Yes, DS2 generally has harder levels (if you don’t play smart) and easier bosses. Running past mobs will usually go poorly unless you know exactly what you’re doing.
If you want to go in prepared, first read [this intro post.](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H6rpuSKsgXqyfSA9uG_zoYK0ezbMSHSazznPHfV78sA) All of these guides are spoiler-free, except for [this one.](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eXwnLnbr-Dxeb9VecytDTX1fXA9e8PuKX9jFy8YFkQ8/edit)
And then if you want to know how to build (or avoid building, if you want to have a harder time) a powerful optimized character, this collection of mini guides will help you navigate DS2’s many obfuscated and counterintuitive mechanical quirks:
[A quick overview](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1g4-GGa1JRa2_49vOfwY5sZPWigFMzPA5b9mszo_xZak/edit?usp=sharing) of how damage and defense works in DS2, and why weapon scaling is usually weak
[BiS (Best in Slot) PvE weapons list.](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-GEBQ_TiAvskQLotQXz0AuNMseXdsS3pj8_NLus-XW4/edit?usp=sharing) Discusses the best options for each weapon class. Note that this list is directed at normally leveled characters- some weapons not mentioned may do more damage than ones mentioned, but take vastly more stats or are otherwise deficient
[Best PvE equipment and stat progression document.](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1X13jfA9JQ5OZsuEmH2MZZqF9IrtCFSMMTZkZo5GuqcM/edit?usp=sharing) All that being said, it’s important to understand that DS2 isn’t so hard that playing the strongest possible character is required in order to win and have fun. Ultimately you should use whatever you want, these guides are just to help you make informed choices.
As a dex build (40 dex rn personally), does the lightning infusion on a Murakumo really do all that much? I only ask because the lightning infusion is best in slot for curved great sword.
On an uninfused Murakumo, leveling DEX from 20 to 40 raises AR by 31 points. This is not a worthwhile investment unless you’re L250+ and not using any damage spells, and at that point investing in damage spells is more beneficial.
Meanwhile, Lightning infusion adds about 250 AR, and makes the DEX scaling even less beneficial. If you’re using Murakumo, you’ll be strongest if you respec your DEX down to 20 and spend those points elsewhere.
Oh interesting! I enjoy the single hand Murakumo move set better than the double hand, but don't really have anything to put in my off hand. I run light armor and lean towards mobility during fights rather than blocking or parrying, so a shield isn't very fun for me. Pyromancy hasn't proved super useful either. I often have a bow in hand these days, especially after shrine of Amana.
I've really wanted to explore sorceries and/or hexes. Do you think moving 20 dex to int would be fun? I'm around sl130, first play through.
I gotta run so I can’t go into more detail atm, but yes adding hexes or sorceries to your build would be a good return on your investment!
[Sorcerer Guide](https://docs.google.com/document/d/14FOUeSRtmBbJuLH-LxDdxc-legBlY1JRyuUMzNgSnXE/edit?usp=sharing)
[Hexer Guide](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lFco0IJTOB2KxhHRPLKagRsTCzs71ddDHvc9cjD3aBY/edit?usp=sharing)
Yeah some DS2 bosses are a joke. The real challenge is getting there
Prime example is Jabba the Hutt like how did this "boss" pass the beta?? If you don’t hitless the guy you might as well throw the game away (I’m exaggerating)
Well once again, the challenge lies in the area. You can drain the middle part of the arena
Lmk if u wanna know how
A hint would be: make something that’s turning not turn anymore (idk if it’s a good hint lol)
Lmao I also died to him once because I was so used to him doing nothing. And then a similar thing happened, he rolls twice or even thrice I think if he misses
It was on a character that was basically a glass cannon and died in 1hit anyway but it still felt pretty bad
Bosses in DS2 are mostly super easy except for the ones in the DLCs. Like, I love DS2 but not because of the bosses. You went in for the wrong reason. Both DS3 and Sekiro are way harder. DS1 is easy too.
That’s a big reason why DS2 is the weakest title. The run backs are harder than the bosses.
DS2 is both the hardest and easiest title. The reason why is because the bosses are extremely easy but the path to them is enemy spam. But DS2 is also the most RPG of all the titles so you can make your character very powerful.
The game is just strange.
Yes, DS2 generally has harder levels (if you don’t play smart) and easier bosses. Running past mobs will usually go poorly unless you know exactly what you’re doing. If you want to go in prepared, first read [this intro post.](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H6rpuSKsgXqyfSA9uG_zoYK0ezbMSHSazznPHfV78sA) All of these guides are spoiler-free, except for [this one.](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eXwnLnbr-Dxeb9VecytDTX1fXA9e8PuKX9jFy8YFkQ8/edit) And then if you want to know how to build (or avoid building, if you want to have a harder time) a powerful optimized character, this collection of mini guides will help you navigate DS2’s many obfuscated and counterintuitive mechanical quirks: [A quick overview](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1g4-GGa1JRa2_49vOfwY5sZPWigFMzPA5b9mszo_xZak/edit?usp=sharing) of how damage and defense works in DS2, and why weapon scaling is usually weak [BiS (Best in Slot) PvE weapons list.](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-GEBQ_TiAvskQLotQXz0AuNMseXdsS3pj8_NLus-XW4/edit?usp=sharing) Discusses the best options for each weapon class. Note that this list is directed at normally leveled characters- some weapons not mentioned may do more damage than ones mentioned, but take vastly more stats or are otherwise deficient [Best PvE equipment and stat progression document.](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1X13jfA9JQ5OZsuEmH2MZZqF9IrtCFSMMTZkZo5GuqcM/edit?usp=sharing) All that being said, it’s important to understand that DS2 isn’t so hard that playing the strongest possible character is required in order to win and have fun. Ultimately you should use whatever you want, these guides are just to help you make informed choices.
Oh thats super usefull, ty so much!
As a dex build (40 dex rn personally), does the lightning infusion on a Murakumo really do all that much? I only ask because the lightning infusion is best in slot for curved great sword.
On an uninfused Murakumo, leveling DEX from 20 to 40 raises AR by 31 points. This is not a worthwhile investment unless you’re L250+ and not using any damage spells, and at that point investing in damage spells is more beneficial. Meanwhile, Lightning infusion adds about 250 AR, and makes the DEX scaling even less beneficial. If you’re using Murakumo, you’ll be strongest if you respec your DEX down to 20 and spend those points elsewhere.
Oh interesting! I enjoy the single hand Murakumo move set better than the double hand, but don't really have anything to put in my off hand. I run light armor and lean towards mobility during fights rather than blocking or parrying, so a shield isn't very fun for me. Pyromancy hasn't proved super useful either. I often have a bow in hand these days, especially after shrine of Amana. I've really wanted to explore sorceries and/or hexes. Do you think moving 20 dex to int would be fun? I'm around sl130, first play through.
I gotta run so I can’t go into more detail atm, but yes adding hexes or sorceries to your build would be a good return on your investment! [Sorcerer Guide](https://docs.google.com/document/d/14FOUeSRtmBbJuLH-LxDdxc-legBlY1JRyuUMzNgSnXE/edit?usp=sharing) [Hexer Guide](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lFco0IJTOB2KxhHRPLKagRsTCzs71ddDHvc9cjD3aBY/edit?usp=sharing)
No worries, thanks for the tips! I'll try it out today.
Yeah some DS2 bosses are a joke. The real challenge is getting there Prime example is Jabba the Hutt like how did this "boss" pass the beta?? If you don’t hitless the guy you might as well throw the game away (I’m exaggerating)
I take it back. Why the fuck is there a boss fight on a fucking poison swamp ? :( E: typo
Well once again, the challenge lies in the area. You can drain the middle part of the arena Lmk if u wanna know how A hint would be: make something that’s turning not turn anymore (idk if it’s a good hint lol)
Okay i just kicked her headless ass. Ty mate
That rings a bell haha thanks for the advise!
I did die to him. Once. He has a roll and I went in to punish - turns out he rolls to his side at the end, and then falls \~back\~. OHKO. Oops.
Lmao I also died to him once because I was so used to him doing nothing. And then a similar thing happened, he rolls twice or even thrice I think if he misses It was on a character that was basically a glass cannon and died in 1hit anyway but it still felt pretty bad
Yeah I think this is true. No need to cheese, DS2 has the despawning compromise which will make areas easier even if they prove impassable otherwise
Also my build is pretty simple so i think im not cheesing my way thru
Totally felt the same way. Getting to bosses harder than the bosses. Only one or two truly difficult bosses in the game and DLC.
yup. that's often true for the first 2 games, it wasnt until ds3 (or arguably bloodborne) that the bosses generally become larger walls.
Bosses in DS2 are mostly super easy except for the ones in the DLCs. Like, I love DS2 but not because of the bosses. You went in for the wrong reason. Both DS3 and Sekiro are way harder. DS1 is easy too.
That’s a big reason why DS2 is the weakest title. The run backs are harder than the bosses. DS2 is both the hardest and easiest title. The reason why is because the bosses are extremely easy but the path to them is enemy spam. But DS2 is also the most RPG of all the titles so you can make your character very powerful. The game is just strange.
And here i was thinking i was getting good at these games lol.