Talk:The Gutter/@comment-172.13.245.221-20140318050554

While the similarties are there, it's my humble opinion that The Gutter is a major step-up from Blighttown in every respect. First of all, the frame rate is worlds better and there is much more room to move around in, making the combat not a huge pain provided you have decent gear. No more BS toxic dart shooters and the poison-shooting statues in The Gutter are a non-issue if you keep a good eye out and just smack them with anything really. Thank the Sun that there's nothing like those infinitely respawning clipping poison flies this time around. This seems to be the one of the only areas that FromSoft got right in giving you little choice in using your torch instead of your shield.

I don't know if there is some kind of poisonbite ring you can get before tackling The Gutter because I think for the most part, two hits from the statues will poison you. I know that there is a certain NPC that sells poison cures nearby, but honestly the souls cost is pretty unreasonable IMO. Either be on super-alert for statues or prepare to pop some Lifegems or Estus to peter out the poison damage.

But honestly, the road to get to The Rotten is the worst part of the area. Poison shooting everywhere, enemies literally popping out from everywhere. You're probably better off making a mad dash for the boss fog gate than fighting your way there.