Dark Souls II Message Board older than one year ago

Dark Souls 2 has been hit by claims its graphics have been downgraded before launch; now, From Software has responded.

Defeating the Dragonrider and Dragonrider archer in Dark Souls 2.

Defeating the Demon of Song Boss in Dark Souls 2.

Dark Souls superfan and the voice of Pate gives his top five tips to newcomers braving the fog.

Defeat the Belfry Gargoyles in Dark Souls 2.

Defeating the Royal Rat Vanguard in Dark Souls 2.

Defeating The Rotten Boss in Dark Souls 2.

Defeating the Old Iron King in Dark Souls 2

Learn to grind efficiently and load up on souls in Dark Souls 2.

Defeating the Freja Boss in Dark Souls 2.

The Dark Souls franchise can be a very unwelcoming host. Although all of the tools are there for success, not everyone has the patience to truck through all of the horrors that await, or cope with bundles of lost experience points. But fear not -- you can make it with some help.

[Warning: this guide contains light, non-story related spoilers regarding some of the early events in the game.]

In addition to the spoiler warning, I really have to start with this caveat: I strongly encourage you to play as much as possible without the use of any reference materials, as part of the allure of these games is to discover and conquer everything on your own. That said, I'd rather bring people into the game than push them away by leaving them to their own frustration, so here are some strategies to help take some of the edge off your frustration.

While others punish mistakes with a wagged finger, the Souls games punch you in the ribs, rob you of your clothes and scamper cackling into the darkness. Making progress only to have it snatched from you, dying over and over, and a world teeming with despair and hopelessness - these are the things that define From Software's action-RPGs. While they combine into a fine form of sadomasochism, it's far from a simple one. There's more to Demon's and Dark Souls than tough enemies and a bleak landscape, and it's these subtle but sturdy foundations that make overcoming the games so satisfying.

Dark Souls 2 underlines this, but not for all the right reasons. It tries harder than any Souls game before it to be inviting to new players while still appealing to veterans, and the end result is an adventure that's demanding, thrilling, and all-consuming, but always a shade short of special. The disappointment in Dark Souls 2 is relative, though, and there's enough here to satisfy players returning to die, if not truly satiate them.

Dark Souls II has a lot of changes in it, and watching fans try to parse them out on Youtube is always a fascinating process. But what would happen if the game was so different it was utterly ruined? Hilarity, that's what.Read more...

Taking down the Executioner's Chariot boss in Dark Souls 2.

We overcome the final boss of Dark Souls 2.

And we’re live! Sincere apologies for the delayed publish on this week’s PlayStation Store Update; we faced some technical issues that prevented us from getting all of this week’s content in place by our usual 2:00PM Pacific timing. We are grateful for your patience, and we can’t wait until you get your hands on some of this week’s amazing new titles, like TowerFall Ascension and Dark Souls II. Game on!

PS3 Pre-Orders Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zereos ($19.99) Set in 1975, Naked Snake (aka “Big Boss”) is tasked to infiltrate a site on Cuban soil. On a mission to extract long-lost allies being held hostage and interrogated by a shadow military group among other objectives, Snake must use stealth and operational tactics to understand the truth behind the complex motives of the all-powerful Patriots and their mission to create a global war economy. Theme with pre-order. MLB 14 The Show ($59.99) The highest rated sports franchise over the last 8 years (according to Metacritic) is back and better than ever. MLB 14 The Show captures the most exciting moments in baseball with improved gameplay physics, faster ways to play, and the most amazing visuals ever seen in a baseball video game. So get ready to step up to the plate, to the greatest sport ever played. Which just got better. Welcome to The Show. Theme with pre-order. PS4 Games Towerfall Ascension ($14.99) TowerFall Ascension is the definitive version of the hit archery combat game. Inspired by classics from the golden age of couch multiplayer, it’s a local party game centering around hilarious, intense versus matches. The core mechanics are simple and accessible, but hard to master and combat is fierce. Loot treasure chests for game-changing power-ups, master the art of catching arrows out of the air, or descend on your foes and stomp them into submission. TowerFall is best played competitively with friends, cross-legged on the floor within punching distance of each other. PS3 Games Dark Souls II ($59.99) Developed by FROM SOFTWARE, Dark Souls II is the highly anticipated sequel to the punishing 2011 breakout hit Dark Souls. The unique old-school action RPG experience captivated imaginations of gamers worldwide with incredible challenge and intense emotional reward. Dark Souls II brings the franchise’s renowned difficulty & gripping gameplay innovations to both single and multiplayer experiences. Join the dark journey and experience overwhelming enemy encounters, diabolical hazards, and the unrelenting challenge that only FROM SOFTWARE can deliver. Vessel ($9.99) Vessel is built on an optimized liquid simulation featuring flowing water, scalding lava and steam, reactant chemicals, glowing goo, the mysterious ‘protoplasm’, and more. Each liquid has unique properties and mixes with other liquids for dramatic effects. Atelier Escha & Logy Alchemists of the Dusk Sky ($49.99) Under the Twilight skies, the dreams of 2 alchemists cross. This latest in the Atelier series is now available for download from the PlayStation®Store. This 2nd release in the Dusk Series offers 2 main characters, an evolved alchemy system, and battles with up to 6 characters for a new Atelier experience. PS Vita Games Fort Defense North Menace ($3.99) All hands on deck! Pirate armada dead ahead! Take part in an uncompromising struggle repelling freebooters’ assaults. Watch out, the enemy may catch the tide for ruining your fortress. Build towers, collect crystals, upgrade spells and believe in your victory! Apps Qello HD Concerts (PS Vita) What do pop, country, indie, soft rock, new wave, and tenors have in common? They’re all represented in this week’s New Releases. First, we have Lady Gaga’s Monster Ball Tour Live at MSG. PlayStation Plus

Title Plus Price Regular Price Towerfall Ascension $11.99 $14.99 Vessel $7.99 $9.99 Ethan: Meteor Hunter $8.54 $9.49 Sales

Get $10 credit for spending $60 or games, movies and TV shows in the PlayStation Store! Click here for details. If you qualify for the $10 credit, you will receive the code through email or XMB message on or before 3/24. You will need to redeem that code by 3/31, so don’t forget!

Call of Duty Franchise Sale (3/11 through 3/17)

Title Plus Price Sale Price Original Price Call of Duty: Black Ops II With Revolution Map Pack (PS3) $35.99 $39.99 $59.99 Call of Duty: Black Ops II and Season Pass Bundle (PS3) $53.99 $59.99 $99.99 Call of Duty: Black Ops II – Season Pass (PS3) N/A $24.99 $49.99 Call of Duty: Black Ops II – Revolution (PS3) N/A $7.49 $14.99 Call of Duty: Black Ops II Uprising (PS3) N/A $7.49 $14.99 Call of Duty: Black Ops II Vengeance (PS3) N/A $7.49 $14.99 Call of Duty: Black Ops II Apocalypse (PS3) N/A $7.49 $14.99 Call of Duty: Black Ops & Black Ops II Game Bundle (PS3) $62.99 $69.99 $109.99 Call of Duty: Black Ops with First Strike (PS3) $31.49 $34.99 $49.99 Call of Duty: Black Ops Ultimate Edition (PS3) $67.49 $74.99 $94.49 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 With DLC Collection 1 (PS3) $26.99 $29.99 $39.99 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Ultimate Edition (PS3) $62.99 $69.99 $99.99 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 with Stimulus Package (PS3) $17.99 $19.99 $29.99 Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare with Variety Map Pack (PS3) $17.99 $19.99 $29.99 Call of Duty 4: MW 1-3 Bundle (PS3) $58.49 $64.99 $89.99

Other Sales

Title Sale Price Original Price Bit Trip Presents Runner2 Future Legend Of Rhythm Alien $4.99 $14.99 Bit.Trip Presents… Runner2: Future Legend Of Rhythm Alien $4.99 $14.99 Catherine $9.99 $19.99 Dragon’s Crown $24.99 $49.99 Dragon’s Crown PS Vita $24.99 $39.99 Dragon’s Crown: Dragon’s Crown PS Vita – Storyteller Voice Pack $1.49 $1.99 Dragon’s Crown: Dragon’s Crown PS3 – Storyteller Voice Pack $1.49 $1.99 Dragon’s Crown: Into The Labyrinth Theme $1.49 $1.99 Enchanted Cavern – Minis $1.99 $2.99 Enigmo – Minis $1.49 $2.99 Ethan: Meteor Hunter $9.49 $9.99 Farm Frenzy – Minis $3.49 $4.99 Farm Frenzy 2 – Minis $3.49 $4.99 Farm Frenzy 3 Minis $3.49 $4.99 Farm Frenzy Pizza Party – Minis $3.49 $4.99 Furmins Full Game + Bonus World $4.99 $6.49 Hotel Mogul – Minis $1.99 $2.99 Infamous $14.99 $29.99 Infamous 2 $9.99 $19.99 Infamous Collection $23.99 $39.99 Infamous Festival Of Blood $2.49 $4.99 Snowy: The Bear’s Adventures – Minis $1.99 $2.99 The Cursed Crusade $7.99 $19.99 The Treasures Of Montezuma – Minis $2.49 $3.99 Trine 2 $7.49 $14.99 Worms Revolution $4.99 $14.99 Worms Revolution: Worms Revolution Funfair Pack $2.49 $4.99 Worms Revolution: Worms Revolution Mars Pack $2.49 $4.99 Worms Revolution: Worms Revolution Medieval Tales $2.49 $4.99 Price Changes Title New Price Original Price Dust 514 Free-To-Play: Dust 514: Tactical Edition $9.99 $19.99 Gravity Rush $13.49 $35.99 Hot Shots Golf World Invitational $13.49 $17.99 Little Deviants $13.49 $17.99 LittleBigPlanet $17.99 $35.99 LittleBigPlanet Karting $19.99 $39.99 ModNation Racers $19.99 $29.99 ModNation Racers: Road Trip $13.49 $17.99 Motorstorm: Apocalypse $19.99 $59.99 Pac-Man And The Ghostly Adventures $19.99 $29.99 PlayStation All Stars Battle Royale $19.99 $39.99 PlayStation All Stars Battle Royale $17.99 $35.99 Reality Fighter $13.49 $17.99 Resistance: Burning Skies $17.99 $26.99 Sly Cooper: Thieves In Time $19.99 $39.99 Sly Cooper: Thieves In Time $17.99 $26.99 Smart As… $13.49 $26.99 Soul Sacrifice $26.99 $35.99 Twisted Metal $19.99 $39.99 Uncharted 3 GOTY $29.99 $39.99 Uncharted: Golden Abyss $26.99 $35.99 Under Defeat HD: Deluxe Edition $9.99 $19.99 Unit 13 $17.99 $26.99 Wipeout 2048 $13.49 $17.99 Young Justice: Legacy $19.99 $39.99 PS4 Add-ons Awesomenauts Assemble!

• Bumble Gnaw Skin ($2.49)
• Cap’n Vinnie & Seadog Spike Skin ($2.49)
• Cluck Skin ($2.49)
• Coco Hawaii Skin ($2.49)
• Coco McFly Skin ($2.49)
• Demon Sk،Ldir Skin ($2.49)
• Disco Voltar Skin ($2.49)
• Double-O Yuri Skin ($2.49)
• Expendable Clunk Skin ($2.49)
• Grandmaster Splash Skin ($2.49)
• Hotrod Derpl Skin ($2.49)
• Kage Genji Skin ($2.49)
• Kosmonaut Yuri Skin ($2.49)
• Mousquetaire Leon Skin ($2.49)
• Officer Lonestar Skin ($2.49)
• Pimpy G Skin ($2.49)
• Ravishing Raelynn Skin ($2.49)
• Shaolin Ayla Skin ($2.49)

Killzone Shadow Fall

• St. Patrick’s Day Spotlight Move Pack ($1.99)
• St. Patrick’s Day VO Pack ($3.99)

The LEGO Movie Videogame

• Wild West Pack ($2.99)

Thief

• The Bank Heist ($4.99)

Need for Speed Rivals

• Complete Movie Pack ($5.99)
• Movie Pack – Cops ($3.99)
• Movie Pack – Racers ($3.99)

PS3 Add-ons Atelier Escha & Logy Alchemists of the Dusk Sky

• Atelier Series BGM Package ($1.49)

Earth Defense Force 2025

• Mission Pack 3 ($8.99, Free For Season Pass)

The LEGO Movie Videogame

• Wild West Pack ($2.99)

Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII

• FF Legends Collection ($9.99)
• The Samurai Collection ($9.99)
• Dark Samurai ($2.99)
• FFVII Aerith ($3.99)
• FFVII Cloud ($3.99)
• FFX Yuna ($3.99)
• Flower Of Battle ($2.99)
• Shining Prince ($2.99)
• Shogun ($2.99)
• Sohei Savior ($2.99)
• Art Of War ($2.99)
• Utsusemi Schema ($2.99)

Need for Speed Rivals

• Complete Movie Pack ($5.99)
• Movie Pack – Cops ($3.99)
• Movie Pack – Racers ($3.99)

Rocksmith 2014

• Flyleaf – All Around Me ($2.99)
• Halestorm – Love Bites (So Do I) ($2.99)
• Heart – Crazy On You ($2.99)

Thief

• Challenge Maps ($4.99)
• The Bank Heist ($4.99)

PS Vita Add-ons Toukiden: The Age of Demons

• Additional Missions 3 ($0.99)
• Additional Missions 4 ($0.99)
• Additional Missions 5 ($0.99)

PS3 Avatars

• 18 Bundle Super Pack ($5.99)

PS3 Themes

• Cool Reptiles Static Theme ($1.49)
• Elephants Static Theme ($1.49)
• Abstract View Bundle ($3.99)
• Anonymous Rockers: Chris Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
• Army Camo Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
• Army: Desert Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
• Bruno Wagner Death Kiss Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
• Bruno Wagner Pink Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
• Casino Bundle ($3.99)
• Digital Blasphemy Automaton Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
• Digital Blasphemy Geode Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
• Digital Blasphemy Moonlit Oasis Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
• Hot Angels Static Theme ($1.49)
• Hot Charlotte Static Theme ($1.49)
• Hot Girls Static Theme ($1.49)
• Hot Honeys Static Theme ($1.49)
• Irresistible Babes Static Theme ($1.49)
• Marines Flag Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
• Marines: Patriot Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
• Military: Fighter Jets Reloaded Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
• Military: The Chopper Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
• Military: Victory Sunset Dynamic Theme ($1.99)

More than fantasy tropes, gloomy yet attractive graphics or an overarching sense of despair, the hallmark of Dark Souls 2 is repeated, oft-frustrating character death, so it just makes sense to have a website keeping track of all of this suffering.

Officially dubbed the "Dark Souls 2 Player's Site," the webpage is less a celebration of player triumphs and more a monument to their endless willingness to throw themselves against the same foes that killed them moments before. As of now, two days after Dark Souls 2 made its retail debut, the Xbox 360 side of the site claims 1,311,973 total deaths, while the PlayStation 3 side reports 2,991,976.

While these numbers are probably not entirely accurate - it seems unlikely that 1,657 Xbox 360 players have finished the game while a mere three PlayStation 3 owners have done the same - the site's functionality should improve as the game's post-launch hiccups subside. In the meantime, try to figure out what the rest of the site means. Those scales are self-explanatory, but the red and white candles remain a waxy enigma. [Image: Bandai Namco]

Dark Souls 2 reaches a lethal milestone, the Xbox One gets another price cut in the UK, Angry Birds gets a new RPG, and updates on Watch Dogs, Titanfall, and the next Mafia.

We take on the Scorpionnajka boss in Dark Souls 2.

Taking down the Old Dragonslayer in Dark Souls 2.

Seven ways Dark Souls 2 breaks the mold set by its predecessors.

IGN helps you through the grueling battles of Dark Souls 2 - in this video, learn how to defeat the Ruin Sentinels.

IGN helps you through the grueling battles of Dark Souls 2 - in this video, learn how to defeat the Lost Sinner.

Death is my teacher in Dark Souls II. Every time I get killed in this game, I get better at it. I have video proof of this.Read more...

March 11th has arrived and it’s time to go beyond death. The Dark Souls II servers are live and we’re excited to see everyone online and exploring the world of Drangleic. Today, we wanted to give an extended look at some of the Covenants that you may be joining in Dark Souls II. This is not a complete list as we wouldn’t want to spoil the secrets that await you on your quest.

Covenant masters are scattered throughout the world of Dark Souls II and, under certain conditions, may invite you to join their ranks. Seek the protection of a noble order of knights. Defend against invaders from other worlds. Set out on a lonely and arduous journey. Lay a trap and draw other players into your world. Protect a long-forgotten tower. Thirst for more blood. These tasks and more are laid before you as you deceive, challenge, and offer aid to fellow players online.

Way of the Blue

Not everyone seeks to challenge other players online. Joining the Way of the Blue will give a player access to a ring that will summon a member of the noble Blue Sentinels if invaded by an enemy player from another world. If you’re not comfortable battling online in a PvP scenario, this Covenant is for you. Perfect for holding on to that human form as long as possible.

Blue Sentinels

Not everyone is fit to join the Blue Sentinels. When you first encounter this Covenant’s master, you won’t be able to join until you prove that you’ve assisted another player already. Once a member of the Blue Sentinels, PvP arenas will be opened up that allow you to duel fellow members. Blue Sentinels represent a noble cause and are encouraged to always be wearing their Covenant ring to assist other players in need.

Champion’s Covenant

Only the fittest are recommended to join the Champion’s Covenant. Accessible very early in the game, players will be asked “Are you sure?” when joining. Members of the Champion’s Covenant will find a more difficult and unforgiving world of Drangleic as they explore Dark Souls II. These players may also have difficulty summoning friendly phantoms. But surviving in this harsh world will net you special stones that can be offered to advance your rank within the Covenant. Champion’s Covenant members also have access to a leaderboard that displays players with the most offerings. Only the bravest will remain on top.

Rat King Covenant

Join the mysterious Rat King Covenant and the sewers, dirt, and slime will be your new friends. Equipping the Rat King ring and lurking in one of the designated areas will draw other unsuspecting players into your world. You may also find that the denizens of these areas are a bit more friendly to one of their own. Will they escape with their lives, or will you cut them down as they try?

Bell Keeper’s Covenant

Not everyone will find the old Bell Towers. And once they find them, not everyone will want to stay. If you do wish to join the ranks of the Bell Keepers, then you’ll be provided a Covenant ring to equip. While patrolling the long forgotten towers, if an intruder wanders into the area, you’ll be drawn into their world to stop them. This covenant functions similarly to the Forest Keeper Covenant from Dark Souls.

Brotherhood of Blood

Blood, blood, and more blood. Some evil might never be sated. Members of the Brotherhood of Blood vow to spill as much blood as possible as often as possible. You’ll not be welcomed into the ranks of this Covenant until you offer proof that you have the will and the means to slay a fellow explorer in the world of Drangleic. Similarly to the Blue Sentinels, the Brotherhood of Blood offers its members PvP arenas to see who is the true champion of the Brotherhood.

For those who choose not to interact with the game’s online systems, offline play is always available. But we do encourage everyone to play online as From Software put a great amount of work into improving the online mechanics to be deeper and more rewarding for all players.

We’re very excited for everyone to dive in and explore the world of Dark Souls II. It’s a special launch day for many people as there’s a vast amount of mystery to explore and experience.

A video game where a brutal, indifferent cosmology smacks players around. A director obsessed with the darker parts of man's nature. A match made in purgatory! Now we don't have to imagine what the acclaimed filmmaker would think of Dark Souls II . We can hear that tremulous voice praise the sun right now.Read more...

Defeating The Last Giant boss in Dark Souls 2.

Defeating the Flexile Sentry boss in Dark Souls 2.

Create a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle in Dark Souls 2. The hordes of Drangleic stand no chance against the skills of Leonardo.