10 Worst Areas In Dark Souls
9. Irithyll Dungeon
Another area from the third game, the main issue with this level is the enemies. The jailers can be considered borderline unfair for their life-drain attack and being found in either places with long line of sight opportunities, or in groups. There are also the horrible looking cage-spiders, rats (both giant and normal sized), an actual giant, mimics, wretches and basilisks to contend with.
Add to this the fact that the level is a long, looping mess where you need keys to open shortcuts and doors back to the bonfire at various points and the whole thing becomes a slog to grind through.
It isn't optional, either. If you want to slay Yhorm the Giant or access Archdragon Peak, then you will need to pass through this area.
Anyone interested in dark pyromancies or spells will need to rescue Karla here, not to mention that the Prisoner Chief's ashes are located in a cell in this area, and Siegward of Catarina is seen locked up here as well.
Basically, no matter how much you dislike the atmosphere, the level design and the enemies, there is no getting around doing this level on every playthrough.