Dark Souls Catch-All

Started a new game on the PC, using the pyromancer as a starting template. Made it all the way to the first armored boar in the Undead Parish before dying and even then, I almost took the bastard down. I'm SL8...so far focusing only on end and vit. I went with a dex build for the last playthrough, so this time I think I'm going to focus on either int or faith, but I'm not sure which, yet.

There's an interesting build where you use the catalyst that scales off Faith instead of Int to create a character who can cast both kinds of spells. Still have to meet Int minimums, but you don't have to pump it.

In such a build, I expect elemental weapons would be better for a first playthrough than any scaling weapon.

You're gonna love the DLC!

Stele wrote:
Fedaykin98 wrote:

There's an interesting build where you use the catalyst that scales off Faith instead of Int to create a character who can cast both kinds of spells. Still have to meet Int minimums, but you don't have to pump it.

I did the opposite with my sorcerer build. Used the talisman that scales off INT and still cast several miracles. ;)

Stele's version would probably do better for a stronger offensive build, then, because the Faith requirements for the best offensive Faith spells are much lower than the Int requirements for the best Int spells.

Fedaykin98 wrote:

There's an interesting build where you use the catalyst that scales off Faith instead of Int to create a character who can cast both kinds of spells. Still have to meet Int minimums, but you don't have to pump it.

I did the opposite with my sorcerer build. Used the talisman that scales off INT and still cast several miracles.

EDIT: I should say, I did use that talisman, but I didn't focus on too many miracles. By the time NG++ rolled around I had multiple copies of great sorcery spells so didn't really need miracles like Lightning Spear.

Either way, focusing a build on either strategy wouldn't be a great idea. The min requirements for the best spells/miracles are 50. Building that high, you're going to be great at either one.

On an INT build, probably shouldn't take Faith higher than 18 or so for Homeward. On a faith build, taking INT higher than 12 or 14 is probably not wise. Maybe... 18?... whatever Magic Weapon or Magic Shield are. Those buff spells could still be somewhat useful.

I haven't loaded up the PS3 game since platinum. Really can't swear to what my Faith was. I know it was 18 for Homeward, not sure if it was any higher. And can't remember which character I unlocked all miracles with. Probably that INT one. But unlocking them is about joining covenants or buying them, not being able to use them.

Looking forward to actually using miracles on this new PC build. Even messed around with Force today, knocking enemies down and slaying them. Funny and fun both. Honestly had never used the miracle before, despite 150 hours or so of game time.

I will follow off Stele's edit by saying that an offense-minded sorceror has zero need for Lightning Bolts, other than looking cool. There are TONS of great offensive Sorceries.

I am completely and utterly in love with my Zweihander. In a bit over two hours yesterday I motored through gargoyles, butterfly, hydra, Havel and the Capra demon - and probably could have done it even quicker if I hadn't been running around playing with upgrades etc. Part of it came from the familiarity of having been through this part of the game on another character, but a lot of it came from the whompyness of the Zweihander. It's a little slow, but it's killing normal enemies in one hit and has insane reach with the heavy attack.

There was something enormously satisfying about poise-breaking Havel and knocking him flat.

Sonicator wrote:

I am completely and utterly in love with my Zweihander. In a bit over two hours yesterday I motored through gargoyles, butterfly, hydra, Havel and the Capra demon - and probably could have done it even quicker if I hadn't been running around playing with upgrades etc. Part of it came from the familiarity of having been through this part of the game on another character, but a lot of it came from the whompyness of the Zweihander. It's a little slow, but it's killing normal enemies in one hit and has insane reach with the heavy attack.

There was something enormously satisfying about poise-breaking Havel and knocking him flat. :D

The Zweihander is pretty great. I usually use that and Quelaag's Furysword depending on my mood, but that's kinda led me to balancing out STR and DEX, which probably isn't the best build but whatever.

I had a pretty satisfying night tonight. I got all the way through Tomb of the Giants with (mostly) no major occurrences, and then went back to the DLC and knocked Artorias out fairly easily. It feels great when things go right.

Sonicator wrote:

I am completely and utterly in love with my Zweihander. In a bit over two hours yesterday I motored through gargoyles, butterfly, hydra, Havel and the Capra demon - and probably could have done it even quicker if I hadn't been running around playing with upgrades etc. Part of it came from the familiarity of having been through this part of the game on another character, but a lot of it came from the whompyness of the Zweihander. It's a little slow, but it's killing normal enemies in one hit and has insane reach with the heavy attack.

There was something enormously satisfying about poise-breaking Havel and knocking him flat. :D

Temptation to ignore main character, Faith character, and Demon's Souls in favor of trying a Strength build - rising.

Fedaykin98 wrote:
Sonicator wrote:

I am completely and utterly in love with my Zweihander. In a bit over two hours yesterday I motored through gargoyles, butterfly, hydra, Havel and the Capra demon - and probably could have done it even quicker if I hadn't been running around playing with upgrades etc. Part of it came from the familiarity of having been through this part of the game on another character, but a lot of it came from the whompyness of the Zweihander. It's a little slow, but it's killing normal enemies in one hit and has insane reach with the heavy attack.

There was something enormously satisfying about poise-breaking Havel and knocking him flat. :D

Temptation to ignore main character, Faith character, and Demon's Souls in favor of trying a Strength build - rising.

IMO, if you haven't tried a heavy strength build yet, you're missing out! I've messed around with many varieties of builds and enjoyed them all, but nothing matches the satisfaction of crushing things with a big ass weapon in Dark Souls.

This is also a good place to reiterate for all the new people: Focusing on strength lets you use the best item in the game, the Greatshield of Artorias. Need 32 strength.

Oh my god.

Personal/Enemy health bar mod!

I can actually see when I kill things. Instead of wasting that extra swing I sometimes do because it's hard to tell the difference between the red enemy health and orange enemy damage bar. Ugh.

I went ahead and got the combo one with personal health/stamina too. Holy crap. It's like a whole new game now. I feel more precise in everything. Seriously worth the double-dip.

Fedaykin98 wrote:

I disagree with that chart - the high-side cutoffs are way too low.

silentsod, can you tell us what level you are, and what boss you're trying to be summoned on?

55, Smough and the Dragonslayer.

I went and killed the Moonlight Butterfly, Hydra, and Felines last night so I might just roll with an NPC phantom if another invader doesn't kill me while I'm engaged with the two enemies before Smough and the Dragonslayer. That really got under my skin last night as I seem to constantly run low on humanity.

I decided to give being summoned a try tonight for Artorias. I had a TON of fun with it. This is the first time I've really gotten into it. Artorias is a cake walk with more than one person, I didn't lose a single fight after being summoned 5 times or so. Also I really like the armor you can get if you go back to the arena after killing him. Pretty cool looking, plus the stats aren't too shabby.

silentsod wrote:

That really got under my skin last night as I seem to constantly run low on humanity.

Farm the rats.

There are 3 in Undead Parish, right by the bonfire at the entrance, at the end of the bridge. You can run down the ladder, kill 3, and run back up really quick. Or Homeward miracle if you have it.

There's also a great farming spot in The Depths. Start at the bonfire, and go down the stairs like you were going to the boss shortcut, but instead just go out into the main sewer. Turn right and there are 5 or 6 rats. Then follow that hall to another rat in a box. Then follow that hall, and drop down to 3 more rats by a gate. Homeward, and repeat. That's like 10 rats that you can kill in a couple minutes, and usually 1-2 will drop humanity. I did that while waiting for Gaping Dragon summons from the bonfire, and picked up a few extra humanity early on.

The best place to farm it is down in the Tomb of Giants, the room of skeleton babies. But that one is a pain in the ass to get to, and very difficult to farm without dying. But eventually that's where you'll want to go, if you want to farm up humanity for some of the covenants and stuff.

Dark Souls, DONE!

Got the final boss on the first try. Solaire saved my bacon, but in general, I was amazed how easy the fight was. I was a level 80 sorceror.

...I could have done this weeks ago if I hadn't been trying to do all kinds of stuff before NG+.

There's definitely some things that are easier to do while you can warp around, and before the enemies get a difficulty bump in ng+.

Sif went down tonight in three tries which more or less means I have to start working on Smough and the Dragonslayer full time, is my understanding. Entirely possible I just don't know where there are more pathways, though.

S&O in Anor Londo is a choke point, just like Sen's Fortress. You get to a point where that is the only place to progress.

Fedaykin98 wrote:
Sonicator wrote:

I am completely and utterly in love with my Zweihander. In a bit over two hours yesterday I motored through gargoyles, butterfly, hydra, Havel and the Capra demon - and probably could have done it even quicker if I hadn't been running around playing with upgrades etc. Part of it came from the familiarity of having been through this part of the game on another character, but a lot of it came from the whompyness of the Zweihander. It's a little slow, but it's killing normal enemies in one hit and has insane reach with the heavy attack.

There was something enormously satisfying about poise-breaking Havel and knocking him flat. :D

Temptation to ignore main character, Faith character, and Demon's Souls in favor of trying a Strength build - rising.

Give it a try - as Dyni says, you can't beat smooshing guys with a weapon bigger than you are.

I actually did start a STR character tonight. I finished the game, then played through the Asylum on NG+, then started a new character.

I planned to start with a knight, as they are the heavy armor wearing class that thematically matches what I'm going for. However, I didn't like his stats, and I'm presumably trying to get to 24 STR asap.

I ended up picking a Bandit, which not only had the highest STR of starting classes at 14, but also seemed to have min/maxed for STR, VIT, and END, the only three attributes this character will really care about.

I got all the way to the tower leading to Taurus Demon without dying, but I needed to call it a night. Hopefully tomorrow night I'll get to the point where I can activate the chapel elevator and be at 24 STR. I'm at 19 now, and I also leveled END once, since I was running out and having my guard broken occasionally.

Fedaykin98 wrote:

Dark Souls, DONE!

Got the final boss on the first try. Solaire saved my bacon, but in general, I was amazed how easy the fight was. I was a level 80 sorceror.

...I could have done this weeks ago if I hadn't been trying to do all kinds of stuff before NG+. :lol:

Congrats! I kind of witnessed this.

I had an awful time with pricilla last night, until I managed to summon two sunbros. Then it was a piece of cake. I then had a tough time with the Archers of Andor Londo. I think it took me 5-6 tries. The worst part is how far the sprint is to them from the bonfire. I did get the giants/gargoyles before hand down to a science as a result. Here's my archers strategy.

Spoiler:

1. Take out the gargoyles by retreating up the foot-bridge. Toss pyromancy fire orbs at them as they struggle to fit into the narrow walk-way.
2. Switch to a parrying shield.
3. Wait for the arrows to hit, then sprint up the next food path.
4. Get comfortable with the arrow timing at the ledge, then jog around the corner and sprint up the footpath. Slow up to time the left-side arrow shortly before you get up the footpath.
5. Round the corner and sprint towards the right-side archer, 45 degree angle towards the wall though. Roll when he's about to fire and target him as he takes his sword out. Parry+riposte. If he doesn't get knocked off the ledge run by him to round the corner.
6. Hop off the ledge and never regret missing whatever item the left archer guarded.
7. Exact revenge by parrying+riposting/backstabbing the ever-spawning black knights in this area.

I did notice that the Titanite Demon after the second bonfire had a shload of health. I burned through 6 fire-orbs, ~4 combustions, and 5 fireballs (all of these were doing more than 200 damage) before I took him out. Seems like a lot more than the ones I fought in Sen's Fortress.

I got Smough down but couldn't get through the second phase of the battle where I dropped him to all of 75% health.

Next try saw the second phase end with two bars of life left but equipped a Rare Ring of Sacrifice to save my humanity and souls.

Third I got to summon a real player who didn't know the fight mechanics but served as an excellent distraction along with Knight Solaire. Ended up winning, the summon died and I hope he got souls + humanity for his help!

Fedaykin98 wrote:

I actually did start a STR character tonight. I finished the game, then played through the Asylum on NG+, then started a new character.

I planned to start with a knight, as they are the heavy armor wearing class that thematically matches what I'm going for. However, I didn't like his stats, and I'm presumably trying to get to 24 STR asap.

I ended up picking a Bandit, which not only had the highest STR of starting classes at 14, but also seemed to have min/maxed for STR, VIT, and END, the only three attributes this character will really care about.

I got all the way to the tower leading to Taurus Demon without dying, but I needed to call it a night. Hopefully tomorrow night I'll get to the point where I can activate the chapel elevator and be at 24 STR. I'm at 19 now, and I also leveled END once, since I was running out and having my guard broken occasionally.

I used a bandit for the same reason. Once you've got the chapel elevator, run back into the graveyard to grab the zweihander if you haven't already. Not that I'm biased.

After getting strength to 24, I put a few points into VIT and then enough into END to be able to use some of the meatier armours (currently using the elite knight set with Havel's ring). As an experiment, I've taken my strength character's INT up to 12 to use Oolacile's catalyst for some range attack capabilities or casting magic weapon for bosses. About to hit blightown, and dread doing that without a ranged attack of some sort. Not sure if it'll work out in the long run, but it feels good so far. Probably time to start putting a but more into END and VIT, with a sprinkling more in strength for the Greatshield in the future.

S0LIDARITY wrote:

I did notice that the Titanite Demon after the second bonfire had a shload of health. I burned through 6 fire-orbs, ~4 combustions, and 5 fireballs (all of these were doing more than 200 damage) before I took him out. Seems like a lot more than the ones I fought in Sen's Fortress.

I was able to snipe that demon through the doorway. Kinda cheap, but I take it where I can get it in this game

So I know you aren't supposed to go down into the graveyard early because it can be balls out hard. If we assume I am reasonably skilled is it still crazy hard later on? I am level 48ish have very upgraded equipment and am about to go into Sen's but with all this talk of the Zwiehander am thinking about going to get it. Should I actually try to kill things or should I just run?

The Zweihander's very easy to get to. It's possible you might die, but at 48 you can probably make it back out alive pretty easily. Just follow the path through the graveyard and you'll come to it eventually.

Took down Kalameet in NG+ on my second attempt. Didn't have trouble in my first try, but a minor miscalculation on my part got my character combo'd while being about one hit away from finishing Kalameet off. Now all that's left for me is visiting the Painted World, turning Anor Londo into a less sunny place and making a beeline for the second endgame.

Kamakazi010654 wrote:

So I know you aren't supposed to go down into the graveyard early because it can be balls out hard. If we assume I am reasonably skilled is it still crazy hard later on? I am level 48ish have very upgraded equipment and am about to go into Sen's but with all this talk of the Zwiehander am thinking about going to get it. Should I actually try to kill things or should I just run?

I just grabbed it at SL 17, no bells rung. Killed the first four skeletons, then pulled the big group, retreated, ran past them, grabbed it, ran past them again on my way out.

DAMN, this thing is slow. I was just starting to get used to the claymore.

Kamakazi010654 wrote:

So I know you aren't supposed to go down into the graveyard early because it can be balls out hard. If we assume I am reasonably skilled is it still crazy hard later on? I am level 48ish have very upgraded equipment and am about to go into Sen's but with all this talk of the Zwiehander am thinking about going to get it. Should I actually try to kill things or should I just run?

I also ran through the graveyard at a somewhat low level, ~20. I found it wasn't bad if you could systematically pull the skeletons in groups of 2 or 3 if there's a large skeleton and retreat to the stairs to fight them on a tight platform. I was using a divine weapon though, not sure if that matters.

Fedaykin98 wrote:

I just grabbed it at SL 17, no bells rung. Killed the first four skeletons, then pulled the big group, retreated, ran past them, grabbed it, ran past them again on my way out.

DAMN, this thing is slow. I was just starting to get used to the claymore.

I'd take the claymore over the zweihander any day. Theres a lot to be said for the north - south light attack of the claymore in tight confined areas whereas sweeping two-handed weapons bang off the wall without enough clearance. I actually died to one of Capra's dogs because my one-handed battle axe didn't have enough room to swing - weapon clearance isn't something I'd usually think about but boy will it get you killed in a tight spot.