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[Dominic_Shade]

Where to go. Wandering aimlessly isn't fun. I found a new path. Cool what does that mean? Nothing. Again, I find the design choice for the levels to be terrible. The hub system for this style of gameplay works in Demons Souls. Take that away and it's wander around fighting stuff.

The moment I get to Firelink Shrine after the tutorial, I can take a number of paths that give me access to the following items: Estoc, Morning Star, Astora's Straight Sword, Dragon Crest Shield (if I'm lucky), Red Tearstone Ring (if I'm feeling especially ballsy), Zweihander, and a Winged Spear -- plus about four level-ups worth of soul items. Already, I'm rewarded for my exploration by acquiring gear that is potentially much more useful than my starting equipment, giving me a powerful edge over the first few areas. I'm certainly never rewarded with "nothing" -- at worst, I simply find an item that doesn't fit the build I'm working towards.

Spoiler

ok yeah half the stuff i listed requires that i pick up the master key at my starting gift

Well, I've certainly died a lot already! But they haven't felt like cheap deaths, I only have myself to blame. Part of it is also that I'm not quite used to the controls yet. But I'm having fun!

If you die again before getting to your stuff it's gone forever, right? Is it just souls you lose, or other stuff as well? No items or anything, right? I also haven't quite figured out this hollow/unhollow stuff. You become hollow when you die? What's bad about that, exactly, except that you then can't invade other players? Oh yeah, and you also can't kindle fires, right? Is hollow the same as undead, or are those different things?

And man, those big knight dudes... Am I supposed to be able to kill them yet? Because it feels really, really hard.

I'm glad you're persevering! It's true that dying twice results in the permanent loss of souls and humanity dropped, but you will never lose any items, rings, or gear. The way it works is after each death you only have one chance to recover the souls and humanity of your previous "life", which is found in a bloodstain near the spot where you died. Should you perish again before you get there, the bloodstain vanishes forever and is replaced by a "newer" bloodstain containing whatever souls and humanity you possessed before this latest death. Basically there can only be one bloodstain existing in the game world at all times, and that bloodstain always holds the souls and humanity you carried in your previous "life". Hope that makes sense.

Think of being Hollow as another state of being, not necessarily a "better" or "worse" one in terms of combat performance. Your stats remain unchanged, but Hollows cannot kindle bonfires (thus raising the amount of Estus Flasks replenished when resting at that bonfire) nor can they summon players to their world for co-op (but you're still free to lay down your own summon sign for other players to see). Also, when you're Hollow you can't be invaded; this may be useful when you just want to learn the ins and outs of a level without being interrupted.

Those "big knight dudes" are Black Knights. They're intentionally designed to be much stronger than the usual enemies you encountered prior to them. Feel free to skip them if you're having difficulties, but I do recommend fighting them in the future because they're often guarding valuable treasures.

 

[U n i o n 0015]

It isn't all about rolling though, the two dogs can be a pain in the ass if they catch you at the right moment. It is an easy fight once you get the hang of it, but for the first few times it is hard.

Agreed. Part of the Souls experience is talking with other players about the game.

But if one wants to experience it raw, the game is built for that, too.

 

[shandy706]

I've spent the weekend playing it for the first time.

First, it's not too hard. I'd guess that's due to me heeding the warnings to take it slow, roll, and keep my shield up.

Unlike the OP it doesn't feel like Zelda. I love Zelda.

I'm afraid I'm bored to death playing this. It's just too drab for me and I absolutely cannot stand non-stop repetition in a game.

I certain won't say its a bad game, but I probably won't play it anymore. At least it was free, so no regrets.

 

[RoadHazard]

You lose souls and humanity upon death, and failing to corpse run successfully.

...

I'm glad you're persevering! It's true that dying twice results in the permanent loss of souls and humanity dropped, but you will never lose any items, rings, or gear.

...

Thanks guys!

I though being dead and alive were supposed to be two quite different states, like you become a ghost when you die and only regain your bodily form after getting back to where you died, and that there would be more consequences for failing to do that. Am I thinking of Demon's Souls (which I haven't played either)? Did they significantly change this mechanic? Here it seems like there's no major difference beyond losing souls and humanity.

BTW, you only lose humanity that you've actually "used", right? Not the humanity that's still in item form? And speaking of that, is there any reason to carry those around without using them? Is it just "shit, I'll probably die soon, so I'd better not use them for now"?

... maybe I should just keep playing and figure this stuff out on my own!

 

[Slammin_Hammon]

So I'm in my second play through and I was wondering what light armor sets are good? I've been using the black iron set but I want a more agile character.

 

[Vico]

Thought I would hate the game. But here I am, absolutely stunned by everything I see.

Had to face deaths a lot early on, but it's starting to be worth it, and I'm making good progress now.

 

[RoadHazard]

Just got invaded for the first time. Did not go well! Lost a whole bunch of souls and humanity because of that jerk.

This only happens when you're human, right? Maybe I should just stay semi-dead for now...

 

[StuBurns]

Thanks guys!

I though being dead and alive were supposed to be two quite different states, like you become a ghost when you die and only regain your bodily form after getting back to where you died, and that there would be more consequences for failing to do that. Am I thinking of Demon's Souls (which I haven't played either)? Did they significantly change this mechanic? Here it seems like there's no major difference beyond losing souls and humanity.

BTW, you only lose humanity that you've actually "used", right? Not the humanity that's still in item form? And speaking of that, is there any reason to carry those around without using them? Is it just "shit, I'll probably die soon, so I'd better not use them for now"?

... maybe I should just keep playing and figure this stuff out on my own!

Demon's is the same, except being undead halves your health (there's a ring the brings it back to 75% though).

Yes, you only lose 'soft humanity' you've already used. Items are all safe.

Try not to use them, you will want to kindle bonfires, and might want to summon help for bosses.

 

[Wolfe]

If you beat Capra at that level already, this game will be a cakewalk for you :lol He's one of the most infamous ds1 bosses. Nice OP, good read

Not really, levels don't account for as much as you're giving them credit for in my opinion, if anything they're simply a means to using new equipment (putting aside vitality/endurance). Plus given that he picked up the Drake sword he's rolling with some pretty heavy weaponry atm. I mean the main reason Capra is so hard aside from the space confines and his huge leaps and attacks (and the dogs obviously) is that when most players reach him they're vastly undergeared to be able to dispense him in a timely manner.

If he's able to breeze through the next few bosses up through O&S then you'll have a point I guess.

 

[RoadHazard]

Well, I'm having my first serious trouble with this big guy on a bridge (forget what he's called right now). He can kill me in like two hits, and there's nowhere to run! Can barely even get past him to run to the other end. Usually I end up dead when trying.

 

[StuBurns]

Well, I'm having my first serious trouble with this big guy on a bridge (forget what he's called right now). He can kill me in like two hits, and there's nowhere to run! Can barely even get past him to run to the other end. Usually I end up dead when trying.

Are you sure there's no where to run?

Look up.

 

[RoadHazard]

Are you sure there's no where to run?

Look up.

Hmm, all I saw above me was an annoying archer I couldn't get to. But maybe I didn't pay enough attention, was pretty tired toward the end there. Will look more closely next time!

 

[Wolfe]

Hmm, all I saw above me was an annoying archer I couldn't get to. But maybe I didn't pay enough attention, was pretty tired toward the end there. Will look more closely next time!

I mean, that annoying guy got up there some how!

 

[william_557]

Really? I didn't think he was THAT hard, honestly. I also got the sword from the Red Dragon that does an insane amount of damage though, so that's been a huge help and has made the game considerably easier.

Just got that sword

I also used that sword you get of those black knights (levelled up a bit to weild it) and pretty much just tanked the capra demon

 

[BumblebeeCody]

Not a Metroid player, I see.

Yeah but I prefer the layout of Demons Souls more. The Mario 64 style hub system just works as well as how he levels are designed (linear with an end boss). For Dark Souls it doesn't. I've taken in what everyone is saying in response to my posts and I still can't see what it is I'm supposed to be doing. The only reason I'm asking questions is because I'm generally interested in trying this game.
*Also, Metroid clearly labels where can and can't go by obvious barriers and obstacles such as blue doors or a special wall. Dark Souls doesn't.

The moment I get to Firelink Shrine after the tutorial, I can take a number of paths that give me access to the following items: Estoc, Morning Star, Astora's Straight Sword, Dragon Crest Shield (if I'm lucky), Red Tearstone Ring (if I'm feeling especially ballsy), Zweihander, and a Winged Spear -- plus about four level-ups worth of soul items. Already, I'm rewarded for my exploration by acquiring gear that is potentially much more useful than my starting equipment, giving me a powerful edge over the first few areas. I'm certainly never rewarded with "nothing" -- at worst, I simply find an item that doesn't fit the build I'm working towards.

That's the answer I'm looking for. I just defeated the Moonlight Butterfly thing...still don't know what I'm doing but I know I killed something big. But I guess that's games style.
"Wander around hit stuff the game".

 

[Sentenza]

That's the answer I'm looking for. I just defeated the Moonlight Butterfly thing...still don't know what I'm doing but I know I killed something big. But I guess that's games style.
"Wander around hit stuff the game".

No, it's not. It's you that clearly can't pay attention to what the game points you.
Your main goal was already suggested to you more than once.

"You need to sound two bells, one is above, the other is below".
Did you reach the first one? Are you looking for the second?
If you did, your next goal after that point would be even more clear, but you are clearly not paying any attention to the hints the game serves to you, both in terms of NPC dialogues and item descriptions, and then you are repeatedly complaining that "the hand-holding isn't strong enough in this one".

 

[maszu]

Hello NeoGAF. Long time reader, haven't posted much since my account got activated, haha.

Just cleared it for the first time. MAN, what a relief. This game relly rewards slow, cautious gameplay. The moment you get cocky, *boom* back to the last bonfire you go. I still have to look into the DLC areas some time later though.

The bosses though?

Spoiler

Chaos Witch Qualagg + Smaoug & Ornstein where my greatest enemies. I have no idea how many times I have died on those two. The Four Kings gave me trouble too but nothing along the lines of Orstein just fly stabbing me across the room whenever he feel like!

Roll on Dark Souls 2!

 

[RobbieH]

No, it's not. It's you that clearly can't pay attention to what the game points you.
Your main goal was already suggested to you more than once.

"You need to sound two bells, one is above, the other is below".
Did you reach the first one? Are you looking for the second?
If you did, your next goal after that point would be even more clear, but you are clearly not paying any attention to the hints the game serves to you, both in terms of NPC dialogues and item descriptions, and then you are repeatedly complaining that "the hand-holding isn't strong enough in this one".

Seriously.

Spoiler

"…Thou who art Undead, art chosen…
…In thine exodus from the Undead Asylum, maketh pilgrimage to the land of Ancient Lords…
…When thou ringeth the Bell of Awakening, the fate of the Undead thou shalt know."

...

"Well, since you're here… Let me help you out.
There are actually two Bells of Awakening.
One's up above, in the Undead Church. The other is far, far below, in the ruins at the base of Blighttown."

...

"One of the bells is up above in the Undead Church, but the lift is broken.
You'll have to climb the stairs up the ruins, and access the Undead Burg through the waterway.
The other bell is back down below the Undead Burg,
within the plague-infested Blighttown."

...

Basement Key description: "Opens the narrow passage leading below at the far face of the great bridge in the Undead Burg. The lower Undead Burg is a treacherous place. Do not turn your back on the wily thieves, or the wild dogs who serve the Capra Demon."

It only gets more apparent after that.

 

[RoadHazard]

I mean, that annoying guy got up there some how!

Yep, found the way up! Still having some trouble with this guy, but I'll get there. Know how to do it now, just have to execute!

 

[StuBurns]

Yep, found the way up! Still having some trouble with this guy, but I'll get there. Know how to do it now, just have to execute!

Wait till you're falling before hitting RB.

 

[Persona RS]

Wait till you're falling before hitting RB.

Or he can fight him on top of the tower. More room to manouver.

 

[RoadHazard]

Or he can fight him on top of the tower. More room to manouver.

That's what I'm doing. Problem is that he keeps knocking me off the tower, not sure how to avoid that. If I try rolling away I leave myself open to being seriously hurt. Oh well, up we go again!

EDIT: There we go.

 

[EasyMode]

That's what I'm doing. Problem is that he keeps knocking me off the tower, not sure how to avoid that. If I try rolling away I leave myself open to being seriously hurt. Oh well, up we go again!

Taurus Demon? If you keep yourself pressed up against him, most of his attacks will whiff.

 

[RoadHazard]

Taurus Demon? If you keep yourself pressed up against him, most of his attacks will whiff.

Yeah, that's pretty much what I did. Then I died after beating him, before reaching another bonfire. Thank Jebus bosses don't respawn!

 

[joshbob1985]

I bought the prepare to die edition of this on steam for cheap recently and would appreciate some advice.

Firstly, I need to get a controller for my PC, the keyboard controls were shocking. Is the 360 the best bet for being compatible with the most games with minimum fuss? Next, how necessary is the DSfix I keep hearing about? What does it actually do? Finally, how much should I read up on before playing? I made a character but had no real idea how the different classes play or what stats are most important. Will these things become clear as I play?

Thanks.

 

[EasyMode]

I bought the prepare to die edition of this on steam for cheap recently and would appreciate some advice.

Firstly, I need to get a controller for my PC, the keyboard controls were shocking. Is the 360 the best bet for being compatible with the most games with minimum fuss? Next, how necessary is the DSfix I keep hearing about? What does it actually do? Finally, how much should I read up on before playing? I made a character but had no real idea how the different classes play or what stats are most important. Will these things become clear as I play?

Thanks.

Yes, the 360 controller will work with minimal fuss.

Without DSFix the game will not render past sub-720p, and the framerate will be capped at 30. With DSFix, you can render at pretty much any resolution, unlock the framerate, enable fancy effects like SSAO and better DOF, have it automatically backup you save file, etc.

When you're on a stats screen, the back button on the 360 pad will show an explanation for each stat. There's no harm in going to a wiki and reading up on the stats, but it's not really necessary. Resistance is a useless stat, so you should avoid leveling that.

 

[joshbob1985]

Thanks, you are very kind. One more thing; how much messing about does DSfix require? Despite being a PC gamer for 20 years I have a very low tolerance and aptitude when it comes to messing with mods.

 

[EasyMode]

Thanks, you are very kind. One more thing; how much messing about does DSfix require? Despite being a PC gamer for 20 years I have a very low tolerance and aptitude when it comes to messing with mods.

You're welcome, and you should be fine if you follow DSFix's README instructions. It takes less than 5 minutes to setup, and once it's working you don't have to fiddle with it. If you do have any issues with setup, there is a thread for troubleshooting:

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=488240

 

[BumblebeeCody]

No, it's not. It's you that clearly can't pay attention to what the game points you.
Your main goal was already suggested to you more than once.

"You need to sound two bells, one is above, the other is below".
Did you reach the first one? Are you looking for the second?
If you did, your next goal after that point would be even more clear, but you are clearly not paying any attention to the hints the game serves to you, both in terms of NPC dialogues and item descriptions, and then you are repeatedly complaining that "the hand-holding isn't strong enough in this one".

Talked to all NPCs; dude at the shrine and accepted his quest, some monk who gave me a coin, a giant crow yet managed to fight my way to the Undead Burg to find an NPC who's waiting for gates to open and then into Grassroots Cavern where I met a talking cat who told me to join a covenant (no idea why because nothing is explained so I did).
Seriously, these games NPCs are pointless and their poetic dialogue is silly. Sorry but this game really is just wander around and hit stuff.
Heck, by doing that I managed to get a Drake Sword, Kill a giant Butterfly and Defeat a giant grey wolf with a sword in it's mouth in the span of 4 hours(leading up the watching E3).
It's actually a lot more fun to turn-off than try and take this game seriously. It's actually enjoyable now.

Yeah, that's pretty much what I did. Then I died after beating him, before reaching another bonfire. Thank Jebus bosses don't respawn!

The first time I came across that boss, it knocked me through the gap in the bridge only to follow me. Was pretty funny.

 

[draetenth]

How viable is Havel's set? People say that dodging/fast roll is the best for this game, but I like the look of Havel's. I wouldn't be able to fast roll though...

 

[Sentenza]

Sorry but this game really is just wander around and hit stuff.

No, it's not, no matter how many time you attempt to stress that point.
The mere fact that most people, myself included, didn't have your problem proves that the game isn't "about wandering aimlessly around".
The most you can claim is that people with a very short attention span *can* end up wandering aimlessly around.

Heck, by doing that I managed to get a Drake Sword, Kill a giant Butterfly and Defeat a giant grey wolf with a sword in it's mouth

I have no idea of how that's supposed to be relevant to your point.
"This game is about doing random pointless stuff. Proof: I did some stuff myself!"
Uh?

How viable is Havel's set? People say that dodging/fast roll is the best for this game, but I like the look of Havel's. I wouldn't be able to fast roll though...

It's absolutely viable, just arguably not particularly fun to abuse; it's the most effective armour in the game if you want to rely on a brute force approach ("I absorb a lot of damage now!") instead of mastering mobility.
Also, subjectively I find it pretty damn ugly, but that's apparently a matter of opinions.

 

[draetenth]

I played around some with the Dark Souls planner at mugenmonkey and it looks like I'm going to aim for (I'm looking to do Dex/Pyro):

Heater Shield, a Dex weapon (Balder Side Sword?), Giant Helm, Giant Gauntlets, Giant Leggings, Dingy Robe, Ring of Favor and Protection, and Havel's Ring.

At 40 Endurance, this setup gives me good resistances and I can still fast roll. Plus, the Giant set seems to be better than Havel's - it's both better looking and can be upgraded. I had to switch out the Giant Armor for the Dingy robe because I needed something lighter and the Dingy robes seemed to provide good resistances for low weight.

 

[BumblebeeCody]

No, it's not, no matter how many time you attempt to stress that point.
The mere fact that most people, myself included, didn't have your problem proves that the game isn't "about wandering aimlessly around".
The most you can claim is that people with a very short attention span *can* end up wandering aimlessly around.

Sorry but this game really is run around and hit stuff. I've just beaten the game (on the credits) and I have no effing clue what this game was about or why I should even care. That being said I thoroughly enjoyed it and will do a NG+. Admitting I used a guide at times to try and make the most out of exploration. One of my most enjoyable personal quests was:

Spoiler

1) I had to open the flood gates that links from the Londo Ruins to Valley of the Drakes.
But I need the Key to the Seal.
2) The Key to the Seal is given by some witch dude on a house. Since he didn't give it to me and that was because I needed the Lordvessel.
3) Where from? Anor Londo. I can only get to Anor Londo after beaten the Iron Golen in Sens Fortress.
4) But I need to ring the second bell of Awakening which is Quelaags Domain.
5) So through Blighttown(and it's laughbly bad frame rate)
6) And thus my journey begins from Firelink Shrine.
***All of which could've been condensed into killing the dude on the haunted house but I'd rather take the scenic route

Two days worth of playing, trekking and braving enemies resulted in the most memorable part of the game.

Not to be that "that person" but again, I really didn't feel this game was hard and that the difficulty was once again over-hyped. The final boss was so pathetically easily that I found it hard to believe that "it" was supposed to be more powerful over the other bosses and only died once.

No idea how to parry, use magic, make the most out of NPCs or why I should care about whatever story there is but it was enjoyable and had me invested. Probably gonna wait for inevitable Dark Souls 2 to appear on Xbox One because I go back to a Souls game.

I have no idea of how that's supposed to be relevant to your point.
"This game is about doing random pointless stuff. Proof: I did some stuff myself!"
Uh?

I wandered around from Firelink through to Darkroot Basin which led me to Valley of The Drakes, then a long a cliffside to Blighttown and then to Quelaags Domain where I fought a boss. "No idea what I'm doing. May as well keep going forward, waddayah know. I'm now fighting a boss".

It's been a week since I lasted posted and I wouldn't even begin to tell you what I was doing outside of killing stuff and "praising the sun" as so many people told me to

 

[Sentenza]

Sorry but this game really is run around and hit stuff. I've just beaten the game (on the credits) and I have no effing clue what this game was about
[CUT]
I wandered around from Firelink through to Darkroot Basin which led me to Valley of The Drakes, then a long a cliffside to Blighttown and then to Quelaags Domain where I fought a boss. "No idea what I'm doing. May as well keep going forward, waddayah know. I'm now fighting a boss".

Let me reword it for the last time: you were given goals and explanations at any point of your playthrough.
Just because you ignored them and spent your time running around blindly and randomly like some sort of headless chicken, that doesn't make "running around aimlessly" the essence of what the game is all about.

 

[RoadHazard]

Well, Blighttown sure is an asshole of a place! Much harder enemies than in any previous part of the game (except for the bosses, obviously), and you have to fight them on narrow walkways. On top of that I was cursed in the Depths, so I'm working with half health (I beat the last boss in that state). I know I can go to the guy in New Londo to lift the curse (already went exploring there a bit and met him), but that's sooo far from where I am now, and there haven't been any good shortcuts lately (unless I've missed one). Really don't feel like trekking all the way there and back again. And he isn't exactly a cakewalk to get to either, with all the ghosts around (their grabby attack is super creepy). My plan was to keep pushing forward and hopefully find a sweet shortcut somewhere down here, but I obviously don't know whether such a thing actually exists.

 

[grimmiq]

Well, Blighttown sure is an asshole of a place! Much harder enemies than in any previous part of the game (except for the bosses, obviously), and you have to fight them on narrow walkways. On top of that I was cursed in the Depths, so I'm working with half health (I beat the last boss in that state). I know I can go to the guy in New Londo to lift the curse (already went exploring there a bit and met him), but that's sooo far from where I am now, and there haven't been any good shortcuts lately (unless I've missed one). Really don't feel like trekking all the way there and back again. And he isn't exactly a cakewalk to get to either, with all the ghosts around (their grabby attack is super creepy). My plan was to keep pushing forward and hopefully find a sweet shortcut somewhere down here, but I obviously don't know whether such a thing actually exists.

Obviously don't click if you want to go blind..about lifting curse..

Spoiler

Go through the Cathedral if you haven't yet, after the boss there's an NPC that sells items to remove curse (3000 souls) or I think the merchant around the shortcut to the Under Burg sells them for more..

 

[BumblebeeCody]

Let me reword it for the last time: you were given goals and explanations at any point of your playthrough.
Just because you ignored them and spent your time running around blindly and randomly like some sort of headless chicken, that doesn't make "running around aimlessly" the essence of what the game is all about.

True that's not what the game is about, but it can be played like that and enjoyed. If I enjoyed the game, that's all that matters right?

Going back through the game again to get all the achievements and make different decisions such as killing Large Tits. Oddly on of my favourite levels in the game was the

Spoiler

painting

. The isolated area with a winter look to it and a really interesting end boss that wasn't about fighting actually made for one of the most interest and memorable areas in the game.

I've heard nothing but crap talk about Dark Souls 2. Is it that bad?

 

[Sentenza]

I've heard nothing but crap talk about Dark Souls 2. Is it that bad?

No, but still nowhere near as good.

 

[DrDrizzay101]

OP: Great to hear you are enjoying it so far. Like you, DS1 was the game that reinvigorated my passion for gaming after an extended period of apathy. I also agree that the original Zelda is one of the strongest influences on the game's design.

Don't worry about "difficulty" or if X boss is easy/hard etc. The challenge is only in service of creating immersion and establishing the world's tone. Enjoy the exploration and discovery, and play it however you want as there are countless ways to make it easier or harder. It's an exceptional accomplishment in game design.

 

[RoadHazard]

Obviously don't click if you want to go blind..about lifting curse..

Spoiler

Go through the Cathedral if you haven't yet, after the boss there's an NPC that sells items to remove curse (3000 souls) or I think the merchant around the shortcut to the Under Burg sells them for more..

Yeah, I sorted that out. Curse lifted, yay! Why would you go all the way to the guy in New Londo when you can just do this? Not even that expensive. Blighttown is still kicking my ass though. You just get swarmed by so much crap, including fire-breathing little things. Man.

 

[RoadHazard]

Ok, I am now at what I think might be the bottom of Blighttown, and the whole place is poisonous. How am I supposed to get through here? I have some purple moss, but I doubt it's enough to take me all the way through (not that I actually know where I'm heading, it's dark as shit down here). So that's a problem. Also, are there no shortcuts at all down here? There was a message about one at one point, but I looked all around and couldn't find one. And the bonfire is quite far from here, so I don't look forward to dying and having to run all the way down again.

EDIT: Ok, figured out the little "islands" and such.

Another question: Should I be using my soul items? I saw something about a way to get more out of them than by simply using them, but I know nothing about that. Don't need a full explanation, just a hint!

 

[Sentenza]

Ok, I am now at what I think might be the bottom of Blighttown, and the whole place is poisonous. How am I supposed to get through here? I have some purple moss, but I doubt it's enough to take me all the way through (not that I actually know where I'm heading, it's dark as shit down here).

There are several ways.
- You can run quickly from safe spot to safe spot to avoid poison. There's also a certain ring that makes this relatively easier.
- You can just take the poison and endure it. Just heal when it's necessary. If you have enough VIT and Estus it shouldn't be much of a problem.
- You can leave the area, farm a lot of consumables to heal poison status and come back.

Of course, finding the bonfire in this area makes things a lot easier, especially if you are going with the second approach.
It's not hard to reach, just not very obvious to spot.

And yes, there is a shortcut that will take you back to the Firelink Shrine, but this too isn't too obvious to spot.

Another question: Should I be using my soul items? I saw something about a way to get more out of them than by simply using them, but I know nothing about that. Don't need a full explanation, just a hint!

Common souls or boss souls?
The latter can be useful to craft special weapons, the former... Use them at your discretion, but it could be a smart approach to keep them for when you need just few souls to level up or for when you need to repair at a bonfire after death.

 

[RoadHazard]

.Of course, finding the bonfire in this area makes things a lot easier, especially if you are going with the second approach.
It's not hard to reach, just not very obvious to spot.

And yes, there is a shortcut that will take you back to the Firelink Shrine, but this too isn't too obvious to spot.

Hmm, yes, these are things that would certainly make things more manageable. Don't tell me exactly where they are, but is it close to where I am now?

EDIT: Found the bonfire. Praise the sun!

 

[Sentenza]

Hmm, yes, these are things that would certainly make things more manageable. Don't tell me exactly where they are, but is it close to where I am now?

The bonfire is quite close, yes. Let's say in a 20-30 meters radius for where I'm guessing you are.
The shorcut is... roughly 20 meters further. Well, its access point, at least.

 

[Deleted member 17706]

I don't like this Bumblebee guy's opinions. Really don't see how someone could play through the whole game and yet miss so much about it.

Oh well, everyone's got an opinion, I guess.

 

[RoadHazard]

The bonfire is quite close, yes. Let's say in a 20-30 meters radius for where I'm guessing you are.
The shorcut is... roughly 20 meters further. Well, its access point, at least.

Found the bonfire. For the "access point", are you talking about the wooden elevator thingy?

 

[Sentenza]

Found the bonfire. For the "access point", are you talking about the wooden elevator thingy?

Yes, I am.

 

[Tarkus]

I don't like this Bumblebee guy's opinions. Really don't see how someone could play through the whole game and yet miss so much about it.

Oh well, everyone's got an opinion, I guess.

Me either. He obviously used a guide the entire time and never paid attention because he didn't have to. If you play the game at such a superficial level then of course, you won't get what most others get out of the game. To each his own.

There is a great OT here where you can ask questions and quickly get spoiler-free advice and strategies. Maybe even some co-op help.

 

[BumblebeeCody]

I don't like this Bumblebee guy's opinions. Really don't see how someone could play through the whole game and yet miss so much about it.

Oh well, everyone's got an opinion, I guess.

I put games like these with games like the Final Fantasy series. The gameplay is that good I can just zone out and ignore everything else the game is trying to show (whatever story there is) and yet still enjoy it. I've put hundreds (100+) into Final Fantasy games such as XIII and I wouldn't even be able to tell you what the story is about. The same with Dark Souls. Dark Souls is enjoyable without having to be this deeper game meaning or a story that is supposed to be thought provoking.

I only ever used a guide just to find out how to open a door and instead of taking the easy route, I spent a day and half trekking around the entire game.

Again, I'm not bashing the game and thoroughly enjoyed it. Just no idea what the story was about. Even the end boss didn't have a cutscene.

 

[RoadHazard]

Ok, so I just got and placed the

Spoiler

lordvessel

, and saw that this opened a bunch of

Spoiler

orange fog doors

. Now, the issue is that the only one of these I have actually seen before is the one in

Spoiler

Anor Londo

(so that's where I went next). I have not come across any of the others during my playthrough. So, how am I supposed to know where they are? Up until now the game has been pretty good at hinting at or just outright telling you where you should be heading next, but what now? Am I simply supposed to explore every area in the game until I find them? And they're not even

Spoiler

orange

anymore after that event, so I'm not even sure how I'd know that I'd found one. I guess I know which areas I haven't yet explored thoroughly, but it still feels like the game is suddenly leaving me with basically no hints at all.

Don't tell me where they are, I still want to do this the right way. But am I missing something obvious? Or is this simply my own fault for not having fully explored some areas that didn't seem crucial for progressing through the game? Am I supposed to already have seen all of these and to know where they are?