A trip to Lordran...and beyond

[iwinatlife]

So I recently acquired Dark Souls 2 During the Steam Sale and already owned DS1 and DS3, however I have not finished any of them. DS1 I got to O&S and got stopped hard. DS3 I had gotten to the Catacombs and was having trouble, but actually stopped because I got a new computer and the save did not transfer.

My new plan is to play all three sequentially. I have started DS1 and beaten the Gargoyles. Atm doing a faith build(because Astora Straight sword is my favorite early game power weapon) but open to change...and that is where this thread comes in! I would like build suggestion preferably something a little odd or different but if possible viable through all three games.

I Usually go Faith/Strength because I love Lightning spear and big holy swords.

I will post progress updates as they happen because I am bored at work a lot.

 

[Seishisha]

Since you've played a decent amount of the original i'll try to be brief since you probably have a good idea already what build you want.
I did a high faith build in the original dark souls using divine infused broad sword, it was pretty decent, certainly viable for regular newgame, mixing in some lightning spears here and there i seem to recall i breezed through most of it. The astora straightsword drops off pretty hard in scaling later on, changing up for somthing else is definatly a good idea at some point. Always loved me some claymore, great moveset one or two handed, pretty fast for a greatsword.

As for souls 2, infusions work abit differently so if you want todo a faith/strength build you will probably want to use lightning weapons, bear in mind almost all weapons can be buffed with spells like sunlight blade, regardless of pre existing infusions, resins will only work on un-infused weapons though. You can also revert infusion back with a palestone if you don't like it.
Miracles were hit pretty hard in the nerf patch, most of them have much reduced damage/casts compared to dark souls original, i'd sugest using them mostly within lock-on range for maximum effect, it tends to drop off alot if spell scoping, unless you can get reliable headshots. Investing points into attunement can help, since you can get multiple copies of most the offensive miracles in a single playthrough, the stat also passivly increases the number of cast's you get but not by much.

There is a couple of items that can increase cast amounts aswell, if you dont have any quibles about spoilers i'd recoment looking into how to get the northern ritual band (ring) and the saint's hood/hexer's hood. (head armor)
There are some pretty interesting weapons in game that come pre-infused with lightning and can still be infused additonaly, or buffed with spells. The dragonslayers's crescent axe is one such weapon and quite fun due to it's semi hybrid moveset.

Finaly as for souls 3, i to my shame still have not played it, so i tend to avoid discussion so not to get spoiled.

Good luck with this, it's gonna be one hell of a marathon.

 

[iwinatlife]

Since you've played a decent amount of the original i'll try to be brief since you probably have a good idea already what build you want.
I did a high faith build in the original dark souls using divine infused broad sword, it was pretty decent, certainly viable for regular newgame, mixing in some lightning spears here and there i seem to recall i breezed through most of it. The astora straightsword drops off pretty hard in scaling later on, changing up for somthing else is definatly a good idea at some point. Always loved me some claymore, great moveset one or two handed, pretty fast for a greatsword.

As for souls 2, infusions work abit differently so if you want todo a faith/strength build you will probably want to use lightning weapons, bear in mind almost all weapons can be buffed with spells like sunlight blade, regardless of pre existing infusions, resins will only work on un-infused weapons though. You can also revert infusion back with a palestone if you don't like it.
Miracles were hit pretty hard in the nerf patch, most of them have much reduced damage/casts compared to dark souls original, i'd sugest using them mostly within lock-on range for maximum effect, it tends to drop off alot if spell scoping, unless you can get reliable headshots. Investing points into attunement can help, since you can get multiple copies of most the offensive miracles in a single playthrough, the stat also passivly increases the number of cast's you get but not by much.

There is a couple of items that can increase cast amounts aswell, if you dont have any quibles about spoilers i'd recoment looking into how to get the northern ritual band (ring) and the saint's hood/hexer's hood. (head armor)
There are some pretty interesting weapons in game that come pre-infused with lightning and can still be infused additonaly, or buffed with spells. The dragonslayers's crescent axe is one such weapon and quite fun due to it's semi hybrid moveset.

Finaly as for souls 3, i to my shame still have not played it, so i tend to avoid discussion so not to get spoiled.

Good luck with this, it's gonna be one hell of a marathon.

All good advice and thank you for it, and I guess I was unclear but I was looking for alternative builds from my usual. Tak eme out of the comfort zone and into something new. but that DS2 axe sound really cool

 

[Benpasko]

For Dark Souls 2, you've gotta try a Twinblade build. Double-bladed Darth Maul swords, they're the shit. I was so sad when they didn't come back in DS3.

It may look impractical, but the hitboxes are massive, and it has lots of potential for skilled play. Plus unique levels of technique, like if you go R1 into R2, the R2 doesn't have to do its big windup. And when used 1-handed, it functions just like a regular sword.

In general, they're dex weapons. There's one strength twinblade (which is fantastically overpowered, no less), but it has a gutted moveset.

However, there is one necessary caveat. You NEED to kill the ogre during the tutorial and get the Stone Ring, which increases poise break significantly. It's one of the best rings in the game anyway, and twinblades need it to induce extreme stunlock.

 

[Seishisha]

Aha well then, full on alternative builds for original souls, i'd recommend int/dex velka's rapier that is alot of fun, abit of a hassle to get it, but pretty rewarding when you do. It's the only rapier with vertical slashing attacks but still has the thrusts you'd expect, deals split magic/physical damage though so that is the main downside.

Souls 2, that axe is pretty fun, i did a hexer build using it at one point, basicly it has a mixture of mace and axe attacks with its one handed moveset, a small amount of innate lightning damage, the weapon doesnt have great scaling so it's ideal for low str/dex builds. However though it upgrades with twinkling, so getting it to +5 can take a while.

If you have the DLC and don't mind playing pretty much the entire game to get a weapon, i highly recommend the bone fist from crown of the ivory king. A fist weapon but with a completly unique move set, rather than standard punches it incorporates sweeping kicks, slaming strikes and uppercuts, the power stance moveset is equaly cool, takes some getting used to because of it's short range, but i guarrantee you wont find another weapon like it.

 

[Seishisha]

For Dark Souls 2, you've gotta try a Twinblade build. Double-bladed Darth Maul swords, they're the shit. I was so sad when they didn't come back in DS3.

It may look impractical, but the hitboxes are massive, and it has lots of potential for skilled play. Plus unique levels of technique, like if you go R1 into R2, the R2 doesn't have to do its big windup. And when used 1-handed, it functions just like a regular sword.

In general, they're dex weapons. There's one strength twinblade (which is fantastically overpowered, no less), but it has a gutted moveset.

The R1 into R2 actualy works with all weapons, however is far more noticiable with twin blades because of the large wind up time. As you say the red iron twin blade is op, specialy that one handed R2 thrust into slash, suprisingly good.

Did you ever try the helix halberd from the same zone? Just curious because that is also pretty fun.

 

[Benpasko]

Souls 2, that axe is pretty fun, i did a hexer build using it at one point, basicly it has a mixture of mace and axe attacks with its one handed moveset, a small amount of innate lightning damage, the weapon doesnt have great scaling so it's ideal for low str/dex builds. However though it upgrades with twinkling, so getting it to +5 can take a while.

I have to disagree with everyone saying the Dragonslayer Axe. It's just an axe, there are multiple weapons with that exact same moveset. Hell, the Heide Knight Sword has the exact same moveset AND it has the same damage type (albeit a slightly different split of lightning / physical). OP should definitely go with the Bone Fist or Twinblade, get something from DS2 that the other games don't have.

Did you ever try the helix halberd from the same zone? Just curious because that is also pretty fun.

I never gave it the time it deserved, since you get it so late in the game my playstyle is already determined. I'm not a fan of spears, and I hate what they did to halberds in DS2.

 

[Seishisha]

I have to disagree with everyone saying the Dragonslayer Axe. It's just an axe, there are multiple weapons with that exact same moveset. Hell, the Heide Knight Sword has the exact same moveset AND it has the same damage type (albeit a slightly different split of lightning / physical). OP should definitely go with the Bone Fist or Twinblade, get something from DS2 that the other games don't have.

I'll be honest i never tried the heide knight sword since i could never get it to drop, i was under the impression it had some thrusting attacks. If it is the same as dragonslayers then it'd be a good alternate choice for certain, tbh if it had thrusting attacks it'd be even better.

I never gave it the time it deserved, since you get it so late in the game my playstyle is already determined. I'm not a fan of spears, and I hate what they did to halberds in DS2.

Fair enough, it is pretty much the only halberd i'll use in DS2, as i also dislike them, that one is redeemed in my eyes though since it is fast and not so massive that is clangs on overything, also has a thrusting attack.

 

[iwinatlife]

For Dark Souls 2, you've gotta try a Twinblade build. Double-bladed Darth Maul swords, they're the shit. I was so sad when they didn't come back in DS3.

It may look impractical, but the hitboxes are massive, and it has lots of potential for skilled play. Plus unique levels of technique, like if you go R1 into R2, the R2 doesn't have to do its big windup. And when used 1-handed, it functions just like a regular sword.

In general, they're dex weapons. There's one strength twinblade (which is fantastically overpowered, no less), but it has a gutted moveset.

However, there is one necessary caveat. You NEED to kill the ogre during the tutorial and get the Stone Ring, which increases poise break significantly. It's one of the best rings in the game anyway, and twinblades need it to induce extreme stunlock.

That does seem awesome I did always rock the double saber in KOTOR...not that it mattered as much as I was force storming away the rooms but they do look cool.
Good that it does keep a one handed moveset in case I need to hide behind a shield.
How Early in the game can you get one?

Aha well then, full on alternative builds for original souls, i'd recommend int/dex velka's rapier that is alot of fun, abit of a hassle to get it, but pretty rewarding when you do. It's the only rapier with vertical slashing attacks but still has the thrusts you'd expect, deals split magic/physical damage though so that is the main downside.

Souls 2, that axe is pretty fun, i did a hexer build using it at one point, basicly it has a mixture of mace and axe attacks with its one handed moveset, a small amount of innate lightning damage, the weapon doesnt have great scaling so it's ideal for low str/dex builds. However though it upgrades with twinkling, so getting it to +5 can take a while.

If you have the DLC and don't mind playing pretty much the entire game to get a weapon i highly recommend the bone fist from crown of the ivory king, basicly a fist weapon but with a completly unique move set, rather than standard punches it incorporates sweeping kicks, slaming strikes and uppercuts, the power stance moveset is equaly cool, takes some getting used to because of it's short range, but i guarrantee you wont find another weapon like it.

Where do you actually get Velka's Rapier?
And for fists in DS2 wasnt there also a ring that let you just wreck face unarmed?

 

[Seishisha]

Velka's rapier is inside the painted world, the ring in dark souls 2 is a covenant reward from the company of champions rank 3.

As for twinblades, i think the earliest you can get one is the lost bastile, which is an early game zone.

 

[iwinatlife]

Velka's rapier is inside the painted world, the ring in dark souls 2 is a covenant reward from the company of champions rank 3.

As for twinblades, i think the earliest you can get one is the lost bastile, which is an early game zone.

So early game for Velka should I remake? or just start pumping int and let what I have carry me to that point? maybe go enchant a magic sword with rickert till I get the rapier?

 

[Benpasko]

As the above poster said, you can get a Twinblade in the Lost Bastille. That's about 2-3 bosses into the game, super early. It's in a treasure room that's sort of hidden, but you'll find it if you explore.

And yeah, to get the fist damage ring you need to level up Champion's Covenant. Champion's is basically hard mode for the game. No co-op, enemies take less damage. And the only way to level it up is by killing red phantoms, it's definitely not a 'first playthrough' kind of thing. Plus the Bone Fist has a way cooler moveset, it's like Heihachi from Tekken.

 

[iwinatlife]

As the above poster said, you can get a Twinblade in the Lost Bastille. That's about 2-3 bosses into the game, super early. It's in a treasure room that's sort of hidden, but you'll find it if you explore.

And yeah, to get the fist damage ring you need to level up Champion's Covenant. Champion's is basically hard mode for the game. No co-op, enemies take less damage. And the only way to level it up is by killing red phantoms, it's definitely not a 'first playthrough' kind of thing. Plus the Bone Fist has a way cooler moveset, it's like Heihachi from Tekken.

well i did pick up scholar which i think comes with all the DLC? but how much do you have to beat to unlock Ivory king? a lot right? So Twinblade into late game bonefist?

 

[Benpasko]

well i did pick up scholar which i think comes with all the DLC? but how much do you have to beat to unlock Ivory king? a lot right? So Twinblade into late game bonefist?

Yeah, Ivory King is the 3rd and final DLC. It's the toughest part of the game, you'll need to be very strong before you go for it.

And I'd say try out both, and then decide what you like. They're not comparable at all.

Edit: Another vital tip just came to mind: Upgrade your armor. In DS2, armor doubles in power once it's maxed out, and you will not regret that tankiness. You can use any armor you want, as long as it's maxed.

 

[iwinatlife]

Possibly the worst part about trying to marathon thru all the Souls games is all the stuff you'll likely miss along the way. Going thru them quickly just to say you "beat" them is one thing, but after that it's worth taking some time to reflect on the journeys. Pick a favorite and dig deeper into its many layers. These games are a perfect example of getting out of them what you put into them.

 

[iwinatlife]

Possibly the worst part about trying to marathon thru all the Souls games is all the stuff you'll likely miss along the way. Going thru them quickly just to say you "beat" them is one thing, but after that it's worth taking some time to reflect on the journeys. Pick a favorite and dig deeper into its many layers. These games are a perfect example of getting out of them what you put into them.

Oh I have Watched like at least 3 playthroughs of each game I know a lot about them all but I actually want to do the thing and bet them all as an accomplishment. I am Steeped in the lore.

 

[iwinatlife]

Possibly the worst part about trying to marathon thru all the Souls games is all the stuff you'll likely miss along the way. Going thru them quickly just to say you "beat" them is one thing, but after that it's worth taking some time to reflect on the journeys. Pick a favorite and dig deeper into its many layers. These games are a perfect example of getting out of them what you put into them.

Oh I have Watched like at least 3 playthroughs of each game I know a lot about them all but I actually want to do the thing and bet them all as an accomplishment. I am Steeped in the lore.

Damn...just imagine if you were playing instead of watching...you'd probably have them wrapped up by now!

 

[Saelune]

Possibly the worst part about trying to marathon thru all the Souls games is all the stuff you'll likely miss along the way. Going thru them quickly just to say you "beat" them is one thing, but after that it's worth taking some time to reflect on the journeys. Pick a favorite and dig deeper into its many layers. These games are a perfect example of getting out of them what you put into them.

I played through and beat and got all the achievements in 1 and 2 on Steam (waiting for 3 to go on sale to do the same).

It is crazy how short these games are when you do the bare minimum (and know what you're doing). Both have you play to halfway through NG++ to get all achievements, and by then I rush through having already did virtually everything I could in the first playthrough.

Took me over 110 hours for my first play through of 2. Took me like, 15 to beat it 1 and a half more times.

 

[iwinatlife]

Damn...just imagine if you were playing instead of watching...you'd probably have them wrapped up by now!

You Would think! and I was trying to lay semi unspoiled on my first try of DS1 but i hollowed out on O&S and then got caught up in LoL again..and had to sell my Xbox
for rent so I was unable to play for a few years. However I was still interested so I started watching playthroughs. With DS3 I had issues with my old computer and then got the new one and just hadnt mustered the ember to Redo what I had done.
Thus Taking the plunge once more and starting from the Beginning and will beat them all...hopefully before the end of this year.
Wish I could play Bloodbourne too but no PS4

 

[iwinatlife]

Possibly the worst part about trying to marathon thru all the Souls games is all the stuff you'll likely miss along the way. Going thru them quickly just to say you "beat" them is one thing, but after that it's worth taking some time to reflect on the journeys. Pick a favorite and dig deeper into its many layers. These games are a perfect example of getting out of them what you put into them.

I played through and beat and got all the achievements in 1 and 2 on Steam (waiting for 3 to go on sale to do the same).

It is crazy how short these games are when you do the bare minimum (and know what you're doing). Both have you play to halfway through NG++ to get all achievements, and by then I rush through having already did virtually everything I could in the first playthrough.

Took me over 110 hours for my first play through of 2. Took me like, 15 to beat it 1 and a half more times.

Yeah it's actually a good thing that most of the stuff can be done/acquired in NG. I love replay value, but not the "repeat everything, and from scratch!" kind.

Damn...just imagine if you were playing instead of watching...you'd probably have them wrapped up by now!

You Would think! and I was trying to lay semi unspoiled on my first try of DS1 but i hollowed out on O&S and then got caught up in LoL again..and had to sell my Xbox
for rent so I was unable to play for a few years. However I was still interested so I started watching playthroughs. With DS3 I had issues with my old computer and then got the new one and just hadnt mustered the ember to Redo what I had done.
Thus Taking the plunge once more and starting from the Beginning and will beat them all...hopefully before the end of this year.
Wish I could play Bloodbourne too but no PS4

Ahh I get it. Well, enjoy the journey(s). I recently got a PS4 and had some time to at least try Bloodborne. It's probably next on my list after Plat'ing DS1 which should be fairly soon. Then I still have also yet to play DS2 or 3. I have the CE of 3 but never even bought 2 yet. Will probably get the Scholar edition but am undecided on which to bite into first, since 2 is basically incongruous to its bookends.