In Dark Souls, Curse is the status ailment that can permanently reduce a character’s maximum health until cured. It is most famously inflicted by Basilisks, frog-like enemies found in areas such as the Depths and The Great Hollow.
When the curse meter fills, the player dies and respawns afflicted, with a substantially reduced health bar. Unlike ordinary poison, the effect does not simply disappear after waiting. The reduction can be removed by using a Purging Stone or by visiting specific characters, including Ingward in New Londo Ruins.
Curse is often confused with poison and toxic because all three are represented by buildup meters and can be fatal. However, poison and toxic drain health over time, while curse directly changes the player’s maximum health. In the original release, curse was especially severe, and later versions adjusted some of its behavior and availability. The Cursebite Ring and curse-resistant equipment can reduce buildup but do not make the player completely immune.