FromSoftware's long-awaited sequel to 2011's Dark Souls initially released in 2014 to a mixed reception. The game still ranks as one of the top soulsbonre titles according to critics, exemplified by its whopping 91 Metascore; but many fans consider it today to be the weakest entry in the soulsborne franchise. FromSoftware clearly took the disappointment of some fans to heart, as they released three fantastic DLC's for the game, which are considered to be among the best expansions from any soulsborne game.
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The strength of Dark Souls 2's DLCs means that, unconventionally, many players will spend more time in them than the main game. One great way to fully explore areas in any soulsborne game is to search every nook and cranny for hidden items, such as rings. There are some extremely useful rings to be found in the DLC areas, that can lessen the blow of Dark Souls 2's punishing difficulty.
10 Baneful Bird Ring
The Dark Souls trilogy predominantly offers players two forms of defense: rolling and blocking with a shield. For players who opt for the latter method, the Baneful Bird Ring is certainly worth finding, as it increases the player's shield and weapon stability by 5.
The Baneful Bird Ring can be found in the Crown of the Old Iron King DLC, on a corpse near the Throne Floor bonfire.
9 Yorgh's Ring
Yorgh's Ring can be found in the Crown of the Sunken King DLC and offers players a fantastic edge in PvP fights. Wearing the ring gives players a 50% chance of deflecting incoming spells, potentially sending them straight back to the caster.
The usefulness of Yorgh's Ring unsurprisingly means that it's tough to get. To obtain the ring, players must reach the final boss of the Crown of the Sunken King DLC, Sinh, the Slumbering Dragon; the ring will be on a corpse near to where the crown appears.
8 Strength Ring
The Strength Ring can be found in the Crown of the Old Iron King DLC and does exactly what it says on the tin. The ring increases the players' strength by 5, making it an excellent choice for many builds.
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To find the ring, players need to locate a well-hidden chest that requires them to traverse a convoluted route in Brume Tower. Starting from the Foyer bonfire, players need to ride the second descending elevator and jump off onto a platform that is just above the one where the elevator stops.
7 Dexterity Ring
Much like the Strength Ring, the Dexterity Ring is found in the Crown of the Old Iron King DLC and does exactly what the name suggests. The ring raises the player's dexterity by 5, making it a great choice for finesse builds.
To find the Dexterity Ring, players simply need to start from the Throne Floor bonfire and descend the winding stairs that are to the left of the nearby Idol of Nadalia.
6 Sorcery Clutch Ring
Much like the previous two entries, the Sorcery Clutch Ring can be found in the Crown of the Old Iron King DLC. The ring isn't without its drawbacks, but it's still a potentially excellent choice for magic builds. The ring increases the player's Magic Attack Rating by 30 but decreases their Physical Defence by a whopping 80.
From the Lowermost Floor bonfire, hug the left wall until reaching the stairs, then climb the stairs and ride the nearby elevator; once reaching the top, head forward until reaching an enemy, to the left of them will be a room with the ring's chest.
5 Dispelling Ring +1
Once again, the Dispelling Ring +1 can be found in the Crown of the Old Iron King DLC. The ring is superb for magic builds, as it improves fire, lightning, magic, and dark defense by 120. It is an improved version of the standard Dispelling Ring, which increases the attributes by 60 and is obtained during Royal Sorcerer Navlaan's questline.
The Dispelling Ring +1 is tricky to find, as it is far removed from any bonfires. The ring can be found nearest to the Foyer bonfire, in a smashed wall opposite a fire-breathing statue.
4 Ring of Resistance +1
Taking a look at a ring from a different DLC for a change, the Ring of Resistance +1 is found in the Crown of the Ivory King DLC. The ring is a great defensive asset, as it increases the player's resistance to bleeding, curse, petrify and poison by an eye-watering 200.
Much like the previous entry, the Ring of Resistance +1 is tough to find. The ring is in the Frozen Eleum Loyce area, on a corpse near to the ballistas.
3 Ivory Warrior Ring
The Ivory Warrior Ring is very situational, but when it's a great option to have when its time to shine comes. The ring significantly reduces an enemy's stamina if they are struck when blocking, making the Ivory Warrior Ring a great choice for PvP encounters, punishing opponents who spam the block button.
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The Ivory Warrior Ring is dropped by the White Covetous Demon that resides in the Frozen Eleum Loyce near the Lower Garrison bonfire.
2 Life Ring +3
Most players will try a Life Ring at some point in the game, but not many will have felt the impact of the Life Ring +3 which improves the player's maximum HP by an impressive 15%; a significant improvement over the standard Life Ring that makes just 5% difference.
Once again, players should start from this list's MVP, the Foyer bonfire. From the bonfire, head up to the room where the giant that drips lava resides and look to the right to find where the ring's chest is sat.
1 Flynn's Ring
The final ring on this list can be found in the Crown of the Sunken King DLC. The ring rewards players who travel light, as it offers a huge 50 Attack Rating increase to players whose Maximum Equip Load is under 60.
To find the ring, head to the hidden room with the Corrosive Egg Crawlers in Dargon's Sanctum. When there, simply climb up the nearby ladder to find a small room containing the ring's chest.