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Oh knutaf, your obsession with this game makes me happy.
This doesn't really have anything to do with your blog, as I've never even thought about creating certain character builds yet, but you might be happy to know that I did start playing Dark Souls again recently. I'm trying to get through NG+ for the first time. I'm stuck on the Four Kings though, even though I technically killed four of them in one fight, but there was still a smidgen of health left on the boss' health bar for some reason, and then I was killed. So pissed.
Also, I've found that a +10 Fire Great Scythe is extremely useful against almost any boss or enemy.
This doesn't really have anything to do with your blog, as I've never even thought about creating certain character builds yet, but you might be happy to know that I did start playing Dark Souls again recently. I'm trying to get through NG+ for the first time. I'm stuck on the Four Kings though, even though I technically killed four of them in one fight, but there was still a smidgen of health left on the boss' health bar for some reason, and then I was killed. So pissed.
Also, I've found that a +10 Fire Great Scythe is extremely useful against almost any boss or enemy.
Sweet post. I haven't watched much of the stream - I'm usually going to work at that time, but I saw you starting this character and was curious how it would bear out in the long run. Sounds like a real winner.
Seasoned PVPers must either be caught off-guard by your weird loadout, or take you for a minor threat -- which is the beautiful thing about coming up with an unconventional approach. You don't see many rapiers in a world of lightning zwiehanders and washing poles.
Surprise counts for a lot - I defended myself from invaders several times with the Golem's Axe - a boss soul weapon few people ever use or upgrade. Few were prepared for its R2 one-handed attack, which is a wind-crescent projectile.
Big props for not just using the flavour-of-the-month PVP build, but staying very competitive.
@Bbain: The 'Four' Kings keep respawning until their health bar is empty - you can kill three of them, but if you don't keep the pressure up they keep spawning, you may end up fighting kings 4, 5, and 6 at the same time if you lose pace. That fire Great Scythe sounds like the right tool for the job though - have you considered Power Within to crank up that DPS?
Seasoned PVPers must either be caught off-guard by your weird loadout, or take you for a minor threat -- which is the beautiful thing about coming up with an unconventional approach. You don't see many rapiers in a world of lightning zwiehanders and washing poles.
Surprise counts for a lot - I defended myself from invaders several times with the Golem's Axe - a boss soul weapon few people ever use or upgrade. Few were prepared for its R2 one-handed attack, which is a wind-crescent projectile.
Big props for not just using the flavour-of-the-month PVP build, but staying very competitive.
@Bbain: The 'Four' Kings keep respawning until their health bar is empty - you can kill three of them, but if you don't keep the pressure up they keep spawning, you may end up fighting kings 4, 5, and 6 at the same time if you lose pace. That fire Great Scythe sounds like the right tool for the job though - have you considered Power Within to crank up that DPS?
I wish my posts could be as grossly incandescent as this. And just as I was looking at faith builds too. I may try this.
I love your build, it's a thing of beauty. I love that you use unorthodox equipment and spells to gauge their effectiveness yourself, not just relying on conventional wisdom. I remember being on the stream when you first experimented with Replenishment, and I was skeptical since I heard nothing but bad things about it. Three straight victories later, I changed my tune!
This is the kind of stuff that makes Dark Souls interesting. I recently shelved my Dex/Int PvP build because it was just too boring. It was a generic build optimized for PvP play that featured all the usual gimmicks – Giant's armour, bleed-inducing Washing Pole, DWGR, FAP, ect. The only unique thing I ever did with her was use flash sweat to straight up tank some Pyromancers to their surprise.
It was an effective build to be sure – I won way more fights with her than I ever did with any other melee character. But it was SO BORING. No heart, no soul, no flavour.
I had much more fun helping to fend off invaders with my Onion Knight Sunbro or playing cat and mouse with my glass-cannon mage. Watching your downright goofy looking Darkmoon punish the heck out of some guilty has been getting me juiced to come up with my own innovative character.
I also find it inspiring that you manage to avoid some of the more gimmicky PvP stuff but can still hang with a tough crowd. Even if you decide to take the highroad, a lot of Dark Soul players race straight to the bottom – especially the Darkwraith types you specifically hunt. Just goes to show that a little planning and skill can take you further than crutching on a gimmick.
Personally, I think I play a little more ruthlessly than you, but not so ruthless as the "chain-stab, dead-angle, troll lol lol lol" set out there. I think it's wise to strike a balance between what you think is fun and will make for an interesting fight, without handicapping yourself so much that you become a martyr. You seem to have found a middle path that works for you and I applaud that. I'm still working on it myself – Dex/Int was too effective and boring for me (honestly, my gear won those fights not me), but I don't like losing either. I'll have to come up with a character type that gives me a fair shot without blindly copying what has worked for others!
This is the kind of stuff that makes Dark Souls interesting. I recently shelved my Dex/Int PvP build because it was just too boring. It was a generic build optimized for PvP play that featured all the usual gimmicks – Giant's armour, bleed-inducing Washing Pole, DWGR, FAP, ect. The only unique thing I ever did with her was use flash sweat to straight up tank some Pyromancers to their surprise.
It was an effective build to be sure – I won way more fights with her than I ever did with any other melee character. But it was SO BORING. No heart, no soul, no flavour.
I had much more fun helping to fend off invaders with my Onion Knight Sunbro or playing cat and mouse with my glass-cannon mage. Watching your downright goofy looking Darkmoon punish the heck out of some guilty has been getting me juiced to come up with my own innovative character.
I also find it inspiring that you manage to avoid some of the more gimmicky PvP stuff but can still hang with a tough crowd. Even if you decide to take the highroad, a lot of Dark Soul players race straight to the bottom – especially the Darkwraith types you specifically hunt. Just goes to show that a little planning and skill can take you further than crutching on a gimmick.
Personally, I think I play a little more ruthlessly than you, but not so ruthless as the "chain-stab, dead-angle, troll lol lol lol" set out there. I think it's wise to strike a balance between what you think is fun and will make for an interesting fight, without handicapping yourself so much that you become a martyr. You seem to have found a middle path that works for you and I applaud that. I'm still working on it myself – Dex/Int was too effective and boring for me (honestly, my gear won those fights not me), but I don't like losing either. I'll have to come up with a character type that gives me a fair shot without blindly copying what has worked for others!
You sir are a god among demons!
I haven't been able to put much time into the game the last few weeks but PvPing still stresses me the fuck out. My character relies on pyro skills and my Black Knight Halberd +5 but most invaders are usually quick enough to dodge those attacks. As soon as I get the invasion warning I sprint straight for the nearest summons to help me out.
I haven't been able to put much time into the game the last few weeks but PvPing still stresses me the fuck out. My character relies on pyro skills and my Black Knight Halberd +5 but most invaders are usually quick enough to dodge those attacks. As soon as I get the invasion warning I sprint straight for the nearest summons to help me out.
Ahhh, so glad my Dark Souls bros appreciated this. I wasn't expecting much of a reception (read: comments) aside from them, which is fine.
bbain, I also dig the fact that you're still playing this. Not to self plug too much, but you can check out my two successful attempts at the Four Kings with this char: in NG with the Fire Greatscythe and in NG+ with my trusty rapier and buffs.
Stalh, yes, I can think of at least a couple fights where I even surprised myself with how quickly the opponent went down. Sometimes they're just not prepared for that damage output. Ah yeah, unusual weapons are always good. I got flattened by the Grant or something the other day, not really prepared for it. And I bet even if you're ready for the Moonlight Greatsword, the Golem Axe attack would throw you for a loop. Very cool.
Trev, if you end up with any tweaks or success, let us know!
OH YOU, Dixon. <3
Glad you liked it, Wrench. Was very pleased to have you in the stream to hang out. What the heck is a glass cannon mage? I need to know! Man, tell me about the bottom; last invasion of last night, I got summoned into the Burg (red sign soapstone) and rushed by three gankers all at once. It was baaaad.
Yeah, I agree, I don't feel like I've stepped into martyr territory. If my K/D was much worse, I might feel that way. Dex/Int with an unusual weapon might be interesting. Greatscythe? That's not a super easy weapon to use, since it's a bit slow. And it has a cool moveset.
Celica, I was really nervous about PvP too, for a long time. I lowered my expectations of success a lot and told myself that just playing more matches would help relieve that... and it did!
Corduroy, I love that you now have two separate accounts with which to mock my Dark Souls blogs. This must be what real power feels like. I'm not disagreeing with either of you, by the way.
bbain, I also dig the fact that you're still playing this. Not to self plug too much, but you can check out my two successful attempts at the Four Kings with this char: in NG with the Fire Greatscythe and in NG+ with my trusty rapier and buffs.
Stalh, yes, I can think of at least a couple fights where I even surprised myself with how quickly the opponent went down. Sometimes they're just not prepared for that damage output. Ah yeah, unusual weapons are always good. I got flattened by the Grant or something the other day, not really prepared for it. And I bet even if you're ready for the Moonlight Greatsword, the Golem Axe attack would throw you for a loop. Very cool.
Trev, if you end up with any tweaks or success, let us know!
OH YOU, Dixon. <3
Glad you liked it, Wrench. Was very pleased to have you in the stream to hang out. What the heck is a glass cannon mage? I need to know! Man, tell me about the bottom; last invasion of last night, I got summoned into the Burg (red sign soapstone) and rushed by three gankers all at once. It was baaaad.
Yeah, I agree, I don't feel like I've stepped into martyr territory. If my K/D was much worse, I might feel that way. Dex/Int with an unusual weapon might be interesting. Greatscythe? That's not a super easy weapon to use, since it's a bit slow. And it has a cool moveset.
Celica, I was really nervous about PvP too, for a long time. I lowered my expectations of success a lot and told myself that just playing more matches would help relieve that... and it did!
Corduroy, I love that you now have two separate accounts with which to mock my Dark Souls blogs. This must be what real power feels like. I'm not disagreeing with either of you, by the way.
A glass cannon is something or someone which is very powerful at dealing damage, but has no defense or durability of its own - a glass cannon has to win the fight on the first shot, or the chance for success falls dramatically.
In Dark Souls, a glass cannon might have 90 INT, nearly default VIT/END, and just enough STR/DEX to equip a basic weapon. Throw on the Crystal Catalyst and the Bellowing Dragon Ring, and you have a character that can one-shot invaders or bosses, but is screwed if s/he is put on the defense or caught unawares.
Wrench had a pure-INT mage for most of a first playthough, I tagged along in full Black Iron to provide a little tanking support. Watching him blow up Ceaseless with like two shots and one swing of my axe was a great moment.
In Dark Souls, a glass cannon might have 90 INT, nearly default VIT/END, and just enough STR/DEX to equip a basic weapon. Throw on the Crystal Catalyst and the Bellowing Dragon Ring, and you have a character that can one-shot invaders or bosses, but is screwed if s/he is put on the defense or caught unawares.
Wrench had a pure-INT mage for most of a first playthough, I tagged along in full Black Iron to provide a little tanking support. Watching him blow up Ceaseless with like two shots and one swing of my axe was a great moment.
It's funny, after reading this I was trying to recall what other game this particular kind of shop talk reminded me of, with various load-outs capable of complimenting an infinite number of playstyles, with all sorts of stat tricks and arcane mechanics chucked in for the real pros. And then I realized it was From Software's other franchise, Armored Core, which until that moment I hadn't found much commmon ground with the Souls games. Huh. Neat.
I just picked this game up last week and am enjoying the hell out of it, though I've mostly ducked the PvP aspect, having starting gear and a very loose understanding of the leveling system. But at this point, when I'm seeing so many character builds on FAQs and Wikis that all look exactly the same, it's very heartening to have you fielding an original creation and succeeding because of, and not in spite of, your creativity. You've inspired me to take the path less traveled on this one, because it's rare to find games that reward you for tinkering with their random bits and bobs, but it seems like this may be one of them.
I just picked this game up last week and am enjoying the hell out of it, though I've mostly ducked the PvP aspect, having starting gear and a very loose understanding of the leveling system. But at this point, when I'm seeing so many character builds on FAQs and Wikis that all look exactly the same, it's very heartening to have you fielding an original creation and succeeding because of, and not in spite of, your creativity. You've inspired me to take the path less traveled on this one, because it's rare to find games that reward you for tinkering with their random bits and bobs, but it seems like this may be one of them.
gotcha, stalh. that sounds kind of fun. I wonder if I could make a build like that with a melee spin...
Zug, I haven't played the Armor Core games, but that's a pretty neat observation. I'm not much of a mechie, but it makes me want to learn a bit more about them to see what you're talking about.
I kind of don't recommend thinking about stuff like this too much during your first playthrough, Zug. Most experienced players have a longing for the days when the game was still scary and new and exciting. Try to limit your wiki reading and just explore and learn your first time through. Your second playthrough will go in 1/2 the time, easily, and that's a good opportunity to put the knowledge you've gained to work in these directions.
Zug, I haven't played the Armor Core games, but that's a pretty neat observation. I'm not much of a mechie, but it makes me want to learn a bit more about them to see what you're talking about.
I kind of don't recommend thinking about stuff like this too much during your first playthrough, Zug. Most experienced players have a longing for the days when the game was still scary and new and exciting. Try to limit your wiki reading and just explore and learn your first time through. Your second playthrough will go in 1/2 the time, easily, and that's a good opportunity to put the knowledge you've gained to work in these directions.
Armored Core is pretty fun, but if you aren't into mechs it probably won't do much for you. They do a good job on the gearhead aspect, letting you futz with every little part of your build and tailor it as exactingly as you please, but the actual gameplay is just competently executed third person mech combat. You don't get any of the glorious level design or thick atmosphere like Souls.
I think I'll take your advice. A lot of the fun I'm having is the dread and wonder of pressing ahead (the "Sweet God, what is that?"-factor), and while I haven't had anything too big or specific spoiled for me, I think I'd rather keep it that way and mine all the surprises myself. Thanks for the tip!
I think I'll take your advice. A lot of the fun I'm having is the dread and wonder of pressing ahead (the "Sweet God, what is that?"-factor), and while I haven't had anything too big or specific spoiled for me, I think I'd rather keep it that way and mine all the surprises myself. Thanks for the tip!
LOVED This. I can't ever find a definitive guide on any builds, just the bland cliche builds that are posted on the various wikis. The armor selection especially was very well thought out though I have made some modifications for personal use which I would like to explain.
I switched out Mask of the Father for Child and Cloranthy Ring for Ring of Favor and Prot. I lose the ring flexibility but have 20% more HP/Stam as well as not losing out on Stam recovery. I have not played online yet (No xboxLIVE) so 1.05 is unavailable to me. I am not sure if Mask of the Child gives a comparable Stam Rec boost to Cloranthy Ring but otherwise I feel it is a solid trade.
TL;DR Trade Mask of Father for Child, Cloranthy for Favor and Prot.
Downsides: Ring flexibility, cliche look, Stam Rec loss?
Upsides: 20% more HP/Stam
I switched out Mask of the Father for Child and Cloranthy Ring for Ring of Favor and Prot. I lose the ring flexibility but have 20% more HP/Stam as well as not losing out on Stam recovery. I have not played online yet (No xboxLIVE) so 1.05 is unavailable to me. I am not sure if Mask of the Child gives a comparable Stam Rec boost to Cloranthy Ring but otherwise I feel it is a solid trade.
TL;DR Trade Mask of Father for Child, Cloranthy for Favor and Prot.
Downsides: Ring flexibility, cliche look, Stam Rec loss?
Upsides: 20% more HP/Stam
Hey Evan, I love that you took the time to create an account seemingly to post on just this blog post. Thanks very much for that. :)
I definitely considered the FAP ring, but decided against it. I think it comes down to the assumption you made, comparing the mask of the child to the cloranthy ring. I haven't done scientific testing, but my feeling is that the cloranthy ring gives noticeably higher stamina regen than even mask of the child and grass crest shield combined.
Of course, if you rely on eating green grass instead, for your stamina regen needs, then you get a bit more flexibility in weapons and armor, but takes more time to prep for battle, which kind of sucks.
I definitely considered the FAP ring, but decided against it. I think it comes down to the assumption you made, comparing the mask of the child to the cloranthy ring. I haven't done scientific testing, but my feeling is that the cloranthy ring gives noticeably higher stamina regen than even mask of the child and grass crest shield combined.
Of course, if you rely on eating green grass instead, for your stamina regen needs, then you get a bit more flexibility in weapons and armor, but takes more time to prep for battle, which kind of sucks.
