Dark Souls 2 Q&A

[cojo965]

Each game tells its own story that has only loose connection to what came before, you can jump right into DS2 and not miss anything of the story that game is telling.
That being said, Playing DS1 first is going to give you some additional context and a couple of "neato!" and "WTF!" moments in DS2.

Indeed, when I ran into Ornstien in DSII I screamed the name in shock. I was hoping that the dragon in the first trailer would end up being more significant than just an optional fight.

O.T. What was the point of Belfry Sol? Belfry Luna got you the Bastille Key so I get that, but Belfry Sol has nothing. So what is the point?

 

[Kopikatsu]

Each game tells its own story that has only loose connection to what came before, you can jump right into DS2 and not miss anything of the story that game is telling.
That being said, Playing DS1 first is going to give you some additional context and a couple of "neato!" and "WTF!" moments in DS2.

Indeed, when I ran into Ornstien in DSII I screamed the name in shock. I was hoping that the dragon in the first trailer would end up being more significant than just an optional fight.

O.T. What was the point of Belfry Sol? Belfry Luna got you the Bastille Key so I get that, but Belfry Sol has nothing. So what is the point?

Belfry Sol has the Mad Warrior if I remember correctly. He's basically a Predator armed with the Berserker Blade. You can get his equipment (including the sword) by killing him a bunch.

 

[PrimitiveJudge]

Each game tells its own story that has only loose connection to what came before, you can jump right into DS2 and not miss anything of the story that game is telling.
That being said, Playing DS1 first is going to give you some additional context and a couple of "neato!" and "WTF!" moments in DS2.

Indeed, when I ran into Ornstien in DSII I screamed the name in shock. I was hoping that the dragon in the first trailer would end up being more significant than just an optional fight.

O.T. What was the point of Belfry Sol? Belfry Luna got you the Bastille Key so I get that, but Belfry Sol has nothing. So what is the point?

Belfry Sol is a fucking death trap. It is a covenant PvP area, much like the tomb of saints or that other place.

 

[loa]

You think Smelter Demon is bad now, try fighting him as a Pyromancer. </3

I have a spell, Chaos Flame, that killed Old Dragonslayer with a single cast. Barely even scuffs Smelter's armor.

He seems resistant to magic and fire both, considering my melee character did plenty of damage with just a greatsword.

You can poison him you know.
Rapiers don't do shit against him so I brought him down with a poison infused scorpion poison stinger you find right after the scorpion boss with my dex char.

Also, there is no such thing as a "pyromancer" in this game, pyromancy is only supplementary to faith/int builds and everyone should at least get a slot with poison/toxic cloud.
Almost every boss can be poisoned.

He's also weak against lightning so a gold pine resin or sunlight blade on a lightning weapon will help.

Okay, my Q as a veteran of DS1: is there an equivalent for the Zweihaender, an early-game weapon with massive damage potential and a ridiculous range?

You're pretty boned early on.
A bastard sword is the closest thing you can get, not even a claymore.

 

[endnuen]

Couple of questions that I'm sure you all can help me with:

1.) Lockstones, do you get enough of them throughout the game or are there specific places you should prioritize? I'm not looking for exact locations to use them but in the Pharros Doors and Saint's Grave areas alone there are a ton of slots for them and it doesn't seem like you'll ever get enough to use them all.

2.) Boss Soul Weapons, when the heck will I actually get to make them? I'm just starting Drangleic Castle so I'm a decent chunk of the way into the game and have a ton of the boss souls sitting in my bank that just seem to be accumulating. Not looking for details on which are good to make or not, just want to know how much longer until I can actually use them for something.

3.) Is Old Dragonslayers armour in the game at all? I wants it.

1) Saint's Grave and Pharros Doors are Rat covenant territory. Beside the 3-part door at the beginning of Pharros Doors, these places are meant for Rats to use the pharros stones they get from winning, to unlock more traps and monsters in these areas for summons.

2) There are two merchants that will trade boss souls for weapons. Both require a fragrant branch of yore to open. One is in the top of the bastille and one is in shaded woods, but moves to brightstone cove after releasing her.

3) There re doubts about his and Dragonriders.

 

[StriderShinryu]

Thanks for the replies The boss soul trades sure are strangely distributed with some having one possible trade and some having several (and maybe some with none? I don't recall Straid's spell list off hand as I'm not a caster this playthrough). Makes me feel like there's another vendor out there somewhere beyond just the two known ones.

Couple more questions that popped into my head:

1.) What is up with the burning platforms in the Iron Keep, specifically the ones with items/chests on them? Naked or fully loaded up with as much fire resist gear as I have, I can't seem to get the goodies. I feel like I'm missing something really obvious here but I'm stumped. Only thing I can think of is it somehow relates to the Smelter Demon as I haven't killed it yet (not for lack of trying).

2.) NPC clothing, particularly Straid and Lucatille. Is there any way to get their gear? I know I could kill them and maybe get it that way but I'd rather not if it's not even going to get me the goods.

 

[Kopikatsu]

Thanks for the replies The boss soul trades sure are strangely distributed with some having one possible trade and some having several (and maybe some with none? I don't recall Straid's spell list off hand as I'm not a caster this playthrough). Makes me feel like there's another vendor out there somewhere beyond just the two known ones.

Couple more questions that popped into my head:

1.) What is up with the burning platforms in the Iron Keep, specifically the ones with items/chests on them? Naked or fully loaded up with as much fire resist gear as I have, I can't seem to get the goodies. I feel like I'm missing something really obvious here but I'm stumped. Only thing I can think of is it somehow relates to the Smelter Demon as I haven't killed it yet (not for lack of trying).

2.) NPC clothing, particularly Straid and Lucatille. Is there any way to get their gear? I know I could kill them and maybe get it that way but I'd rather not if it's not even going to get me the goods.

Generally you can kill NPCs and buy their set from the hag you find in Cardinal Tower.

Straid will give you the Black Set if you buy a couple boss weapons from him and Lucatille requires her to survive three boss fights that she's summoned for (So does Jugo of Benhart).

As for the molten paths...you have to load yourself up with fire resistance, and then get wet using the Pharros Lockstone pools or rolling through the vases full of water.

You'll still take a lot of damage, but it should be managable enough to deal with it via Estus.

 

[StriderShinryu]

Thanks for the replies The boss soul trades sure are strangely distributed with some having one possible trade and some having several (and maybe some with none? I don't recall Straid's spell list off hand as I'm not a caster this playthrough). Makes me feel like there's another vendor out there somewhere beyond just the two known ones.

Couple more questions that popped into my head:

1.) What is up with the burning platforms in the Iron Keep, specifically the ones with items/chests on them? Naked or fully loaded up with as much fire resist gear as I have, I can't seem to get the goodies. I feel like I'm missing something really obvious here but I'm stumped. Only thing I can think of is it somehow relates to the Smelter Demon as I haven't killed it yet (not for lack of trying).

2.) NPC clothing, particularly Straid and Lucatille. Is there any way to get their gear? I know I could kill them and maybe get it that way but I'd rather not if it's not even going to get me the goods.

Generally you can kill NPCs and buy their set from the hag you find in Cardinal Tower.

Straid will give you the Black Set if you buy a couple boss weapons from him and Lucatille requires her to survive three boss fights that she's summoned for (So does Jugo of Benhart).

As for the molten paths...you have to load yourself up with fire resistance, and then get wet using the Pharros Lockstone pools or rolling through the vases full of water.

You'll still take a lot of damage, but it should be managable enough to deal with it via Estus.

Ah, I was wondering what that water was for. I saw the visual effect but didn't know it would work like that. Good to know!

So, for Lucatille I could kill her and then buy the set or I could have her help me with the bosses (and survive) to get her set? I think I'm screwed for that on this run as I believe I may have exhausted all of her appearances, but next time maybe.

 

[Kopikatsu]

Thanks for the replies The boss soul trades sure are strangely distributed with some having one possible trade and some having several (and maybe some with none? I don't recall Straid's spell list off hand as I'm not a caster this playthrough). Makes me feel like there's another vendor out there somewhere beyond just the two known ones.

Couple more questions that popped into my head:

1.) What is up with the burning platforms in the Iron Keep, specifically the ones with items/chests on them? Naked or fully loaded up with as much fire resist gear as I have, I can't seem to get the goodies. I feel like I'm missing something really obvious here but I'm stumped. Only thing I can think of is it somehow relates to the Smelter Demon as I haven't killed it yet (not for lack of trying).

2.) NPC clothing, particularly Straid and Lucatille. Is there any way to get their gear? I know I could kill them and maybe get it that way but I'd rather not if it's not even going to get me the goods.

Generally you can kill NPCs and buy their set from the hag you find in Cardinal Tower.

Straid will give you the Black Set if you buy a couple boss weapons from him and Lucatille requires her to survive three boss fights that she's summoned for (So does Jugo of Benhart).

As for the molten paths...you have to load yourself up with fire resistance, and then get wet using the Pharros Lockstone pools or rolling through the vases full of water.

You'll still take a lot of damage, but it should be managable enough to deal with it via Estus.

Ah, I was wondering what that water was for. I saw the visual effect but didn't know it would work like that. Good to know!

So, for Lucatille I could kill her and then buy the set or I could have her help me with the bosses (and survive) to get her set? I think I'm screwed for that on this run as I believe I may have exhausted all of her appearances, but next time maybe.

You can probably kill her for it, although you won't get the achievement for inheriting the sets that way.

 

[Michster]

Hi all


I finished the game earlier today with a str-build and I'm considering doing another playthrough with a mage or cleric-like build.

Mostly want to use magic/faith to throw awesome attack spells and maybe some melee(dex or str) as a backup. Is it better to go with faith or intelligence if I purely want to focus on offensive play?

 

[sXeth]

I'd go with Int-based Sorcery and Pyromancy to get the full "mage" experience. Faith is a little more tempting to go melee with.

Sorcery has more attack magic, but Faith's Lightning Spears tend to work better. You can use Pyromancy while pursuing either option.

Also you use staffs for Sorcery, and I dislike wielding Chimes as mage <_<


After my Dex-fighter (Whip and Murakama, and the Black Knight halberd occasionally)/Sorcerer, I'm pondering a Str build, but not really sure what to use for the rather necessary ranged option.

 

[Mahorfeus]

Anybody have any experience with the Disc Chime? I figure that the tradeoff is being both a mediocre shield and chime, but I like the idea of having both at hand at once. I'm thinking about using it for a Hexer build.

 

[The Random Critic]

I'd go with Int-based Sorcery and Pyromancy to get the full "mage" experience. Faith is a little more tempting to go melee with.

Sorcery has more attack magic, but Faith's Lightning Spears tend to work better. You can use Pyromancy while pursuing either option.

Also you use staffs for Sorcery, and I dislike wielding Chimes as mage <_<


After my Dex-fighter (Whip and Murakama, and the Black Knight halberd occasionally)/Sorcerer, I'm pondering a Str build, but not really sure what to use for the rather necessary ranged option.

Dragonrider Bow deals more damage per shot then my +10 longsword after enough strength

Does the boss pattern change at all for the ng+'s?

 

[BraveSirRobin]

Dragonrider Bow deals more damage per shot then my +10 longsword after enough strength

Does the boss pattern change at all for the ng+'s?

Some but not all bosses change, and many become IMMENSELY more difficult. Quite a few also drop completely different loot.

 

[Kopikatsu]

Anybody have any experience with the Disc Chime? I figure that the tradeoff is being both a mediocre shield and chime, but I like the idea of having both at hand at once. I'm thinking about using it for a Hexer build.

You can get a Black Witch Staff in the Undead Crypt (Or Shrine of Amana if you're really lucky).

BWS can be used for Hexes, Sorcery, and Miracles.

 

[loa]

Which weapon has the most insane damage?
Is it gavlans gyrm greataxe or is there something even more crazy?

After my Dex-fighter (Whip and Murakama, and the Black Knight halberd occasionally)/Sorcerer, I'm pondering a Str build, but not really sure what to use for the rather necessary ranged option.

I'd go with crossbows since you can now aim them just like bows.
They have high strength requirements and the strongest crossbow, avelyn, shoots 3 times and hits really hard.

An spell slot with poison mist pyromancy will come in handy too.
Especially for those crazy large enemies in the dragon shrine that flail at you in an endless combo.

Anybody have any experience with the Disc Chime? I figure that the tradeoff is being both a mediocre shield and chime, but I like the idea of having both at hand at once. I'm thinking about using it for a Hexer build.

I'm using it together with a proper shield in another slot since I have to have a chime in my offhand to cast sunlight blade on my weapon and it's pretty good.
Casts a bit slower than the other chime but that doesn't matter if you mostly cast buffs and the odd lightning spear here and there anyway.
Not being locked in a 5 second animation if you accidentally press L1 to block something HELPS.

I wish there was a staff equivalent for it since that catalyst sword can't enchant itself.

 

[Michster]

I'd go with Int-based Sorcery and Pyromancy to get the full "mage" experience. Faith is a little more tempting to go melee with.

Sorcery has more attack magic, but Faith's Lightning Spears tend to work better. You can use Pyromancy while pursuing either option.

Also you use staffs for Sorcery, and I dislike wielding Chimes as mage <_<


After my Dex-fighter (Whip and Murakama, and the Black Knight halberd occasionally)/Sorcerer, I'm pondering a Str build, but not really sure what to use for the rather necessary ranged option.

Okay! Gonna try a full-blown mage build and use a faith/str build when the games comes out on PC. Thanks. ^^

 

[loa]

So after reading this [http://metro.co.uk/2014/03/23/why-ive-given-up-on-dark-souls-ii-readers-feature-4672733/], I decided it's time for a little PSA for all souls players.

Don't be an idiot who plays "the mage" and only casts spells.
You're like the guy who only fights with the bow because they're "a ranger".
It just doesn't work.
It never worked in dark souls and it certainly doesn't work in dark souls 2.
You will not be able to dick around casting spells or even heal against some bosses.
Be prepared for that!
Magic weapon and weapons that scale with int (granting physical damage even!) exists for a reason.
If you're a "mage", you will always be a "battle mage" because this isn't diablo. Deal with it.

______

Also I think I found the best strength weapon.
It's the mastodon halberd with a B-strength scale and very high base damage which does close to 700 damage at 50 strength and has a great moveset, especially against many small enemies like spiders or rats.
Or is there anything even better than that?
I want to see big numbers that don't come from soulspears.

I also ran some tests with bows and avelyn is the best non-magic ranged weapon.
Not even greatbows or the hunters bow at ludicrously high dex can compare with 500+ damage that comes from something one-handed and now you can infuse it with scaling lightning, fire, magic, dark or physical damage for even bigger numbers.
It's kinda sad to see, I thought they nerfed the darn thing or made the other options at least equally viable.

 

[Legion]

Ive been wondering, where in the world is the armor that was shown in all the trailers/previews and was in the demo for the Temple knight.

The person who replied earlier was mistaken. The armour they were talking about is the one from the Warrior class shown in the Beta and the one you see in all of the trailers.

The "Temple Knight" armour is called the ArchDrake Set and is found quite late in the game. If you start as a Cleric you get the body piece. You can get the helmet, gloves and boots later.

Spoiler: The Location

The Shrine of Armana. Dropped from the enemies wearing them. They also drop their shields and hammers.

Don't be an idiot who plays "the mage" and only casts spells.
You're like the guy who only fights with the bow because they're "a ranger".
It just doesn't work.
It never worked in dark souls and it certainly doesn't work in dark souls 2.
You will not be able to dick around casting spells or even heal against some bosses.
Be prepared for that!
Magic weapon and weapons that scale with int (granting physical damage even!) exists for a reason.
If you're a "mage", you will always be a "battle mage" because this isn't diablo. Deal with it.

I cannot speak for Dark Souls 2, as I am playing as a Cleric/Knight (Temple Knight basically), but for DS1 this is entirely untrue.

My easiest play-through was as a pure mage. I didn't use a single weapon throughout the game and never struggled at all. I didn't wear heavy armour either nor did I carry a heavy shield. I wore the Crimson set to start with, then the Dingy set for a while before ending up with the Witches set. I used a Dragon Crest shield and a Crest shield.

All you need to do is get enough souls to buy all of the spells as soon as they become available. Then put all of your souls into Intelligence until it reaches level 40 before using them on anything else. As long as you move onto better spells as they become available you will not struggle against any enemies. I eventually moved onto 44 and then 50 Intelligence to use the endgame sorceries at which point I was completely overpowered. Crystal Homing Soul Mass is insanely powerful, and can be charged in advance so you never need to worry about being hit while using it.

 

[FlyAwayAutumn]

Does the boss pattern change at all for the ng+'s?

I think maybe cus one or two bosses used a move I hadn't seen before but if their pattern does change it's not a huge change.