Ladders#

Many ladders lead to hidden areas or shortcuts. Climb up whenever you see one, even if it looks dangerous

4. Use the Lamps#

Once a lamp is lit, you can teleport back to the Hunter’s Dream at any time. Note, though, that teleporting respawns every enemy