After initially finishing Dark Souls, players thoughts drift to different builds based on PVE or PVP or for the added challenge of NG+. There is nothing more entertaining than planning and executing a build from scratch, especially where the build is exactly like you imagined it and it’s just a blast. Everyone has hit on a favorite build for PVP trolling or boss encounters, along with promising builds gone horribly wrong and quickly erased. It is just this build experimentation that adds a huge amount of replayability and value to Dark Souls, and cements you into the community that loves this game.
Here are my recommendations. These are all broad build trees that may branch into some familiar and unfamiliar territory. Have you ever tried a “Nudist New Yorker”? How about a “Lethal Weapon Cosplayer”? If intrigued, read on for my top ten fun, crazy and epic Dark Souls builds and game challenges. What are your favorite Dark Souls builds and epic challenges?
#10: The Technocrat
According to the www, a technocrat is “a member of a technically skilled elite”. What better description for this build! You may only level one stat during your entire playthrough. The rest have to stay at your base level. Yes, you will certainly join the inner Dark Souls “expert elite” circle but only in one stat. These are actually some of the most entertaining and varied builds to try. A subset of this build is “The Lance Amstrong”, of course an endurance build that can run-and-gun forever even while fully loaded. Another is “The Bookworm” an Attunement build which is only really useful for pyromancies. Then there is “The Merlin”, a massively powerful sorcerer but a complete weakling with no vitality and able to wield a hand axe and some daggers only. And “The Germophobe” is the ultimate resistance build, immune to fire, poison and toxin.
Golden Rule: finish the game while only leveling one particular stat of your choice
Recommended Starting Build: The Knight is you are not picking vitality, otherwise any other class
Difficulty Rating: Intermediate for Vitality, Dexterity or Strength. Expert for other stats (attunement and the warrior combo is the hardest).
#9: The Cosplayer
Emulate your favorite enemy or NPC and finish the game using their equipment only. The Dark Souls universe is replete with different characters, each one with its own unique playstyle. You can be an agile and cunning thief, or Havel the Rock, the ultimate tank, or even a Dragon! Don’t forget to maintain the proper covenant for your character. This is a super fun PVP and PVE build, especially if you can get a group of friends to join-in the fun. The farming and questing for the proper cosplay item will make the game more meaningful. My fave: the ninja bodyguard. I am a sucker for both the Wood Grain Ring and the Washing Pole.
Golden Rule: finish the game as a perfect duplicate of a boss or NPC, including equipment, spells and covenant (if using dragonform, no armor or weapons allowed).
Recommended Starting Build: any and all
Difficulty Rating: Beginner to Expert depending on the NPC.
#8: The Marquess of Queensburry
A build that loves a bare-fisted, knock-down, drag-out fight, and eschews armor and weapons. This build is for throwbacks and Neanderthals only and is super difficult. If you want in on the fun but with a more accessible build, try adding the Caestus, Claws, Dark hand or Dragonbone Fist. For an even easier build, add leg armor or the dragon torso. These variations are also fun in NG+. If you can successfully PVP with this build, my hat is off to you, sir!
Golden Rule: finish the game using only your bare fists, no weapons or armor allowed.
Recommended Starting Build: any starting build will slowly mutate into a powerful brute with very high vitality and strength. Rotate regular increases to resistance after 50 vitality and 50 strength, all other stats can be ignored.
Difficulty Rating: Expert and Hardcore. Pawn some PVP newbies with this build for fun.
#7: The Strategist
Although Dark Souls emphasizes action, strategy plays a very large role in the game. Specifically, it is very difficult to “cheese” or button-mash through the boss fights. You must have a plan and strategy for conquering them even with a highly leveled character. This build relies on analysis and planning to advance through the game. The Strategist adjusts his attributes, spells and equipment based on the enemies’ weakness. He seeks to gain knowledge from every fight and relishes experimentation with different weapons, spells and playstyles. He obsesses over game intelligence and research, pouring over guides, charts and spreadsheets that track the exact damage and defense rating, and relative effectiveness of every item the game. The Straegist wishes he could have 100 game save slots instead of 10, because the possibilities are endless. This build wholly embraces From Software’s concept for Dark Souls, a challenging but infinitely fair game where every death is a learning experience and the key item is just around the corner. One prominent sub-set of this build is the “Nuclear Bomber” who thirsts for scoring the highest amount of damage possible in the game.
Golden Rule: follow a set strategic plan that culminates in finishing the game
Recommended Starting Build: any and all
Difficulty Rating: Hardcore due to the amount of time you will sink into the game
#6: The New Yorker
Always in a hurry, The New Yorker has places to be and people to see. He doesn’t only want to finish the game incredibly quickly, he wants to “break” it in the process. He uses everything the game gives him to speed through it like Sonic the Hedgehog. He is okay with glitches but the New Yorker is no cheater. He knows every shortcut and quickly dispatches bosses. The New Yorker can do things that will make your jaw drop. He has ice water in his veins, lightning quick reflexes, and, damn it, he is a little conceited ‘cause he is a baller. A subset of this build is the Ninja Warrior, a masochistic build that will take on a specific enemy or area of the game with the worst possible combo of gear and stats. The Ninja Warrior is an adrenaline junkie that needs to be challenged by the game. Why climb the mountain? Cause it’s there!
Golden Rule: finish the game as quickly as possible
Recommended Starting Build: The Pyromancer and Knight are to be good choices but any class will do.
Difficulty Rating: Expert to Godly depending on your time. Go to Youtube for some unholy playthroughs, totaling 35 minutes with a glitch and under 2 hours after the latest game patch. My best time is 6 hours 18 minutes.
#5: The Boy Scout
Some people like farming and some absolutely detest it! The Boy Scout is the ultimate farmer, and is “always prepared”. He longs to obtain every single item in the game because you never know what you will need. His quest will extend through at least 3 playthrough’s and the entire Dark Souls universe. On the way, he will have savored all of the covenants, ventured frequently online, and experienced life as multiple characters… but wait there is more! The Boy Scout is no hoarder. He is practical and “always prepared”. The Boy Scout must have the capability to wield any and all items he has collected (weapons, armor, rings, spells, consumables, keys). A full inventory is not good enough. The path to 58 strength, 20 dexterity, 50 intelligence and 50 faith is long and arduous but quite rewarding.
Golden Rule: find all of the game items and achieve sufficient stats to equip all weapons, armors and spells in your inventory.
Recommended Starting Build: you will end up with a balanced build but don’t neglect endurance. This is a very important stat, especially in NG+ and further.
Difficulty Rating: Expert. You will play the game so long you will become an expert. Truly an epic build!
#4: The Miser
This one spends his souls very wisely, is self-centered and controlled by his possessions. The Miser will not buy or pick up any item in the game. His starting equipment is good enough for him, thank you very much! He uses all of his souls to level up or upgrade his precious equipment. There are some variations of the Miser based on your starting gift, which allows wielding humanity, firebombs, Tiny Being’s Ring or the Witch’s Ring. This is an expert build as you will not have access to the most powerful items in the game and rings are off limits too!
Golden Rule: finish the game using only original equipment. Never put on anything else or pick-up anything other than souls.
Recommended Starting Build: a fully upgraded Knight is pretty strong with an excellent shield. If you want a challenge, try the Sorcerer or the Pyromancer. Both are very difficult because they are limited to their starting spell and are very weak.
Difficulty Rating: Intermediate to Expert depending on your starting class.
#3: The Nudist
One of the most difficult builds to play, actually. This one restricts you to no armor at all. You may carry a shield and weapon only. If you want to improve your fighting skills, this is the ultimate training build. You can wield any weapon, shield, armor set and spells but you will take quite a bit of damage on a single hit, even at high levels. The emphasis here is avoiding damage. A good confirmation of owning a boss is to complete the kill with no armor.
Golden Rule: finish the game with weapon and shield only; no armor allowed, ever, seriously!
Recommended Build: any build will work but the Dark Wood Grain Ring is essential.
Difficulty Rating: Expert and annoyingly difficult but ultimately epic!
#2: The Lethal Weapon
This build is centered around your favorite weapon in the game (remember that shields do count as weapons). The emphasis is on planning your walkthrough to obtain and equip it as early as possible. Once equipped, it may never be removed and no other weapon used. An entertaining NG+ build requires you dispatch all enemies and bosses in the game with only your preferred initial weapon. There are at least 4 variations. For Lethal Weapon 1 you obtain your weapon as soon as possible and use it to finish the game. In Lethal Weapon 2, you must beat every single opponent from the very beginning of the game with your favorite weapon (remember, either no shield or using the shield as your only weapon!). This is only possible in NG+ or beyond. Lethal Weapon 3 is for super aggressive players who used only their favorite weapon but no shield. These players favor a two-handed playstyle. Lethal Weapon 4 is for dual wielders, an addictive, intimidating and expert PVP build. There are rumors about Lethal Weapon 5 as a summer blockbuster… but we hope those are untrue and do not persist!
Golden Rule: obtain your favorite weapon, max it out as quickly as possible and use it to finish the game. Dual-wielding is allowed.
Recommended Starting Build: Any and all.
Difficulty Rating: Expert.
#1: The One-And-Done
In this build, you finish the game with level 1 base pyro character. You will, I repeat, you will be sorely tempted to level up (especially after getting your face crushed repeatedly in early game). Do not give in to temptation. Patience is the key. Keep chugging along with ever improving armor, weapons and spells and you will persevere. If you want to see a newb digitally soil himself, head online and invade Firelink Shrine with your level 1 pyromancer plus fully upgraded armor, rings, pyro hand, shield and a +5 fire axe. I am telling you, it is worth it!
Golden Rule: finish the game using the pyromancer and never level up
Recommended Starting Build: must use the pyro. You can finish as a pure pyro using spells or melee with a handaxe, axe or re-inforced club.
Difficulty Rating: Expert and hardcore to the max; in other words, epic! Melee-only is harder than pure pyro (melee took me about 21 hours).
Here is the playlist for a video walkthrough of the guide, with a lot more stuff!!! I end up with 40,000+ souls and the dragon head. Can you get even more items with a starting character?
UPDATE: I now have a brand new list. Check out the updated post: Dark Souls Top 10 Weapons – New and Improved!
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You have asked for more weapon information for Dark Souls. And the Tech Phantom aims to please. So, here is my list for the best weapons in this dark, moody and challenging game. Before you lavish “hate” on my post, take a deep breath and remember that this is based on my own play style preference. The Tech Phantom loves sword play much more than ranged attacks (and even more than referring to himself in the third person).
Check out my post and video showing you these weapons in action in NG+++.
Check out my video showing you the location of 4 of these great weapons very early in the game. I don’t get the Drake Sword in the video but you can, by chopping at the Hellkite Dragon tail with a strong weapon buffed with pine resin.
Feel free to shout out with your own list of favorites. Drum roll, please…
#10: Greatsword Of Artorias (Cursed)
The cursed version of this soul weapon can do some massive damage thanks to its stat scaling on 4 different attributes. This version is superior to the Greatsword of Artorias because it damages ghosts, and causes physical damage only. The normal version of the weapon does physical and magic damage. On most enemies, the cursed version will do significantly higher damage than the normal version, in spite of its lower potential damage rating. This is an excellent NG+ weapon for high level, balanced characters. If you prefer an enchantable weapon, try the Zweihander, which is available from the beginning of the game.
+ One of 3 different soul weapons that can be made with the Soul of Sif (this should be first choice when using the soul). Excellent for NG+ warrior magic builds that have balanced faith and intelligence, and some strength and dexterity. Good for NG+ boss fights.
– Very slow two-handed strong attack. Requires rare material and expensive upgrade. Non-enchantable. Not a good PvP choice.
Alternates: Zweihander, Greatsword of Artorias (normal), Great Lord Greatsword, Man-Serpent Sword
#9: Drake Sword
Enemies in early game are no match for this sword. An excellent choice for battling Queelag, since she is resistant to both fire and magic. It has the same move set as the Bastard Sword but with a two-handed, weapon-depleting, energy wave attack. This attack can be exploited to push Knight Lautrec of Karim to his death when he appears in Firelink Shrine, after the Bell Gargoyles boss fight. This weapon should not be leveled up.
+ Can be accessed in early game by damaging the tail of the Hellkite Dragon tail on the bridge. It does high physical damage. Good for the Taurus Demon, Capra Demon and Queelag boss fights. The one-handed strong attack covers a lot ground quickly. Fire and defense increase when the sword is equipped.
– Requires rare material and expensive upgrade. Damage does not scale with any stats and the sword is severely underpowered by mid-game. Average reach.
Alternates: Bastard Sword, Gargoyle’s Tail Axe, Gargoyle’s Halberd, Claymore
#8: Great Club
If you cannot beat Queelag with a lighter weapon, try this strength-based weapon. A +5 or higher Large Club will obliterate her in no time. You will give up some life for strength but this weapon is worth every point. Excellent for large enemies and all bosses, with very high strength scaling and useful in NG+. A fully powered up Great Club is only exceeded by the Greataxe in damage potential. However it outranges it and weighs less. Builds that can meet the minimum strength requirement can benefit from the massive damage of fire, lightning or enchanted versions. Recommended two-handed use with the Grass Crest Shield on your back.
+ Available in Blighttown lower levels but guarded by 2 Infested Barbarians, so it can be had in early game. Very good reach and ability to chain attacks with large strike area. Excellent choice for NG+ magic warrior builds, if enchanted due to high damage output.
– Heavy with relatively high strength requirement. Early game usage requires pure strength build. More difficult to acquire than Greataxe and heavier than Large Club (a rare Infested Barbarian drop). Not good for battling fast enemies or PVP.
Alternates: Greataxe, Large Club
#7: Queelag’s Fury Sword
This is likely the first soul weapon you will build. The weapon will consume Queelag’s soul and a +10 curved sword. A great choice for builds looking for a light and quick, high damage option. My choice for best looking Dark Souls weapon. If you plan on using it, Queelag’s Fury Sword should be fully upgraded for the highest fire damage. Usable in NG+ due to its stat scaling with humanity (up to 10 humanity maximum) but not great for boss fights.
+ Surprisingly effective since multiple lightning-fast attacks can be chained and yield high fire damage. Try push blocking to unlock the backwards cartwheel attack animation.
– Requires expensive and rare material for upgrade. Low physical damage. A chaos weapon that requires humanity for extra damage.
#6: Uchigatana
This Katana allows for quick but deadly attacks. It has very high dexterity scaling and is relatively light. A good choice for enchanting or buffing with fire/lightning. The two-handed normal attacks cover a huge area. The two-handed strong attack results in a very quick, forward-dashing, downwards strike that can be use strategically in any fights. Favored by expert players in PvP due to its bleed effect, high criticals and parries, and thrusting attacks. Excellent for magic builds as an enchanted weapon. Dexterity builds should follow Normal upgrade path.
+ The Uchigatana is dropped by the Undead Male Merchant if killed and is available in early game. Also sold by Shiva of the East. Both strong attacks result in thrusts. A great dueling weapon for expert, high dexterity players that can chain multiple attacks and utilize the entire moveset.
– Relatively high stat requirements for early game. Brittle.
Alternates: Iato, Washing Pole, Longsword
#5: Black Knight Sword
You should immediately transition to a melee build if the Undead Burg Black Knight drops this sword. It has massive physical damage output and can be upgraded to +4 in early game. It will eviscerate all enemies and bosses through the Anor Londo boss fights. Can be used to finish your first playthrough if fully upgraded with a melee build. Usable in NG+ but outgunned by higher stat scaling of the Claymore and higher damage output of the Great Lord Greatsword.
+ Requires twinkling titanite for upgrade. Excellent running swinging attack. High physical damage output with low stat scaling.
– Rare drop from sword wielding Black Knights in Undead Burg, Undead Asylum and Kiln of the First Flame. Very slow but strong two-handed strong attack. Cannot be enchanted or buffed.
Alternates: Claymore, Great Lord Greatsword, Greatsword of Artorias (Cursed)
#4: Estoc
I played through the game several times before trying an Estoc-wielding dexterity build. Once you get the hang of the sword play, this weapon almost breaks early game. The Estoc is my #2 choice for magical weapon (fire, lightning or magic). It has very high criticals and parries. An upgraded Fire Estoc paired with the Hornet Ring (boosts critical attacks) will backstab kill just about any sword wielding enemy in the game. The Estoc shines in battles in crowded quarters, swordplay duels and PvP. Be wary of Estoc wielders in PvP. They are likely expert parriers and may be wearing the Hornet Ring and possibly the Leo Ring, which boosts counter attacks of thrusting weapons. An obvious choice for magicians but all builds should have one in their arsenal. Superior to the Spear because of the increased strike zone of one-handed strong attacks.
+ Available from the beginning of the game in New Londo Ruins before the water bridge. Allows you to attack with your shield raised. Low weight and low required stats with good dexterity scaling. Quick thrusting attacks can stop attack animation of slower enemies. Can be enchanted but higher damage potential if made into fire or lightning weapon. High critical attacks. Devastating damage output on backstabs and parries when combined with the Hornet Ring. Counter attacks buffed by Leo Ring.
– Not useful for bosses (except for Lord Gwynn who can be parried repeatedly) or large enemies because of the low normal attack damage. Easy to block.
Alternates: Rapier, Ricard’s Rapier, Spear, Winged Spear, Pike or Bandit’s knife.
And now for my top 3 weapons. You really cannot go wrong with any of these. Your ultimate preference will depend on the specific build. Each one is excellent for boss fights and can carry you through NG+ or higher. One is heavy with very large physical damage rating, while the other two are lighter and enchantable.
#3: Gargoyle’s Halberd
Quite possible the strongest “pound-for-pound” weapon in the game in its fire or lightning versions. The best choice for a magical weapon (magic, fire or lightning) for non-melee builds due to its low stat requirement and massive damage output. Increases toxin build-up, and bleed and poison resistance when equipped. This weapon should be immediately upgraded and ascended if you plan on using it. If you don’t receive the drop, Lucerne and the Scythe are almost as good but without the toxin and poison buffs.
+ Higher damage output than even much heavier weapons. Very large strike zone and reach, especially with two-handed strong attack, and superior two-handed running attack. Can be used for final boss fight and in NG+. Good for any build but especially efficient for non-melee.
– Rare drop from Gargoyle enemies. Awkward move set.
Alternates: Halberd, Black Knight Halberd, Gargoyle Tail Axe, Lucerne, Scythe
#2: Claymore
A better weapon than the Gargoyle Halberd due to its higher stat scaling for NG+ or higher, but just barely. The Claymore beats out the Gargoyle Halberd in Normal upgraded form but deals less damage in its magic/fire/lightning form, and is guaranteed to be available in early game. This sword has it all. It has stat scaling, it is lighter than uber swords but with very high potential damage, great reach and a fine move set. This is the swiss-army-knife of swords. It has a strong thrust attack and a crowd-dispersing swinging running attack. Balanced builds should upgrade via the normal path. Can be used in NG+ and deadly in boss fights if enchanted (try the Sunlight Blade or Moonlight Blade miracle on a +15 Claymore during a boss fight). Non-melee builds can make a magic, fire or lightning version. The Bastard Sword is an excellent alternate, with slightly higher damage but an inferior move set and less reach.
+ Located on the bridge guarded by the Hellkite Dragon. Will take you through the entire game if fully upgraded or enchanted. Although heavier weapons do more damage, the Claymore weighs only 6 units, allowing for more efficient stamina use. Good criticals and a PvP option.
– Only available once per playthrough so you must choose your upgrade path wisely. Outgunned by larger and heavier weapons.
Alternates: Bastard Sword, Great Lord Greatsword, Drake Sword
#1: Black Knight Great Axe
A massively heavy weapon that requires high stats. However, it does very high physical damage so it can be used all enemies. My favorite weapon for boss fights and NG+ or higher (makes the first few boss fights in NG+ a breeze). Melee builds should venture into the Catacombs as early as possible with the Covetous Gold Serpent Ring and some humanity to increase the chance of a drop from the Black Knight. This weapon will stun and stagger most enemies due to its weight. However it “feels” much lighter than other heavy weapons due to its low stamina consumption for each swing. Its range and strike area are huge. The two-handed leaping attack covers a lot of ground and will OHK smaller enemies once the weapon is fully powered. Non-melee builds that can afford the high strength requirements will not regret this choice in NG+. Endurance should be increased to allow for at least 3 to 4 consecutive normal swings.
+ Available as a drop from the Black Knight in the Catacombs by Vamos the Blacksmith, and in Kiln of First Flame. Can be upgraded with twinkling titanite. High strength scaling. Depletes much less stamina than other heavy weapons but with very high physical damage (you can swing it more times than the alternates). Excellent for boss fights and large enemies. Most enemies will be staggered or stunned after two hits, if not killed outright.
– Cannot be enchanted. High strength and dexterity requirements. Somewhat heavy. Not good in small spaces. May be too slow for PvP.
Alternates: Great Club, Greataxe, Zweihander, Great Sword, Black Knight Halberd
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…
Part II
You should now have several thousand souls along with some powerful gear for early game. Two Dexterity upgrades to the Cleric will allow you to yield Astora’s Straight Sword, a magical weapon that can skewer Firelink Shrink enemies. You can stop looting at this point and commence the game proper by heading up the hilly right path and into the aqueduct tunnel, after upgrading and equipping at the bonfire.
However, if you trust your evasion and running skills, you can loot Blighttown for some massive large souls, reinforcement materials and heavy duty weaponry. There are dangerous enemies here within a poisonous swamp loaded with annoying mosquitoes. The weak of heart need not apply but fearless and patient warriors will be richly rewarded.
If you have the courage, head to the Valley of Drakes for more adventures. Do not cross the suspension bridge but rather take the path right to the cave, which is the back entrance to Blighttown. You will need to quickly roll and descend down many ladders and a waterwheel until you reach the swamp floor. To the left of the waterwheel, as you face the swamp, a hidden bonfire awaits inside a cave. The back of the cave holds dragon scale, a reinforcement material for dragon weapons.
You will likely die a few times as you learn the way down and perfect the timing needed to avoid the dart snipers, which can make you toxic. But the rewards are significant and will make your early game avatar very powerful. Let’s soldier on…
Crimson Robe Set and Remedy
Before you reach the cave entrance to Blighttown, equip the spider shield and make sure equipment load is at 25% maximum. The cave entrance is guarded by 3 Infested Barbarians with poisoned clubs. They are slow but have good reach and pack a punch. Run past the first one and you should see two more quickly spawn. Take advantage and keep running if any of them do a warning roar.
Once past the Barbarians, there is a chest with a key to the Depths on the left and a ladder leading down on the right. Ignore the chest and slide down the ladder and you should see an opening with another ladder to the right. This entire area can be sniped by toxic dart throwers. You will most likely die if you become toxic because your health bar will deplete at an alarming rate. The pyromancer’s high poison armor will help. Also, remember to run with the spider shield raised for protection. Try to roll or jump down the platforms instead of taking the ladders to avoid being hit with a dart. After 3 drops you should be near or at the waterwheel level. Look for the jump off point marked by two torches and land on one of the waterwheel paddles. After a few seconds, you will have to jump off to the platform leading down to the swamp.
Do not despair if you die prematurely. Try to memorize the quickest way down using rolls and jumps. On your first attempt, edge to the walkway left past the first ladder and look down. You will see a series of platforms that can be reached with quick rolls or jumps. After a few iterations, you should be able to reach the waterwheel quickly and safely via rolls and jumps only.
Once at the ground level, continue to the left (as you face away from the waterwheel) and dodge 2 fire-spewing cragspiders. The swamp will slow you down to a trot so try to stay on the ground as much as you can. You can also try continuous rolling instead of running on the swamp. After the second cragspider, you should see a sewer opening with the bonfire, and a treasure chest at its furthest point.
Rest at the bonfire. This will be your staging point for treasure raids. Don’t worry about dying as it is faster than sloshing back to the bonfire. The goal is to collect the Crimson Robe Set, large soul items, green titanite, large titanite and as many other items as you want. In particular, the Crimson Robe Set is a fantastic early game light-armor set with good magic, fire and high curse protection.
To get it, head back to the waterwheel and up the ladders. You will notice the paddles that go up are a bit further back from where you initially landed off the paddles going down. Once off the paddles, keep to the left and go up the ladder. After ascending, you will have a choice of going left or right. The path to the right leads back up and out of Blighttown. The path to the left leads to the Crimson Robe Set. You will immediately have to avoid a cragspider and a mosquito. The next part is a bit tricky as you arrive to an area where you need to go on a tree branch to proceed. If you try to walk off the center of the branch, you will slide off to your death. You will also be vulnerable to a toxic dart snipes and may become toxic. Don’t worry if you do. The armor set can be reached by pounding down Estus flasks.
Carefully re-center the camera as you proceed on the tree branches. Once past them, you will be back on the platforms and will have to evade another cragspider and perhaps more mosquitoes. Keep going and you will soon find a body holding the Remedy spell and a chest with the Crimson Set. This is a dead end. You can retrace your steps or jump off to revive at the bonfire.
Large Souls X3, Pyromancer Set, Poison Mist, Large Titanite Shard X2
(Note: all directions are from the bonfire cave entrance as you face out).
There are 3 large souls located in a right 90 degree angle triangular pattern from the bonfire. Step out of the bonfire cave and look left and right. You should be able to see the two glowing signs. You will be sloshing through the swamp and avoiding cragspiders and perhaps mosquitoes. Collect the soul on the right, then the one on the left. This one is located on a corner underneath a platformed path. The third large soul is directly opposite this large soul (directionally forward from the bonfire cave) on the other side of the level.
Once at the third large soul, head to the 2:00 o’clock direction and you will find the poison mist spell and the pyromancer’s armor set. This set has very high fire and poison resistance, good anti-magic and is extremely light. You may have to dodge a giant leech and mind the pursuing mosquitoes. From here, head back to the bonfire or suicide. You can equip the pyromancer set but keep your load at 25%.
There are 2 large titanite shards past the platforms leading up to the water wheel. One is near the wall and another is on the right side of the column closest to the first shard. Each soul is guarded by a cragspider. After collecting the items, make your way back to the bonfire and heal.
Twin Humanities, Plank Shield and Green Titanite Shard
The risk level ratchets up from here. As you face out from the cave, you should see a “grayish” path off in the distance. It will become more evident as you progress roughly left from the bonfire cave. This is a wide tree branch that will lead you into the dangerous and optional Great Hollow. It is not a short walk, especially at the snail’s pace forced by the swamp, and you will be chased by mosquitoes and a cragspider.
As you near the tree branch, 3 leeches stand guard. They have a powerful leap attack that can be blocked with the spider shield. They will not follow you up the branch so quickly make your way up and follow the “branching” path. You will come upon a dead end with a chest holding a plank shield. The back wall can be hit to expose the continuing path to another fake dead end with twin humanities in a treasure chest. There is an illusionary wall to the left of the chest that will lead you to a bonfire and the descent to the Great Hollow. Do not proceed to this bonfire.
Instead, head back out to Blighttown. Look to your left and you will see a glowing sign for the green titanite shard guarded by 2 leeches. The easiest way to the shard is to roll onto the rocks and slide down. Head to the shard immediately but with your shield raised. Once you have the green shard, you have nothing to lose so try taking on the 2 leeches. You should be able to wield Astora’s Straight Sword. Be methodical and patient. The leeches take long breaks in between leap attacks. If you are lucky, the leeches will drop a large titanite shard, or even better, green titanite shard X5 (a not-so-rare drop for leeches). If you die, you will be back at the cave bonfire with much useful treasure.
Other Blighttown Loot
There is additional loot here but I would not recommend any of it at this point. These items are guarded by very tough enemies, some require high attributes and others are not much better than the loot already in your possession. However, here is a quick run-down for the greedy (directions from the bonfire cave):
The Great Club
It is located at the far side of the level roughly at the 1 o’clock position guarded by 2 rock-throwing Infested Barbarians.
The Server and a Large Titanite Shard
They are hidden at the very end of the swamp left of the branched entrance to the Great Hollow. On your way, you will have to battle 15 leeches. The good news is that you are almost guaranteed another large titanite and potentially a green titanite X5 if you make it.
Wanderer Set and Falchion
This set and weapon are behind a ladder in the platforms leading to the upper levels of Blighttown. Please note I am referring to the platforms left of the bonfire cave, not the water wheel platforms. The armor set and falchion are past several cragspiders and a blow dart sniper. Pat yourself in the back if you can get these items.
Other Upper Level treasure can be found up this platform. However, the toxic snipers will make it almost impossible to proceed without the remedy spell or many Blooming Purple Moss Clumps.
The Great Hollow Treasure
Unlike the remaining treasure in the swamp, the Great Hollow holds some very worthwhile treasure but the risk is high for a low level character.
WARNING: You can be cursed in the Great Hollow. If you have been following this guide and are cursed here, your character is severely limited. You may have to delete the character save and start over. While it is possible to make it out of the swamp and back to Firelink Shrine while cursed, the necessary healing item (purging stone) is not available until you unlock the undead female merchant or Oswald of Carim. The cost is 3,000 to 6,000 souls depending on the merchant. The paths to the merchants are treacherous and require a boss fight.
Now that we have that at out the way, let’s go raiding. There is nothing like the feeling of using a low level character to get a rare item from a dangerous dungeon guarded by powerful enemies… and live to tell about it. Luckily, you have all the gear you need to survive.
Cloranthy Ring
Once at the Great Hollow bonfire, equip the Spider Shield, the Crimson Set and Astora’s Straight Sword. Don’t worry about encumbrance, as you will be proceeding with the utmost of care and patience. Start down the tree. Walk slowly along the edge and peer down until you can see a hole in the main trunk with treasure glowing. This is the Cloranthy Ring, a fantastic item that accelerates stamina regeneration. To get it, you must roll off the edge. Do not jump. If successful, you will land at the very edge of the opening. Be patient and repeat the roll as many times as needed if you die prematurely. Once you have the ring, suicide back to the bonfire.
Titanite Chunks and Souls
The path down the tree is too convoluted to detail on this guide. However, you should score many large souls, and colored and solid titanite chunks if you follow these rules:
- Walk slowly down the branches. Do not run or you will fall off. Adjust the camera accordingly as you corkscrew your way down.
- The main path closest to the tree trunk has no treasure. All of the treasure is on offset branches. You will need to roll, walk or jump off the main branch to the glowing dead bodies. If you continue on the corkscrew branch, your way will be blocked. However, the corkscrew branch continues and is accessible from an offset branch above it.
- Look around and you should be able to puzzle out the best direction and jump off points to the desired branch.
- Do not try to jump on thinner round branches. You will fall off to your death. Only fall onto branches that have a flat surface.
- You may encounter Basilisks, which are large frog-like creatures. They will attempt to jump on you and puff up their chests to blow out a large but deadly curse cloud. It is better to attack single basilisks. You can block their charges with the Spider Shield. You can interrupt their curse breath with a sword attack while they are puffing up. The Crimson Set’s high curse resistance will enable you to live even if exposed to the curse cloud for a few seconds. If you are up against multiple basilisks, suicide off the branches or down a hole.
- If lost or unable to get back to the main branch, suicide back to the bonfire.
- Sometime down, there is a jump off to a side ledge with a ladder. The ladder descends to an open mid-level with 3 waiting basilisks. The area is large enough to run around the basilisks and pick them off one at a time, or evade them completely. Be careful as you descend the ladder closest to the tree trunk. Look down the hole and you will spot a basilisk ambush.
- Concentrate on getting the two red titanite chunks. The first one is located high up and should be the first treasure you collect from an offset branch. The second one is quite tricky. You will have to get back on the main corkscrew branch, past the point where it is blocked. This will require some jumps and rolls from offset branches. Once back on it, the corkscrew branch will eventually get smaller. Walk slowly to the end and you will be able to drop onto a very thin branch with a glowing body and the red titanite chunk. Aim your drop carefully. If you do not land in the center of the branch, you will fall to the mid-level open area underneath. Also, do not take the first jump off with the ladder, as you will bypass the second red titanite chunk altogether.
- A solid titanite chunk is located outside the mouth of the cave with the 3 basilisks.
- You may see crystal lizards. It is better to ignore them until you have raided all of the chunks and souls first. They can spawn in inaccessible areas. Incidentally, a cave with crystal lizards can be accessed off a branch near the top of the tree. Immediately past the bonfire, jump off to another circling branch to reach the cave. This is a very tricky entrance.
It is possible to make it all the way down the tree trunk. It is a long way down. Eventually, you will start to see the environment change. Mushroom children will rush and body lunge at you. At the very bottom of the tree, mushroom parents will be waiting in ambush. The parents are incredibly powerful and will OHK you. There is a way out with a bonfire on the white sands to the right. Ignore the bonfire and look for the empty trunks that hold dragon scale, and get ready to get pawned by the Hydra. This is Ash Lake and is incredibly dangerous at this stage.
DO NOT REST at the Ash Lake bonfire. It will be almost impossible for you to safely climb up and out of the Great Hollow. It can be done but a low level, under equipped character has very little chance to survive. This is an optional area that can be visited later in the game after you have leveled up significantly.
My congratulations to you if you made it this far down.
More Large and Green Titanite and Back to Firelink Shrine
Once you have had your fill of raiding, suicide back to the bonfire at the top of the tree. You can head back to the swamp bonfire in the cave. Or… you can grind for some green titanite shards. A fire or magic weapon will require 9 titanite shards. You already have 1 in your possession. The leeches drop green titanite X5 or a single large titanite shard. Concentrate on the 2 leeches that were guarding the first green shard.
If you survive, head towards the area with the Server and dispose of as many leeches as possible. If you proceed slowly, the leeches can be pulled one at a time. You should even be able to take on 2 at a time, if you mind your stamina and use Astora’s Straight Sword’s strong attack. After filling up on green and large shards, head back to the cave bonfire.
From the cave bonfire, the way out is straight forward. Make sure to equip the Spider Shield and the Pyromancer set but remain at 25% load. Head to the platforms with the water wheel. Ascend to the paddle levels and jump on one to ascend further. Here is the tricky part. You will have to run with your shield raised to reach one of the ladders. A blow dart sniper will fire. If you are quick enough, he will hit the edge of the wall instead of you. If he doesn’t, suicide back to the bonfire. You won’t make it to Firelink Shrine if toxic.
Once you have successfully ascended to the highest ground, run past the Infested Barbarians. They may have their back to you. If they happen to hit and poison you, do not despair. You should be able to survive to Firelink Shrine by downing Estus Flasks. Once out of the Blighttown Cave, carefully traverse the wooden foot bride and use the towers to reach Firelink Shrine.
Congratulations, you are a baller! If you have not consumed any souls, you should have over 20K in your inventory (from Part I and II of this guide). Instead of immediately leveling up, consider buying the Crest of Artorias from Andre of Astora. The crest will unlock the stone door in Darkroot Garden. The area inside can be farmed by leading powerful NPC’s to their death (if you can make it to the dead end next to stairs and the cliff). You can collect 7,000 souls with each successful farming run, so the Crest will pay for itself very quickly.
Enjoy the rest of the game with your high level gear and character.
Dark Souls high level difficulty may have given you second thoughts about picking up this excellent title. However, there is a myriad of loot available very early in the game that will help you easily defeat the first few levels. This guide is not for the weak of heart, however, as you will be venturing into dangerous territory filled with foes that can eradicate you with one shot. But gamers that have mastered the run-and-roll technique can amass powerful equipment and souls in as little as 30 minutes. Don’t worry if you die frequently. Concentrate on memorizing the level layout and enemy locations. After a few tries, you will be flying through previously nightmare-inducing terrain. So my fellow tech gamer, get your running shoes and courage and read on for some early Dark Souls dungeon looting.
Preparation
You must reach Firelink Shrine. Choose the Master Key as your beginning gift and make sure your equipment load is at 25% since you will be running past all of the enemies. A weapon is not necessary for most of the guide. I recommend you start as a cleric.
Estoc and Firekeeper Soul
From the Firelink Shrine bonfire, head down the winding stairs past the Firekeeper and continue down the elevator. You are now in New Londo Ruins. Here you can pick up souls, transient curse X2 and the Estoc, which allows you to attack while shielded. To the right of the elevator is a staircase that will lead you to Rickert of Vinheim, an imprisoned blacksmith and magic seller. To the left is a bridge leading further into New Londo Ruins filled with ghosts that require the use of a cursed weapon or a transient curse to take damage. Once across the bridge, run past the first ghost and look to the right. There is a walled pathway with a Firekeep soul. You will be attacked and killed immediately after collecting it and sent back to the bonfire.
Dragon Crest Shield, Astora’s Straight Sword, Humanity, Spider Shield
Instead of heading towards the bridge to New Londo Ruins, take the tower closest to the blacksmith. The Master Key will open the door at the top and you will find a soul just past it. Continue to the wooden bridge and take the path to the left with the suspension bridge. You will soon encounter a sleeping dragon guarding the Dragon Crest Shield, Astora’s Straight Sword and some souls. If you quickly pick up the loot and roll twice, the dragon will miss you. Otherwise, you may have to repeat the route twice to collect all the loot.
You can avoid the dragon altogether by hugging the cliff and taking the ascending path. Later in the game you can easily poach the dragon with arrows, magic or fire from this spot. Past the dragon is the Valley of Drakes. Run past both drakes jumping to avoid their lightning breath attack. Do not cross the stone bridge. Instead head up the rocks and into the tower and up the elevator. Continue and rest at the bonfire. Now that you are rested, let’s go get the loot. Head down to the drakes. The Spider Shield and Brigand Set are past the drake on the stone bridge. Keep to the left side of the bridge when you run and jump to the loot. Immediately run while shielded (the cleric shield has high lightning defense) and past the drakes.
If you keep going back towards the drake closest to the, now awake, gaping dragon, you will notice a cave next to him (the drake not the dragon). There is a body with humanity in the cave. It’s possible to emerge unscathed from the cave but death by lightning is the likeliest outcome.
Grass Crest Shield
This is one the best shields in the game and can be upgraded with titanite. More importantly, the shield recharges your stamina quickly, an important buff for any character build. The shield is one of the easiest pick-ups in the game. Let’s go get it. The path for the bonfire in the cave leads down to the Valley of Drakes or leads up to Darkroot Basin. After raiding Valley of Drakes, set your sights on Darkroot Basin. Immediately after the cave ends, head to your right down a short path. The body at the end holds the shield. Do not dawdle as a halberd-wielding Black Knight is right on top of you. Let him take you out or roll past his attack after getting the shield.
Crystal Lizard, Elite Knight Set, Blacksmith
This is a long run with no time allowed for appreciating the scenery. After navigating past the Black Knight, take the meandering path all the way up. It will seem like forever at first but you will end up in Darkroot Garden. On your way, you will pass a jump off for the warrior set and a crystal lizard. Enter Darkroot Garden and run to the right avoiding the Demonic Foliage. Run to the end of the path and you will see a door with a glowing seal. Just before this door, there is a path to the right. Take it and go through the fog door. Look to the 2 o’clock position and you will see glowing loot in the trees. This is the Elite Knight Set.
As you approach the loot, demonic foliage and a stone warrior will spawn. Do 3 quick backwards rolls after getting the loot and head back towards the area where you crossed the fog door. You will pass a cave with souls guarded by more demonic foliage. You can get it and again immediately roll back and head back out.
Keep running as if your life depended on it, which it does. Continue past the path to Darkroot Basin. You will have to evade some demonic foliage and end up in a stone structure with columns. Inside is a Prowling Demon. This is the toughest non-boss enemy in the game. He will hurl lightning and swing his giant catchpole. Stay to the left as you go up the stairs and into Undead Parish where you will meet Andre of Astora, a blacksmith who can upgrade basic and divine weapons and sells much useful gear. Up one floor from Andre is the bonfire.
Zweihander, Winged Spear, Talisman, Homeward Bone, Cracked Red Eye, Firebombs
The Undead Parish bonfire is a hub for Sen’s Fortress, Darkroot Basin and Firelink Shrine. Sen’s Fortress is unavailable at this point. From the bonfire, head to the highest level and follow the way out. You will end up in a courtyard with 3 undead soldiers guarding a temple entrance. The temple is also full of enemies and Black Iron Tarkus, your first mini-boss, protects a body with a Firekeeper Soul.
You will soon return to raid this area but for now, run straight through the courtyard and into the temple. Continue until you see a pair of elevator doors and roll into the open one. The elevator floor has a trigger activating a shortcut. You will be taken down to the lower level with a connection to Firelink Shrine. Follow the stairs down and you will soon see the starting bonfire at Firelink Shire. Go ahead a rest for a brief repose.
Return to face the elevators once again. You will notice you can drop into one of the openings. The drop leads to an inner courtyard with 4 treasure chests containing weapons and important items like the homeward bone 6X and Lloyd’s Talisman 4X.
The next section is tricky with a higher than average likelihood of death, which is the reason for resting at the bonfire. Stand at the edge of the opening from the courtyard with the 4 treasure chests. You will see a pile of bones down and a bit to the right. There are some powerful weapons and souls here but guarded by strong skeleton warriors. They will animate as you approach the piles of bones on the ground.
Drop down and immediately start heading down the grass path in between the graves. You will see the bright glow of souls surrounded by bones. Pick up the souls and continue to the right. You will see another loot glow at the end of the grave marker. Pick up the Zweihander and quickly turn right heading roughly back where you had started. You will soon come upon a very large grave with a giant skeleton and the winged spear. Turn 45 degrees and roll forward twice to evade the swings of the now awakened giant. Continue back up your original path. You may have to pass and evade the 2 undead skeletons if they did not give chase. Keep going and continue on a 2 o’clock bearing. You will come up to the edge of the cliff with another guarded grave with souls. Pick them up and suicide off the cliff.
Once back at the bonfire, investigate the local area. You should be able to quickly find humanity and firebombs. There is also “hidden” soul loot. One is located up the stairs past the elevators to the shrine. One is located on the upper level of the flooded temple ruins. The last one is on the lower level outside the temple ruins. As you head into the area with the skeletons, carefully circle along the left and past the first mural ruins and look to your left.
Firekeeper Soul, Halberd, Basement Key
Here is another tricky bit definitely worth the risk. Return to the temple via the elevators. Tarkus may be waiting for you just past the elevator door or further over guarding the body with a Firekeeper soul. He is very slow and telegraphs his swings. Roll or run past him and pick up the loot at the shrine. Turn around and you should see pews on either side of the temple. Past them are 3 armored undead soldiers with deadly rapiers.
Do not run down the middle aisle, as a Sorcerer will snipe you with Soul Spear from the alcove above. Instead proceed down either side of the columns with your shield raised. As you approach the soldiers, the furthest one will spawn followed shortly by the other two. Some quick turns and rolls should let you progress safely into the front stairs. Take a sharp right and pick up the halberd, then proceed to the large gate where you can find the basement key. You can try running back to the elevator, trip the lever to lower the gate or let one of many chasing enemies kill your avatar.
You can stop here.. or continue to Part II if you don’t scare easily.
Dark Souls is significantly harder upon repeated play once the game is completed. Enemies and souls scale up, especially during the second playthrough (NG+). Multiple playthroughs are required for gamers who are after unique weapons since some boss souls can be converted into 2 or even 3 uniques. If you do plan to beat the game repeatedly, make sure you are prepared for the elevated difficulty. You do not want to have an under powered or under equipped character in NG+. Here is my checklist for a well prepared NG+ character for your consideration:
- Buy all sorceries, miracles and pyromancies. Depending on your build, some spells are especially helpful if equipped in multiples (heal, fireball, soul arrow).
- Level up your favorite weapons and armor.
- Try to have balanced upgraded equipment that can deal and protect from magic, fire and lightning.
- Make +10 equipment that can be ascended with boss souls in NG+ once you reach the Anor Londo blacksmith, especially if you plan on using the unique.
- Farm enough demon titanite to upgrade ascended soul weapons as soon as they are made, especially if you plan on using the uniques.
- Collect especial weapons and spells that can only be obtained once per playthrough (Estoc, Halberd, Claymore, Zweihander, Sunlight Blade, Great Heal, Crystal Soul Spear, etc.). You will then have the flexibility to make various versions of the weapon (fire, lightning or magic) or have the added firepower of multiple spells.
- Collect all titanite slabs since they are available only once per playthrough (unless you want to farm for an inordinate amount of time).
- Trade items with Sparkly. It should be easier to collect tradeables just prior to finishing your first game.
- Upgrade the pyromancy flame to at least +10.
- Collect all rings. You may have to mix and match equipment, armor and rings for specific boss encounters or areas in NG+.
- Decide on your build. Initially you will level up very quickly due to the higher souls in NG+. However, you will eventually reach a point where level upgrades must be considered carefully because of their expense. Pay especial attention to Attunement, Faith and Intelligence based on pre-requisites for spells or equipment you plan to use.
- Farm enough humanity to kindle critical bonfires. They will remain kindled in NG+.
- Farm or buy recovery and re-enforcement items that are not immediately available in NG+ (twinkling titanite, purging stones, blooming purple moss clumps, etc.).
- Do not over farm souls. Enemies will be worth 2.6X in NG+ allowing to farm souls much more effectively.
- Complete the story arc for NPC’s for the unique rewards.
- Practice. Enemies that respawn should be a snap prior to the final boss fight. Take the opportunity to try different techniques, weapons and armor. Figure out the best way to take out tough enemies based on your intended build.
- Prepare. Boss fights in NG+ are very challenging and a lot of fun. If you have not yet offed a boss, have it out and practice different techniques. Otherwise, think back on the toughest boss fights. Make or upgrade equipment that you wish you would have had for that boss fight.
- Plan. The most common reason for playing NG+ or NG++ is to obtain all uniques. Carefully plan out your progression in NG+. Some items are available only once, and their appearance can be triggered to a particular event or particular sequence. If you do not progress based on the set sequence, the special equipment will be completely unavailable forcing you to finish the game and re-start. This can be very frustrating as each playthrough gets harder.
- Upgrade covenant level based on build or intended play (PvP). Make sure you end the game under your preferred covenant, if you plan to use a covenant-specific spell or item (for example Sunlight Blade).
- Play online as a phantom. The enemies you encounter will sharpen your skills, provide equipment ideas and highlight weaknesses in your build. You can also help others on-line to obtain covenant rewards and upgrades.
- Kill NPC’s and blacksmiths for their uniques and humanity (this should be the very last thing you do prior to the final boss fight).
You are now ready to take on the added challenges of Dark Souls NG+.
Here is the rating scale I will be using to pass judgement on all things tech related:
Excellent – everything you wanted and more, delivers on all fronts, highest quality, worth a high price of admission, a must-have (think of it as an awesome barista creation, on a cold day, in front of a roaring fire… with a free pastry)
Very Good – does what it’s supposed to with high quality and ease of use, offers good value, outperforms most other options (think it of as a premium cup of coffee on a cold day with a cinnamon roll)
Good – does what it claims at an acceptable price but might be quirky (think of it as the daily coffee shop special with a bagel)
Acceptable – may not fully do what it’s supposed to, cheap, only worth it for urgent or one-time use (think of it as coffee from your fave fast food chain)
Don’t bother – does not do what it claims, broken interface, very cheap and low quality, attempted use may result in heartburn and a ruined day (think of it as coffee and a day old donut from the gas station)
Dark Souls PS3 Video Game Review ($38 street price)
My bottom line:
Dark Souls is an epic must-buy for players who love a challenging, action-oriented and strategic RPG. The difficulty level has been tweaked and the world greatly expanded resulting in a 100+ hour diversion with a unique on-line component.
Full Review:
Why do we play video games as adults? The video game appeal for kids is obvious. The fantasy or fairy tale settings, bright graphics, quirky sounds and repetitive action are a perfect complement to a child’s short attention span, quick reflexes and eagerness to play in make-belief worlds. But an adult gamer has a different set of criteria (or at least should). Video games have graduated to an equal footing with movies in trying to provide a completely immersive environment. Adult gamers crave that full immersion and attachment to a game that warrants multiple playthroughs or addictive repetitive gameplay.
Adult gamers also want value for their money. Pricing for new games has escalated along with production values of current generation video games. The value equation is different for each game and gamer. It includes length of gameplay, repeatability and on-line play, graphics and sounds, controls, story and even post-release support. A good game provides a satisfying mix of many of these based on the genre and intended audience.
Okay, so this is supposed to be a review about Dark Souls. Why the diatribe about what makes a good game? The truth is I am partially rationalizing to myself (and my lovely spouse) my irrational addiction to Dark Souls. This video game hits all the RPG hot buttons for my “generic” adult gamer.
Great production values – check
Great sounds and graphics – check
Great controls – check
Online and co-op play – check
Challenge and difficulty – double check
Lengthy campaign mode – quadruple check
The result is the best but thankfully not hardest action RPG I have ever played.
Production values:
From the beginning, the “world” of Dark Souls feels complete. The character design, backgrounds, music, levels and sound effects blend seamlessly into a whole. This completeness immediately sucks you into the game. It is obvious that From Software sweated the details and diligently used every second of the 2 year development cycle to “polish the apple”.
Close-up of the characters, enemies, armor and weapons reveal small touches, like the scratches on a shield or the intricate pattern of the armor. Some of the armor sets are absolute works of art. Check out the Dark Knight Set or, my personal favorite, the Set of Favor. I even found myself favoring some armor pieces over more protective ones because they better “fit” my in-game avatar.
The sounds and graphics will blow you away. I had several non-playing family members comment on how realistic the character and on-screen world appeared, as they walked by the TV. One said that it was like watching an animated movie.
You are immediately enveloped in the classic “Demons’ Souls” atmosphere. The hair on the back of your neck will stand and your heart will beat faster as you progress into new and more dangerous areas. This is especially true of crossing fog doors during your first playthrough, not knowing what lies ahead.
The story is convoluted and takes a back seat to the gameplay. It is somewhat reminiscent of Demon’s Souls but mostly a forgettable affair about dethroning the Great Lord Gwyn. There are again multiple endings depending on your end game choice.
Gameplay:
Dark Souls is a difficult game. If you die, you are sent back to the last kindled bonfire. You can level up, repair weapons and warp to other levels via these checkpoints. However, all of the enemies will regenerate, and you will lose all of your “souls”. To truly progress in this game, you must play without dying up until the next bonfire. On the way, you can pick-up your lost souls since the game marks the point of death with a bloodstain. However, if you die before reaching your bloodstain you will forever lose those souls. Believe me, there will be controller-breaking moments due to an untimely death that cost you a large number of souls.
Demon’s Souls, Dark Souls predecessor, is generally regarded as one of the most difficult games ever made. From Software has taken pity on us poor game players and made Dark Souls less difficult but punishing and rewarding.
Darks Souls does not penalize you with a shorter health bar while you are undead. Your health bar will be full at all times. However, Dark Souls introduces the concept of humanity. You cannot kindle fires, summon help, invade, or be invaded without humanity. Humanity also affects drop rates and the power of chaos weapons and spells.
Armor is fully upgradeable and makes a significant difference to overall character defense. Also, armor is no longer gender dependent. Male and female characters can equip every single piece of available armor. Armor, weapons, rings and shields should be varied based on the particular area or upcoming boss encounter.
Weapons and armor can be upgraded much more frequently and up to a higher level than in Demon’s Souls. Drop rates for all but the highest upgrade materials are mercifully high and can be increased with humanity and the Covetous Gold Serpent Ring. The best armor sets and weapons are upgraded with Twinkling Titanite, which is available from a vendor at roughly the mid-game level.
The beginning of Demon’s Souls is extraordinarily hard, requiring perfect play for a 20 to 40 minute stretch. This is a lot to ask while you are trying to master the mechanics and figure out the game. Many players never finished the game because they could not get past the tough beginning.
Fortunately, Dark Souls does not require perfect play for such an extended amount of time at the start. You pick up your equipment, health potions (Estus Flasks) and eventually have your first thrilling boss encounter within 2-5 minutes. You are then warped to the world hub where you can truly start exploring at will.
The difficulty level ratchets up smoothly as you progress in the game. As in Demon’s Souls, each boss must be approached in a very strategic manner. If you need help, online play allows you to summon a friendly phantom to help you conquer a particularly hard boss.
Patient gameplay is absolutely required. Run through a new level and you will quickly find yourself at the last bonfire without any souls. There are occasional cheap hits but they can be survived or avoided with careful navigation.
I cannot emphasize the importance of mastering the controls. Once you do, the game is significantly easier and more fun. Experiment with different tactics and try to find your play style. Once you have settled on a melee, magic or hybrid character, equip complimentary equipment. You will soon be a butt-kicking machine ready to pounce onto the next boss fight.
Controls:
Demon Souls introduced a revolutionary set of controls for RPG’s. The controls were absolutely spot-on and responsive allowing you an incredible amount of control over your character’s sword fighting or magic wielding. Dark Souls keeps the same controls and adds the ability to jump (believe me this is a big deal for Demon’s Souls veterans). It’s a bit tricky as the run button is contextual. A double click will make you jump, a click from a standing position is a backstep, a click from a walk/jog will cause a roll and a click while running will make you broad jump.
There are also some subtle adjustments to equipment loading. Equipment burdens over 50% will slow you down to a crawl and make your character a sitting duck for most fights. This was not the case in Demon’s Souls, which let you run at a modest pace while over encumbered.
In Dark Souls, running speed is reduced above 25% encumbrance. But the Dark Wood Grain will let run at a fast clip at up to 50%. Even better, this ring changes the rolling animation to a very cinematic gymnastic flip. You cannot be hit during a flip dodge making this ring essential for boss fights or PVP battles where evading is paramount.
Stamina management is utterly important regardless of your play style. You will be immobile while your stamina bar recharges. Fierce attacks, heavier weapons and shield blocks require more stamina, adding a strategic wrinkle to enemy encounters. The Crest Shield, the Child’s Mask and the Cloranthy Ring buff your stamina recovery rates and are favored by agile players.
Newbies will have to work hard on their sword fighting skills while Demons Souls veterans should have no trouble with the mechanics. Once the controls are mastered, the game difficultly will significantly decrease. Backstabs are easier to pull off allowing low level characters to take on mid-bosses or optional tough enemies earlier in the stage. You will be rewarded with an advanced drop but risk a one-hit-kill (OHK). Expert gamers can make use of the risk-reward gameplay style during speedruns to reach special items or just navigate quickly through the large worlds. Check out Youtube for some amazing speed runs using this technique.
RPG Elements:
Depending on your skill, you may be able to complete the game in 10-30 hours but completionists can look forward to hundred+ hours of adventuring while searching for that elusive rare item. Dark Souls does not hold your hand in any way. You are given some very loose clues as to where you should go. As a result, you will end up investigating every nook and cranny of the various inter-connected areas. This can be frustrating if you happen to wonder into the wrong area with a low level character. It’s also a bit of a clue. If you are suffering from OHK’s, you are probably in the wrong place.
There is no questing in this dungeon crawler. The game world presents you with different interconnected areas with a mini-boss or boss fight required to proceed. Some boss fights can be skipped altogether. Also, it is possible to evade most enemies by running if you have good evade skills and have memorized the level layouts.
Your RPG skills will be taxed by the many tactical and strategic decisions depending on your build. There are a myriad of options and play styles available based on your leveling and upgrade decisions. Besides character stats, most items are upgradeable. Weapons, shields and armor also have unique attributes (like special two handed attacks or resistance buffs). Boss souls can be transformed about mid-level into unique specials. These soul weapons are a bit of a disappointed as most are weaker than fully leveled standard items, and require rare grade material (farmable in late-game from a very tough re-spawnable mini-boss).
You decide where and when to go allowing for as much level grinding and item farming as you want prior to a boss fight. Most levels will trigger a shortcut to the boss close to end. These shortcuts can also be used to access hidden areas or powerful items in early game, once you master the rolling technique and have memorized the layout.
Replayability and online component:
Dark Souls refines Demons Souls’ revolutionary online play with some helpful tweaks. When online and in soul form, you can invade or invite other players for PvP, coop or a combination of these. Invasion rules vary depending on your covenant. Online play is rewarded with unique upgrade items. After the 1.05 patch that removed most duplication glitches, your only choice to obtain these items is online play. You can choose to help or battle others of roughly similar levels.
Online play is not for everyone. You will encounter expert players that have staked out strategic positions and carefully planned their inventory to maximize an advantage online. Online encounters can be frustrating if your build happens to be a bad matchup (you are a pyromancer and your invader has heavy fire defense) or if you are invaded while carrying many souls or humanity.
Solo players should play offline. The game will still provide you with AI phantoms that can be summoned for key boss fights. You can play online with the added protection of a friend if you are at a level or location that is invader territory. Another option is to create several characters to experiment with build types and online/offline play.
All-in-all, Dark Souls players benefit from online encounters. Your fighting skills will improve and you may score that elusive item required for a covenant upgrade.
In the end:
Dark Souls is the best fighting dungeon crawler available for any platform. Do not be dissuaded from picking up this masterpiece because of the reported difficulty of the game. This time around, From Software has mercifully tamed the beginning. In addition, there are several powerful campaign items available from the start if you are willing to die a few times (see my tips and tricks below). The right equipment, strategy and upgrades will help you survive the toughest boss battles. Expect to be rewarded with some challenging boss fights, cinematic cut scenes, spectacular environments and a true sense of accomplishment as you progress through the game.
Tips and tricks for new players:
- The knight has the best starting equipment with a 100% physical block shield, heavy armor and a strong weapon. The armor can take you through the whole game if regularly upgraded. Even if you don’t favor melee, select the knight and level up based on your desired build since armor is expensive.
- The pyromancer spells do not upgrade based on any stat but rather based on souls. This makes the pyromancer superior to a magician, which requires regular intelligence upgrades for more powerful magic spells.
- The cleric has the highest starting Faith, access to an expensive early game miracle and can wield Astora’s Sword after only 2 level upgrades.
- The sorcerer has 3 spell slots and a powerful ranged spell but little vitality and endurance. Pure sorcerers are for advanced players only.
- The warrior has balanced stats favoring melee with decent starting equipment, including the best shield in early game.
- Astora’s Straight Sword, the Dragon Crest Shield, and the Spider Shield are available from the beginning, if you choose the Master Key as your gift.
- Fast rolling can be used to reach Blightown at the beginning of the game. Once at the swamp level, the bonfire is located close-by to the left. From the bonfire, you can access 6K souls, green and large titanite shards, the pyro armor set (strong poison and fire resistance), the server, the great club and the Poison Mist pyromancy. The Crimson Set is located 2 levels above the waterwheel past a long bamboo corridor and tree branches.
- Grind out to level up or improve your weapons and armor if you are dying too much in early game.
- Read the online messages in early game. Most users’ posts are helpful.
- Boss fights are fun and challenging but must be approached strategically. Analyze the attack pattern and weak points of a boss during a fight. Much can be learned from an untimely death.
- Master the backstab, block, parry and counter. You cannot rely on magic alone because mana is renewable only at stage save points. Sole magic users will see a steep difficulty increase in late game as most enemies have high magic defense.
- Buy the Crest of Artorias as soon as you can. The enemies can be lured off the cliff next to the door, yielding 7k souls on every run through.
- Concentrate on endurance in early game until you can wield your weapon or armor of choice. Then level up based on your favorite build and play style.
- Take advantage of early game encounters with black knights as they drop rare and powerful items. Only engage them when you are holding some humanity to increase the drop rate. Increase your endurance as much as you can and enchant your weapon with resin to give yourself a chance to win with a low level character. Use backstabs or a ranged spell.
- Do not rush forth or you will die. Once you have cleared an area, you can run through it but adventure with caution into new territory.
- Unlike Demon Souls, there are no differences in male or female characters.
- Unlike Demon Souls, armor is important and is upgradeable. Mix and match items as needed.
- Melee builds should concentrate on basic weapons with high stat modifiers. Strength-based characters with an upgraded enchantable weapon can do more damage than similar level non-melee builds with fire or magic weapons.
- Humanity is incredibly important in early game. You must be in human form to summon help for a boss fight. Humanity also increases the drop rate for unique items that make a great difference in early game. Do not waste humanity to recover health. Do not overkindle.
- Twinkling Titanite is also very important and rare in early game. Do not upgrade an item with it carelessly.
- If you need humanity (and who doesn’t) in early game, farm the rats in the tunnel leading to the Undead Burg and under the bridge.
- You can kill the first vendor in early game for some quick humanity, the residence key and the Uchigatana. He does not sell overly useful items.
- The difficulty visibly ramps up in Anor Londo. Make sure you are prepared for the boss fight easily the toughest one in the game. Equip the Stone Armor, the Silver or Black Knight Shield and a good fire weapon. Choose from Havel’s Ring, the Thunder Stone Plate Ring, the Blue Tearstone Ring, the Cloranthy Ring or the Dark Wood Grain Ring based on your build and play style. Summon an ally to prevent both bosses from engaging you.
- If you want to exploit the Snuggly The Crow cheat, do not patch the game (make sure you are offline prior to inserting disc into the PS3 the first time and then stay offline).
- You must complete multiple playthroughs to obtain all the rare items.
- Kindle the Duke’s Archives starting fire. The level is long and the enemies are tough and incredibly punishing with their crystal armor and weapons.
- Good luck the first time in The Depths. Go through very cautiously and have your most powerful weapon equipped.
- The Claymore is worth many deaths in early game. If you can reach the bonfire, the Red Dragon will fly off leaving the Claymore unguarded. Otherwise, water veil, high endurance and fire protection items may help you survive the flame attack long enough to grab it. Equip the Black Knight Shield and you can walk up to it.
- Chopping the Red Dragon’s tail yields the Drake Sword. To get it, enchant your strongest weapon with lighting and wield it two-handed. As the dragon flies off his perch onto the bridge, run along the right wall until you reach his tail. Two to three swings should do it. The timing is tricky. It helps to swing only after you have reached or are just past his tail. Early swingers will be treated to a deadly shower of fire.
- The Drake Sword can help you obtain Havel’s Ring in early game. Havel is very powerful but slow and easy to backstab. Do not roll as his fierce attack tracks. Instead circle to your right as he swings. He will be wide open for a backstab after a miss. Six backstabs with the Drake Sword will finish him off.
- Go ahead and start fresh with a new character if your build is not working out or if you missed a non-renewable precious item. The game allows for up to 10 character profiles.
- Kill Knight Lautrec of Carim during your first play through to get the Ring of Favor and Protection. After getting your reward for freeing him, equip your heaviest weapon (Drake Sword) and do a two-handed fierce attack or push kick him twice. He should fall off to his death. Quit and reload the game to get lots of humanity and his ring, both of which are incredibly useful in early game.
- Essential pyromancies – Iron Flesh, Power Within, Fire Orb and Water Veil
- Essential miracles – Heal, Homeward and Sunlight Blade
- Essential sorceries – Soul Arrow, Crystal Magic Weapon, Hidden Weapon (online PVP)
- Essential weapons – Claymore, Lightning or Fire Lucerne, Lightning or Fire Gargoyle Halberd, Black Knight Great Axe
- Essential armor – Stone Set, Gold-Hemmed Black Set
- Essential upgradeable armor – Crimson Set, Paladin Set, Black Iron Set, Xanthous Set
- Essential rare items – Astora’s Straight Sword, Queelag’s Fury Sword, Grass Crest Shield, Gargoyle Helm, Great Lord Great Sword, Silver Knight Shield, Black Knight Shield, Spider Shield
I will be expanding my blog with a new category of things every techie should know. Techies are expected to know certain things:
– Info on the latest and greatest electronic gadgets (cell phones, TV’s, laptops) and software
– Tech support for friends and family for anything that has an ON/Off button or can be clicked
– Interesting tidbits and opinions on the past, present and future of tech
However, there are some non-tech-related things that a techie should know, even if he is not expected to know. I am talking about how to change a tire, how to cook a simple meal, how to buy wine, etc. Knowledge is power, and, fun. So, please read on my fellow techie, if you want to expand your horizons beyond the world of 0’s and 1’s.
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