Dark Souls

[Shifty Geezer]

27 in END is right. The more the merrier until 40.
27 in DEX is great for Uchigatana, Iaito, Shotel, bow and one or two unique weapons.
27 in STR is only good for some heavy weapons later.

Sorry, 27 points spread across them, not in each. We're level 27.

Bow has the longest range. You can hit enemies way before the lock-on. That is why it is great for luring enemies.

Yeah, that's how we use it. However, it's a bit unfair to offer people a ranged combat style but kinda gimp it. That's not unique to DS - most RPGs do this. Morrowind was diabolical with its magic, allowing a user to create a mage who's impotent and reliant on weapons to survive. The stats say DEX is needed for bows, but now I hear we need STR for the best bow! So investing points in DEX hoping for a better ranged weapon would be a waste.

I would start a new character who's not wasted any points on DEX, except we've invested so many hours it'd be pretty misreable to start all over again. Offer a respec option (not stupidly overpriced!) and our character could be redeemed.

Those are the usuals. But some are more interesting, "Hidden path ahead", "Attack" (Usually means attack the evil NPC, a Mimic or fake wall), "It is safe here", "Sniper spot".

I've never seen 'attack'. Seen 'Sniper Spot' once. Seen 'Hidden Path' once. Everything else we've seen is either obvious or useless, hence a lack of enthusiasm for the in game 'community support' aspect from me.

 

[Cornsnake]

Sorry, 27 points spread across them, not in each. We're level 27.

Yeah, that's how we use it. However, it's a bit unfair to offer people a ranged combat style but kinda gimp it. That's not unique to DS - most RPGs do this. Morrowind was diabolical with its magic, allowing a user to create a mage who's impotent and reliant on weapons to survive. The stats say DEX is needed for bows, but now I hear we need STR for the best bow! So investing points in DEX hoping for a better ranged weapon would be a waste.

I would start a new character who's not wasted any points on DEX, except we've invested so many hours it'd be pretty misreable to start all over again. Offer a respec option (not stupidly overpriced!) and our character could be redeemed.

That bow needs 20 STR and 20 DEX, many of the heavier weapons need that much, or more, STR.

A respec option would be nice. Not everything you can upgrade is equally valuable. And the upgrades are poorly explained.

 

[Shifty Geezer]

20 STR isn't too bad. I think we have 20 DEX already. Trouble is you have to plan ahead, and put points into STR now to be able to use STR items when you encounter them. But our sword gains no STR bonus so until we find a better weapon, levelling up doesn't achieve much. Having just started on magic, that looks like the next avenue to grow, but if we then gain a good weapon and can't use it, that'll be demoralising. Aaaaargh! To many unknown choices!

Really wish there was a respec! Even if capped to once or twice, it'd be enough to let a player learn how the game works and then adapt without having to start all over again.

 

[Carl B]

If you can upgrade your weapons at this point, I have to image you can, I would concentrate on upgrading whatever weapon you generally feel most comfortable fighting with. It won't be as strong of course as the best weapons out there, or as better weapons similarly upgraded, but it will make you competitive and should be a reasonable amount of souls' worth of investment.

 

[Shifty Geezer]

We just upgraded the bow to plus 2 to make better use of arrows (and then lost the arrow merchant). It only adds a bit of damage though, but as the only way to increase ranged combat for a bowman, has to be done. Upgrading a basic battle axe to +5 should still see it well below the damage of our 200 DMG sword unless the stat bonuses increase accordingly. Also that's a long way back at the beginning, so we'd have to travel around a lot or just sit around farming, which isn't fun. We considered getting a portal kit but we'd still ahve to stock up on the mineral stuff that's needed. And points we spend on upgrading equipment can't be spent on levelling up or buying spells or other gear if we encounter a new supply, so unless you know there are going to be dividends, it's something that gets overlooked because the returns aren't very significant (although we did just realise it's only 1000 souls per upgrade after improving the bow, so it's not too costly).

We seem to have been a bit unlucky with Dark Knight drops. One heavy halberd we can't lift is our only DK weapon.

 

[Carl B]

How far are you in the game? If you've got an awesome sword like that going on, no more complaining from you!

 

[Cornsnake]

You'd be surprised how many weapons do around 200 DMG when upgraded to +10.

Spoiler

Only the Fire and Lightning upgrade paths do significantly more damage. And those don't even have any stats scaling. Making a few good Fire or Lightning weapons, and not bothering with upgrading your STR and DEX beyond your weapons base requirements might even be enough to get you through the game. But do not make a Fire Bow. I made one of those and it does no Fire damage at all. Upgrading it with Fire only made it worse then it already was.

The various upgrade paths are a bit disappointing compared to those in Demon's Souls.

 

[Carl B]

No not surprised at all, it's a matter of game location though. If Shifty is pre +10... which it seems like he is with a +2 bow as his max upgrade... then he is in a place in the game where 200 DMG should be a fine blade to be equipped with.

I'm rocking a

Spoiler

+5 Chaos Balder Side Sword

myself, and love the dynamics and damage of the weapon. Though in retrospect, maybe it would have been easier to go straight

Spoiler

+10 Fire.

I'm hoping the patch will put a little bit more distance between the two though, since my understanding is the damage of the two is equivalent, only I need to be walking around with a bunch of humanity in my case to reach that same top damage.

 

[Cornsnake]

No not surprised at all, it's a matter of game location though. If Shifty is pre +10... which it seems like he is with a +2 bow as his max upgrade... then he is in a place in the game where 200 DMG should be a fine blade to be equipped with.

I'm rocking a

Spoiler

+5 Chaos Balder Side Sword

myself, and love the dynamics and damage of the weapon. Though in retrospect, maybe it would have been easier to go straight

Spoiler

+10 Fire.

I'm hoping the patch will put a little bit more distance between the two though, since my understanding is the damage of the two is equivalent, only I need to be walking around with a bunch of humanity in my case to reach that same top damage.

I was referring to Shifty when I said surprised. I need to type faster, or quote.

Spoiler

I made an Occult Balder Side Sword. Which just like Divine upgraded weapons is pretty terrible. I also have a Balder Side Sword +10. Which I'm hoping will do a bit more damage after the patch since it has good DEX scaling. I also like it's move set.

 

[patsu]

Imminent amazing post.

Amazing chest ahead.

Amazing chest indeed ! I was impressed and immediately sign up the Covenant.

Didn't have much time yesterday so I only get to loot

Spoiler

New Londo Ruins

without fighting the boss. Unfortunately, I also killed the NPC there accidentally.

 

[patsu]

We just upgraded the bow to plus 2 to make better use of arrows (and then lost the arrow merchant). It only adds a bit of damage though, but as the only way to increase ranged combat for a bowman, has to be done. Upgrading a basic battle axe to +5 should still see it well below the damage of our 200 DMG sword unless the stat bonuses increase accordingly. Also that's a long way back at the beginning, so we'd have to travel around a lot or just sit around farming, which isn't fun. We considered getting a portal kit but we'd still ahve to stock up on the mineral stuff that's needed. And points we spend on upgrading equipment can't be spent on levelling up or buying spells or other gear if we encounter a new supply, so unless you know there are going to be dividends, it's something that gets overlooked because the returns aren't very significant (although we did just realise it's only 1000 souls per upgrade after improving the bow, so it's not too costly).

We seem to have been a bit unlucky with Dark Knight drops. One heavy halberd we can't lift is our only DK weapon.

Where are you in the game now ?

If you can get the Elite Knight Armor set from Darkroot Garden, and Drake Sword or Black Knight Sword it's a good start. To proceed beyond these swords' damage, try upgrading your favorite weapons as xbd suggested. You can buy shards from the

Spoiler

Blacksmith in Undead Parish (near Darkroot Garden).

You can farm

Spoiler

large Titanite shards from the slugs in the lowest level of Blighttown.

I use the Iaito + 10 retrieved from the

Spoiler

top level of Blighttown

, Lightning Spear, BlackKnight Sword, and Divine Gargoyle Tail Axe + 5 myself. Will probably upgrade the Iaito to +15 soon.

I wouldn't upgrade the bow anymore. It's just a tactical tool. Not a killing machine unless you have extremely high stat or the Dragonslayer bow. I would spend the souls on Pyro. Even after the patch, it's still powerful. After fully upgraded, I can deal 700 - 900+ damages to a boss in 1 hit (Will be gimped 20% after patch ?). In late stage, the flame also scale with INT. I imagine Magic damage should do around the same.

EDIT: The spells are also great for protection say if the boss is immune to fire or magic.

Forgot to say, upgrading a good shield is worthwhile too.

 

[patsu]

You'd be surprised how many weapons do around 200 DMG when upgraded to +10.

Spoiler

Only the Fire and Lightning upgrade paths do significantly more damage. And those don't even have any stats scaling. Making a few good Fire or Lightning weapons, and not bothering with upgrading your STR and DEX beyond your weapons base requirements might even be enough to get you through the game. But do not make a Fire Bow. I made one of those and it does no Fire damage at all. Upgrading it with Fire only made it worse then it already was.

The various upgrade paths are a bit disappointing compared to those in Demon's Souls.

Yap !

The description (aka "brochure") for

Spoiler

Occult

weapons sounds amazing. It reads "God-killing weapons". I almost convert my axe over but decided to check first. They indeed do suck.

 

[Shifty Geezer]

How far are you in the game? If you've got an awesome sword like that going on, no more complaining from you!

We got that early on by cheesing the first Dragon. The complaint is lack of progress. Yes, it's a good sword, but now that we meet tougher foes and can only do 35 damage per hit, it's frustrating that we can't improve our damage. For several weeks now we've had the same weapons, same armour, and little is changing. We're missing the satisfaction of a sense of advancement. This week was a big improvement because we got our first spell, Soul Arrow.

Where are you in the game now ?

If you can get the Elite Knight Armor set from Darkroot Garden, and Drake Sword or Black Knight Sword it's a good start.

Done the first bell tower. Killed the hydra. Our boundaries (areas we can't pass or have just got to) are: a minotaur; a moth; an area with ghosts; we've just found a wood at the back of the hydra's lake with tougher trees than the first bunch and they tend to attack in pairs.

To proceed beyond these swords' damage, try upgrading your favorite weapons as xbd suggested.

Okay. May give that a go. Although our favourtie weapon is the Drake Sword.

You can farm

Spoiler

large Titanite shards from the slugs in the lowest level of Blighttown.

I've no idea where that is (I have zero understanding of the geography of this game!), but we've never seen slugs. Or do you mean the glowign white blobs? We've killed a couple of those, but they seem to then be gone forever.

Forgot to say, upgrading a good shield is worthwhile too.

Didn't think of that. We should probably invest in upgrading gear. But then that means a period of farming and not exploring, or exploring and risking losing all the collected souls before we have chance to use them. I am decidedly unkeen on both!

 

[Mr. Domino]

Okay. May give that a go. Although our favourtie weapon is the Drake Sword.

I also used the Drake sword in the beginning, very usefull. Then later I switched to the black knight sword which I used untill the end of the game. Even more powerfull than the Drake sword and can be upgraded to +5, I recommend you to try it out.

 

[patsu]

Done the first bell tower. Killed the hydra. Our boundaries (areas we can't pass or have just got to) are: a minotaur; a moth; an area with ghosts; we've just found a wood at the back of the hydra's lake with tougher trees than the first bunch and they tend to attack in pairs.

A minotaur... The Capra Demon with his 2 pet dogs ? Ignore him for now (until you have armor with non-zero Poise, and a shield with good stability and 100% physical attack reduction). The Hollow shield is a good start.

A moth... The Moonlight Butterfly ? That means you have the Elite Knight armor ? If so, Capra Demon becomes easier to deal with. The Butterfly is easy to kill, just keep your outfit light and roll to avoid the spells.

An area with ghosts. That's New Londo Ruins. Stay away for now. It's a mid-game level.

You can get to Darkroot Garden from the Darkroot Basin (The Hydra's home). But it's the tougher route because the tree monsters in that area are harder to kill compared to other parts of the forest. You should continue straight from Undead Parish and try to open the sealed door in Darkroot Garden. There are some tough enemies inside, but worth your while if you try to lure and attack the visible enemies.

It looks like you have cleared everything in Undead Parish.

Okay. May give that a go. Although our favourtie weapon is the Drake Sword. I've no idea where that is (I have zero understanding of the geography of this game!), but we've never seen slugs. Or do you mean the glowign white blobs? We've killed a couple of those, but they seem to then be gone forever.

Didn't think of that. We should probably invest in upgrading gear. But then that means a period of farming and not exploring, or exploring and risking losing all the collected souls before we have chance to use them. I am decidedly unkeen on both!

BlackKnight Sword is slower/heavier but deals more damage. It can stun the enemies too. So it's useful for crowd control.

I think upgrading the shield to +5 first. You can buy the shards from the Black Smith. The Drakesword and the BlackKnight sword cannot be upgraded with regular shards, so you can upgrade another regular weapon first. The upgraded shield and Elite Knight armor should be a blessing.

Forget about Blighttown for the moment. You need to pass the Capra Demon to get there.

 

[patsu]

I spent the evening upgrading weapons too:

Tried:

Spoiler

Crystal Ring Shield: When wielded on left hand, deals 2x right hand damage on L2. Impressive damage. Too bad the physical reduction is only 70%. Magic attack reduction is 90% though.

Lifehunt Scythe: Awesome DEX weapon with good reach. More deadly than the katanas because bleed buildup is 50 (compared to 30+). Once bleed is inflicted, it will shave 50% of HP from monsters. However, the player will also take 40 per strike to his own bleed buildup. So it's rather fun/exciting to play.

Iaito+15: Faster, less lethal but safer to use than the Scythe. 33 bleed buildup.

Broken Straight Sword+10: According to the guide and web, I can convert it into a Cursed Greatsword of Artorias. But the giant blacksmith only allows me to convert it to a regular Greatsword of Artorias. So I'm stuck with a useless broken sword now. :-/

 

[Shifty Geezer]

I also used the Drake sword in the beginning, very usefull. Then later I switched to the black knight sword which I used untill the end of the game. Even more powerfull than the Drake sword and can be upgraded to +5, I recommend you to try it out.

Aren't BK weapons random drops? My friend got the BK Sword from the first BK, but we only got his shield I think. The significant weapons we've got are the Drake sword and a BK Halberb. That's it. Everything else is standard longbow, dagger, sword, axe, etc.

 

[Shifty Geezer]

You can get to Darkroot Garden from the Darkroot Basin (The Hydra's home). But it's the tougher route because the tree monsters in that area are harder to kill compared to other parts of the forest.

That's how we experienced it. Lost 6000 sould as a result. But we had these various deadends so were just exploring, and it's unclear what's where and where areas connect. We're just mosying around killing things and panicking as we hope for campfires to appear!

 

[Cornsnake]

I spent the evening upgrading weapons too:

Tried:

Spoiler

Crystal Ring Shield: When wielded on left hand, deals 2x right hand damage on L2. Impressive damage. Too bad the physical reduction is only 70%. Magic attack reduction is 90% though.

Lifehunt Scythe: Awesome DEX weapon with good reach. More deadly than the katanas because bleed buildup is 50 (compared to 30+). Once bleed is inflicted, it will shave 50% of HP from monsters. However, the player will also take 40 per strike to his own bleed buildup. So it's rather fun/exciting to play.

Iaito+15: Faster, less lethal but safer to use than the Scythe. 33 bleed buildup.

Broken Straight Sword+10: According to the guide and web, I can convert it into a Cursed Greatsword of Artorias. But the giant blacksmith only allows me to convert it to a regular Greatsword of Artorias. So I'm stuck with a useless broken sword now. :-/

Spoiler

That Crystal Ring Shield is going to be significantly nerfed in the upcoming patch.

So the Lifehunt Scythe is pretty good. I haven't yet bothered getting the required boss soul for. I did try a different Scythe, but didn't really like it. Too slow, and I didn't it's move set.

I'm still mostly using my Fire Washing Pole +5. It's basically a gaint Uchigatana. It strikes as fast, but it has a much longer range. It weighs more, so I usually don't have a second weapon equipped to keep my equip burden below 25%. But since the Fire upgrade beats everything else in damage right now it doesn't matter.

Then it's one of the other list of weapons that can make the Cursed Greatsword of Artorias. The guide wasn't really clear on which it was. I also thought a Broken Sword would make the Cursed Greatsword of Artorias.

 

[patsu]

That's how we experienced it. Lost 6000 sould as a result. But we had these various deadends so were just exploring, and it's unclear what's where and where areas connect. We're just mosying around killing things and panicking as we hope for campfires to appear!

Yeap, I exploration in the series.

If I were to line up my recommendations, it would be as follow:

Spoiler

* Upgrade your Hollow Soldier shield to +5
* Take on Havel at the bottom of the tower linking Undead Parish and Darkroot Basin. Take his ring. It will allow you to wear heavier gears. Always. ALWAYS stick right beside him no matter what he does. His body collision detection will automatically move you out of danger usually.
* Go to Darkroot Garden, and grab the Elite Knight Armor quickly. You may die in the process but it's worth it.
* Put on everything, level up until you can wear the full set. In the mean time, it's up to you to build your character. You can farm for souls and mosses in the garden. You can level up stats or the pyro equipment.
* I think you'll find you are just as mean as the other monsters now.