Dark souls 1 lovers… how soon do you do… what you need to do? Example:

CrimsonTide

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When do you get the rite of kindling?

When do you get the fire keeper souls?

What's your steps you take on brand new playthroughs to ensure a joyous ride?

Me? Well, after Taurus Demon. I run straight down to the Catacombs and bully pinwheel for my 20 flasks.

Also I love a good Uchi. Bleed matters. I'll kill that merchant in my first 15 minutes

Same goes for Drake Sword. I'll buy arrows first from said merchant then kill and then go get my sword.

What's your agenda?
 
Any time I replay, it's to use a different weapon. I go get the large ember and then the extra large in ghost town. Then Anor Londo. Then I warp back to fire link and go get the rite. Then I get bored and play a different game.
 
Any time I replay, it's to use a different weapon. I go get the large ember and then the extra large in ghost town. Then Anor Londo. Then I warp back to fire link and go get the rite. Then I get bored and play a different game.
You said warp. So post O&S? Large is in depths and extra is new londo right?
 
Yeah, 10 pots is enough to beat O&S for me. And yes.
I always Forget about that New Londo one for some reason.

Getting it early that is anyhow. Eventually I'll always have it.

But like the rusted ring. I'll snag that shit early too. Then enter Blight town with the master key and own it
 
Most I do is rush for my desired weapon (or something in the same class if its gated) then do a 100% run with said weapon.

Pinwheel can wait though. At this point I barely need 10 flasks let alone 20.
 
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Most I do is rush for my desired weapon (or something in the same class if its gated) then do a 100% run with said weapon.

Pinwheel can wait though. At this point I barely need 10 flasks let alone 20.
True. But I like dashing into the catacombs for a hot second and getting my 20. For the fun of it.
 
Yeah, 10 pots is enough to beat O&S for me. And yes.
My first playthrough i didnt even realize i could increase it, had to beat the game with only 5. Which had the side effect of firelink shrine shortcuts feeling even better because that one gives 10. Im pretty sure for some bosses that were kinda close, i did a longer boss run in order to hsve 10 for the fight.
 
I'm a fan of it. Fantastic place. Absolutely. Couple that with Ash Lake. It's amazing
Me too, my favourite level in the game. Despite the technicall problems at the time, it's the best designed level in my opinion. All those layers and then seing the tree top up there, the access to ash lake. Amazing level.
 
I always go to New Londo and get the fire keeper soul there first thing. I just let the ghosts kill me once I have it. Also, once he moves to his firelink location, I always kick Lautrec repeatedly until he falls off the edge at firelink so I can get the Ring of Favour and Protection early. Just rest at the bonfire and it will appear where he was standing. By kicking him, he doesn't aggro so I don't even have to fight him, just keep kicking until he falls.
 
I tend to work up normally, get the key to the magic door, then get down to woods and farm the phantom dudes to level fast. Go and see that cat too, just for the fun of it. Maybe the mushroom dudes. Check back to take a look at Sens now and then.

Love that part of the game compared to the Depths and Blighttown - raw sewage running through them with some right nasty bastards down there.
 
I have no agenda. I try to make the game harder for myself so min-maxing is a no. I intentionally don't go out of my way to get OP early in the game and that is the best way to play for me. Souls are my comfort games.
 
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Sometimes I like to "start" in an area, get all the goodies and upgrading them.
For example the catacombs, you can get a scythe and lucerne, get lucky with the crystal lizard and get a green shard. So you'll have the opportunity to get a fire weapon immediately.
Hang around with vamos, kill some (lots) of skelly wheels, maybe get a shield. There's also the black knight, but I tend to ignore those weapons. Terribly OP, those are.

It's also there I found out you get increased souls if you keep killing the same enemy. I almost always skip pinwheel as I think the right of kindling is highly unnecessary.
Then you emerge from the catacombs a true warrior.

This is just an example, it all depends on the focus of the playthrough. I usually do like to go through dragons valley with the key to unlock the lift into the parish, get the fire keeper souls and lautrec for his ring. Sen's skip for the gold serpent ring is also mandatory for me. There's also the lightning spear, steel ring and lost of demon titanite if you need it. I love this game, but the drop rates are complete butt.

Also fun fact, that fake wall in Sen's is the only one in the game that you must hit and can't roll through.
 
I always go to New Londo and get the fire keeper soul there first thing. I just let the ghosts kill me once I have it. Also, once he moves to his firelink location, I always kick Lautrec repeatedly until he falls off the edge at firelink so I can get the Ring of Favour and Protection early. Just rest at the bonfire and it will appear where he was standing. By kicking him, he doesn't aggro so I don't even have to fight him, just keep kicking until he falls.
Yeah the kick method is tried and true. Sometimes I am impatient and pick a fight in his jail cell. Usually does not end well for me, end up having to come back a couple times.
 
Sometimes I like to "start" in an area, get all the goodies and upgrading them.
For example the catacombs, you can get a scythe and lucerne, get lucky with the crystal lizard and get a green shard. So you'll have the opportunity to get a fire weapon immediately.
Hang around with vamos, kill some (lots) of skelly wheels, maybe get a shield. There's also the black knight, but I tend to ignore those weapons. Terribly OP, those are.

It's also there I found out you get increased souls if you keep killing the same enemy. I almost always skip pinwheel as I think the right of kindling is highly unnecessary.
Then you emerge from the catacombs a true warrior.

This is just an example, it all depends on the focus of the playthrough. I usually do like to go through dragons valley with the key to unlock the lift into the parish, get the fire keeper souls and lautrec for his ring. Sen's skip for the gold serpent ring is also mandatory for me. There's also the lightning spear, steel ring and lost of demon titanite if you need it. I love this game, but the drop rates are complete butt.

Also fun fact, that fake wall in Sen's is the only one in the game that you must hit and can't roll through.
Did not know that in Sens, also heard the Scythe is good but NEVER have used it and not certain I have ever picked it up.

I usually bitch out after pinwheel and homeward bone to the first bonfire in the Catacombs, then leave. Because I am BARELY leveled if it all when I do it and HELL NO I am not good enough for some SL1 type nonsense
 
Blight town was when it truly clicked for me and I realized how much I loved the game.

My first order of business nowadays is to nab the great scythe.
Is that in Blight town? or the one above another poster said Catacombs? I am tempted to try this weapon.
 
Is that in Blight town? or the one above another poster said Catacombs? I am tempted to try this weapon.
It's in catacombs, it's a huge pain to get but it is great fun once you have it. Iirc it's the highest DPS dex weapon, and it also has incredible reach an an effective yet interesting moveset.
 
It's in catacombs, it's a huge pain to get but it is great fun once you have it. Iirc it's the highest DPS dex weapon, and it also has incredible reach an an effective yet interesting moveset.
I may as well try it. I am using the uchi as my normal dex weapon. Where bouts it is?
 
I may as well try it. I am using the uchi as my normal dex weapon. Where bouts it is?


The top comment is "how do I get out" which is a very good point. The concensus seems to be "make the run but don't rest at any bonfires, then homeward bone out"

It's worth the effort.
 


The top comment is "how do I get out" which is a very good point. The concensus seems to be "make the run but don't rest at any bonfires, then homeward bone out"

It's worth the effort.

Yeah I'd def not rest lol 😂 Ash Lake taught us that much for sure
 
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Did the 100% opposite here. Rested bc I was scared I'd not be able to make the jump.

Ended up at Vamos. Rested there too. Had to fight my way out for much longer than I planned lol 😂 but. Made it
 


The top comment is "how do I get out" which is a very good point. The concensus seems to be "make the run but don't rest at any bonfires, then homeward bone out"

It's worth the effort.

csBbjFL.jpeg

Did the opposite

Rested at the bonfire. Scared I'd not make the jump. Went to Vamos. Had to fight my way out from him to here. Phew 😮‍💨 not fun.

But it's done. ✅

Now… to upgrade this weapon
 
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The joy of snagging a weapon early on. Being stuck like Chuck in the catacombs bc like a Bitch I rested At bonfires

I'm out. Back home. Now it's time to see what the fuss is about with this beauty
 
I just started a NG run... on PS3.
My first From Software game. Yes, indeed. It's the actual same disc that a friend bought me as some sort of a joke (back then the urban legends of it's supposed difficulty were running rampant at the time). I beat the game once back then but it wasn't until Bloodborne came along that they really got their hooks into me.

I lost the account I beat it on back then so I realized my DS1 trophy list needs to be complete or I'll look like some poser who only platinumed DS1 Remastered!

The way I went about it this time differs quite a lot from my remastered playthrough, where I went full tilt dex-uchi build after slaughtering the poor undead merchant.
This time I have my sight set:
-Zweihander pancake galore with a sprinkle of pyromancies.

To speed up the process I've glitch-killed the Darkroot DnD-party many times. A bit cheap, sure, but it's tedious enough for it to be completely acceptable IMO.

So far I've made it through the Depths and somehow miracilously made it down to the bottom of the swamp. I think my memories of how DS1 ran on PS3 were... a bit rose tinted. I knew Blighttown was bad but man, it's a fucking slideshow at times. Way worse than I remember.

And yet... it's fucking glorious. It's a wierd experience because despite the game running like ass I can't help but to feel it was part of that first experience. It does add quite a bit of challenge, especially now that most games are 60fps.

Edit: I think I'm gonna go for a detour down to the catacombs and New Londo before Sens fortress, I've always ended up doing them last for some reason.
 
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I just started a NG run... on PS3.
My first From Software game. Yes, indeed. It's the actual same disc that a friend bought me as some sort of a joke (back then the urban legends of it's supposed difficulty were running rampant at the time). I beat the game once back then but it wasn't until Bloodborne came along that they really got their hooks into me.

I lost the account I beat it on back then so I realized my DS1 trophy list needs to be complete or I'll look like some poser who only platinumed DS1 Remastered!

The way I went about it this time differs quite a lot from my remastered playthrough, where I went full tilt dex-uchi build after slaughtering the poor undead merchant.
This time I have my sight set:
-Zweihander pancake galore with a sprinkle of pyromancies.

To speed up the process I've glitch-killed the Darkroot DnD-party many times. A bit cheap, sure, but it's tedious enough for it to be completely acceptable IMO.

So far I've made it through the Depths and somehow miracilously made it down to the bottom of the swamp. I think my memories of how DS1 ran on PS3 were... a bit rose tinted. I knew Blighttown was bad but man, it's a fucking slideshow at times. Way worse than I remember.

And yet... it's fucking glorious. It's a wierd experience because despite the game running like ass I can't help but to feel it was part of that first experience. It does add quite a bit of challenge, especially now that most games are 60fps.

Edit: I think I'm gonna go for a detour down to the catacombs and New Londo before Sens fortress, I've always ended up doing them last for some reason.
I'm quite jealous you're playing OG PS3 jank version

Even the PPTD on PC isn't remotely the same. Allegedly

God speed my friend. Don't you dare go hollow
 
I know it's a controversial take, but I usually end up uninstalling it after just a few hours

It's one of the only Souls(like) game where I get absolutely wrecked no matter what I do. Nothing seems to click, not the rolling, not the enemy patterns. I just can't seem to read them properly.

And that's coming from someone who's beaten Dark Souls 2 and 3 dozens of times, finished Elden Ring more times than I can count and considers Sekiro their favorite game of all time.

But this one? I just don't get it
 
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I know it's a controversial take, but I usually end up uninstalling it after just a few hours

It's one of the only Souls(like) game where I get absolutely wrecked no matter what I do. Nothing seems to click, not the rolling, not the enemy patterns. I just can't seem to read them properly.

And that's coming from someone who's beaten Dark Souls 2 and 3 dozens of times, finished Elden Ring more times than I can count and considers Sekiro their favorite game of all time.

But this one? I just don't get it
Def wild. Especially if you beat DS2 and DS3, among other FS games.

It IS a slower pace, there is no doubt on that, combat wise. But I just eat it up and it is top 5 GOAT to me.
 
Did not know that in Sens, also heard the Scythe is good but NEVER have used it and not certain I have ever picked it up.

I usually bitch out after pinwheel and homeward bone to the first bonfire in the Catacombs, then leave. Because I am BARELY leveled if it all when I do it and HELL NO I am not good enough for some SL1 type nonsense
Use the scythe. You can upgrade it later into a boss soul weapon, which you may or may not like.

But yeah scythes and halberds are tricky because if you miss an attack you'll stumble.
 
Use the scythe. You can upgrade it later into a boss soul weapon, which you may or may not like.

But yeah scythes and halberds are tricky because if you miss an attack you'll stumble.
I am enjoying the reach, also I like the strong attack it has. It is a +7 at this point.
 
Nice. Told ya!
If you're gonna upgrade it into the boss weapon, you may want to look up beforehand what it does, as it'll turn into a double edged.. Scythe.
 
I have no agenda. I try to make the game harder for myself so min-maxing is a no. I intentionally don't go out of my way to get OP early in the game and that is the best way to play for me. Souls are my comfort games.
PC? Dark Souls Overhaul has some great options.


I like Auto-Gravelording for an organic feeling hard mode. It's all the extra gravelord enemies but always enabled. It's great seeing all the extras that most people never get to see.

Combining with agressive AI is a bit much though, as as soon as enemies spawn in they're aggro'd.

I usually pop ALL my boss souls. But may try to see if this one is cool.
You disgust me.
 
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PC? Dark Souls Overhaul has some great options.


I like Auto-Gravelording for an organic feeling hard mode. It's all the extra gravelord enemies but always enabled. It's great seeing all the extras that most people never get to see.

Combining with agressive AI is a bit much though, as as soon as enemies spawn in they're aggro'd.


You disgust me.
I know but it's quick and easy souls. I feel bad about it.

I am no where near talented enough to do challenge runs YET. But am good enough to know a few things and beat it lol

Have never beaten NG+. No reason. I am going to right my wrongs.
 
Blight town was when it truly clicked for me and I realized how much I loved the game.

My first order of business nowadays is to nab the great scythe.

I loved it from the get go but it wasn't Blight town that made me love it even more, it was coming up the elevator, seeing sunlight, and then realizing the nightmare was over and I was back at Firelink Shrine. The combination of relief and joy from finally conquering that area, plus my mind being blown at where I was, was the ultimate moment for the whole series for me.
 
I loved it from the get go but it wasn't Blight town that made me love it even more, it was coming up the elevator, seeing sunlight, and then realizing the nightmare was over and I was back at Firelink Shrine. The combination of relief and joy from finally conquering that area, plus my mind being blown at where I was, was the ultimate moment for the whole series for me.
Yep. It's magic. 🪄

Pure magic. I'm under the spell.

Demon ruins is fantastic (the unfinished part apparently). I love It all
 
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I hide like a bitch and pump 200 arrows into a dragon's tail. Don't judge me.
...i did that to Manus...
(only because when i was about to win the fight i got lag fragged by him.)

Graveyard, Roll like a champ, get zweihander, upgrade to lightning...
Play as you like after.
 
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I'm either rocking the Black Knight Ultra Greatsword or I'm getting Artorias's Great Sword to carry on his legacy. Acquiring Oscar's Straight Sword is a must too in honor of his quest. Everything before that and after is an attempt to save as many souls from the tragedy of hollowing as possible.

Been a while since I've had a playthrough of the OG Dark Souls though. Might have to fire up the flames again.
 
I loved it from the get go but it wasn't Blight town that made me love it even more, it was coming up the elevator, seeing sunlight, and then realizing the nightmare was over and I was back at Firelink Shrine. The combination of relief and joy from finally conquering that area, plus my mind being blown at where I was, was the ultimate moment for the whole series for me.
Shoot, you're right. I can't believe I forgot about that, lol. Firelink elevator is the single best moment in any souls game, bar none
 
Drake Sword is fucking trash. It doesn't scale and its moveset sucks. Its a well known beginner trap. I usually ignore it. Mostly I fished for a BK greatsword. Dumped it when I got an early BK Halberd.

Balder Shield is another thing I fish for early on.
 
I just now realized that I've never really tried a Greatsword-build in DS1. I've used its UGS equivalent in all the sequels but the GS moveset in DS1 just feels wierd af. The heavy attacks can probably break the poise of pretty much anything, though.
I guess one could get it early on since it's a rare drop from the Bernike Knight in Undead Parish. Feels like the stat investment required is a bit high when compared to the Zwei, but might be fun. Anyone here tried mainlining it?
 
I'm either rocking the Black Knight Ultra Greatsword or I'm getting Artorias's Great Sword to carry on his legacy. Acquiring Oscar's Straight Sword is a must too in honor of his quest. Everything before that and after is an attempt to save as many souls from the tragedy of hollowing as possible.

Been a while since I've had a playthrough of the OG Dark Souls though. Might have to fire up the flames again.
It is never not a good time for a new run!
 
I just now realized that I've never really tried a Greatsword-build in DS1. I've used its UGS equivalent in all the sequels but the GS moveset in DS1 just feels wierd af. The heavy attacks can probably break the poise of pretty much anything, though.
I guess one could get it early on since it's a rare drop from the Bernike Knight in Undead Parish. Feels like the stat investment required is a bit high when compared to the Zwei, but might be fun. Anyone here tried mainlining it?
If the Zwei counts, I have. But I like the fast and slashy builds better than full tank.

Been a while since I have though. I never get the rare drops in any run ever lol
 
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