Maze · Updated 2026-10-24
Forbidden Woods
The Forbidden Woods connect Cathedral Ward to Byrgenwerth. The Shadows of Yharnam guard the exit. The main route passes a village and windmill into the snake-filled lower woods; a separate cave route leads back to Iosefka's Clinic, not straight to Cainhurst.
Use the windmill and opened lifts as route anchors instead of treating every hut as the same junction. If you want Eileen's successful quest, complete Henryk before first entering these woods.
Required route and the clinic branch
After Amelia, examine the Grand Cathedral skull to learn the password, then use it at the door below Cathedral Ward to enter the woods. Light the area lamp, proceed through the village toward the windmill, and open the lift shortcuts before committing to the lower snake-filled section.
The Shadows of Yharnam are at the far end of the lower woods. Defeating them opens the route to Byrgenwerth and Rom. This is the required exit; the cave back to the clinic is a side trip.
For the Cainhurst Summons, take the side route into the subterranean poison cave and climb the ladder at its back to the clinic graveyard. Enter the clinic from the rear and collect the invitation on the starting operating table. Then travel to Hemwick Crossing for the carriage conditions described on the Cainhurst page.
Questions
Who is the boss?
The Shadows of Yharnam. The route beyond their arena leads to Byrgenwerth and Rom.
Does the clinic cave take me to Cainhurst?
No. It takes you back to Iosefka's Clinic to collect the summons. The carriage to Cainhurst appears at Hemwick Crossing after the separate conditions are met.