• Hey, guest user. Hope you're enjoying NeoGAF! Have you considered registering for an account? Come join us and add your take to the daily discourse.

Did I “get gud” at Dark Souls?

Accomplishments tonight

Whipped the shit out Sens fortress like an absolute boss
Making so much ground in New Londo
Kicked ladder
opened elevator
got the key
drained the water

picked up a couple badass rings in Sens
opened the shortcut

What a fantastic game. Zero frustration this session. Just perseverance and joy.

Anor Londo scares me. But it’s Coming. Once we get my Uchi to +15 per Large Ember… it’s all Anor Londo and the dreaded O&S time.

you can do it love GIF by Melbournefc
 

Maddux4164

Member
Ha ha. I’m bout to fire it up again. So SHOCKED I’ve not gotten “frustrated”. It’s all been really relaxed and fun. Sure, died 10 times reaching the bonfire in Sens. Died 10 times beating the boss in Sens. Died 5 times beating Sif. Etc. but it all felt “doable” ya know?! Like “I messed Up” and not the game screwed
 
Last edited:

Winter John

Member
Sens wasn’t overly hard. But it was tough to learn how to get to the secret bonfire. Once ya make it there. It’s a quick hop to the boss plus you can explore easier

I know sens like the back of my hand. Coming back to DS after 7/8 years I still remember every item and enemy placement in there. It was just funny to me that only moments before I'd been skipping through the depths one shotting everything, then charging into the lizard guys completely forgetting they would not give a fuck about my lvl 14 sorcerery skills
 

Maddux4164

Member
Defeated pinwheel. Easy as pie. Pushover. Really want that “large ember” in New Londo, having trouble since I’m out of Transiant Curses. Forces me to speed run it
 
Defeated pinwheel. Easy as pie. Pushover. Really want that “large ember” in New Londo, having trouble since I’m out of Transiant Curses. Forces me to speed run it
The female merchant sells some. Also the guy up top there who you get the key from sells them as well as a spell that does the same thing. If you got a jagged ghost blade drop that works too. Not that you should need to fight ghosts to get the ember. Just run past the 1st 2 and drop down to the lower area in that corner instead of going up the steps. Failing all that you could just get cursed by the frogs instead and fight them at 1/2 health. I think that works too. It's been a long time!
 

Maddux4164

Member
The female merchant sells some. Also the guy up top there who you get the key from sells them as well as a spell that does the same thing. If you got a jagged ghost blade drop that works too. Not that you should need to fight ghosts to get the ember. Just run past the 1st 2 and drop down to the lower area in that corner instead of going up the steps. Failing all that you could just get cursed by the frogs instead and fight them at 1/2 health. I think that works too. It's been a long time!
Issue is cost. 1 of em is like 4K souls 😞
 
Pshh. That’s a crap ton still. Truly. I be Broke. Been working on upgrading my weapon and shield etc.

frampt doesn’t pay for shit
nah 4k isnt much. You could be farming those dark wraiths down past the ghosts for chunks and souls. Anyway like I say just run past those 1st 2 ghosts, drop down to wraith city and kill some. You can farm most of those without going near any ghosts and grab the ember while you are down there. All you really need is a pile of homeward bones to get back out. Those wraiths are easy backstabs btw if you are having trouble.
 

Maddux4164

Member
nah 4k isnt much. You could be farming those dark wraiths down past the ghosts for chunks and souls. Anyway like I say just run past those 1st 2 ghosts, drop down to wraith city and kill some. You can farm most of those without going near any ghosts and grab the ember while you are down there. All you really need is a pile of homeward bones to get back out. Those wraiths are easy backstabs btw if you are having trouble.
Hmm. They can be “attacked”? I’ll give it a go for sure. I’ve already drained the water etc if that matters. So… don’t go up the stairs is what you’re saying?
 
Hmm. They can be “attacked”? I’ll give it a go for sure. I’ve already drained the water etc if that matters. So… don’t go up the stairs is what you’re saying?
yeah if you head that way but just drop down in that corner instead. You wont take much falling damage. It's the best shortcut to the boss too.
 
Didn’t know there was a “drop” since it’s on the flat ground. I’m confused hah. You’re saying NOT to go up the stairs
yeah dont go up the stairs where those 1st 2 ghosts are. If you look to the right of the stairs there is a drop down to the wraith area. There is also a pot with 2 transient curses in to break but I'm assuming you already had those.
 

Maddux4164

Member
yeah dont go up the stairs where those 1st 2 ghosts are. If you look to the right of the stairs there is a drop down to the wraith area. There is also a pot with 2 transient curses in to break but I'm assuming you already had those.
Yep. Had em. ill Try it. Will I NEED to homeward bone? assuming yes but not sure. Not trying to fight the 4 kings. Plus I need A ring or something I think?
 
Yeah. I’ve got a few. Wanted to be prepared is all. Do I have the ring to even fight the kings? How ya get that?
Yeah I think you do. You get it killing the gaint wolf IIRC. Also when you drop down the building in front of you is the one you want. The one to the right had ghosts in it but you can get a few of the wraiths in that direction without going inside if you feel so inclined :)
 

Maddux4164

Member
Yeah I think you do. You get it killing the gaint wolf IIRC. Also when you drop down the building in front of you is the one you want. The one to the right had ghosts in it but you can get a few of the wraiths in that direction without going inside if you feel so inclined :)
Giant wolf? Ya mean SIF? So I’ve got the ring?
 

Soodanim

Member
But I said ANOR Londo 😉
Ha that’s what I mean though, Anor Londo is earlier game content than New Londo. You’re doing level 8 to put off doing level 6, for example. Which is fine, the game is designed to be played in any order (if you go into NG+, I highly recommend it)
hold Up. Wasn’t I supposed to get ”rite of kindeling“ from pinwheel? Don’t see it in my inventory
It might be more metaphysical. Try kindling a bonfire and see how many times you can do it
 

Maddux4164

Member
Ha that’s what I mean though, Anor Londo is earlier game content than New Londo. You’re doing level 8 to put off doing level 6, for example. Which is fine, the game is designed to be played in any order (if you go into NG+, I highly recommend it)

It might be more metaphysical. Try kindling a bonfire and see how many times you can do it
Ahhh. Ok. I’ll try it. Figured it was an “item”
 

Soodanim

Member
Made it past the Anor Londo archers. How? That asshat fell off the edge 🤣
That’s one of the most infuriating parts of the game until you learn a few things about the game mechanics. One is that Dark Souls doesn’t do well at platforms, and their own AI falls victim to it just as much as players do. One I didn’t learn for ages is that when you’re hit with an arrow there, you fall backwards. So if you’re angling into the wall for safety, you fall off. Best to face directly forward or even towards the edge there if you don’t have a shield.

Smart choice going for quick rolls, under 25% equip load is the best way to do it except for one or two exceptions
 
Last edited:

Maddux4164

Member
That’s one of the most infuriating parts of the game until you learn a few things about the game mechanics. One is that Dark Souls doesn’t do well at platforms, and their own AI falls victim to it just as much as players do. One I didn’t learn for ages is that when you’re hit with an arrow there, you fall backwards. So if you’re angling into the wall for safety, you fall off. Best to face directly forward or even towards the edge there if you don’t have a shield.

Smart choice going for quick rolls, under 25% equip load is the best way to do it except for one or two exceptions
Had died maybe 4 times. Got lucky. Ass hat fell of the edge. Made me super happy.
 
Good point. Hadn’t thought of that. I mainly use 1 handed, but couple times went in 2 hand.

What’s the best shield to upgrade? currently using the crest shield due to the stamina boost.
Cool! I think most will be significantly better once upgraded.

I liked the spider shield as a good all rounder and for blocking damage.

The crest shield is great it's main drawback is it's does not provide 100% potection but it sounds like you already have accounted for in your playstyle
 

Soodanim

Member
Had died maybe 4 times. Got lucky. Ass hat fell of the edge. Made me super happy.
Now you’ve done it once, I don’t mind telling you the common method is to get into melee range and bait a lunge, which conveniently is a lunge across the open corner. Silly Silver Knight. Even if you decide to parry a sword swing, the animation of it often kills him.

I can’t remember the last time I actually killed the enemies leading up to that ledge, for better or worse. They can easily catch you with the ranged attack, and it doesn’t always end well.
 

Maddux4164

Member
Cool! I think most will be significantly better once upgraded.

I liked the spider shield as a good all rounder and for blocking damage.

The crest shield is great it's main drawback is it's does not provide 100% potection but it sounds like you already have accounted for in your playstyle
Yeah. Spider is better, but it’s in the depths and I’ve already upgraded my Crest to +6. Not sure the swap would be worth it eh?
 

Maddux4164

Member
Now you’ve done it once, I don’t mind telling you the common method is to get into melee range and bait a lunge, which conveniently is a lunge across the open corner. Silly Silver Knight. Even if you decide to parry a sword swing, the animation of it often kills him.

I can’t remember the last time I actually killed the enemies leading up to that ledge, for better or worse. They can easily catch you with the ranged attack, and it doesn’t always end well
What I did was simply speed run it. Bypassed the two giant men. The 3 demon angels followed by 2 more demon angels. Ran up the building. Then just CHARGED the archer and his ass fell off lol
 
Yeah. Spider is better, but it’s in the depths and I’ve already upgraded my Crest to +6. Not sure the swap would be worth it eh?
I don't think so sounds like you’re doing great.

How much twinkling titanite do you have?

After you have upgraded your shield you might want to start looking at which weapons require that for upgrade's (Black Knight weapons but there are others) as there easy to farm later.

The Uchi can get you through the whole game but it’s nice to have an alternative. Also, part of the fun of dark souls is experimenting with new weapons.
 

Soodanim

Member
Yeah. Spider is better, but it’s in the depths and I’ve already upgraded my Crest to +6. Not sure the swap would be worth it eh?
I’m not sure it’s worth it unless you feel the need to protect against poison, which isn’t the most common thing in the game. There is another one you can access, but it’s best left discovered naturally. You’ll see it in time.
Also I’ve now got havels armor and such 😎
I too enjoy wearing an entire outfit made of stone
 

Maddux4164

Member
I don't think so sounds like you’re doing great.

How much twinkling titanite do you have?

After you have upgraded your shield you might want to start looking at which weapons require that for upgrade's (Black Knight weapons but there are others) as there easy to farm later.

The Uchi can get you through the whole game but it’s nice to have an alternative. Also, part of the fun of dark souls is experimenting with new weapons.
Twinkling? Not sure. Maybe 2-5? what’s it’s good for?
 

Maddux4164

Member
I’m not sure it’s worth it unless you feel the need to protect against poison, which isn’t the most common thing in the game. There is another one you can access, but it’s best left discovered naturally. You’ll see it in time.

I too enjoy wearing an entire outfit made of stone
I’m kinda “stuck”. By that I mean…. I’m too deep in Anor Londo to turn around. O&S scares me. I need help…. Or even a hug.

Not attempting them tonight. Done playing. But I’ll have to tomorrow I assume

Also…. Where’s mushroom head? You know the fat lazy bastard who sat on the steps at Sens fortress. Wanted to do his quest. Where is he?
 
I’m kinda “stuck”. By that I mean…. I’m too deep in Anor Londo to turn around. O&S scares me. I need help…. Or even a hug.

Not attempting them tonight. Done playing. But I’ll have to tomorrow I assume

Also…. Where’s mushroom head? You know the fat lazy bastard who sat on the steps at Sens fortress. Wanted to do his quest. Where is he?
You will be fine lol +13 uchi will shred them!
 
Top Bottom