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I started playing Dark Souls February 2014
- Thread starter Crud
- Start date
Ornstein and Smough are damn hard to solo, but the best advice I can give you that may not be readily apparent is to use the pillars to your advantage. Other than that, remember your training and treat it like every other fight. Just like when you fought
, if you get greedy at all, you're gonna get smacked down hard.
Gaping Dragon
That's cold lol.
My stats go as followed
Level 72
Vitality 23
Endurance 21
Strength 24
Weapons (I'm using)
Uchigtana +10
Lighting Spear + 3
Raw Knife + 2
( I do have the Crystal Halberd)
I'm home but I'm going to drink and smoke relax a bit and I'm going to try to beat the boss tomorrow morning.
It's training.
You leave like this:
Come back looking like this:
Just kidding. It's still gonna be hard as fuck. But no time is wasted time in Dark Souls. You're always improving.
nkarafo
Member
Not me.. i only played the game offline. Damn, this thread makes me feel like i'm a fancy pro gamer of some sort.
OP, have you tried, you know, different strategies/items/weapons? Personally, i used a strong 2H melee attack while using a defensive spell (that made me very resilient for a few seconds) and after one of them was killed, i was circle strafing around a broken pillar to avoid the other one and use hit and run techniques and a crossbow.
It was easy, just took some patience.
You don't get humanity from enemies in Anor Londo, only "living" enemies give you soft humanity.
OP, your first problem is your weapon. Like others have said, try to use the Crystal halberd if you got it, if not, hopefully you have a weapon at +6 to upgrade toward +10. Talk to the Giant Blacksmith in Anor Londo and work on some weapons.
Elemental weapons like Fire and Lightning remove Stat scaling from your weapons. Stat scaling is a damage bonus from stat investment, so a Dex weapon with Dex scaling gets a bonus the higher your Dex is. So pay attention to what embers you are using, how upgrading weapons will change their properties, and look for the upgrades that benefit most from your stat investment.
Pay attention, read item descriptions, and listen to NPC's. Put your white sign down and try to help others, if you defeat their boss you get Humanity and lots of Souls.
super-famicom
Member
What are the rest of your stats?
Uchigatana scales off Dex, but if you have less Dex than Strength, you should probably use a different weapon. The Claymore has a great moveset; Crystal Halberd should be able to do the job as well, but it can't be repaired. If you make multiple attempts on O&S, you could end up losing the Crystal Halberd. Do you have the Pyromancy Glove? It doesn't require any stats to cast Pyromancies, and the basic Fire Orb will still be pretty useful.
QisTopTier
XisBannedTier
Kill fatty first, Orn is less random to fight. I beat them 4th try no help. You can do it!
Dexterity 18
Resistance 18
Intelligence 16
Faith 14
Attunement 19
I have the glove yes.
I will try using Great Chaos Fireball
Auto-Reply
Member
Use the pillars, walk backwards so they are always in front of you, no flanking from Ornstein this way.
From there it's up to your preferences. If you have the items you can buy and upgrade a crossbow and just shoot em both without ever attacking them with your sword.
From there it's up to your preferences. If you have the items you can buy and upgrade a crossbow and just shoot em both without ever attacking them with your sword.
Earthanoid
Member
I've always done them solo. I honestly can't remember how I got through it the first time, but on subsequent playthroughs I used the pyro glove. Basically I'd kite them around and hit Ornstein with either a fireball or the short range flame burst one until he was dead, then Smough is pretty easy as he telegraphs his moves and you can hide behind the pillars. Just be patient with that guy, you might not do a ton of damage but if you're careful he can't hurt you.
Humanity farming is easy
- equip serpent ring
- go to bonfire near sunlight shrine under where the dragon is near undead parish
- go to the spiral tower next to the bonfire, drop down, kill rats, get humanity, climb up ladder, rest at bonfire.
- repeat
If you have activated the cage shortcut in Sen's Fortress (you should have) then getting to the undead burg and back to anor Londo is easy and quick.
- equip serpent ring
- go to bonfire near sunlight shrine under where the dragon is near undead parish
- go to the spiral tower next to the bonfire, drop down, kill rats, get humanity, climb up ladder, rest at bonfire.
- repeat
If you have activated the cage shortcut in Sen's Fortress (you should have) then getting to the undead burg and back to anor Londo is easy and quick.
super-famicom
Member
I'm consolidating your posts so we can see all your stats easily. You said you were a thief, so I'm guessing you chose that starter class. It looks like you went for a jack of all trades kinda character, since you spread your points around. The bad thing is, you aren't very good at any one thing. The good thing is, that you have a lot of options available (mostly with your spell library). You can equip some different basic sorceries/miracles/pyromancies, which can be helpful. Use Pyromancies on O&S, they will help out a lot.
At this point, for building your character I'd choose between Strength or Dexterity and pump points into one stat alone and take it to 40 (probably Strength since it's higher than Dex). Then use a weapon you like that scales well with that stat. Or you could go for a quality build; take both Strength and Dex to 27/40 (this lets you 2 hand any Strength heavy weapon in the game, since two handing a weapon requires less Strength).Dumping the rest of your points into Vitality and Endurance is fine, I'd ignore the other stats.
I see you put 8 points into Resistance (Thief starts with 10 Resistance). This was a mistake, since Resistance is a useless stat.
You have a +10 Uchi, which is probably your strongest weapon, but if you had a Strength scaling weapon at +10, your damage would be much greater. I'd try upgrading the Claymore, it has C scaling for both Strength and Dex; since you're at 24/18 it should outdamage the Uchi once you level it up.
Edit-
A +10 Uchi does 180 base damage, plus B scaling with Dex.
A +8 Claymore does 185, plus C scaling with both Strength and Dex.
Unless you plan on putting more points into Dex, with your current stats a +8 Claymore will be better than the Uchi. Total damage for the +10 Uchi = 300, while total damage with +8 Claymore = 428 (I used this site to caculate the damage based off your current stats.
Banana Aeon
Member
Oh gees, this allotment is fucked.
Resistence is useless, and unless you're using magic or miracles, Intelligence and Faith are useless.
Heh the problem is you've kinda gone all round on everything
Dark Souls isn't like other RPGs where having an all round character is preferable. You need to focus on one or two stats only, otherwise you will instead just be barely adequate for all.
Like, shove ALL your stats into dexterity and strength if you want a melee build. You can kick ass that way. Or all of your points into intelligence and a bit of dexterity if you want to kill people like a badass from a distance with magic. And so on
Problem is, if you are level 18 on everything then uh, you are going to suck at both magic and melee, especially at the point you are at, in anor londo. At level 18 you can't use half the weapons as your dex/str isn't high enough, and the same goes for most magic spells!!
I mean, its possible - you can finish the game at level 1 if you are good enough. But you've made it hard for yourself.
Just use your humanity and summon some help. then go farm a shitload of souls and level up a specific stat.
You have to be patient against smough and ornstein. Learn their attack patterns. Keep them both in front of you (and keep your shield up).
Roll out of the way of ornstein's lightning spears and smough's charging hammers (if you can't block them.
When you have an opening, either because smough and ornstein are separated or because they've both just tried to pull off an attack get 1 or 2 hits in on the bosss of your chosing (only attack one boss, since the second gets restored to full health when you kill the first), then go back on defense.
Heal when necessary.
At your stats and on NG they shouldn't be doing a ton of damage - you should be able to take 3-5 hits I think.
Roll out of the way of ornstein's lightning spears and smough's charging hammers (if you can't block them.
When you have an opening, either because smough and ornstein are separated or because they've both just tried to pull off an attack get 1 or 2 hits in on the bosss of your chosing (only attack one boss, since the second gets restored to full health when you kill the first), then go back on defense.
Heal when necessary.
At your stats and on NG they shouldn't be doing a ton of damage - you should be able to take 3-5 hits I think.
Ah really, havent played the game for so long i forgot a bunch of stuff. In that case its probably a good idea to go farm the rats then, though i'd just use the humanities myself. Or go solo.
Frank Jaeger
Member
Depending on your level I probably have a character parked next to O&S that I made for just helping on that boss! (I have for other bosses).
If you would like (and depending on time constraints, I live in sweden) I would be glad to help you!
If you would like (and depending on time constraints, I live in sweden) I would be glad to help you!
He's been trying to beat them solo for an entire year now.
You know, maybe its time to try summoning?
skeleton babies
yes im being pedantic but i always thought that was hilarious
rats and
skeleton babies
Lumpy Onion
Member
Best thing to do would be to get summoned as a phantom and help others beat them. You will get on hands experience defeating the bosses as well as plenty of souls for each victory. You will also get a humanity for surviving a winning run. The room with the bonfire just after the infamous archers was the biggest co-op hotspot in the game for me. I must have gone and done at least 20 runs with many different folks. Haven't played in a while, but that is where I did the majority of my multiplayer DS on PS3.
In all my six playthroughs I must say that the upgraded claymore was my favorite weapon. I felt safest with that move-set and it got me through main game and dlc. Not saying that it will be your favorite, but one of those maxed out was a solid weapon imo.
In all my six playthroughs I must say that the upgraded claymore was my favorite weapon. I felt safest with that move-set and it got me through main game and dlc. Not saying that it will be your favorite, but one of those maxed out was a solid weapon imo.
super-famicom
Member
OP doesn't have access to that area yet.
D
Deleted member 125677
Unconfirmed Member
Just go for it. It may take you a shitload of retries, but beating them solo is the best feeling!
Kill Ornstein first. Use the pillars to your advantage. I used the bonfire before the bridge in Anor Londo, so I could kill all the golums for some nice souls before taking them on. That way you can level up stats or equipment along the way, so it don't feel so pointless dying.
Kill Ornstein first. Use the pillars to your advantage. I used the bonfire before the bridge in Anor Londo, so I could kill all the golums for some nice souls before taking them on. That way you can level up stats or equipment along the way, so it don't feel so pointless dying.
Nah. Maybe it's time he switched his tactics up.
D
Deleted member 10571
Unconfirmed Member
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AV9Ce5misrY should include O&S as well 
Or just summon for help.
Its a function of the game. It's designed to be used if you need help. He should be able to use it without being pressured to avoid it as if it makes him worse of a player.
As many said, use the pillars to your advantage. Get away from them, Ornstein will close the gap in a moment leaving Smough behind, that way you can get some hits on him. Try to dodge their attacks instead of blocking. Once Smough is reaching you, get away so Ornstein will follow you again. When Ornstein is dead Smough is much easier, just watch his tells and use the pillars to block him. Basically, you have to turn the 2VS1 fight in 2 1VS1 fights, but keeping an eye on Smough all the time so he doesn´t interfere.
Uchigatana is a great weapon: it´s fast and that can help you a lot in the first part of the fight, so either upgrade your dex to deal more damage or upgrade your Claymore to take advantage of your current stats. You have options.
On my first playthrough I summoned help to beat them and got them both on my first try (I think I summoned Solaire and another guy), then in NG+ I was overpowered and got them easily with a dex-int build, mainly using Crystal Soul Spears to kill Ornstein first. I couldn´t understand why people said they were so difficult until I tried them again solo in a fresh game...the horror...
Uchigatana is a great weapon: it´s fast and that can help you a lot in the first part of the fight, so either upgrade your dex to deal more damage or upgrade your Claymore to take advantage of your current stats. You have options.
On my first playthrough I summoned help to beat them and got them both on my first try (I think I summoned Solaire and another guy), then in NG+ I was overpowered and got them easily with a dex-int build, mainly using Crystal Soul Spears to kill Ornstein first. I couldn´t understand why people said they were so difficult until I tried them again solo in a fresh game...the horror...
I feel your pain OP. Try to summon human help is all I can say - and don't get caught in the same scenario as me where these bastards ended up becoming the main reason why I never managed to play the DLC!
You see, when the DLC was released, I had already completed the game on PS3 (solo, except for the O&S fight). As such, I did not want to put myself through the challenge of having to reach the Duke's Archives again - to then try the new content for the first time - on the new game+ difficulty.
This is what led me to buy the game again on 360 months later and starting a new playthrough when spending a holiday at my parents - all with the sole intent of finally reaching the DLC. Unfortuntately I had forgotten about O&S and their placement before the DLC, so when I finally reached them and realised that I couldn't beat them without summoning human assistance...I came to the unfortunate conclusion that I couldn't proceed because we didn't have a Gold subscription (something I didn't want to pay for just for this).
So in short, Smough & Ornstein effectivily guarded the entrance to Oolacile and kept me from getting my DLC money's worth twice!
(I prefer that explanation to me having to criticise From for making this fight so tricky for offline single players and for hiding away the DLC so far into the game that the people who started playing when it was released need to start over in order to reach it; or to having to criticise Microsoft for their policy to make you pay for a month of XBL Gold to summon help on this one occassion before you can access the rest of the single player content and continue onwards offline.)
You see, when the DLC was released, I had already completed the game on PS3 (solo, except for the O&S fight). As such, I did not want to put myself through the challenge of having to reach the Duke's Archives again - to then try the new content for the first time - on the new game+ difficulty.
This is what led me to buy the game again on 360 months later and starting a new playthrough when spending a holiday at my parents - all with the sole intent of finally reaching the DLC. Unfortuntately I had forgotten about O&S and their placement before the DLC, so when I finally reached them and realised that I couldn't beat them without summoning human assistance...I came to the unfortunate conclusion that I couldn't proceed because we didn't have a Gold subscription (something I didn't want to pay for just for this).
So in short, Smough & Ornstein effectivily guarded the entrance to Oolacile and kept me from getting my DLC money's worth twice!
(I prefer that explanation to me having to criticise From for making this fight so tricky for offline single players and for hiding away the DLC so far into the game that the people who started playing when it was released need to start over in order to reach it; or to having to criticise Microsoft for their policy to make you pay for a month of XBL Gold to summon help on this one occassion before you can access the rest of the single player content and continue onwards offline.)
MarcoZombieCannon
Member
IIRC, it took me three tries to beat them. First was solo, then I summoned Solaire, then I summoned Solaire and someone else who'd put down a sign there. It took three of us but we did it. It was nuts.
OmegaTreeFish
Banned
I tried solo about 10 times. My build had ranged magic and I was using a great club. I just couldn't do it.
In the end I summoned the AI help and did it first attempt.
Way I did it with summon is:
Start from bonfire at bottom of lift steps
Make sure you have opened door to giant blacksmith
Sprint past two front guards and pink gargoyle things to where the blacksmith is. Head to main room and kill dragon knight.
Use bow to kill both gold guards out side their aggro range.
Summon ai
Start fight at get ai to take aggro (hopefully of smouge , fatty). Then kill orn by just attacking after he attacks. Really easy to solo.
Then to solo super smouge (AI is prob dead now) keep a piller between you and smouge. When ever it does the leaping attack, move to the right of the hammer, do your own leaping attack, then move back to have the piller between you and repeat.
If you have ranged magic just try focusing skinny while keeping your distance. Then do the same as above for fatty.
In the end I summoned the AI help and did it first attempt.
Way I did it with summon is:
Start from bonfire at bottom of lift steps
Make sure you have opened door to giant blacksmith
Sprint past two front guards and pink gargoyle things to where the blacksmith is. Head to main room and kill dragon knight.
Use bow to kill both gold guards out side their aggro range.
Summon ai
Start fight at get ai to take aggro (hopefully of smouge , fatty). Then kill orn by just attacking after he attacks. Really easy to solo.
Then to solo super smouge (AI is prob dead now) keep a piller between you and smouge. When ever it does the leaping attack, move to the right of the hammer, do your own leaping attack, then move back to have the piller between you and repeat.
If you have ranged magic just try focusing skinny while keeping your distance. Then do the same as above for fatty.
Agreed. I did it solo and didn't have any trouble really. I had the black knight great sword fully upgraded (I think) and black iron set with the mask of the child. Back when I used to play clunky and heavy! I remember using all my Estus and needing to use some humanity to heal BUT I also think I had Artoias great shield so that made it easier I guess. Wouldn't use any of that now though
can't stand the fat roll. Anyway if you've been trying for a year I'm not sure what to suggest outside summoning Soliare at least. Learn to dodge or get a better shield... Not many other options really.
Don't worry about people saying your fucked stats wise. That only applies if you care about online play. Since the community settled on a max soul level of 120-125 that means you have to pick 2 offensive stats and stick all your points in there to have enough left for VIT and END to make a viable build. If you're not concerned with online play (which you don't appear to be) you can level as high as you want so you'll be fine, although it will start to get expensive! Like people have already said, don't touch resistance again and pick one or 2 out of STR, DEX, INT and FAI. Stick all your points in those along with some in VIT and END every once in a while. Based on your current stats, I'd go with 27 STR and 40 DEX and just leave magic alone. Melee is more satisfying anyway and you can use a bow or pyromancy if something's giving you too much trouble up close
Benzychenz
Member
I gave up and summoned someone to help.
The bigger hurdle for me is that I moved house and put the game on hold and it's been almost a year now. I'm so far into the game that it'll be so hard to relearn everything
The bigger hurdle for me is that I moved house and put the game on hold and it's been almost a year now. I'm so far into the game that it'll be so hard to relearn everything
FlyingSaucer
Banned
I've beaten the game several times and each time I did O&E solo. Just keep trying and you will succeed. Using pyro and/or getting summoned and earning humanity are good tips. Use the pillars for cover. You must maintain a good spatial awareness and where each ennemy is during combat to avoid getting attacked in your back. Good luck !
Skyball Paint
Member
I second what chunk3rvd said, don't worry about your errors in stat allocation.
The scaling bonus is hardly anything compared to upgrades, anyway.
I recommend using your +10 Uchigatana. Katanas are damn good all-around weapons in Dark Souls, because they have reach, speed, and do pretty good damage. I had an easy time taking them down with the Iaito, which is another katana in the game.
Basically, take it slow, focus on one at a time, and don't get greedy. The reach and speed of your Uchi should allow you to get your hits in while being fairly safe.
Oh, and try not locking on all the time, as a general survival tip. Not locking on makes it easier to use literal hit-and-run tactics, where you run in, attack, and sprint the hell out before you get hit. When it comes to big slow bastards, sprint is your friend.
The scaling bonus is hardly anything compared to upgrades, anyway.
I recommend using your +10 Uchigatana. Katanas are damn good all-around weapons in Dark Souls, because they have reach, speed, and do pretty good damage. I had an easy time taking them down with the Iaito, which is another katana in the game.
Basically, take it slow, focus on one at a time, and don't get greedy. The reach and speed of your Uchi should allow you to get your hits in while being fairly safe.
Oh, and try not locking on all the time, as a general survival tip. Not locking on makes it easier to use literal hit-and-run tactics, where you run in, attack, and sprint the hell out before you get hit. When it comes to big slow bastards, sprint is your friend.