Hidden treasures are one of the most exciting elements in Souls-like games. Players explore dangerous lands, defeat hidden bosses, and find unexpected rewards that make their characters stronger. In this article, we use the formula Concept → Real game example → Reward benefit to walk you through some of the greatest hidden treasures you can discover. These sections include the best boss fights, secret weapons, and gear that change how you play. We mention well-known Souls-like titles like Elden Ring, Sekiro, Dark Souls 3, and Lies of P to give real examples you can relate to as you search for the best finds.
We split this guide into two halves. This is the first half. We start by focusing on hidden bosses and early gear you can find on your journey. At the end of the second half, we will cover exploration maps, NPC questlines, post-game loot, and ultimate roundups.
Hidden Bosses & Reward Drops
Hidden bosses are tough enemies that are not required to complete the main story, but reward you with powerful gear. These fights often count as some of the best boss fights in Souls-like games because of the challenge and the payoff.
Malenia in Elden Ring
A key example of hidden bosses in Elden Ring is Malenia, Blade of Miquella. This boss fight appears after you complete certain conditions and is one of the most difficult hidden bosses players will face. The reward benefit for defeating Malenia is access to unique weapons and armor pieces that you cannot acquire otherwise. These pieces often have great scaling and special effects, making them among the best finds in the game. Players who seek hidden treasures often hunt Malenia not just for the fight itself, but for the lasting advantage that the rewards give them.
The Dancer in Dark Souls 3
Another hidden boss example from Dark Souls 3 is The Dancer of the Boreal Valley, when players access her early via a specific path in the Cathedral of the Deep. The reward benefit for defeating The Dancer includes weapons that scale well with dexterity builds and rings that boost stamina regeneration. Many players consider this one of the best boss fights for early hidden treasures because of how powerful the drops can be if you are prepared.
Lady Butterfly in Sekiro
Sekiro features a hidden boss called Lady Butterfly, which can be encountered in a secret area within the Hirata Estate. The concept of hidden treasures in this fight comes from finding an alternate version of the boss that drops special items. The reward benefit includes unique tools and ashes that can greatly enhance your combat style. For players who love discovering secret game moments and rewards, this boss fight is one of the best finds in Sekiro. You will find directions to this encounter and what it yields in the hidden boss strategies section.
The Puppet in Lies of P
In Lies of P, a lesser-noticed hidden boss called The Puppet resides in a secluded workshop that players can enter only after solving a series of clues. The reward benefit for beating The Puppet includes a unique weapon with high critical damage bonuses. This is one of the best finds in the game because critical hits are rare and powerful when stacked with proper builds.
Early-Game OP Gear
Early-game hidden treasures can give you huge advantages before the main storyline is complete. Some items are tucked away in secret chests or behind puzzles that many players miss on their first run.
Early Longsword in Dark Souls 3
In Dark Souls 3, hidden treasures include a longsword found in the High Wall of Lothric, accessible only after defeating a mini-boss. The reward benefit of this longsword is its fast attacks and the ability to deal decent damage early on, making it one of the best finds for players who prefer agile builds. This gear gives you a strong foundation before reaching the game’s midpoint.
Uchigatana in Elden Ring
Elden Ring’s an Uchigatana in a small village behind an optional mini event. The reward benefit is that this weapon scales well with dexterity and bleeding effects, making it one of the best early-game hidden treasures. Many players consider it one of the best boss fight preludes because the item helps you through subsequent encounters.
Ninja Tools in Sekiro
In Sekiro, a hidden tool packet can be found early if you explore the Ashina Outskirts. The reward benefit includes special throwing stars and tools that help you build aggressive or finesse-based approaches in combat. These tools are among the best finds for players who enjoy mastering Sekiro’s combat depth.
Secret Pistol in Lies of P
Lies of P also features a hidden pistol behind a locked gate that requires a specific key. The reward benefit is a firearm that helps stagger large enemies and bosses. This makes it one of the best early-game hidden treasures because the pacing and difficulty spike in this title reward players who seek out optional gear early. See the exploration-based secrets section for detailed steps to get this weapon.
Armor & Defensive Boosts
Finding hidden armor sets and defensive upgrades can make your character much harder to kill. These hidden treasures are especially valuable in games with enemies of great difficulty.
Fallen Knight Set in Dark Souls 3
One such armor set in Dark Souls 3 is the Fallen Knight Set, found in a rarely-visited area after solving a simple environmental puzzle. The reward benefit includes high physical defense and poise, protecting you from stagger during group fights or boss encounters. Many players rank this among the best finds for tank or heavy builds.
Black Leather Armor in Elden Ring
In Elden Ring, the Black Leather Armor can be obtained by defeating a hidden boss guard in the woods. The reward benefit is an excellent balance between defense and agility, making it a favorite among players who want both protection and mobility. It counts among the hidden treasures because it is easy to miss on a first playthrough.
Shinobi Armor in Sekiro
Sekiro’s Shinobi Armor is hidden inside a fortress after a tough platforming challenge. The reward benefit includes improved stealth and stance recovery, which are essential for surviving the best boss fights and exploration reveals.
Clockwork Armor in Lies of P
Lies of P hides a set of Clockwork Armor in a secret chamber under the city. The reward benefit is resistance to fire and poison attacks, which are common in later stages of the game. This armor set is one of the best finds for players who want defensive power without sacrificing speed.
Magic, Abilities & Transformations
Magic spells and transformation abilities are some of the most satisfying hidden treasures because they change how you approach combat.
Moonlight Greatsword in Elden Ring
In Elden Ring, a hidden version of the Moonlight Greatsword can be discovered after completing a specific sequence in a dark forest. The reward benefit includes powerful magic scaling that makes it one of the best finds for hybrid mage builds. Players who love combining melee and magic seek this gear early.
Flame Throwing Arts in Sekiro
Sekiro has a pair of flame-throwing arts tucked away in foggy ruins. The reward benefit includes fire-based burst damage tools that help in many boss fights. These arts count among the best finds for players who want to mix stealth and direct damage.
Arcane Scrolls in Lies of P
Lies of P features arcane scrolls hidden in a laboratory. The reward benefit includes bonus elemental damage and spell enhancements that trigger special effects during combat. These scrolls are among the best hidden treasures because they unlock alternative combat styles.
Build-Specific Hidden Loot
Every build type benefits from different hidden treasures. Getting the right weapon or armor early can shape your entire playthrough.
Strength Builds: Greatsword in Elden Ring
In Elden Ring, strength users sometimes miss a heavy greatsword hidden behind a blocked hallway. The reward benefit is raw power with heavy staggering capability, making boss fights easier when your hits interrupt attacks.
Dexterity Builds: Katana in Dark Souls 3
Dark Souls 3 offers a hidden katana near the gates of a major early region. The reward benefit is fast bleed buildup, making it one of the best finds for quick fighters.
Bleed Builds: Hook Blade in Lies of P
Lies of P hides a hook blade that causes rapid bleeding when used correctly. This reward benefit gives an advantage against enemies with high armor because bleed ignores standard defense.
Parry Counter Builds: Parry Gauntlet in Sekiro
Sekiro adds a hidden gauntlet upgrade that gives greater parry windows. The reward benefit is extra counters, which speed up boss kills.
Tank Builds: Heavy Shield in Dark Souls 3
A heavy shield in Dark Souls 3 is tucked behind a hard-to-notice path. The reward benefit is the ability to block most attacks without losing stamina quickly. It turns defensive play into a real strategy.
Exploration-Based Secrets
Many of the greatest hidden treasures are not dropped by bosses. They are earned through curiosity and patience while exploring.
Hidden Map in Elden Ring
A hidden map in Elden Ring is located behind a cliff fall. The reward benefit is access to new upgrade materials and mini-dungeons that hide some of the best treasures in the game.
Secret Rooftop in Sekiro
Sekiro hides a rooftop area above a temple that contains special tools and coins. The reward benefit gives you more movement options and better combat tricks.
Underground Treasure Vault in Lies of P
Lies of P features an underground treasure vault filled with defensive amulets and crafting items. The reward benefit is stronger survival and faster upgrades.
Shortcut Maze in Dark Souls 3
Dark Souls 3 hides a maze with a giant chest containing hidden treasures that ramp up your attack stats. The reward benefit helps you progress without grinding.
NPC Questline Rewards
Some of the best finds in Souls-like games come from NPCs. They often reward players only if they complete events in a specific order.
The Mushroom Collector in Elden Ring
One NPC in Elden Ring trades rare items once you complete their secret quest. The reward benefit is a talisman that boosts health regeneration, making it one of the best rewards for beginners.
The Betrayed Warrior in Sekiro
Sekiro features a warrior who gives you a powerful ability, but only if you choose a risky betrayal path. The reward benefit is game-changing sword techniques that help in some of the best boss fights.
Hidden Engineer in Lies of P
Lies of P has a hidden engineer who upgrades weapons past normal limits. The reward benefit puts your gear above standard scaling. The hidden engineer is explained under secret crafting unlocks.
Dark Summoner in Dark Souls 3
Dark Souls 3 includes a hidden summoner NPC who provides special spells as hidden treasures. The reward benefit is a new magic that works even against late-game enemies. The Dark Summoner path is part of the hidden NPC guide.
Post-Game and NG+ Loot
After finishing the story, there are more hidden treasures waiting. These items make you even stronger in New Game+ or let you experiment with advanced boss strategies.
Elden Beast Relic in Elden Ring
The Elden Beast relic is hidden until you return to a secret area after the final fight. The reward benefit includes one of the best late-game weapons for strength builds.
Speedrunner Greaves in Lies of P
Lies of P hides boots that increase movement speed after perfect dodges. The reward benefit is faster map traversal and quicker boss kills for speedrunning.
Temple Dragon Amulet in Sekiro
Sekiro has a hidden amulet that gives more serious damage when at full health. The reward benefit is major DPS in NG+.
Legacy Shield in Dark Souls 3
Dark Souls 3 holds a legacy shield that drops only after a hidden NG+ challenge. The reward benefit is superior blocking and high poise.
FAQ
Are hidden treasures required to finish Souls-like games?
No, but they make the best boss fights easier.
Can you miss hidden treasures?
Yes, some disappear if you progress too far without unlocking them.
Which game has the most hidden treasures?
Elden Ring currently leads due to its large open-world design.
What is the fastest hidden upgrade to pursue?
Early OP weapons like Uchigatana or bleed blades in Lies of P give fast power boosts.
