arglebargle
Member
i think a lot of it comes down to build as well as the order in which you tackle things and the level you are when you do. i had a lot of trouble with
sif
gywn
LTTP: Dark Souls (PS3)
- Thread starter TWILT
- Start date
i think a lot of it comes down to build as well as the order in which you tackle things and the level you are when you do. i had a lot of trouble with
toddhunter
Member
Tomb of the giants is about as simple as it gets. Just cast light and keep homing soul mass up and everything dies before you even see it.
Oh you are melee only with no light spell? Well nice knowing you.
(Which makes the game great)
The_Hitcher89
Member
What exactly is poise?
Ashler
Member
The attribute that avoids/reduces you getting staggered when hit. The more you have, the less likely/frequently you get stun-locked. This is key in PVP.
Rickenslacker
Banned
It's your ability to tank hits, essentially. You'll be able to take hits and not get stunned, or you'll stagger instead of fall. You can find all the poise break points for weapons here: http://darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com/Poise
Generally 36 is a good all around amount to have.
I played Dark Souls strictly with no magic, which was melee only with some bow dabbling. Giants was annoying, but at least you could have a lantern for it.
The_Hitcher89
Member
Cheers. Was wondering what my Wolf Ring was achieving
Havel is still battering me. I get about 6 or so decent hits in, then roll too early and he does the delayed strike, which smashes me in the back while I'm mid roll and kills me in one
Ashler
Member
Cheers. Was wondering what my Wolf Ring was achieving
Havel is still battering me. I get about 6 or so decent hits in, then roll too early and he does the delayed strike, which smashes me in the back while I'm mid roll and kills me in one
You can parry (L2 or LT, depending on your console) all his attacks. When you get the timing right, its much easier than relying on BS + rolling.
arglebargle
Member
Cheers. Was wondering what my Wolf Ring was achieving
Havel is still battering me. I get about 6 or so decent hits in, then roll too early and he does the delayed strike, which smashes me in the back while I'm mid roll and kills me in one
other than his ring there is no benefit for you to fight havel right now. it does not open any area that you cant already access.
The_Hitcher89
Member
But he's there, and I know I can beat him
How do you get close to the Hydra? If one of the glowing things hits me, my shield absorbs most of the damage, but I keep getting hit by two which destroys me, especially with the amount of time it takes to use the Estus Flask attacks
arglebargle
Member
But he's there, and I know I can beat him
How do you get close to the Hydra? If one of the glowing things hits me, my shield absorbs most of the damage, but I keep getting hit by two which destroys me, especially with the amount of time it takes to use the Estus Flask attacks
sure, i didnt mean to discourage you from fighting him, just saying that its not going to open up any new areas.
hydra advice:
first order of business is rid the area of the golems, which i assume you have done. the hydras range attack is...magic i believe. so load up on magic def and a shield that blocks as much magic as possible. then use the geography of the area (rocks, trees, hills) to get close. once you are close he will stop using magic and start using a physical attack.
Vyse The Legend
Member
Also, run in a zip-zag like motion when making your approach. You want to goad him into shooting toward an area that you're not moving toward.
The_Hitcher89
Member
Don't think any of my shields have particularly high magic defense. I have 3 of them with the same stats
Upgraded the Tower Kite shield (is that what its called) to 72 0 0 0, all my other shields are 62 0 0 0
Upgraded the Tower Kite shield (is that what its called) to 72 0 0 0, all my other shields are 62 0 0 0
The_Hitcher89
Member
I have absolutely no sense of direction, that makes the game pretty hard
I felt the same about 6 hours in, starting to get a feel for the map though at 10 hours
Don't think any of my shields have particularly high magic defense. I have 3 of them with the same stats
Upgraded the Tower Kite shield (is that what its called) to 72 0 0 0, all my other shields are 62 0 0 0
Thats its attack rating, actually. The game doesn't explain it well, but what matters with shields are the defense stats on the right when you hit the 'Status' button(I think). There's no armor rating necessarily, its about what % of damage it shields from certain types of things. 100% physical defensive stat means you dont take any damage from a physical attack(so long as you have the stamina available to absorb it as well). 90% means you deflect 90% of physical damage, but you'll still take 10% damage to life along with the stamina hit.
There's also the Stability rating, which affects how easy you get knocked down, and this attribute is the only thing that is boosted when you upgrade a shield.
The_Hitcher89
Member
So all of my shields are shit? Damn
How do you attack with the shield? Or does it just boost the right-hand weapon damage?
J-Roderton
Member
So all of my shields are shit? Damn
How do you attack with the shield? Or does it just boost the right-hand weapon damage?
You can only attack with certain shields, I think. It's like a battering attack thing. The Eagle shield is one of them.
decoyplatypus
Member
So all of my shields are shit? Damn
How do you attack with the shield? Or does it just boost the right-hand weapon damage?
Probably you're carrying at least one decent one. For the first part of the game any shield with 100% physical damage reduction is fine. When you go to Blighttown (if you go to Blighttown), a shield with good poison resist is helpful. As you get deeper into the game, you can pick a primary physical shield (100% physical reduction, good stability, plus whatever other resistances you like) and a magic shield (most people like the crest shield for this - you can get it as soon you can return to the Undead Asylum), and then maybe keep the grass crest shield around for its endurance boost in certain situations.
SiegfriedFM
Member
You want to go back to Undead Asylum anyway before tackling the Hydra, as you can get a very useful ring there on your second run, as well as the Crest Shield. Also,
.
For early shields, you can make do with the one at the balcony in Undead Parish (guarded by a single Balder knight) or you can farm the shielded undead until they drop Hollow Soldier Shield which is very, very solid for an early shield.
you find a doll that will open up a hidden area later on
For early shields, you can make do with the one at the balcony in Undead Parish (guarded by a single Balder knight) or you can farm the shielded undead until they drop Hollow Soldier Shield which is very, very solid for an early shield.
Boss Riovane
Member
I swear sens fortress gave more trouble then the boss. Heading into Anor Londo..... any advice?
Also is there any reason to upgrade armor/shields?
Also is there any reason to upgrade armor/shields?
Lumination
'enry 'ollins
Enjoy the scenery! Archers are not as impossible as the internet tells you.
Shields can be upgraded for more stability, which is nice if you find yourself running out of stamina too fast from blocking. Armor upgrading gives you some nice extra defense for minimal cost. Not necessary, but if you have some armor you like and some shards lying around, why not?
arglebargle
Member
no new advice beyond what i would give anyone playing the game. move slowly, keep your shield up. and people definitely whine about the archers too much. if you end up needing advice for the boss we can cross that bridge when we come to it.
i dont often upgrade armor, but shields definitely benefit. stability is basically how much stamina gets drained from blocking, and upgrading gives more stamina. if you are lucky enough to get a silver knight shield to drop in AL, upgrade that with some twinkling and win the game.
Yeah, the boss in Anor Londo is a great reason. A high stability shield can make the fight a lot easier.
mickcenary
Member
O&S
I actually never once summoned an NPC/other play the entire game, which is something I'm a bit chuffed with (even though many will contend - and rightfully so - that a lot of the fun is missed out on that way). Initially, it was because I had no idea how summons worked, but eventually it became a stubborn personal goal
.arglebargle
Member
was easily the toughest part in the game for me; it was probably my pivotal 'man, I actually can't do this' moment, but that could be due to the fact that nothing prior ever really seemed insurmountable. It took a good 20 attempts, I reckon; and without any summoned help!O&S
I actually never once summoned an NPC/other play the entire game, which is something I'm a bit chuffed with (even though many will contend - and rightfully so - that a lot of the fun is missed out on that way). Initially, it was because I had no idea how summons worked, but eventually it became a stubborn personal goal
yeah tough fight. in my opinion one of the best across this and demons souls. even on subsequent playthroughs its still tough. my first time through demons souls i never summoned help, and it became a bit of a point of pride, so my first time through dark souls i didnt summon anyone either. on later playthroughs i summoned a bit just to see what it was like. it almost makes the game too easy in my opinion. solo is definitely more satisfying.
ThaddeusMcGee
Member
I have absolutely no sense of direction, that makes the game pretty hard
heh I get disoriented so fast as well, I'm only in Undead Burg. Just been farming and going after some of the recommended starter items. Drake Sword is the bomb.
mickcenary
Member
Yeah, man. The sense of satisfaction after downing that diabolical duo was immense. By game's end - around 65-70 hours - I felt like I'd been on a unprecedentedly enormous journey, not only within the confines of the game, but as a gamer. *tear*.
And I'm only going on heresay with that claim; a lot of people seem to vouch for the fun had playing with others. I'm sure it would be, but you'd lose a lot of the dread/oppression in the atmosphere that makes DS so fucking good.
The_Hitcher89
Member
Starting to click now
Took Havel down by abandoing rolling, and simply running backwards when he starts his swing and going for a light attack while he recovers. Took a while, but he never managed to break my block and attack in time to cause any trouble. Doing this gives a lot more room for error as long as you keep your shield up.
Got his ring, so now I can wear my newly found Elite Armour (which looks awesome) and still roll properly
Farmed the guys the dragon kills for you, and got my Dexterity up so I can roll with the Longbow, and bought the maximum number of arrows. Also upgraded my Broadsword to +5 and Longbow to +1. Not sure how to take the dragon out though, don't really have the patience to fire an arrow at him every 20 seconds
For some reason I was getting humanity while farming those guys, so I kindled the fires in the Basin and near the glowing door in the woods. Think I'm strong enough to take the Moth thing down, but need to get my rolling and dodging down properly to avoid its magic attacks which are only being half-blocked by my shield. Any tactics?
Slightly funny: When I was trying to get to the fire near the glowing door (20,000 to open? Christ) I kept dieing when trying to run around the rubble, which is how I first lit it. I did this 3 times before reading the note on the floor that informs you of the
Cheers whoever left that
Took Havel down by abandoing rolling, and simply running backwards when he starts his swing and going for a light attack while he recovers. Took a while, but he never managed to break my block and attack in time to cause any trouble. Doing this gives a lot more room for error as long as you keep your shield up.
Got his ring, so now I can wear my newly found Elite Armour (which looks awesome) and still roll properly
Farmed the guys the dragon kills for you, and got my Dexterity up so I can roll with the Longbow, and bought the maximum number of arrows. Also upgraded my Broadsword to +5 and Longbow to +1. Not sure how to take the dragon out though, don't really have the patience to fire an arrow at him every 20 seconds
For some reason I was getting humanity while farming those guys, so I kindled the fires in the Basin and near the glowing door in the woods. Think I'm strong enough to take the Moth thing down, but need to get my rolling and dodging down properly to avoid its magic attacks which are only being half-blocked by my shield. Any tactics?
Slightly funny: When I was trying to get to the fire near the glowing door (20,000 to open? Christ) I kept dieing when trying to run around the rubble, which is how I first lit it. I did this 3 times before reading the note on the floor that informs you of the
wall you hit to open the area
I H8 Memes
Member
Starting to click now
Took Havel down by abandoing rolling, and simply running backwards when he starts his swing and going for a light attack while he recovers. Took a while, but he never managed to break my block and attack in time to cause any trouble. Doing this gives a lot more room for error as long as you keep your shield up.
Got his ring, so now I can wear my newly found Elite Armour (which looks awesome) and still roll properly
Farmed the guys the dragon kills for you, and got my Dexterity up so I can roll with the Longbow, and bought the maximum number of arrows. Also upgraded my Broadsword to +5 and Longbow to +1. Not sure how to take the dragon out though, don't really have the patience to fire an arrow at him every 20 seconds
For some reason I was getting humanity while farming those guys, so I kindled the fires in the Basin and near the glowing door in the woods. Think I'm strong enough to take the Moth thing down, but need to get my rolling and dodging down properly to avoid its magic attacks which are only being half-blocked by my shield. Any tactics?
Slightly funny: When I was trying to get to the fire near the glowing door (20,000 to open? Christ) I kept dieing when trying to run around the rubble, which is how I first lit it. I did this 3 times before reading the note on the floor that informs you of theCheers whoever left thatwall you hit to open the area
Are you talking about the dragon
On the bridge between the Undead Burg and the Undead Parish? Because he will just regen from getting hit with arrows. There is another much easier way to beat that guy anyway.
The_Hitcher89
Member
Yeah. How do I kill him if not with arrows?
I H8 Memes
Member
Save at the bonfire in Undead Burg. Go up the ladder and up the steps to the bridge. Theres the railing around the top of the steps right? When you walk out on the bridge he will do his flame thing. On the other side of the railing at the wall go all the way into the right hand corner and his flames wont hit you.
Here's a video of the safe spot to stand in at 20 seconds.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEp9xHU3qzo
Unlike the video shows, you can actually go fully up the steps and to the safe spot before his flames will damage you.
The reason you do this is to bait him into using his flames to kill all the enemies on the bridge. Now scoot to the left but not far enough for him to flame again and wait for him to move down to the bridge. He will do this after about 15 to 20 seconds. When he does you will be safe to run back down the steps.
Now all you need for this is the short bow and the cheap arrows. Dont waste good arrows doing this. After a couple of seconds you will hear him fly back to his perch. Walk about 90% or more back up the steps and hit him in the head with an arrow. This will cause him to fly down to the part of the bridge next to the steps where you are. As soon as you fire the arrow switch to your best 2-hander sword or ax and run up to him and hit him in the head (with free aim, dont lock on) then run back down the steps. Wait until you hear him fly back to his perch then repeat the process. might take the first time he flies down for you to gauge where he will be so you hit him in the head, but overall it's pretty easy to do this without taking any damage at all. I used the Drake sword and it only took about 13 hits to the head to kill him
Here's a video of the safe spot to stand in at 20 seconds.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEp9xHU3qzo
Unlike the video shows, you can actually go fully up the steps and to the safe spot before his flames will damage you.
The reason you do this is to bait him into using his flames to kill all the enemies on the bridge. Now scoot to the left but not far enough for him to flame again and wait for him to move down to the bridge. He will do this after about 15 to 20 seconds. When he does you will be safe to run back down the steps.
Now all you need for this is the short bow and the cheap arrows. Dont waste good arrows doing this. After a couple of seconds you will hear him fly back to his perch. Walk about 90% or more back up the steps and hit him in the head with an arrow. This will cause him to fly down to the part of the bridge next to the steps where you are. As soon as you fire the arrow switch to your best 2-hander sword or ax and run up to him and hit him in the head (with free aim, dont lock on) then run back down the steps. Wait until you hear him fly back to his perch then repeat the process. might take the first time he flies down for you to gauge where he will be so you hit him in the head, but overall it's pretty easy to do this without taking any damage at all. I used the Drake sword and it only took about 13 hits to the head to kill him
for iron golem, I never bothered to kill the bomb tossing giant cause I didn't know I could get to him. anyway, leaving him alive made my fight super easy. I 1-shotted it. the giant bombs did at least 50% of his HP for me.
for havel I found that backing up and let him whiff then capitalize is safer than rolling around him
for havel I found that backing up and let him whiff then capitalize is safer than rolling around him
J-Roderton
Member
Tomb of Giants tomorrow
Enjoy your stay.
The_Hitcher89
Member
Beat the Stray Demon by exploiting a glitch. he got stuck in the floor and was just stood still doing the walking animation, so I peppered him with arrows. Sent the 20k on the door is the darkwood, and joined the Forest Hunters
ambientmystic
Member
Why join the forest hunters, when you can farm the hostile forest hunter NPCs for phat souls?
(7000 souls a run without additional soul buffing items, 21k in NG+)
The_Hitcher89
Member
I'll probably join a different Covenant soon enough, at which point they'll turn hostile again.
Fuck the Cat Covenant Ring btw. If I want to invade someone's world, it'll be on my terms and when I decide the time is right
Banjo Tango
Member
The fuck they do.
One of my only "Really, From? Really?!" moments in the game. I have yet to find a 'satisfying' strategy dealing with them. Everything I've done to get past them seems either to rely on luck or just feels totally cheap.
Boss Riovane
Member
I picked up an item called Ricards Rapier.....
Now the question is it worth continuing to lvl of the BSS(currently at +10) or switching over to the rapier. Remember im rocking a dex build heading into AnorLondo.......?
Now the question is it worth continuing to lvl of the BSS(currently at +10) or switching over to the rapier. Remember im rocking a dex build heading into AnorLondo.......?
lucablight
Member
I was at the shops today and I noticed they were selling Dark soulsrepare to die edition. I hadn't heard of a retail release before this. This is essentially Dark souls with all the DLC yeah?
repare to die edition. I hadn't heard of a retail release before this. This is essentially Dark souls with all the DLC yeah?ambientmystic
Member
I just take out my trusty Pharis Black Bow with Poison arrows and bail on them from a distance with the Ring of Fog equipped as well. In NG+ they're even more trivial when you add the Hawk Ring to the equation. Totally cheap, but 100% safe.
Keep rockin' that BSS all the way to +15 mate. They don't call it the Baller Swag Sword for nothing. Best all around dex weapon ever, excellent moveset although the individual damage per swing isn't that great at the endgame.
I was at the shops today and I noticed they were selling Dark souls
Yep. All of it.
ambientmystic
Member
Go for it, you have nothing to lose trying it out!
Only Hours and Hours of your life as you traverse the game world.
To be honest, I think that specific part wasn't well designed. I feel like it breaks the elegant design that the Souls series is known for.
Let me see if I can explain it better:
- This is your first encounter with those enemies and weapons, not only you don't know their HP, Poise, attack pattern, implications of getting hit, etc.
- The path is a little bit tricky since it's not clear what way to take, left or right. (One is almost certain death)
- There is little to no room for experimentation.
- The AI can make things really difficult. (The archer doesn't change mode, the other archer moves, etc.)
- A nasty one: Shields are not usable... those hits make you bounce against the wall to your death or at least it used to. To make it worse, this is the first time you will notice it and the only time you will care about it.
For someone new to the game and not following a guide, that part is quite mean.
Naturally, it becomes much easier later thanks to the acquired knowledge, skills, more powerful weapons and miracles that open more strategies to deal with them.
Personally, this is what I do:
- One of the miracles that knockdown your enemies. You have to get close but it's kinda easy and not that risky.
- Heavy weapons that break their poise/staggers in 1 hit. Once again, you have to get close and cross your fingers that they will not cover everything you do.
And if I'm feeling unstoppable:
- Counter!
Ashler
Member
It already is when you decide the time is right, its when you put the cat ring on.
Im Jelly. Wish I could go back to the first time I played it.
Annoying as it is to admit it when your failing at it, that segment is pure twitch and timing. When I am feeling it, I can run past the gargoyles, up the ledge, roll, parry, stab, roll without missing a beat. Its positively exhilarating when it works. -- You learn a lot from watching Japanese speed runs. There's a couple other segments that I learned to blow by.
ambientmystic
Member
Have you already rescued Dusk from the Golden Golem at the back of that cave where the Hydra was in Darkroot Basin? I think it might be a trigger. I'm not quite sure though.
Also, try forcing that Golem (the one at the Duke's Archives entrance) to respawn and kill it again after rescuing Dusk of Oolacile. You may get the cursed pendant then.