Sanctuary: The Village of Smiles

Upon arriving at the Sanctuary, you will find a Blacksmith (an NPC (non-player character — anyone the game controls, not you) who can be summoned to any Sanctuary with a Stone Blacksmith Offering) and an altar for Creeds.

This Sanctuary is currently claimed by The Three, one of the Creeds available at the start of the game. Taking the oath to The Three at the altar will earn you the "The Three" trophy if it's your first time. Warning: Taking this oath will make you an apostate with your current Creed, preventing you from rejoining it and potentially affecting NPC interactions. You can be an apostate with multiple Creeds.

The Blacksmith allows you to upgrade armor and weapons (but not rings) up to a maximum level of 7. Initially, you can only upgrade to level 2. Most early upgrades require a Lock of Hair, with some needing Endless Fangs. Both can be purchased from the Beggar. Upgrades also cost Salt. It is recommended to upgrade your weapon first.

The Blacksmith also sells gear, including the Teuthis Shield for 500 gold, which is useful for shield users.

Behind the Blacksmith, you can find the Blacksmith's Set armor. The Blacksmith's Gloves offer a hidden Strength boost, beneficial for Strength scaling weapons.

Exit the Sanctuary to the right and head down the ladder. Jump over a Spike Trap Wire to the right.

Jump across stone platforms. On the third platform, you will find a doorway to your left. Make an awkward jump into this small room to find the Kureimoa (Greatsword).

Return outside and drop back down the platforms. Head through the doorway to the right.

In the next room, defeat the initial Drowned Bandit and two more that will spawn.

On the platform, you will find a Stone Leader. A Bronze Knight may also be on the platform above; defeat it to obtain the Conduit of Mind (Ring).

Continue upwards. You will reach the stone steps with the Arrow Wire Trap.

To the left of the steps, Feral Beasts (2) and a Drowned Archer have respawned. Ignore them for now and jump up to where the bow is.

Pick up the Bundle of Salt that was previously skipped.

Continue right to a ledge. This area features collapsing floors.

Before proceeding, defeat the Drowned Archer on a solid platform halfway across.

Continue hopping to reach the end of the collapsing platforms, where you will find a Fused Metal Ring.