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Souls Series and Bloodborne

The day Dark Souls II graces our village will the most important day of our lives. And it will be Tuesday.
 
DUNG PIES JUST GOT REAL!
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Also Gundam Knight
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Apparently, there's some secret streams running around. Take it with a grain of salt but there's word of 30+ boss fights.
 
I found this funny little animation about dark souls.


 
quick (and real) question: can i follow dark souls 2 without playing dark souls 1?

don't want to use GFWL EVER AGAIN! and it seems they won't put it on steamworks...
 
quick (and real) question: can i follow dark souls 2 without playing dark souls 1?
There are several subtle connections to the plot of Dark Souls and I sincerely recommend playing both but to answer your question: yes, you can play Dark Souls II without having played Dark Souls.

Incidentally, I just finished it today (still a few side things to do though). Interestingly, it lets the player keep at it and decide when to start NG+.
Some things for the best, some things for the worst but ultimately a great game.
 
It took HOURS, but I finally got the Blue Flame in the Undead Crypt in Dark Souls II.

My Rogue Mage style will finally be complete.
 
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Zen, you better have Praised the Sun on more than one occasion. even if you never met him, Solaire must live on through everyone

\[T]/
For the sake of Jolly Cooperation, never let the memory of Solaire die.

ever.

he will always burn the brightest in our eyes.

Always Grossly Incandescent

Praise the Sun.

\[T]/
 
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Zen, I want to give you a video showing the lore fans have pieced together about Solaire, but I dont know if I should link it. it all depends on if you ever are gonna play Dark Souls 1.
 
I dunno, I'll play it when I feel like it, if I feel like it.

Right now I don't really care.
 
But WOULD YOU care if I linked the lore video anyway?
 
Just link it dude.
 
Are there any solid fighting game players that are really into Dark Souls PvP? I am tempted to think that the latency is almost always so bad that people playing must be kidding themselves to think they're reacting to anything (instead of running set plays). Even people putting up PvP Youtube videos specifically to showcase themselves proudly present stuff that is obviously running like a half second or more of lag at all times.

But then people put in hundreds of hours just into the PvP so there must be something there. I need the reassurance of a fighting game bro that this is not a house of lies.
 
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I like the moon though, where's Lunaire?
Darkmoon Covenant...in the original Dark Souls. Have fun serving a complete twat. :3

But then people put in hundreds of hours just into the PvP so there must be something there. I need the reassurance of a fighting game bro that this is not a house of lies.
A lot of those people put the hours on PgP (Player griefing Player) though.
The lag can be really atrocious at times. My very first invasion in DSII, I was literally backstabbed from across the room; it's what really happened, this isn't a comedic exaggeration - my character got pulled across the room to be on the receiving end of a backstab. What's worse is that it was a US player (probably with internet running on hamster wheels).
PvP can be fun, depending on how you want to approach it. Judging by your request of assurance by a fighting game player, I take it you are looking for 1x1 duels. There are covenants that specialize on that - the Brotherhood of Blood (it focuses both on invasion and dueling between its members) and the Dragon Remnants (they leave a sign for the player to call and challenge them).
If you have a friend, preferably in the same region, you can easily set up some duels and IMHO that's where the PvP experience shines. There's a item that lets you narrow down servers to make it easier to meet. The only issue is the new Soul Memory system where both players must have to be in a certain threshold of total obtained souls for the matchmaking to work.
I personally recommend the entrance to Cathedral of Blue for dueling, it's a square area large enough to move around but small enough to prevent one player to run off and go ham with spells, but if you want that, the immediate adjacent areas deliver. There is also a bonfire nearby.
The Dragon Remnants are the ideal covenant for this as their summon sign is of unlimited use. The Brotherhood of Blood duels are all done in a specific arena and you have to clear a area and have a item to access it...but the same applies to the Dragon Remnants. Both are tricky to access. Theoretically, you can join the BoB much earlier but it requires using a Cracked Red Eye Orb to invade a player and defeat it so you can earn a Token of Spite.
Alternatively, if you want unfair fights, join the Bell Keepers to be called to defend the area from players that enter it (area enemies will be on your side and you can even have a second player join you) OR if you want the reverse, just dawdle around the Belfry areas and get invaded.
Overall note, if you don't have people to duel with, I recommend disabling inter-regional play because getting jumped by people from across the world and die to a stupid ass lagstab is really obnoxious. I enjoy PvP when the players have similar stats and builds and it becomes a game of footsies and spacing, a little like a 3D Samurai Shodown where things can be decided in a few clean hits. It's also good when you're opponent isn't a dirtbag that never stops circling you in hopes of winning the backstab lottery.

Sorry if I overdid my exposition but I don't know how familiar you are with the game and I get the impression your decision of buying it is hanging on this matter.


I SHIP IT.
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You know what? I love Dark Souls 2, but some of the armor sets and weapons are just needlessly complicated to get Don't believe me? Look up how to get the shadow set, and mad warrior set in this game, its effing dumb.
 
at least there isn't some asshole running around killing all the npcs you need for progressing in the game.
 
You know what? I love Dark Souls 2, but some of the armor sets and weapons are just needlessly complicated to get Don't believe me? Look up how to get the shadow set, and mad warrior set in this game, its effing dumb.
Wow and I thought the Blue Flame sword was obscure and tedious to find. Those are crazy! Especially if you want the complete set!
 
I feel like my Pyromancy is a lot stronger than my Sorcery through the Blue Flame, but turning my little sword into a massive Soul Greatsword is too cool to pass up.

Yeah I agree that getting good equipment in this game is pretty difficult, I was stuck with my Wanderer's set for a while until I got something suitable for my style. I'm fine with it though, this game is supposed to be hard isn't it?
 
The lag can be really atrocious at times. My very first invasion in DSII, I was literally backstabbed from across the room; it's what really happened, this isn't a comedic exaggeration - my character got pulled across the room to be on the receiving end of a backstab.
Theoretically, you can join the BoB much earlier but it requires using a Cracked Red Eye Orb to invade a player and defeat it so you can earn a Token of Spite.
Actually there's a chest in the Grave of Saints that has a Token of Spite, I never had to invade anyone to join.
 
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You know what? I love Dark Souls 2, but some of the armor sets and weapons are just needlessly complicated to get
The game is sadly filled with lots of stuff like this. It's a good thing that kinda stuff isn't trophy related. Getting some spells/miracles/pyros/hexes is already quite the handful...

this game is supposed to be hard isn't it?
Well, there's "hard" and then there's "bullshit". A quick example:
Hard - Lost Sinner
Bullshit - Lost Sinner NG+

Probably my biggest gripe with this game is the obnoxious amount of ganker bosses. It's made worse when you realize they'd be piss easy otherwise. Looking at you, Looking Glass Knight. t(-_-t)

Actually there's a chest in the Grave of Saints that has a Token of Spite, I never had to invade anyone to join.
Hence why I said "theoretically". Getting that Token of Spite is how I joined the covenant as well but Grave of Saints is really late game and one can join them earlier by getting a successful invasion. (And joining the Dragon Bros is even worse because the necessary item is pretty much in the end game area.)


Much obliged for putting that video. People who aren't familiar with the game and read claims like "backstabbed from across the room" will likely chuck them aside as the salt talking.
 
I was talking from having played and watched PC DS1 PvP. And the latency I'm talking about isn't even classic bitching about lagstabs or whatever. For an example, you throw an R1 poke with a spear or something (against someone with no poise) and literally half a second later after the stab animation the damage pops up and they get the stagger. It makes "footsies" and reaction punishes on anything besides ultra greatsword type stuff impossible AFAICT. Instead people run their set plays and hard reads. You get stuff like people fanning two random parry attempts in case you theoretically did an R1 poke (and a riposte is like at least 75% damage and a knockdown, so it's a good gamble), and you can't poke them for it because by the time you see it he's recovered.
 
Hence why I said "theoretically". Getting that Token of Spite is how I joined the covenant as well but Grave of Saints is really late game and one can join them earlier by getting a successful invasion.
What are you talking about? The Grave of Saints can practically be accessed from from the beginning of the game through the pit in Majula.
 
What are you talking about? The Grave of Saints can practically be accessed from from the beginning of the game through the pit in Majula.
I don't think you can survive the fall even with the silver cat ring or fall control sorcery. I'm going to have to double check that later tonight but I believe I attempted that feat a few times and kept dying.
 
I don't think you can survive the fall even with the silver cat ring or fall control sorcery. I'm going to have to double check that later tonight but I believe I attempted that feat a few times and kept dying.
My health level was pretty low and I survived the fall just fine with the Silvercat Ring.
 
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My health level was pretty low and I survived the fall just fine with the Silvercat Ring.
I stand corrected then.
 
I'm not 100% sure but I think my Vigor was around 15 when I dropped down. I nearly died but I just managed to make it to the Grave with plenty of recovery items. It was a while ago so don't take my word for it.
 
A video from a friend of mine, he will probably make a lot more DS2 videos in the future
#NerfGulchWorm

I checked the channel and he has some fun and impressive stuff (chiefly a bow master build). I was also surprised to see a video where he uses a armor combination just as I had. Eh, great minds think alike, as Domnhall would put it.

As much as I love DS, I just kinda keep it to myself, so to speak and really have no clue what the community is up to or who are its most prominent names (besides ENB and the infamous GiantDad build). Nonetheless, some pretty good stuff on that channel. Cheers!


Anyway, here's the latest patch notes:
Throwing motion for Acid Urns changed to heavy throwing motion; effects of acid toned down.
Durability of Twin Blade category improved.
Moonlight Great Sword revised to be non-enchantable, attack speed reduced.
Gyrm Warrior’s Greathelm weight, poise and defense increased.
Ring of Thorns damage reduced.
Old Sun Ring damage reduced.
Soul Spear and Crystal Soul Spear revised to pierce and damage multiple enemies.
Soul Great Sword casting time revised.
Stamina reduction (on enemy) of Homing Soul Mass, Homing Crystal Soul Mass and Affinity reduced and bullet speed increased.
Soul Geyser damage reduced.
Healing spell casting speed adjusted to be slower.
Wrath of God damage effect period shortened.
Firestorm, Fire Tempest, Chaos Storm, Flame Swathe and Forbidden Sun damages reduced.
Firestorm, Fire Tempest and Chaos Storm duration time increased.
Defense of Lucatiel, Bellclaire, Benhart and Tark increased.
Health of exploding undead reduced.
Homing capability of spells casted by White Undead Sorcerers and Amana Priestesses reduced.
Fire ball spitting frequency of Fire Lizards reduced.
Shockwave duration period caused by the attacks of Hammer Wielders (probably ones in Earthen Peak?) reduced.
Last Giant damage reduced.
Lost Sinner health and damage reduced.
Royal Rat Authority damage reduced.
Duke’s Dear Freja’s laser breath damage reduced.
NG+ Lost Sinner pyromancers health and damage reduced.
NG+ Flexile Sentry shadow assassins health and damage reduced.
 
Eh, great minds think alike, as Domnhall would put it.
Is it lonely up there on your pedestal? I kid.
Health of exploding undead reduced.
Homing capability of spells casted by White Undead Sorcerers and Amana Priestesses reduced.
Fire ball spitting frequency of Fire Lizards reduced.
Royal Rat Authority damage reduced.
I've noticed that I'm killing them in one hit now.
THANK GOD, FUCK THOSE WIZARDS.
I'm still afraid to venture into that part of the Forest of Giants.
Tried fighting him yesterday, he wrecked my shit.

I'm just happy that I get to keep my Soul and Life Protection rings, I've heard rumors that they're taking those away.
 
Aye, siwmae. I didn't expect to meet anybody here. I suppose great minds think alike, eh? - Domnhall of Zena
Why paraphrase him? Simple. The helmet featured in the armor build (which is based on Henry VIII's horned helmet).
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The Salamanders? Take it REEEEAL slow and pump them full of poison arrows. Those things have been my life saver.

As for Mickey, you probably noticed by now, but that fight is pretty much decided on how you deal with the rats at the start. Get at least three of them down and it's a smooth ride. I personally find it very contra natura but the best way to deal with Mickey is by taking out lock-on and try stay on his hind legs all the time.

Some argue Ring of Life/Soul Protection is one of the main reasons why invasions aren't nearly as frequent because thanks to it, people no longer risk losing souls and/or humanity. It also explains why the only place I was invaded besides the Belfries was the Chasm because there you do have something to lose. Basically, the average invader is a douche.
 
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I didn't know about that character existed until you told me about him, I thought you were just big-headed.

I can take out all 5 rats with my bow before he hits the ground, I just don't really know how to go about fighting that giant asshole. He's so intimidating that I try to keep my distance but I guess that's the worst thing to do. Luckily he's an optional boss so I'm not worrying about him right now, I'm just making my way through Dragon's Aerie and then Dragon's Shrine. Any tips on how to beat the Drakes before I continue?

I don't care what the rings do to the invasion frequency, not having to worry about losing my souls or humanity is fucking awesome.
 
Some argue Ring of Life/Soul Protection is one of the main reasons why invasions aren't nearly as frequent because thanks to it, people no longer risk losing souls and/or humanity. It also explains why the only place I was invaded besides the Belfries was the Chasm because there you do have something to lose. Basically, the average invader is a douche.

See, ever since my friend told me that you could repair the rings of life I've basically broken the game. One ring slot out of the 4 From has so graciously given me and I can have consequence free deaths with no extra stress. I don't like this change and I feel like they should just make human effigies more frequent and/or not make the alternate means of reviving to human so freaking obtuse and restrictive to one location. I like the idea behind hollowing in this game but the execution isn't that great.
 
Never mind the Drakes are pretty easy.
 
I just don't really know how to go about fighting that giant asshole. He's so intimidating that I try to keep my distance but I guess that's the worst thing to do.
Remove lock-on and stay on his hind legs and if you see it back way, either run in the opposite direction to avoid the charge or try to stay on his ass (literally).
If you find yourself with no souls to lose, bite the bullet and fight it. The bonfire is RIGHT in front of him, a very rare luxury in this game.

As far as intimidation goes, nothing will top Kalameet in my book.

I don't like this change and I feel like they should just make human effigies more frequent and/or not make the alternate means of reviving to human so freaking obtuse and restrictive to one location.
Indeed the item almost promotes the same recklessness the game has built a reputation on punishing but it's as you say, effigies are remarkably hard to get.
There's very few on sale, it's really hard to get them from enemies, you no longer get the "freebies" from killing enemies (because of the new system) and if you intend to challenge the Chasms, you better have the skill (or build) to clear it quickly because each attempt costs a effigy...and on that note, freakin' Gandalf hustled me out of 30 - THIRTY! - freakin' effigies. I don't think these games ever got me so salty. So salty that Umbrella would walk to me and be like "Dude, chill. It's just a game." -_-"
 
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Wow and I thought the Blue Flame sword was obscure and tedious to find. Those are crazy! Especially if you want the complete set!
I know right? It's fucking maddening.
 
Welcome to Dark Souls 2 amigo. I hope you enjoy your stay!!
 
I'm not sure if the fact that Drangleic Castle horrifies me makes me a noob or not. I just got there last night, and that one room with like 6 ruin sentinels :/



NOPE
One of the game zones after the castle had the same effect on me. And I've played the previous two games so that tells you something.