Finding Archdeacon McDonnell in Dark Souls III can be a bit tricky if you’re unfamiliar with Irithyll of the Boreal Valley and its hidden paths. This NPC is crucial for players who wish to join the Aldrich Faithful covenant, a group that focuses on invading the worlds of other players who enter Aldrich’s domain. McDonnell is not a merchant, nor does he move around like other NPCs. Instead, he stays tucked away in a remote area that requires exploration and a few strategic moves to reach. Knowing exactly how to get to Archdeacon McDonnell will help you unlock an essential part of the game’s multiplayer content.
Understanding Who Archdeacon McDonnell Is
Aldrich Faithful Covenant Leader
Archdeacon McDonnell serves as the leader of the Aldrich Faithful covenant. Although he is technically a corpse when you find him, he still functions as the covenant NPC. Interacting with him allows you to join the Aldrich Faithful, offer Human Dregs, and receive covenant rewards. This is essential for trophy hunters or players interested in PvP engagements.
Not a Typical NPC Encounter
Unlike most NPCs, McDonnell does not speak or offer any lore dialogue. His primary role is to provide covenant membership and serve as a place to exchange covenant items. His location is off the beaten path and easy to miss unless you know where to look.
Reach Irithyll of the Boreal Valley
Progress Through the Main Story
Before you can access Archdeacon McDonnell, you must first progress far enough in the game to reach Irithyll of the Boreal Valley. This area becomes accessible after defeating the Deacons of the Deep in the Cathedral of the Deep and acquiring the Small Doll from their boss fight.
Entering Irithyll
Once you have the Small Doll, head to the Irithyll bridge located beyond the Cleansing Chapel. Upon reaching the bridge, a cutscene plays, and you’ll be allowed to pass through the magical barrier into Irithyll. The area is atmospheric, filled with unique enemies, and contains many hidden paths.
Find the Pontiff Sulyvahn Bonfire
Push Through Irithyll
Your goal is to make it to the Pontiff Sulyvahn bonfire. From the Irithyll of the Boreal Valley bonfire, continue exploring until you defeat Pontiff Sulyvahn, a mandatory boss in the main storyline. This is one of the tougher encounters in the game, featuring swift attacks and phase transitions, so make sure you’re well-prepared.
Activate the Bonfire
After defeating Pontiff Sulyvahn, a bonfire appears in the arena. This bonfire serves as your main point of return when seeking out Archdeacon McDonnell, so light it and make sure it’s activated before proceeding.
Access the Water Reserve Area
Exit the Pontiff’s Cathedral
From the Pontiff Sulyvahn bonfire, head outside toward the courtyard area that contains two large giants. This open space leads to several paths, including a staircase with hostile NPC invaders and silver knights on balconies. However, the path to McDonnell requires a bit of a detour.
Find the Left-Side Staircase
As you face the two giants in the courtyard, look for a staircase to the left side of the area. Head down this staircase and through a door that leads to a room with several handmaidens and a few deacons. Eliminate them and continue exploring further down into the Water Reserve area.
Recognize the Sludge-Filled Room
You’ll eventually reach a dark, murky room filled with water and a strong smell of decay this is your destination. The room is wide, and as you move toward the altar at the back of the chamber, you’ll notice the figure of Archdeacon McDonnell. He’s already deceased, seated in a red robe, but still able to grant covenant membership.
Join the Aldrich Faithful Covenant
Interact With McDonnell
Approach the corpse of Archdeacon McDonnell and interact with it. The game will prompt you to join the Aldrich Faithful. Accepting the prompt will equip you with the covenant insignia, allowing you to engage in auto-invasions in Aldrich’s domain.
Offering Human Dregs
Once you’re a member of the covenant, you can offer Human Dregs at McDonnell’s location to increase your rank in the covenant. Human Dregs can be obtained through successful invasions as an Aldrich Faithful or by farming specific enemies in the area.
- 10 Human Dregs Rank 1 reward: Archdeacon Great Staff
- 30 Human Dregs Rank 2 reward: Great Deep Soul
Tips for Getting Human Dregs
Invasion-Based Farming
The most common way to get Human Dregs is through PvP. Equip the Aldrich Faithful covenant insignia and remain in Irithyll, especially around the Anor Londo area. When another player enters this domain, you’ll be summoned to invade them.
Enemy Drops
If you prefer a PvE approach, some enemies also drop Human Dregs:
- Deacons of the Deepin the Grand Archives and Cathedral of the Deep
- Deep Accursednear Rosaria’s Bedchamber
These are rare drops, so using item discovery boosting equipment like the Symbol of Avarice or Gold Serpent Ring can increase your farming efficiency.
Why Archdeacon McDonnell Is Easy to Miss
Hidden Pathways
The route to McDonnell is not part of the main story and is hidden behind optional areas. Players often bypass this section without realizing its importance, especially if they’re rushing through Irithyll after defeating Pontiff Sulyvahn.
Lack of Guidance
There are no in-game prompts that lead you to Archdeacon McDonnell. This adds to the mysterious nature of Dark Souls III but also makes it easy for newer players to overlook covenant opportunities. Exploration and attention to environmental details are key.
Benefits of the Aldrich Faithful Covenant
Unique Rewards
The weapons and spells offered by the covenant are unique and cannot be obtained elsewhere in the game. PvP players especially enjoy the Archdeacon Great Staff and Great Deep Soul for sorcery-focused builds.
Dedicated PvP Zone
Joining this covenant ensures that your invasions happen in specific areas, leading to frequent encounters with other players. This makes it a good way to enjoy consistent multiplayer interaction without random invasions.
Lore Connection
McDonnell and the Aldrich Faithful are closely tied to the lore surrounding Aldrich, Devourer of Gods. Engaging with this covenant adds more context and richness to the story of Anor Londo and its connection to the abyss.
Getting to Archdeacon McDonnell in Dark Souls III requires effort, exploration, and a bit of patience, but it unlocks a vital aspect of the game’s multiplayer system. Whether you’re aiming to complete all covenants, earn rare items, or simply enjoy some PvP action, finding McDonnell is well worth your time. Always remember to activate nearby bonfires and prepare for tough enemies along the way, as the journey through Irithyll is as dangerous as it is beautiful. Once you’ve found him, you’ll have access to one of the game’s most mysterious and rewarding covenants, deepening your experience in the world of Dark Souls III.