TBH, this is making me doubt whether I should be getting this. I've beaten every Soulsborne (but haven't played the DLCs), and they have generally felt difficult but fair. Base ER was maybe a tad on the easy side except for a couple of bosses - I did everything solo (if you don't count using the Tear) except for Malenia where I summoned help like a little bitch. But I'm not sure I'm in the mood for something significantly more difficult. The frustration, and eventually prevailing, is a big part of the experience, but reading these comments I'm afraid it will be TOO frustrating and I just won't find it enjoyable.
It's also been two years since I touched this game, so there would definitely be a learning curve to get back into it.
The issue I have with the increased difficulty in the DLC is that it's not even well crafted. It's just duplicated from ER and parameters dialed up to a point where enemies can always one- and two-shot you, bombarding you relentlessly.
For most normal human beings, a tanky build with a perfected range of talismans might be the only way to get anywhere.
So, I’ve adjusted my strategies, adjusted my build, adjusted my summons, and now I’m making progress and defeating bosses. But I don't think it should be quite this finicky?
Not everyone has an infinite capacity to improve. What FromSoftware is doing here is making the game less accessible for more people.
But with that said, exploring this DLC world is glorious. Despite the difficulty shit I'm having a great time.