I've seen videos of players getting eaten alive by mimics and I'm trying to avoid that as much as possible, since I die enough as it is. Is there a way to differentiate which chests are mimics before I risk my life trying to open it?
I know I can attack the chests, but I've heard that this could potentially break the chest and destroy whatever item is inside.
Best Answer
Yes, there are a few ways to distinguish mimics from real chests:
The first clue in Dark Souls 1 is the chain. It is round and points towards the back of the chest for normal chests, but straighter and points forward for mimic chests.
If you look closely and carefully, you will see mimic chests breathe and his teeth will be visible within a small gap. video
If you throw a Lloyd's Talisman at a mimic chest, he will open himself, while still sleeping, allowing you to take the treasure without killing the mimic first. video
And yes, you can attack it. Firstly, it attacking chests doesn't destroy them in Dark Souls 1 (only in Dark Souls 2, I believe). Secondly, you can always switch out your weapon and attack with your hand, which would never cause enough damage to destroy it.