How To Beat Dark Souls with a Soul Level 1 Character…

I have recently beaten the game with a base pyromancer character.  This will be an evolving post with details of the build, equipment, spells and boss strategies.

It started as a whim.  I read a comment on Youtube about whether this could be done.  I am sure it has been done many times but there are not many posts or detailed guides.  The comment heaped lots of nerd cred on the generic “baller” that could finish the game at level 1.

I thought why not.  Let’s give it a try.  Once I started and actually progressed, I was completely hooked and had to take it as far as I could.  I was a little surprised that, yes, indeed, the game can be finished at level 1!

You will see from my guide that no superhuman video gaming skills are required.  A little strategy, planning and familiarity with the game areas and enemy attacks are all that is needed.  That along with some patient farming and willingness to suppress the desire to level up (maddeningly tough especially if you are struggling with a specific area or boss!!!!).

The reward is the knowledge that Dark Souls game developers are not maliciously trying to troll us players.  And the freedom of ignoring how many souls are at stake.  This has made playing on normal builds much more enjoyable.  I don’t care about how many souls I lose because the game can be beaten without the need to level up.  It is almost a zen-like feeling (until I get to my NG builds).

Stay tuned.  I will try for frequent posts and perhaps even a video.

The next step will be to try to go as far as possible on NG+ with my level 1 character.  But that is for another time and another post…