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[Red Liquorice]

Some item and location spoilers in this post for any newer players who don't want spoilers:

Spoiler

So, I'm in the Demon Ruins and I've killed 4 of the 5 centipedes guarding the large flame ember - I run past them all and work my way back so the first lone one is the last one I kill. I got a bit too close when casting a fireball and it one-shot me (I was wearing the Dusk ring for more casts).

Now - I go back for my souls and the ember and all the centipedes have spawned again. AFAIK all the centipedes here are non-respawning except the one at the base of the stairs to the Firesage Demon, I definately killed all the four preceeding ones along the way to the ember because they dropped 2 red chunks and a green shard. So, does this mean if you don't kill all 5 of them, then they respawn and you can thus farm red titanite chunks here?

edit - Only spoilered it because I'm at the top of the page!

 

[Necromanti]

As far as I know, they respawn, but their drop rates decrease significantly after that.

 

[Red Liquorice]

As far as I know, they respawn, but their drop rates decrease significantly after that.

Oh... well that's no fun

I thought I'd hit on a way to grind red titanite chunks early!

 

[Raxious]

Anyone got tips for 4K on NG+? He's wrecking me pretty hard.

 

[JustinBB7]

Anyone got tips for 4K on NG+? He's wrecking me pretty hard.

What are your stats/weapons at?

The way I did it was just 2 hand, wear heavy upgraded armor and just tank the shit out of them lol. Most likely not the best way, but that's how I got them my first time and on NG+.

Killed 1 of them quick enough that way that there never would be 2 at the same time.

 

[Necromanti]

Whoops.

Spoiler

So after I beat Gwyn, I saw that the fog door disappeared and was like, "What? I can leave the area...?" So of course, I attempt to saunter outside before I interacted with the bonfire in the middle of the room to get my ending. And...a video starts playing. Of course, I was pressing start at the same time to go into my inventory...

And skipped the whole ending. Welp.

Spoiler

Thankfully, I got the ending I wanted, but I thought that it was my alignment with Kaathe that triggered it.

Thank god for Youtube, I guess.

 

[Orochinagis]

Yeah doesnt matter which "faction" you join, in the end Kaate and Framp have to respect your decision....for now.

 

[terrdactycalsrock]

Im thinking about playing Dark Souls. lol Its something I never thought I would do. However, I've seen enough twitch streams to ease me into it. I do have a question in terms of class. I prefer magic users in RPGs, is that a viable option in Dark Souls? If not what are the best classes for a guy who has zero experience with this series

 

[mannerbot]

Im thinking about playing Dark Souls. lol Its something I never thought I would do. However, I've seen enough twitch streams to ease me into it. I do have a question in terms of class. I prefer magic users in RPGs, is that a viable option in Dark Souls? If not what are the best classes for a guy who has zero experience with this series

Magic is pretty overpowered, but also requires more game knowledge to use effectively. I recommend pyro or knight, but classes basically only affect your starting gear and class, you can spec into anything regardless of your initial choice.

 

[terrdactycalsrock]

Magic is pretty overpowered, but also requires more game knowledge to use effectively. I recommend pyro or knight, but classes basically only affect your starting gear and class, you can spec into anything regardless of your initial choice.

Right, I probably will start with a pyro. His fireball spell seems to be really useful. Then I might gradually put points into magic when I find a new spell to use. I've been debating on whether or not to use guides. I think having a guide on how to beat bosses or whatever isnt that much fun. But I'll probably pull one up that helps explain the particulars of the gameplay system.

 

[super-famicom]

Right, I probably will start with a pyro. His fireball spell seems to be really useful. Then I might gradually put points into magic when I find a new spell to use. I've been debating on whether or not to use guides. I think having a guide on how to beat bosses or whatever isnt that much fun. But I'll probably pull one up that helps explain the particulars of the gameplay system.

In Dark Souls, there's 3 types of magic: Sorcery, Pyromancy, and Miracles. Sorcery and Miracles rely on the Intelligence and Faith stat, respectively. You need those stats to be high enough to be able to use certain Sorceries or Miracles.

Pyromancy is NOT stat dependent and if you want your Pyromancy spells to do more damage, you just level up your Pyromancer Glove by talking to a Pyromancer trainer. If you start as a Pyromancer and want to use only Pyromancy, you don't need to invest any points into Intelligence or Faith.

All magics find the Attunement stat helpful, as this stat gives you more slots to equip your spells with.

Edit- if you do go with a pure Magic or Faith build, use Magic/Enchanted or Divine weapons, as their damage will scale off Intelligence or Faith. One handed sword and a shield are good to use; put just enough points into Strength or Dexterity to wield what you want.

 

[mannerbot]

Right, I probably will start with a pyro. His fireball spell seems to be really useful. Then I might gradually put points into magic when I find a new spell to use. I've been debating on whether or not to use guides. I think having a guide on how to beat bosses or whatever isnt that much fun. But I'll probably pull one up that helps explain the particulars of the gameplay system.

Don't use a guide. Try to go into it as blind as possible. Here's a good video explaining some of the more unique/weirder mechanics of the game:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSVW6RSgFUI

Aside from that, don't level resistance, pump vit/end if you don't know what to put points into when you level up, upgrade your weapons and equipment, and ask questions here rather than get spoiled by using a guide.

 

[Dwayne]

Anyone having trouble logging into GFW at the moment? I can't connect, was playing just fine yesterday.

 

[mannerbot]

Anyone having trouble logging into GFW at the moment? I can't connect, was playing just fine yesterday.

No problems for me. I've had that issue before, try running the GFWL marketplace and logging in there, then boot up Dark Souls afterwards.

 

[Mifune]

Just started playing this after beating Demon's Souls a few days ago.

Up to the church in Undead Parish. Beat the first boss by pure accident, as he knocked me off the bridge and then followed me to my doom.

I'm trying so hard not to read any wikis but there are times when I'm not sure I should be where I am. Anyway, I'm already hopelessly addicted to this game and hope that like Demon's Souls it stays hard but fair the whole way through. These two games really are the gifts of the PS3/360 generation.

 

[mannerbot]

Just started playing this after beating Demon's Souls a few days ago.

Up to the church in Undead Parish. Beat the first boss by pure accident, as he knocked me off the bridge and then followed me to my doom.

I'm trying so hard not to read any wikis but there are times when I'm not sure I should be where I am. Anyway, I'm already hopelessly addicted to this game and hope that like Demon's Souls it stays hard but fair the whole way through. These two games really are the gifts of the PS3/360 generation.

I'd say that you're where you should be, though you probably meant the start of the game where there are 3 places you can go. And nice Taurus Demon kill.

 

[Raxious]

What are your stats/weapons at?

The way I did it was just 2 hand, wear heavy upgraded armor and just tank the shit out of them lol. Most likely not the best way, but that's how I got them my first time and on NG+.

Killed 1 of them quick enough that way that there never would be 2 at the same time.

I got the following stats:

Vit: 30
Endurance: 32
Strength: 25
Dexterity: 35
Faith: 25

Those are pretty much the stats I upgraded.
I use a Crest Shield+5 and an Obsidian Greatsword+5, but tbh the damage isn't that amazing, even when 2 hand against 4k. I also run Havel / Stone armor.

What I do is use Great Magic Weapon, run at him and start slashing, but I lose quite a bit of stamina, and 4K hit's like a truck.

 

[Dwayne]

Anyone having trouble logging into GFW at the moment? I can't connect, was playing just fine yesterday.

Turned out to be unblock-us having DNS issues. Spent all my Dark Souls time fixing it, doh.

 

[mannerbot]

I got the following stats:

Vit: 30
Endurance: 32
Strength: 25
Dexterity: 35
Faith: 25

Those are pretty much the stats I upgraded.
I use a Crest Shield+5 and an Obsidian Greatsword+5, but tbh the damage isn't that amazing, even when 2 hand against 4k. I also run Havel / Stone armor.

What I do is use Great Magic Weapon, run at him and start slashing, but I lose quite a bit of stamina, and 4K hit's like a truck.

Erh, you're already using Havel's? Sounds like you're doing it all wrong then:

Spoiler

use Grass Crest Shield, pop Power Within, 2h the whole time, just get up close and take the hits (they do much less damage if you're right next to them), and swing away. It's really dumb that you can do this, but... yeah. If you're using tank gear the fight should be faceroll.

 

[Raxious]

Erh, you're already using Havel's? Sounds like you're doing it all wrong then:

Spoiler

use Grass Crest Shield, pop Power Within, 2h the whole time, just get up close and take the hits (they do much less damage if you're right next to them), and swing away. It's really dumb that you can do this, but... yeah. If you're using tank gear the fight should be faceroll.

Just summoned Beatrice and I got it xD

Now I need 2 more trophies. The 2nd ending and all the rare weapons

 

[mannerbot]

Just summoned Beatrice and I got it xD

Now I need 2 more trophies. The 2nd ending and all the rare weapons

Erh, 4K should be harder with Beatrice, but nice one lol.

 

[toastyToast]

Got up to Artorias, he looks so cool ;_;

I think I can beat him with a bit more patience (got about halfway first attempt) but my sword attacks are doing diddly squat. 80-something 1-hand and 127 2-handed. Should I work on my equipment before moving on with the DLC area?

 

[Arjen]

Got up to Artorias, he looks so cool ;_;

I think I can beat him with a bit more patience (got about halfway first attempt) but my sword attacks are doing diddly squat. 80-something 1-hand and 127 2-handed. Should I work on my equipment before moving on with the DLC area?

What weapon are you using? DLC bosses are highly resistant against elemental. +15 is really recommended here.

 

[Kelas]

Got up to Artorias, he looks so cool ;_;

I think I can beat him with a bit more patience (got about halfway first attempt) but my sword attacks are doing diddly squat. 80-something 1-hand and 127 2-handed. Should I work on my equipment before moving on with the DLC area?

If you were able to get him down to half health on your first try, I'd say you're doing pretty well. No harm in upgrading to do more damage though - what weapon are you using?

 

[toastyToast]

I'm using a +10 Claymore. Haven't got the very large ember yet, I was thinking I should grab it and upgrade a few levels before I proceed.

 

[lyonhardt]

I got the 4 Lord Souls and am pretty sure I'm on the last area / boss.

After I beat him what happens? Does it force me to start NG+ or do I have an option? Should I start the DLC content before going in there?

 

[Raxious]

I got the 4 Lord Souls and am pretty sure I'm on the last area / boss.

After I beat him what happens? Does it force me to start NG+ or do I have an option? Should I start the DLC content before going in there?

As soon as you fight him and win the game is over and it'll restart on NG+. If you want to do the DLC before NG+ do it before going to the final boss.

 

[lyonhardt]

Thanks

 

[Dance Inferno]

I bought Dark Souls this morning (against my better judgment) in the XBL $5 sale. I'm generally not a fan of difficult/frustrating games but everyone seems to rave about this so I figured I should check it out.

What things should I keep in mind as I start my character to minimize frustration? I've heard either the Warrior or the Pyromancer are the best options. I may go with a Pyromancer since I would like the option of using magic for some ranged damage.

 

[Kelas]

I bought Dark Souls this morning (against my better judgment) in the XBL $5 sale. I'm generally not a fan of difficult/frustrating games but everyone seems to rave about this so I figured I should check it out.

What things should I keep in mind as I start my character to minimize frustration? I've heard either the Warrior or the Pyromancer are the best options. I may go with a Pyromancer since I would like the option of using magic for some ranged damage.

Pyromancer would be a good choice to make things a tiny bit easier. Couple of general tips I'd give: don't be afraid to spend souls and titanite to upgrade the weapon you're using; when levelling up, level up the stat that addresses a particular problem you have, rather than what you think you might need (ie. if you're dying quickly, put some points in vitality, if you're running out of stamina, put some points in endurance); don't put any points in resistance, as the armours you find are generally sufficient and easy to switch between; in combat, be patient, keep your shield up, and attack when it's safe enough to do so - observe an enemy to learn their attack patterns; try to lure enemies to safer areas to fight to minimise the risk of falling off cliffs; and learn to parry and backstab!

 

[Tawpgun]

Pyromancy is a good choice to start. Makes the first boss fight easier.

Id play the game as much as you can solo and then consult the wiki if you end up getting too confused and frustrated.

 

[krakov]

I bought Dark Souls this morning (against my better judgment) in the XBL $5 sale. I'm generally not a fan of difficult/frustrating games but everyone seems to rave about this so I figured I should check it out.

What things should I keep in mind as I start my character to minimize frustration? I've heard either the Warrior or the Pyromancer are the best options. I may go with a Pyromancer since I would like the option of using magic for some ranged damage.

The difference between the classes are their starting gear and stat allocation so anyone is fine really. Pyro or Sorcerer is good if you want to throw some magic right out of the gate. Take it slow and you should be fine, the game really isn't that hard.

 

[fozzy]

I'm getting destroyed wherever I go now. I've given up on the butterfly boss for now in Darkroot. Heading back to the blacksmith I saw a path to the basin that I had missed.

Can't kill the knight, so went the other way. A golem (I think) one hit killed me. I see some big shapes moving in the other direction. Should I try that way or go try the butterfly again since I picked up a bow and arrows?

Thanks for any help

 

[Soriku]

I'm getting destroyed wherever I go now. I've given up on the butterfly boss for now in Darkroot. Heading back to the blacksmith I saw a path to the basin that I had missed.

Can't kill the knight, so went the other way. A golem (I think) one hit killed me. I see some big shapes moving in the other direction. Should I try that way or go try the butterfly again since I picked up a bow and arrows?

Thanks for any help

The butterfly is easy. You want to stay close to it, because it's actually easier to dodge its attacks that way (you don't really need a bow and arrow). Once it comes down to charge its move that's when you should unload your attacks. Of course move out of the way once it uses its big attack.

At the basin there is a hydra you can fight which can be tough if you don't know what to do.

Spoiler

There is a rock on the right side of the area close to the hydra where its water spray attack gets blocked. You just have to wait for the hydra to bring its heads down once it attacks and just pick them off one by one.

 

[Red Liquorice]

I'm getting destroyed wherever I go now. I've given up on the butterfly boss for now in Darkroot. Heading back to the blacksmith I saw a path to the basin that I had missed.

Can't kill the knight, so went the other way. A golem (I think) one hit killed me. I see some big shapes moving in the other direction. Should I try that way or go try the butterfly again since I picked up a bow and arrows?

Thanks for any help

Have you upgraded your weapon? That is key really, can't be stressed enough how important upgrading your weapon is, I would spend souls on upgrading than levelling up any time. It takes 9 titanite shards to upgrade to +5 at the Blacksmith (or using a smithbox you buy from him). You can buy the shards or farm them from enemies in the Parish.

There's a few ways to go from where you are (I guess you've recently beat the Gargoyles)
- Butterfly (actually an easy boss if you can roll dodge it's slow beam attack, the sharp needles attacks can be blocked or dodged easier by walking in the same direction as the butterfly is moving)
- explore Darkroot Basin
- Look at any keys you picked up in the Parish area, the flavour text tells you what they're for and you can unlock some previously locked doors to move forward to new areas.

 

[Dance Inferno]

Pyromancer would be a good choice to make things a tiny bit easier. Couple of general tips I'd give: don't be afraid to spend souls and titanite to upgrade the weapon you're using; when levelling up, level up the stat that addresses a particular problem you have, rather than what you think you might need (ie. if you're dying quickly, put some points in vitality, if you're running out of stamina, put some points in endurance); don't put any points in resistance, as the armours you find are generally sufficient and easy to switch between; in combat, be patient, keep your shield up, and attack when it's safe enough to do so - observe an enemy to learn their attack patterns; try to lure enemies to safer areas to fight to minimise the risk of falling off cliffs; and learn to parry and backstab!

Got it, thanks. I played a little of Demon's Souls (I think I finished 2 or 3 levels) but the game was just so convoluted that I gave up on it. Dark Souls seems a little more approachable, at least from the videos I've been watching.

The difference between the classes are their starting gear and stat allocation so anyone is fine really. Pyro or Sorcerer is good if you want to throw some magic right out of the gate. Take it slow and you should be fine, the game really isn't that hard.

I can still use weapons and armor as well as the other classes if I choose Pyro, right? I don't want to be mainly a magic user but I do want to have that option available to me.

 

[PatzCU]

So I've finally gotten around to my first playthrough of Dark Souls, and while I'm trying to avoid guides so I can struggle through everything, I'm having a really hard time with figuring out what the weapon stats mean. For reference, I started with the Pyromancer class and have been using the starter Hand Axe.

So I just grabbed this random screen to hopefully explain what I'm confused about:

I understand the 'base damage' (262) on the left side which I'm sure is just raw weapon damage. What I don't really understand is the +273 to the right of the base damage, 'extra damage from scaling'. When I compare weapons, usually swords, that number is typically negative. Does this mean my stats are having a negative impact on the damage of that particular weapon?

Also, the number on the very right side 'R Weapon 1' sort of confuses me. When equipping anything other than an Axe, that number takes a huge dive. Is that 'R Weapon 1' stat the bottom line of the effect a new weapon will have on my damage potential? IE - if that number is less than my current weapon, I'll do less damage; if that number is greater than my current weapon, I'll do more damage?

Any help is greatly appreciated! I've searched everywhere online and haven't found any simple explanations. I think my Hand Axe is getting a little outdated already at

Spoiler

Undead Parish

so I was looking to buy a new weapon from the Blacksmith or upgrade.

 

[lyonhardt]

I'm up to the last boss, but I haven't started the DLC content yet. I'm gonna go ahead and start the DLC soon, but I just wanted to know if there's any cool weapons I should pursue beforehand or will my current equipment carry me through everything?

My stats are: Vit and End 40. Str 16. Dex 30 (this is all I've been raising lately).

I'm using Havel armor set, with Havel's ring too. My other ring alternates regularly depending on the situation.

I have Iaito+14, Lightning Uchigatana+5 and Queelag Furysword+5 as my main weapons.

I've been using Grass Crest Shield(+14) as my shield. I also have Black Knight Shield, Crest Shield and Eagle Shield in 'reserve' but I haven't used any of those for ages.

 

[lyonhardt]

I can still use weapons and armor as well as the other classes if I choose Pyro, right? I don't want to be mainly a magic user but I do want to have that option available to me.

Yes, as long as you have the correct stats.

 

[Creamium]

I understand the 'base damage' (262) on the left side which I'm sure is just raw weapon damage. What I don't really understand is the +273 to the right of the base damage, 'extra damage from scaling'. When I compare weapons, usually swords, that number is typically negative. Does this mean my stats are having a negative impact on the damage of that particular weapon?

Also, the number on the very right side 'R Weapon 1' sort of confuses me. When equipping anything other than an Axe, that number takes a huge dive. Is that 'R Weapon 1' stat the bottom line of the effect a new weapon will have on my damage potential? IE - if that number is less than my current weapon, I'll do less damage; if that number is greater than my current weapon, I'll do more damage?

Any help is greatly appreciated! I've searched everywhere online and haven't found any simple explanations. I think my Hand Axe is getting a little outdated already at

Spoiler

Undead Parish

so I was looking to buy a new weapon from the Blacksmith or upgrade.

When that number is negative, you don't have the stat requirements to wield that weapon. Look at the ReqParam section to see if you can wield the weapon one-handed. When one of those numbers (dexterity or strength) is red, you can't wield it normally. So upgrade str and/or dex. Take that broadsword: if you have 9 DEX, you won't be able to wield it effectively. (in the pic, the arm = STR, hand = DEX).

That number on the very right is the total damage of the weapon: base + scaling damage. So if you compare to one of those weapons you can't wield yet, of course the number'll be in the red.

Upgrading your weapon is key if you don't want it to get outdated. If you've met the smith, you can upgrade any weapon to +5. This is easy since a) enemies around the parish drop titanite shards sometimes and b) a shard is only 800 souls a pop, so buy some if you want to upgrade a weapon you like.

The handaxe is a decent starting weapon, but there are better options. For instance the undead merchant in the burg sells a reinforced club for only 350 souls, which is a great weapon that will take you through the entire game (if you like the moveset of course). It has C str. scaling and through more upgrading goes up to B, so consider upping strength if you like that weapon and want to do even more damage.

 

[PatzCU]

When that number is negative, you don't have the stat requirements to wield that weapon. Look at the ReqParam section to see if you can wield the weapon one-handed. When one of those numbers (dexterity or strength) is red, you can't wield it normally. So upgrade str and/or dex. Take that broadsword: if you have 9 DEX, you won't be able to wield it effectively. (in the pic, the arm = STR, hand = DEX).

That number on the very right is the total damage of the weapon: base + scaling damage. So if you compare to one of those weapons you can't wield yet, of course the number'll be in the red.

Upgrading your weapon is key if you don't want it to get outdated. If you've met the smith, you can upgrade any weapon to +5. This is easy since a) enemies around the parish drop titanite shards sometimes and b) a shard is only 800 souls a pop, so buy some if you want to upgrade a weapon you like.

The handaxe is a decent starting weapon, but there are better options. For instance the undead merchant in the burg sells a reinforced club for only 350 souls, which is a great weapon that will take you through the entire game (if you like the moveset of course). It has C str. scaling and through more upgrading goes up to B, so consider upping strength if you like that weapon and want to do even more damage.

Perfect, this is exactly what I was looking for! It's kind of hard to decipher what all those numbers mean based on the picture icons in-game. I'll go check out the club from the merchant in the burg. That seems so impossibly far away in the world of Dark Souls though...

Thank you!

 

[Divius]

Any tips for Kalameet at level 1?

 

[Red Liquorice]

I'll go check out the club from the merchant in the burg. That seems so impossibly far away in the world of Dark Souls though...

There's shortcuts and doors to unlock everywhere in this game, I bet you aren't as far away as you think!

 

[Tawpgun]

Perfect, this is exactly what I was looking for! It's kind of hard to decipher what all those numbers mean based on the picture icons in-game. I'll go check out the club from the merchant in the burg. That seems so impossibly far away in the world of Dark Souls though...

Thank you!

Where are you that makes it so far?

 

[PatzCU]

Where are you that makes it so far?

I'm only in the Parish at the blacksmith hah! These areas are so dense with dangerous enemies that it feels like a serious accomplishment making it through 3-4 rooms in this game.

 

[Astral/H3X]

Any tips for Kalameet at level 1?

I was doing him at SL5, and while I never fully killed him, a +15 crossbow will always do the same amount of damage, regardless of stats. Hawk Ring + Crossbow + Darkwood Grain ring got me very close to killing him. In the end I decided it wasn't worth it for a double damage ring haha.

 

[Tawpgun]

I'm only in the Parish at the blacksmith hah! These areas are so dense with dangerous enemies that it feels like a serious accomplishment making it through 3-4 rooms in this game.

You should be able to go back into the church and take the lift to Firelink and then go back to the Burg from there.

Or, go back to the dragon bridge and knock down the ladder to the Burg fire

 

[Raxious]

Seath down, only Pinwheel and Gravelord remaining.

 

[krakov]

I can still use weapons and armor as well as the other classes if I choose Pyro, right? I don't want to be mainly a magic user but I do want to have that option available to me.

Yes, any class can use any item. Consider them templates only.

 

[DukeBobby]

Gravelord Nito may be fairly easy, but he looks so cool.