[Trick_GSF]

This game is very difficult. The time put in verses the progress made makes for a sad tale indeed.

At this point, I don't know what sounds more appetizing; getting beaten to death with really big sticks, or continuing to play Demon's Souls. Similar experiences, I dare say.

With that said however, I am somewhat enjoying it. Sort of. I am still stuck in the Boletarian Palace and after around 8 hours of play my pathetic attempts of advancement have been laughed at by the in-game enemies.

Some of my highlights so far include rescuing some fella, upgrading my sword, seeing a Dragon and running away crying, being able to deal with the Dreglings and slightly bigger fellows relatively easily and finding a few bits of loot.

Everything else consists of me dying.

Sadly I'm getting to the point where I feel like turning off my console and giving up. There is this one penis on a narrow walkway, with a spear. I cannot beat him. I can't. I've tried and tried and he constantly stabs the shit out of me. I set him on fire once, he didn't seem to care too much. How am I meant to deal with the bosses if I can even put this guy down after hours of trying?

Basically, I've got to that point where you're making no progress and haven't done so for a good while. There have been a few glimmers of hope when I've felt I've improved and done well, and they're endlessly satisfying but few and far between. I feel like I can go no further.

Obviously I cannot rate this game, or judge it. I've only seen a tiny amount of it. Over and over and over again. I'm willing to listen to any advice DS vets could give me. I've stayed away from walkthroughs and would prefer to continue doing so.

[Yoshichan]

If you can't proceed on then go to another archstone. You're not supposed to beat the archstones in chronological orders (1-1, 1-2, 1-3 etc).

edit: Also, don't engage the speared red eyed knight until you're more confident in your play. He's an optional enemy.

[Trick_GSF]

If you can't proceed on then go to another archstone. You're not supposed to beat the archstones in chronological orders (1-1, 1-2, 1-3 etc).

I'm pretty sure they're all sealed. Or that is what I thought. I'll check.

Thank you. This gives me something to work with.

[Yoshichan]

I'm pretty sure they're all sealed. Or that is what I thought. I'll check. Thank you. This gives me something to work with.

Oh yeah, then just ignore the red eyed knight and keep proceeding on. You're still in the tutorial. Beat 1-1 and then you can choose archstone. It shouldn't be a problem if you just do the mandatory stuff.

[semiconscious]

With that said however, I am somewhat enjoying it. Sort of. I am still stuck in the Boletarian Palace and after around 8 hours of play my pathetic attempts of advancement have been laughed at by the in-game enemies. Some of my highlights so far include rescuing some fella, upgrading my sword, seeing a Dragon and running away crying, being able to deal with the Dreglings and slightly bigger fellows relatively easily and finding a few bits of loot. Everything else consists of me dying. Sadly I'm getting to the point where I feel like turning off my console and giving up. There is this one penis on a narrow walkway, with a spear. I cannot beat him. I can't. I've tried and tried and he constantly stabs the shit out of me. I set him on fire once, he didn't seem to care too much. How am I meant to deal with the bosses if I can even put this guy down after hours of trying?...

if you haven't at least beaten the first boss after 8 hrs, then this probably isn't the game for you :) . &, yeah, there's no need to take on that guy with the spear early on...

[Shaffield]

My strategy was to get my ass kicked one thousand times in a row, make no progress, cry myself to sleep.


Then dream about new approaches all night and wake up with a second wind

[Trick_GSF]

if you haven't at least beaten the first boss after 8 hrs, then this probably isn't the game for you :) . &, yeah, there's no need to take on that guy with the spear early on...

I haven't actually taken on the first boss yet. Though I doubt I'd be able to beat him.

My strategy was to get my ass kicked one thousand times in a row, make no progress, cry myself to sleep. Then dream about new approaches all night and wake up with a second wind

Not far different from me.

[Big Takeover]

This is why it's MUCH better to go into DS with an understanding of the rules of the game rather than let the game teach them to you. Rule 1 - If it's way too hard, you're doing it wrong. The guy on the bridge? Unbeatable until later.

Use a guide/faq/GAF threads to help you along. It's mandatory in my opinion. Especially early on when you don't fully understand what the game wants from you.

[astroturfing]

if you haven't at least beaten the first boss after 8 hrs, then this probably isn't the game for you :) . &, yeah, there's no need to take on that guy with the spear early on...

no dude, no. it took me a damn week to beat the tutorial, yet i proceeded to play the game for over 1000 hours over two years or so. and it became my favorite game ever, in the 25+ years ive been gaming.

DO NOT GIVE UP! that red eyed spear-using knight is harder at that point than many of the bosses, forget him for now. stick with it at least until you can start leveling up and exploring other areas, and hopefully meeting other players on your journey (servers are not dead yet, right?).

[HiiiLife]

Like others have stated, just avoid the Red Eye Knight for now. Are you connected to PSN? Cause the bloodstain tips help a lot. Farming souls would probably be wise and when you feel like it, just upgrade at the maiden. And make sure you use shield. A lot. Lol. I was like that the first time playing and knowing how your enemy acts is a big advantage. Rolling and parrying helps as well and believe it or not, there have been SOME instances where free look has benefited more than auto-lock. Pick your shots and don't get too greedy. And avoid the really tough ones (Red Eye Knight/Dragons) until your Soul Level is higher. Good luck. Such a satisfying game IMO. Lol.

Actually, I dont think you can upgrade until you beat the very first boss. Completely disregard the farming part then but the others tips benefited me. Lol.

[H_Prestige]

Try getting a winged spear. Spears are boring but they make the early levels a breeze. I was able to kill that red eyed knight when I had no business doing so. And get the purple flame shield which I think is found in 1-1. Has really good stability so you can block more attacks before your stamina is depleted.

Also another thing, wear light armor, or no armor at all. It means nothing in this game so just stay light and mobile.

[Syril]

Are you playing online? You can see messages from other players that can point out enemy weaknesses or paths to hidden treasure or warnings about hazards and the like.

[ponpo]

First demon's souls playthrough - good memories.

[Fancy Corndog]

Yep OP, you went the wrong way. When you come up the stairs after that rolling boulder, you should go left instead of right. There's a broken wall with a cloud of mist that you walk through IIRC. If you go further left past that (again, hard to recall exactly) you come to a tower that you can descend- all the way at the bottom is a ring that you'll want to get. You're also able to open a gate there, which will stay open even after you die. It acts as a shortcut for if you're coming back from the beginning.

[beginning]
||
||
||
||====[gate + ring]=====__mist wall__===|*|=============


The |*| on the right side is the stairway after that rolling boulder. You went right over towards an area with an optional boss past that spear man. You want to go left towards the mist wall instead. There's another spear man there, but he's a blue eyed one that won't kick your ass as hard as the red eyed one. If you descend the [gate + ring] tower you'll be not far from the beginning, where you can open a gate to open up that shortcut for later. Ascend back up the stairs and head through the mist wall to progress. Also, you might want to save all of the fire bombs you get for your first boss fight. They're extremely handy there.

I say don't give up until you beat the first boss at least. The game opens up and you have a somewhat better feel for it after that. If you can learn to play it, it's the best game this generation. Good luck!

[Trick_GSF]

I am playing online, one message told me there was treasure down a whole. There wasn't treasure. Still, the messages are handy. I'll avoid the big guy for now, and explore the area close to the dragons - which I avoided earlier.

open a gate there, which will stay open even after you die. It acts as a shortcut for later.

Done that already. Good shortcut.

[HiiiLife]

I am playing online, one message told me there was treasure down a whole. There wasn't treasure. Still, the messages are handy. I'll avoid the big guy for now, and explore the area close to the dragons - which I avoided earlier.

Yeah players tend to do that. Crappy, I know. But you can usually tell when a message is actually true or helpful based off how many times they have been recommended.

[elohel]

First demon's souls playthrough - good memories.

I've seen multiple people note how jealous they are of first time play through people

it really is special and a one time thing

if you stick with the game it is one of the most unique gaming experiences ever no doubt

so it's either give up or press on for one of the most memorable games ever

[ponpo]

I've seen multiple people note how jealous they are of first time play through people it really is special and a one time thing if you stick with the game it is one of the most unique gaming experiences ever no doubt so it's either give up or press on for one of the most memorable games ever

It's more like it's such a huge contrast to later playthroughs. I can beat the game in a couple of hours now, but my first playthrough was completely alone, and during October when it was forced pure black tendency. ; _ ;

[The_Monk]

You picked a good game. I finished Demon's back in the day and got Dark Souls one day one however it felt much more hard for me.

[Clevinger]

You might want to try Dark Souls first. It has a sort of checkpoint system that makes it easier and less frustrating.

[Mxrz]

I would avoid FAQs and guides. You only get one chance to play Demon's Souls for the first time, don't spoil it.

Don't mess with the Red-Eyed knight. You can't really do anything with what he's guarding until much later. Save your fire stuff for the first boss. After you unlock the other archtones, 4-1 has some very good loot, but the skeletons can be absolute murder. The royal starts off a bit easier than the other characters, but beyond the first area there isn't much difference.

Doing Dark Souls first would probably diminish the feeling of accomplishment of overcoming the brutality of Demon's. That pain and suffering was the best part of this gen. Plus after you master it, you can then go into Dark Souls and feel all badass.

[Robot Pants]

I'd just quit and play dark souls instead.
Waaaaay better.

[MMaRsu]

I'd just quit and play dark souls instead. Waaaaay better.

Nonsense.

[Fancy Corndog]

I'd just quit and play dark souls instead. Waaaaay better.

Man, I disagree with that completely. Did you play Demon's Souls when it came out?

[Tguy]

You picked a good game. I finished Demon's back in the day and got Dark Souls one day one however it felt much more hard for me.

It's definitely harder or at least playing as a thief day one(worst decision I've made in a quite a few years) was.

Demon's Souls took me around 25 hours first playthrough, didnt' have too many problems outside the first few hours, found most bosses after the first few not difficult at all.

While Dark Souls, my lame ass thief it took like 60-80 hours lol. Thief was so gimped and I was too arrogant to just make a new character.

Really enjoyed it both tho especially Dark Souls. Love a good challenge, never felt like the games' were cheap, outside of 4 Kings maybe lol, but that was my thief.

[semiconscious]

I haven't actually taken on the first boss yet. Though I doubt I'd be able to beat him...

well, not with that attitude, anyway :) (hint: he's not all that hard. with ds, it's more oftentimes the process of getting to the boss than the actual boss battle itself that's the hard part)...

your goal right now is to get to that boss & defeat it, at which point the game opens up (afa leveling, choosing where to go next, etc). you should be getting more'n'more comfortable making your way to the boss (familiarizing yourself with the map, dealing with enemies, unlocking a couple shortcuts, etc), which's good, but, until you beat it, you're pretty much limited to simply playing an extended tutorial...

[Yoshichan]

I'd just quit and play dark souls instead. Waaaaay better.

Hahaha, you're funny.

But yeah, no. Dark Souls was a complete joke compared to DS. OP, keep playing DS, don't touch DkS.

[arit]

If the game does not prevent you using cheap bugs or time intensive but safe strategies, don't be ashamed to use them. It even let's you start as Royal which is kinda overpowered (Red Eyed Spear Knight is not even a threat then).

And remember, kill yourself in the Nexus after each boss if you want to get pure white world tendencies(and perhaps try to stay offline for that too...), as you do not get a penalty for dying in soul form.

[IvanI]

One of the greatest games this gen (alongside it's sibling: Dark Souls).
Yes, it's brutal.
Yes, it's hard.
Yes, it can be unforgiving.

But, it has the greatest sense of accomplishment that I had in 20+ years that I've been gaming.

Bookmark this: http://demonssouls.wikidot.com/

Read the advice and tips and just be smart. Don't rush into enemies. Pick your time to attack. Always look at the stamina bar and learn how to use it properly (blocking, rolls, etc.).

Patience + will + dat Wiki = success.

Enjoy the game. It's truly one of the rare gems in this generation. I loved every minute of it. 60+ hrs poured in. Some folks play it even today (with hundreds of hours under their belt).

Just keep at it. Break the "this is too hard" barrier and you'll enjoy it.

[semiconscious]

I'd just quit and play dark souls instead. Waaaaay better.

waaaaay wrong :) ...

[Fancy Corndog]

Hahaha, you're funny. But yeah, no. Dark Souls was a complete joke compared to DS. OP, keep playing DS, don't touch DkS.

I wouldn't say don't touch it. If you enjoy Demon's Souls you'll probably enjoy Dark Souls- but I definitely wouldn't go in expecting it to completely live up to Demon's Souls.

[Gen X]

To me, Demon's Souls is exactly what I imagined a Dungeons and Dragons game would be like in video game form back in the 80's except you keep all your stuff bar the souls. I'll never forget the first day or two I played 1:1. Yes it's punishing but it is also very fair imo. You only die because of mistakes and/or rushing. You will be frustrated losing all those souls but you can get them all back.

Also, remember, the quantity you lose early on in 1:1 is nothing compared to the 200k+ you can lose later! ;^)

I'd just quit and play dark souls instead. Waaaaay better.

I personally found DS a much more enjoyable experience but that is not to say that Dark isn't a great game either.

[Tguy]

Did most people wiki the game on first playthrough? I honestly didn't at all. I much rather find out things on my own since I love to explore in rpgs, then on 2nd playthrough see what cool things I could of possibly missed.

[Coin Return]

Dark Souls was a complete joke compared to DS. OP, keep playing DS, don't touch DkS.

Now THIS is nonsense.

They're both great games.

[Quikies83]

Hahaha, you're funny. But yeah, no. Dark Souls was a complete joke compared to DS. OP, keep playing DS, don't touch DkS.

That's pretty funny as well. Both games are fantastic.

[Misterinenja]

People overestimate the difficulty in these games way too much and so make it hard for themselves. It's most likely just a psychological barrier.

Just play, die, learn, discover and enjoy. And have fun while at it. :)

[Raxus]

I personally found DS a much more enjoyable experience but that is not to say that Dark isn't a great game either.

I woulds say DS edges Dark out (barely) but DS can be a little linear at times for the inexperienced since most take a predetermined path early on.

[H_Prestige]

Hahaha, you're funny. But yeah, no. Dark Souls was a complete joke compared to DS. OP, keep playing DS, don't touch DkS.

If you mean in terms of difficulty, sure. Otherwise Dark Souls is better.

[Foffy]

If you can't proceed on then go to another archstone. You're not supposed to beat the archstones in chronological orders (1-1, 1-2, 1-3 etc).

Not supposed to? I was able to, outside of saving 1-4 for last.

[Tguy]

This thread shouldn't become Dark Souls vs Demon's Souls. BUT I'd just say I think I enjoyed Dark Souls more as a whole but both games had something that I preferred in the other game so sometimes it makes it hard for me to choose.

Not supposed to? I was able to, outside of saving 1-4 for last.

I believe you can't do 3rd stage of each level until you completed 2 stages of each level.

[worldrevolution]

That's pretty funny as well. Both games are fantastic.

Yoshi has a habit of hyping himself to infinity and beyond with games he's looking forward to and then hitting complete rock bottom when the game isn't the 100% flawless blessed by the gods masterpiece it's supposed to be. See most recently Diablo 3..

[YoungHav]

Soul of the Mind, Key to Life's Ether Prayer >>>>>>> Our Father >>>>>> Hail Mary

[7threst]

Demon's Souls is imo lots easier than Dark souls, but way more fun and a way better mood throughout the whole game.

While Dark Souls, my lame ass thief it took like 60-80 hours lol. Thief was so gimped and I was too arrogant to just make a new character.

I always end up trying loads of different classes and builds, wasting the first +10 hours on that alone already hehe. Dark Souls is way worse than Demon's in that respect, since you really have to think about the stats you want to invest in from your first level-up, and think ahead towards the build you are aiming for. I think it's even possible that the game becomes nearly unplayable if you continue to invest in the wrong stats. At least, I think.

[Kenshin001]

This game is very difficult. The time put in verses the progress made makes for a sad tale indeed. At this point, I don't know what sounds more appetizing; getting beaten to death with really big sticks, or continuing to play Demon's Souls. Similar experiences, I dare say. With that said however, I am somewhat enjoying it. Sort of. I am still stuck in the Boletarian Palace and after around 8 hours of play my pathetic attempts of advancement have been laughed at by the in-game enemies. Some of my highlights so far include rescuing some fella, upgrading my sword, seeing a Dragon and running away crying, being able to deal with the Dreglings and slightly bigger fellows relatively easily and finding a few bits of loot. Everything else consists of me dying. Sadly I'm getting to the point where I feel like turning off my console and giving up. There is this one penis on a narrow walkway, with a spear. I cannot beat him. I can't. I've tried and tried and he constantly stabs the shit out of me. I set him on fire once, he didn't seem to care too much. How am I meant to deal with the bosses if I can even put this guy down after hours of trying? Basically, I've got to that point where you're making no progress and haven't done so for a good while. There have been a few glimmers of hope when I've felt I've improved and done well, and they're endlessly satisfying but few and far between. I feel like I can go no further. Obviously I cannot rate this game, or judge it. I've only seen a tiny amount of it. Over and over and over again. I'm willing to listen to any advice DS vets could give me. I've stayed away from walkthroughs and would prefer to continue doing so.

The Red Eyed Knight! I spent ages and ages trying every method conceivable to kill that bastard. Finally he died chasing me when he fell off the stairs. It felt so good. The trick is you aren't supposed to kill him until later in the game when you've leveled up. Of course no-one tells you that. Go through the mist gate instead.

Avoid walkthroughs too!

[Tguy]

I always end up trying loads of different classes and builds, wasting the first +10 hours on that alone already hehe. Dark Souls is way worse than Demon's in that respect, since you really have to think about the stats you want to invest in from your first level-up, and think ahead towards the build you are aiming for. I think it's even possible that the game becomes nearly unplayable if you continue to invest in the wrong stats. At least, I think.

Yea, I'm not quite sure which I prefer lol because in Demon's Souls, I didn't care about my stats and still did well but I went into Dark Souls with the mentality of putting my stats anywhere and I got screwed up.

[elohel]

Demon's Souls is imo lots easier than Dark souls, but way more fun and a way better mood throughout the whole game. I always end up trying loads of different classes and builds, wasting the first +10 hours on that alone already hehe. Dark Souls is way worse than Demon's in that respect, since you really have to think about the stats you want to invest in from your first level-up, and think ahead towards the build you are aiming for. I think it's even possible that the game becomes nearly unplayable if you continue to invest in the wrong stats. At least, I think.

nope lol

nah it seems to be up to the person some people think demons is harder some think dark is harder

[SatelliteOfLove]

This game is very difficult. The time put in verses the progress made makes for a sad tale indeed. At this point, I don't know what sounds more appetizing; getting beaten to death with really big sticks, or continuing to play Demon's Souls. Similar experiences, I dare say. With that said however, I am somewhat enjoying it. Sort of. I am still stuck in the Boletarian Palace and after around 8 hours of play my pathetic attempts of advancement have been laughed at by the in-game enemies. Some of my highlights so far include rescuing some fella, upgrading my sword, seeing a Dragon and running away crying, being able to deal with the Dreglings and slightly bigger fellows relatively easily and finding a few bits of loot. Everything else consists of me dying. Sadly I'm getting to the point where I feel like turning off my console and giving up. There is this one penis on a narrow walkway, with a spear. I cannot beat him. I can't. I've tried and tried and he constantly stabs the shit out of me. I set him on fire once, he didn't seem to care too much. How am I meant to deal with the bosses if I can even put this guy down after hours of trying? Basically, I've got to that point where you're making no progress and haven't done so for a good while. There have been a few glimmers of hope when I've felt I've improved and done well, and they're endlessly satisfying but few and far between. I feel like I can go no further. Obviously I cannot rate this game, or judge it. I've only seen a tiny amount of it. Over and over and over again. I'm willing to listen to any advice DS vets could give me. I've stayed away from walkthroughs and would prefer to continue doing so.

Ah Demon's Souls, how I love thee. Think like a matador...

This is why it's MUCH better to go into DS with an understanding of the rules of the game rather than let the game teach them to you. Rule 1 - If it's way too hard, you're doing it wrong. The guy on the bridge? Unbeatable until later. Use a guide/faq/GAF threads to help you along. It's mandatory in my opinion. Especially early on when you don't fully understand what the game wants from you.

Yeah, this game is from a more civilized age where you used every trick in the book to make a game easier instead of harder like now. I used them when I was stuck, probably most everyone did. There is no shame in seeking help in a game designed around that.

[Alligatorjandro]

I gave up on the Souls games.

[kamorra]

I gave up on the Souls games.

Too bad. Both are amazing.

[Li Kao]

Well, to paraphrase something I often read about Demon's Soul : the game is absolutely unforgiving, but not unfair.
If you spent 8+ hours on the introduction, there is a good chance that you do not play the game 'properly'. DS is a game you must approach in an... 'organic' way, for lack of a better term in my head at the moment. Meaning if there is a really big wall of difficulty, more often than not there is another way around and you will be able to come back later with sweet vengeance as an added bonus :)
In the beggining you are not supposed to fight the red eyed knight on the narrow path for exemple. And for the dragon's nest ? Well, I would also avoid it for the time being. Wait a little, after the first boss the location will be a lot safer (even then, there is an ennemy a little further that can make you cry).

1-Read the wiki.
2-Finish the first level to unlock soul levels and other destinations.
3-Grind like mad on multiple occasions :-(

DS is a hard game but not that hard.