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Dark Soul General Guide - Beginners


AlanOC91
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Hey everyone I decided to write up a small Dark Souls General Help guide since there will be a new wave of questions from players with the European release.

Rather than all of us repeating ourselves I decided to just write up some helpful answers to common questions.

 

Dark Souls Beginners General Guide

 

What class should I select?

 

The starting class affects you later on in the game very minimally. It is for the most part for you to decide if you like to use a lot of magic, sword and shield, two handed etc.

Each class has different beginning stats.

A cleric would have high faith for miracles while a warrior would have decent strength and endurance.

The depraved class as you may have noticed has very little armor. This is due to that class starting with 11 of every stat (the highest available out of every class). This class is ONLY recommended for players who are experienced with the likes of Demon Souls or you are replaying Dark Souls.

Once you start getting into the game you will discover you can really do what you want be it cast magic or use only a shield and sword. It just requires putting the points in the right place (there is more than enough levels in the game to have access to almost every combat aspect).

 

What Gift should I select?

 

There is a number of gifts to choose from once you create your class. Some are consumables while some last the whole game.

 

Blessing of the Goddess

Consumable item that fully restores HP and clears negative status effects.

 

Black Firebomb

 

Thrown item that creates a powerful blaze. If chosen as a gift you begin the game with 10 of them.

 

Telescope

 

Used to see distant threats, scenery, and other objects. This is a key item than can be used more than once. Can be found in the graveyard after the tutorial.

 

Pendant

 

An item filled with blocked memories. Usage unknown, but recommended first Gift by the game's director, Miyazaki. This is the only story-related gift. Useful if you are interested in the story, as it can effect later events in the game.

 

Humanity's Twin

 

An item you can obtain from black phantoms. A consumable that restores 2 humanity.

 

All Purpose Key/Master Key

 

Also called the "Master Key". Can open any doors with a simple lock.

The thief class begins with this item regardless of the chosen gift. Useful for early shortcuts along with an early weapon (see spoilers below). Can be purchase for 5000 souls from Domhnall of Zena.

 

Ring of Life

 

When worn it increases your maximum HP by 30.

 

Ring of the Aged Witch

 

Ring given by the witch. Allows you to talk with the Chaos Servant covenant's leader- the white spider witch. Without the ring choosing to talk to her only prompts a "..." response. This gift is also not recommended as you can get it as a trade item from bartering with smugly the crow- see Merchants page for details.

 

Now what one do you select?

Well it is generally agreed that if you are NOT the Thief class then you select the All Purpose Key which allows you to open locked door and can lead to a VERY powerful Sword and Shield if you know where to look.

If you are a Thief then usually another favourite is the Black Firebomb as they help hugely during the first boss.

 

Is the game open world?

 

Yes. The game is very open world. If you fear that you may be leaving something behind fear not as you can almost always return to it at a later stage. This is usually the case in the entire game as sometimes a very powerful creature may be guarding treasure.

 

Is there checkpoints in this game?

 

Yes there is. They are called Bonfires. When you rest at a bonfire you set is as your active checkpoint meaning that when you die you will respawn at that bonfire.

When you rest at a bonfire all the enemies (except bosses and some exceptional foes) will respawn.

 

When you die do you lose everything!?!

 

When you die you will lose your humanity points and your unspent souls. You will not lose your levels and spent souls nor your items. To reclaim your souls/humanity that you lost. Return to where you died and pick it up at your bloodstain.

 

What is the difference between Human and Hallowed (Undead)?

 

When you are hallowed you cannot kindle bonfires. You cannot be invaded by others. When you are human you can invade other worlds AND you yourself can be invaded. Certain NPCs also react differently depending on which "form" you are in. Item drop rate is also affected by your humanity points. Human also gives you increased resistance to Curse.

 

Whoa wait, Kindle Bonfires?

 

Normally a bonfire gives you 5 estus flasks. When you are in human form you can kindle a bonfire (costs 1 humanity point) to then permanently receive 10 estus flask from that bonfire. You can stack it 4 times to receive 20 estus flasks from that bonfire. Bonfires will ALWAYS remain kindled even if you kindle another bonfire.

http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/3853/firesh.jpg

 

So whats this invading you speak of?

 

In dark souls you can invade another persons world and you yourself can become invaded. You can only be invaded while you are in human form. You may find yourself being attacked by another player, successfully defend yourself and you will receive humanity points. You can use an item such as a Cracked Red Eye Orb to invade others.

OMG I lost 20k Souls by dying and dying again after it!

 

Yeah it sucks and it can happen. I myself dont usually store mass amounts of unspent souls on myself. If I need to buy something I get enough souls and buy it. I level up when I have the required amount of souls too. I find it can be dangerous and costly to store a lot of souls on yourself and then lose them.

 

I just killed the first (real) boss and he dropped no loot! What gives?

 

As with most bosses in the game they drop loot when you do certain actions. The first few bosses in the game will drop weapons if you cut their tail off before you defeat them. Just be sure to pick up the item once you do it.

 

This NPC startled me! I killed him!

 

Firstly, really try not to be so trigger happy. The amount of people who have reported to have killed the first merchant is insane. I know he looks odd guys but the poor guy is trying to make a living.

There is also a certain NPC in the game who can revive other NPCs in the game that you have killed. Although if you kill this certain NPC you may be screwed. Hes under the first bell tower with his arms stretched out.

 

http://oyster.ignimgs.com/mediawiki/wiki-api.ign.com/dark-souls/thumb/8/80/3.5.jpg/228px-3.5.jpg

 

I have the stats and the spells but I cant cast Magic?

 

Magic comes in the form of three schools. Miracles, Sorceries and Pyromancies.

You need an item for each school to cast a magic spell from that school.

For Miracles you need a Tailsman.

For Sorceries you need a Catalyst.

For Pyromancies you need a Pyromancy Flame.

 

You must equip the relevant item, have the the spell selected and use either R1/RB or L1/LB depending on where you are holding the item.

 

I have all that but I cant select my Spell?

 

You must attune your spell to yourself. To attune a spell to yourself you rest at a bonfire and select Attune Magic. You then select your attunement slot and put the spell in that slot. Some spells may take up more than 1 slot.

To aquire an attunement slot you must level up your attunement stat.

Attunements slots are aquired as shown:

 

Attunement Level // Slots

8 // 0

9 // 0

10 // 1

12 // 2

14 // 3

16 // 4

19 // 5

23 // 6

 

And so on.

 

How do I kick, Riposte and Backstab?

 

To kick an enemy you must flick your left stick up and hit RB/R1 at the same time. You must be fast in doing so.

 

To Riposte an enemy you must parry their blow and hit RB/R1 during your small window of opportunity.

 

To backstab an enemy you must be facing their back and you hit RB/R1. If you have trouble doing this try to not move while hitting RB/R1. Also keep your shield lowered (dont be holding LB/L1) while you try execute it.

 

WTF! Start of the game and those Skeletons are whooping me!

 

I had the same problem. They are too powerful for you at the start and it is actually not the location you need to go to. From the bonfire take the path over at the right up a set of stairs.

 

This guy asked me to join a Covenant. What the hell is that?

 

Covenants are "factions" within Dark Souls. To join a covenant the player must make oaths to specific NPCs. With each covenant there are rewards for following the guidelines set by your "leader" and there are penalties for breaking them. Covenants may also have an effect on the player's online interactions. There are nine covenants.

Not enough room to display picture so heres a link:

http://i.neoseeker.com/mgv/488153-Paradox/153/12/1317204860166_display.jpg

Edited by AlanOC91
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What Happens if I break Covenants?

 

You will be placed in the Book of Guilty. Once you are in this book you will be invaded.

There is also quiet talk of one covenant sending a demon after you if you break bonds with them.

 

Can I rejoin a Covenant I broke bonds with?

 

You can quit any covenant at any time it seems. Apparently its possible to rejoin at any time too. The only sacrifice is you lose a rank when you quit, which is only an issue when in Chaos Servant.

 

Can I Jump?

 

Hold B/O to run. While running, press B/O to jump.

 

Oh **** I got cursed! Now what?

 

This video explains it better than I ever could

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJq3Dz46Tso&feature=channel_video_title]Dark Souls Guide 016 - How to Cure Curse - Sewer Shortcuts [英語] - YouTube[/ame]

 

Is it true if my Weapon/Armor runs out of Durability its broke forever?

 

No, this is not true. Apparently IGN started this rumor. It is only partly ture. Weapons such as glass weapons cannot be repaired and will be forever broken. Lets take a normal dagger. It can be repaired by bringing it to a blacksmith even if it runs out of durability.

 

There are icons under my Stamina bar, what gives?

 

These icons usually represent buffs. A shield with an Arrow Pointing up indicates a buff to defense. There is VERY little information at the moment about buffs. Will update this once more information is released.

 

How do I write, rate messages on the world?

 

You need an item called an Orange Soapstone. This can be bought from the first merchant in the Undead Burgh.

 

http://oyster.ignimgs.com/mediawiki/wiki-api.ign.com/dark-souls/thumb/1/1a/02.4.jpg/228px-02.4.jpg

 

I have these Shards, what do they do?

 

You may come across items such as Titanite Shards. These type of items can be used to reinforce your weapons and armor at a blacksmith. They will require the item and a soul cost. Reinforcing armor increase your defense while weapons increases the weapon power.

 

Should I buy a Repairbox?

 

I highly recommend buying a Repairbox. You can purchase one from the Smith near the Undead Parish. A Repairbox has infinite uses and can be used at any Bonfire. All it requires is a soul cost when used.

 

http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/9306/smithdwarf.jpg

 

So...Summoning and Invading?

 

To place a summon sign (so someone will summon you) you must be in human form. Its usually best to place these with tough enemies ahead and/or near bosses. Your summoned partner cannot heal himself with Estus flasks but if you use an Estus flask it will heal him so even if you are topped but your partner is low use one to heal him up. You need a white sign stone to do this. You receive it from Astora in Undead Burg.

http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/1142/unledabi.png

 

To invade someone's world you need to be Human and use a Cracked Red Eye Orb. This is a consumable. The Dark Wraith Covenant also specialises in Invading and will give you items to do so. If you get killed invading someones world you will give them your unspent souls along with humanity. If you kill them you receive humanity.

 

SPOILERS/HELPFUL EARLY ITEMS

 

The following section contains spoilers so if you want to discover some of these items yourself then avoid this section.

 

Helpful Early Items:

 

-Drake Sword:

When you come across the Red Dragon in the Undead Burgh you will have to cross the bridge while he is spewing fire everywhere. Sprint across the bridge and use the indents on the side for breathing space. You will notice that one indent has a staircase leading down. Take it down. You will notice that you can no go under the bridge. Take out the two enemies and proceed to the side of the bridge. You will be able to see the Dragons tail swinging down. Take out your bow and put 15-20+ arrows into the tails. Eventually it will fall off and a Drake Sword will be added into your inventory. This sword is exceptionally useful at the start of the game.

 

Helpful video showing someone get the Drake Sword:

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeKSiapjTQo]Dark Souls Guide 003 - Flying Dragon Sword! (Drake Sword) 飛竜ã®å‰£ [English Commentary][英語] - YouTube[/ame]

 

-Ring of Sacrifice:

 

First can be found on the way to Undead Burg/Perish from Fire Link Shrine, need to dash in the area under the water way, can be seen while heading there.

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xzo0jo8dGvk]Dark Souls Beginners Guide - Ring of Sacrifice - YouTube[/ame]

 

-Astora's Straight Sword & Dragon Crest Shield:

 

This requires The Masterkey Gift for Early Access.

Start at Firelink Shrine and go behind the tree, you will find a staircase going down.You will then find an elevator. Keep following it until you get to ando lonar. Keep going down the stairs until your in the area with all the zombies that will not attack you. There should be another tower very close, go in and follow the stairs and open the door. You should be in the valley of the drakes. Go across the planks turn left follow the cliff edge. I would remove all armor you have and weapons to move fast. if you keep going forward there is a MASSIVE sleeping dragon. The Sword and Shield will be located near his Claw. Grab two of them and run back for your life. Its a very terrifying experience but worth it.

Edited by AlanOC91
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I have a question after the tutorial I decided to just go anywhere I could and pick up souls and loot off of bodys I actually made it to this queen spider boss thing (I got insanely lucky not to die till then)

 

My question is I got some armor off of some bodies and the armor isnt as good as what I have now. Should I have waited till later in the game when I could actually go to these places to loot them? Would I get better items or armor? If not I suggest to anyone to just go around and loot as much as you can because now I have a ton of souls that are 3000 each and I can level up my guy before I even really start the game.

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I have a question after the tutorial I decided to just go anywhere I could and pick up souls and loot off of bodys I actually made it to this queen spider boss thing (I got insanely lucky not to die till then)

 

My question is I got some armor off of some bodies and the armor isnt as good as what I have now. Should I have waited till later in the game when I could actually go to these places to loot them? Would I get better items or armor? If not I suggest to anyone to just go around and loot as much as you can because now I have a ton of souls that are 3000 each and I can level up my guy before I even really start the game.

 

Are you trying to say that if you waited longer and was a higher level would that armor have reflected your level and thus be better?

No I dont think armor/weapons in the world scale with your level or anything.

I started as a warrior and have found SO much armor that doesnt live up to my starting gear.

 

Just one thing to remember, never base how good armor is on the defense value. Take into account how often you want to roll with your current armor weight and more importantly check the resistences and bonuses certain pieces may give you.

Im usually one for weaing heavy armor but I found black light armor that gives me a crap load of poison resistence. Perfect for Blighttown.

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So lame, I hope I'm not missing out on anything game changing. As far as I can tell I'm not able to get that sword and shield by the dragon now unless there's an alternate way I'm not seeing.

 

There is an alternate way into the valley of drakes. Its just much, much later in the game.

The method with the key means you can get an uber sword and shield with basically not having fought a single enemy. (excluding tutorial)

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I've been wondering about kindling and being human and none of the other threads explained it very well, thanks for clearing it up.

 

You may want to add:

 

How do you jump?

Run by holding "B," once running, double tap "B" to jump.

 

 

 

Definitely the Repairbox. Its usefullness is excellent for its price.

 

Is it multiple use or something? I can buy a new dagger (my main weapon) for 300 and repair my armor for 400 when it's completely broken. So why would I buy a 3000 repairbox?

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I've been wondering about kindling and being human and none of the other threads explained it very well, thanks for clearing it up.

 

You may want to add:

 

How do you jump?

Run by holding "B," once running, double tap "B" to jump.

 

 

 

 

 

Is it multiple use or something? I can buy a new dagger (my main weapon) for 300 and repair my armor for 400 when it's completely broken. So why would I buy a 3000 repairbox?

 

Cheers will add that too.

Once you have the repairbox thats it. It will last forever and you will no longer need to return to a blacksmith to get your stuff fixed. You can just sit at the bonfire and repair your equipment with souls.

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Good to know that all's not lost without the Master key. This is a really helpful guide, thanks!

 

No problem. The amount of typing I did when I first started the game to get my head around things was too much.

So I decided to make this so other people dont have to do all that typing.

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Umm. Can you sell items? If so how lol?

An npc will show up at the starting bonfire after you ring the 2nd bell.

 

I'd like to add, if you summon someone, try to watch their health. If you see it hit half/below, use a estus potion, even if you don't need to heal, as it will heal them as well. Remember, they're helping you out, so take care of them in turn.

 

And if you're going to be summoned into other players worlds, I highly recommend having the heal spell. Not only will it give you 5 extra healings in your game (saving you estus for those more dire need situations) but you can use it to heal yourself WHILE you're a phantom. This helps eliminate the "one tiny hit from death during boss fight so you get nothing" situation when your host simply won't heal for whatever reason.

Edited by Shinobi273
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I'd like to add, if you summon someone, try to watch their health. If you see it hit half/below, use a estus potion, even if you don't need to heal, as it will heal them as well. Remember, they're helping you out, so take care of them in turn.

 

And if you're going to be summoned into other players worlds, I highly recommend having the heal spell. Not only will it give you 5 extra healings in your game (saving you estus for those more dire need situations) but you can use it to heal yourself WHILE you're a phantom. This helps eliminate the "one tiny hit from death during boss fight so you get nothing" situation when your host simply won't heal for whatever reason.

 

Damn, didnt know that myself.

Cheers!

Just did CO-OP with someone and he seriously helped me out a lot, went through most of the sewers + the boss with him.

During the boss I didnt get hit once but he had very low HP for a long time. If I had known that I would have helped him out :(

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Damn, didnt know that myself.

Cheers!

Just did CO-OP with someone and he seriously helped me out a lot, went through most of the sewers + the boss with him.

During the boss I didnt get hit once but he had very low HP for a long time. If I had known that I would have helped him out :(

 

It seems a lot of people don't know about those two things. And with a phantom, that can make or break us and our getting souls and humanity for helping. It sucks to get to the boss and die just before it does, gaining nothing. I've had it happen twice now, once at gargoyle (i walked him literally through the chapel killing everything, killed the first one, and most of the second only to be murdered by it's fire) and in the depths [sewers] (my summoner LITERALLY did nothing, just hung way back and let me do all the work, killing all monsters/taking the boss down to about 300 hp, then it caught me with a foot stomp, near death i back off, guy still does nothing, it try to end fight and get nailed by tail stub for death.)

 

I don't mind doing most/all the work, but at least make sure my health is within a safe area if that's the case.

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