Dark Souls 2 Ring guide - where to find each ring, and their effects explained

Ring of Thorns

Increases counterattack chance. You'll first encounter Mild-Mannered Pate by the ballistas near the Cardinal Tower bonfire in Forest of Fallen Giants, and he'll later appear near the Central Earthen Peak bonfire in Earthen Peak. Kill him at any time, and he'll drop this.

Ring of Thorns +1

Increases counterattack chance. Can be purchased from Grave Keep Agdayne in Undead Crypt.

Ring of Thorns +2

Increases counterattack chance. Received after invading and killing the host 1000 times.

Ring of Whispers

Can hear the voices of foes. Can be purchased from Sweet Shalquoir in Majula.

Royal Soldier's Ring

Increases maximum load. You can find this on the opposite side of No-Man's Wharf (where you ring the bell). Head through the door at ground level below the bell. Inside of this room is a grey, blank wall you can bust through with an explosive spell or item. Beyond is a chest containing the ring.

Royal Soldier's Ring +1

Increases maximum load. To the right of the King's Gate bonfire are several stone soldiers and soul doors. Kill them before the doors to have the way opened, but beware - most chambers house a Ruin Sentinel. Open the last chamber on the right, and loot the chest for the ring.

Royal Soldier's Ring +2

Increases maximum load. Received after defeating Velstadt, the Royal Aegis in New Game Plus.

Slumbering Dragoncrest Ring

Silences footsteps. Received upon reaching Rank 3 in the Rat King Covenant. See our Dark Souls 2 covenants guide for more information.

Spell Quartz Ring

Increases spell resistance. Can be purchased from Carhillillion of the Fold in No-Man's Wharf.

Spell Quartz Ring +1

Increases spell resistance. You can find this in Earthen Peak. From the Central Earthen Peak bonfire, head up the stairs, climb the ladder, and make a left. There's a trio of poison pots over here, and behind them is a fake wall. Interact with it to open a way to a balcony outside. Loot the corpse out there for the ring.

Spell Quartz Ring +2

Increases spell resistance. Found in a chest on the balcony after the Looking Glass Knight battle.

Silvercat Ring

Reduces damage from falling. Can be purchased from Sweet Shalquoir in Majula.

Stone Ring

Additional reduction of enemy poise. After choosing your class, backtrack and kill the cyclops along the branching path outside. He drops this upon defeat.

Southern Ritual Band

Allows attunement of additional spells. Found in a chest in the next room after defeating the Belfry Gargoyles.

Southern Ritual Band +1

Allows attunement of additional spells. This one's a pain to reach. Start at the Chapel Threshold bonfire in Brightstone Cove Tseldora. Move toward the cliff near the chapel and look down to spot a trio of pots. Roll down there and go through the nearby doorway. Bust through the shelves in the back of the room to find a tunnel. Follow it and move through the next two doors.

Outside, move to the edge and look down to spot a wooden plank. Drop to it, then enter the nearby adobe home. Inside is a chest on a ledge you can't reach. Bust up the shelving inside to discover a handle; pull it to lower the chest's ledge. Now you can leap from the stairs in the room to the chest and loot the ring.

Southern Ritual Band +2

Allows attunement of additional spells. Received after defeating Scorpioness Najka in New Game Plus.

Thunder Quartz Ring

Increases lightning resistance. Can be purchased from Rosabeth of Melfia in Majula.

Thunder Quartz Ring +1

Increases lightning resistance. You'll find this in a hidden area in the Iron Keep. You'll have to activate the second Pharros' Contraption to reach it. See our Pharros' Contraptions guide for more information.

Thunder Quartz Ring +2

Increases lightning resistance. Can be purchased from Royal Sorcerer Navlaan in Aldia's Keep.

Vanquisher's Seal

Increases bare handed damage. Received upon reaching Rank 3 in the Company of Champions covenant. See our Dark Souls 2 covenants guide for more information.

White Ring

Appear as a White Phatom. Can be traded for a Petrified Something at the crow's nest in Things Betwixt.