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[NeverYouMind]

Luckily enough the archer on the right just fell to his death before I reached him. A funny resolution for that infamous moment which I was apprehending.
So I reached the bonfire where you find Solaire and explored most of the rooms nearby. The room with the paintings is stunning and I'm surprised to see that the figures depicted look perfectly realistic (except for Gwynevere), as if they are real portraits. I looked up some guide for his quest and read that you shouldn't talk to him if you haven't fulfilled some condition--can't remember the specifics. What do you recommend I do to avoid his bad ending?

A few screenshots I took for the occasion:

Spoiler

*neurons activated*

You can speak to him here without fear. It is in Demon's Ruins by the second bell that you should not talk to him. To avoid his default ending you can use poison pyromancy on the bugs in Demon's Ruins or level up enough in Chaos Servant covenant to open door in Demon's Ruins and do it manually. The location is past the lava and orange fog wall on the right. Not sure why you would want to deprive yourself of that ending...

Also, that last picture reminds me of this poor bastard in Dark Souls 3...

 

[gaming_again]

You can speak to him here without fear. It is in Demon's Ruins by the second bell that you should not talk to him. To avoid his default ending you can use poison pyromancy on the bugs in Demon's Ruins or level up enough in Chaos Servant covenant to open door in Demon's Ruins and do it manually. The location is past the lava and orange fog wall on the right. Not sure why you would want to deprive yourself of that ending...

Also, that last picture reminds me of this poor bastard in Dark Souls 3...

At least he dies with empty balls.

 

[Icymanipulator]

Is it still better for frame rate to run the PS4 version on a PS5? Starting over and it’s been since launch, just trying to figure this out before I commit.

 

[NeverYouMind]

While I have no first hand experience, the word around the campfire is unless you have a VRR capable television stick with PS4 version for more stable framerate on PS5. If anything the addition of ray tracing elements have made things worse on PS5 version.

 

[ValiantTraveler]

DS1 Update: beat Ornstein and Smough. Easily the hardest boss yet. I died three times before deciding that summoning Solaire wasn't worth it as the extra health makes the duo too hard to deal with for me. The run back to the boss arena didn't make things easier, it's long and the giant knights on the way are difficult to dodge. So I decided to fight alone and managed to kill Ornstein first. I think this dual boss would be a lot easier if it was put as it is in DS3 because the player's character is a lot more agile. Here, every move counts, you commit to it and get punished badly for fighting in a thoughtless manner. Swinging a heavy sword didn't help either.

So I arrived before Gwynevere (BOOBA!) and while I've known her for years I had never heared the track that plays in her room so that was a big surprise for me. That music is fantastic! It's like a reward for having come this far. The other reward of course is being able to warp to previous bonfire, not all of them but that's fine. Gaining the ability to do this is very satisfying after playing for so long with a lot of backtracking. Overall I enjoyed Anor Londo a lot even though it felt a bit empty.

Unfortunately I hit Solaire by accident in the Undead Parish and now he has gone hostile. Apparently the guy with the crazy laugh at the bell tower can absolve my sin but it's gonna cost me a lot...

 

[DelireMan7]

DS1 Update: beat Ornstein and Smough. Easily the hardest boss yet. I died three times before deciding that summoning Solaire wasn't worth as the extra health makes the duo too hard to deal with for me. The run back to the boss arena didn't make things easier, it's long and the giant knights on the way are difficult to dodge. So I decided to fight alone and managed to kill Ornstein first. I think this dual boss would be a lot easier if it was put as it is in DS3 because the player's character is a lot more agile. Here, every move counts, you commit to and get punished badly for fighting in a thoughtless manner. Swinging a heavy sword didn't help either.

So I arrived before Gwynevere (BOOBA!) and while I've known her for years I had never heared the track that plays in her room so that was a big surprise for me. That music is fantastic! It's like a reward for having come this far. The other reward of course is being able to warp to previous bonfire, not all of them but that's fine. Gaining the ability to do this is very satisfying after playing for so long with a lot of backtracking. Overall I enjoyed Anor Londo a lot even though it felt a bit empty.

Unfortunately I hit Solaire by accident in the Undead Parish and now he has gone hostile. Apparently the guy with the crazy laugh at the bell tower can absolve my sin but it's gonna cost me a lot...

Congrats on the progress.
Ornstein and Smough is really a tough battle.
Trivia : Depending on who you kill second you get different reward. I usually go for Ornstein second because I prefer his weapon and armor (and the ring can be nice).

Sad for Solaire. Yes you can absolve your sin with Oswald at the bell tower. The cost is proportional to your level (500 x your level).

 

[NeverYouMind]

DS1 Update: beat Ornstein and Smough. Easily the hardest boss yet. I died three times before deciding that summoning Solaire wasn't worth as the extra health makes the duo too hard to deal with for me. The run back to the boss arena didn't make things easier, it's long and the giant knights on the way are difficult to dodge. So I decided to fight alone and managed to kill Ornstein first. I think this dual boss would be a lot easier if it was put as it is in DS3 because the player's character is a lot more agile. Here, every move counts, you commit to and get punished badly for fighting in a thoughtless manner. Swinging a heavy sword didn't help either.

So I arrived before Gwynevere (BOOBA!) and while I've known her for years I had never heared the track that plays in her room so that was a big surprise for me. That music is fantastic! It's like a reward for having come this far. The other reward of course is being able to warp to previous bonfire, not all of them but that's fine. Gaining the ability to do this is very satisfying after playing for so long with a lot of backtracking. Overall I enjoyed Anor Londo a lot even though it felt a bit empty.

Unfortunately I hit Solaire by accident in the Undead Parish and now he has gone hostile. Apparently the guy with the crazy laugh at the bell tower can absolve my sin but it's gonna cost me a lot...

Have you avenged a certain maiden yet? Also, there is a reason Anor Londo feels empty. Do not be deceived by cleavage. Venture below the cathedral with spiral staircase to find the perpetrator of this deception.

 

[Soodanim]

DS1 Update: beat Ornstein and Smough. Easily the hardest boss yet. I died three times before deciding that summoning Solaire wasn't worth as the extra health makes the duo too hard to deal with for me. The run back to the boss arena didn't make things easier, it's long and the giant knights on the way are difficult to dodge. So I decided to fight alone and managed to kill Ornstein first. I think this dual boss would be a lot easier if it was put as it is in DS3 because the player's character is a lot more agile. Here, every move counts, you commit to and get punished badly for fighting in a thoughtless manner. Swinging a heavy sword didn't help either.

So I arrived before Gwynevere (BOOBA!) and while I've known her for years I had never heared the track that plays in her room so that was a big surprise for me. That music is fantastic! It's like a reward for having come this far. The other reward of course is being able to warp to previous bonfire, not all of them but that's fine. Gaining the ability to do this is very satisfying after playing for so long with a lot of backtracking. Overall I enjoyed Anor Londo a lot even though it felt a bit empty.

Unfortunately I hit Solaire by accident in the Undead Parish and now he has gone hostile. Apparently the guy with the crazy laugh at the bell tower can absolve my sin but it's gonna cost me a lot...

I may have asked this before, but do you fight unlocked? The full 360 rolling combined with the slower nature of 1 makes it far more viable than in later games. I got better at the game/found it easier when I stopped locking on so much. It's definitely a benefit when fighting O&S and other encounters with multiple enemies.

Congrats on getting through O&S, that's a stopping point for plenty in DS1.

 

[ValiantTraveler]

Congrats on the progress.
Ornstein and Smough is really a tough battle.
Trivia : Depending on who you kill second you get different reward. I usually go for Ornstein second because I prefer his weapon and armor (and the ring can be nice).

Sad for Solaire. Yes you can absolve your sin with Oswald at the bell tower. The cost is proportional to your level (500 x your level).

I'm level 60 so I had to pay 30,000 souls. Oswald's laugh is freaking hilarious

Have you avenged a certain maiden yet? Also, there is a reason Anor Londo feels empty. Do not be deceived by cleavage. Venture below the cathedral with spiral staircase to find the perpetrator of this deception.

Do you mean the mute Firekeeper? If so, I already killed Lautrec before cause I don't like that he kills her. His ring is super handy too.

I went down to the hall with the assassins but nothing happens when I examine the painting...

I may have asked this before, but do you fight unlocked? The full 360 rolling combined with the slower nature of 1 makes it far more viable than in later games. I got better at the game/found it easier when I stopped locking on so much. It's definitely a benefit when fighting O&S and other encounters with multiple enemies.

Congrats on getting through O&S, that's a stopping point for plenty in DS1.

I always fight locked on, and that's sometimes a hassle, for example against the big knights I would often go for an R2 attack as they move, but my character doesn't follow them automatically, so I end up hitting the ground. Basically I'm more locked on the direction where I initiate my attack. I should try fighting locked off.

By the way is the Claymore a better weapon than the Zweihander? It's faster to use for sure. But titanites don't fall from the sky and I'm not even sure if I can find other Large Embers to upgrade to +10 and beyond.

 

[Soodanim]

Do you mean the mute Firekeeper? If so, I already killed Lautrec before cause I don't like that he kills her. His ring is super handy too.

He doesn't, but congrats on what is affectionately known as the fap ring.

I went down to the hall with the assassins but nothing happens when I examine the painting...

You need a particular ring equipped. Explore the catacombs beyond the Graveyard at Firelink now that you can warp!

I always fight locked on, and that's sometimes a hassle, for example against the big knights I would often go for an R2 attack as they move, but my character doesn't follow them automatically, so I end up hitting the ground. Basically I'm more locked on the direction where I initiate my attack. I should try fighting locked off.

I recommand retreading easy ground like Undead Parish, it's a good place to get used to the general gameplay of unlocked combat. Be careful that the vertical camera position does vertically aim to some degree, which can either help or hinder your swings.

By the way is the Claymore a better weapon than the Zweihander? It's faster to use for sure. But titanites don't fall from the sky and I'm not even sure if I can find other Large Embers to upgrade to +10 and beyond.

It's definitely a personal choice, but now you can warp you can at least get Large Shards (from the smith in Anor Londo) and perhaps you could take the Claymore in an elemental direction to give you some variety.

edit: Andre of Astora might give you advice on which path might be particularly useful at some point, but in case he doesn't: Divine.

 

[NeverYouMind]

I'm level 60 so I had to pay 30,000 souls. Oswald's laugh is freaking hilarious

Do you mean the mute Firekeeper? If so, I already killed Lautrec before cause I don't like that he kills her. His ring is super handy too.

I went down to the hall with the assassins but nothing happens when I examine the painting...

I always fight locked on, and that's sometimes a hassle, for example against the big knights I would often go for an R2 attack as they move, but my character doesn't follow them automatically, so I end up hitting the ground. Basically I'm more locked on the direction where I initiate my attack. I should try fighting locked off.

By the way is the Claymore a better weapon than the Zweihander? It's faster to use for sure. But titanites don't fall from the sky and I'm not even sure if I can find other Large Embers to upgrade to +10 and beyond.

Yes, I meant Anastacia of Astora. To enter the painting you need to return to the beginning. Claymore is best one handed as it swings wide and stabs deep. It lacks some damage but has a better moveset. The sword dropped by the Silver Knights though is the true king unless you want a heavy thrust, which is arguably best with the long and fast Balder Side Sword (but everything else kind of looks wack).

 

[ValiantTraveler]

Alright I'm done with Ariamis and the forest section leading to Sif. Ariamis is one of my favorite levels so far, loved the dark winter vibes, plus the level design was pretty neat, I liked that opening that gate led right back to the bonfire. Nice enemy variety too, and wow that poison dragon was unexpected. Those slimy dudes with spears and shield make for a nice grinding spot too. I also appreciated that you don't have to kill Priscilla, she is pretty chill and nice, but also ready to fight if she must. I left her alone and took the plunge back to Lordran. By the way what is that faint eerie music I can hear in one spot of the fortress (or castle)? It's not far from the shortcut gate and has an edge that you can fall from. There are some torch-wielding undead there.

Anyways, I opened the gate in Darkroot Forest and proceeded further. I like that there are various human(?) enemies that attack me, some of them seemingly ghosts. I made my way to Sif (amazing intro cutscene) and managed to beat him, but I felt bad for the doggo as it started limping towards the end of the fight. Maybe I shouldn't have killed him. Overall that area gave me very strong Shadow of the Colossus vibes, with the vegetation, dark sky, ruins, Sif being a colossal beast, and the PS3 graphics not being too far away from late PS2 era graphics...

Next stop: the Catacombs probably.

Meanwhile I've been enjoying NG+ on Elden Ring, it's the true easy mode lol. Cleared the Caria manor and will head down to the Siofra to meet Blaidd.

 

[R6Rider]

My copy of the Elden Ring Book of Knowledge Volume 2 has arrived!

These books are fantastic. I don't normally buy these types of books, but I couldn't pass these up.

Here's a few pictures.

 

[Soodanim]

Alright I'm done with Ariamis and the forest section leading to Sif. Ariamis is one of my favorite levels so far, loved the dark winter vibes, plus the level design was pretty neat, I liked that opening that gate led right back to the bonfire. Nice enemy variety too, and wow that poison dragon was unexpected. Those slimy dudes with spears and shield make for a nice grinding spot too. I also appreciated that you don't have to kill Priscilla, she is pretty chill and nice, but also ready to fight if she must. I left her alone and took the plunge back to Lordran. By the way what is that faint eerie music I can hear in one spot of the fortress (or castle)? It's not far from the shortcut gate and has an edge that you can fall from. There are some torch-wielding undead there.

Anyways, I opened the gate in Darkroot Forest and proceeded further. I like that there are various human(?) enemies that attack me, some of them seemingly ghosts. I made my way to Sif (amazing intro cutscene) and managed to beat him, but I felt bad for the doggo as it started limping towards the end of the fight. Maybe I shouldn't have killed him. Overall that area gave me very strong Shadow of the Colossus vibes, with the vegetation, dark sky, ruins, Sif being a colossal beast, and the PS3 graphics not being too far away from late PS2 era graphics...

Next stop: the Catacombs probably.

Meanwhile I've been enjoying NG+ on Elden Ring, it's the true easy mode lol. Cleared the Caria manor and will head down to the Siofra to meet Blaidd.

Managed to cover some of the stand out moments of the game in one post. The human enemies in the woods that respawn are a popular low level farming group, there's a ledge you can stand on that fools their AI and they often run straight off a cliff. The phalanx of enemies in Ariamis is later farming spot!

Oh, Sif. From found a great way to make players feel bad. Do you know any of the lore surrounding him yet? There's slightly more to say, but only after you're finished the full game (it needs context) if you won't be doing NG+. I hope no one spoils it with you saying so.

 

[Forth]

I absolutely love this game and think it's the best open world ever created.
But I had no idea about the deepness of the lore, I was watching recently Vattividya videos and was wondering is it all intentional by From Software or is it just all speculation?
I just can't believe the depth that all of this has been created and if so then that is truly unbelievable.

 

[Soodanim]

I absolutely love this game and think it's the best open world ever created.
But I had no idea about the deepness of the lore, I was watching recently Vattividya videos and was wondering is it all intentional by From Software or is it just all speculation?
I just can't believe the depth that all of this has been created and if so then that is truly unbelievable.

It's a bit of both. Some is set in stone and just needs to be pieced together, other things aren't. Historically, they intentionally left things somewhat ambiguous and it's led to things like lore deep dives and years of speculation. The main difference with Elden Ring is that they got George R R Martin to help write the world's backstory.

The ambiguity helps them avoid writing themselves into a corner, so they have room for the DLC and/or sequels stories to freely be told.

Fromsoftware like having communities do the work and figure things out (both with messages in game and the lore), and it feels like they leaned extra hard into that this time round. A lot more ambiguity and untold stories.

 

[Forth]

Thanks for the reply, I'm finding it rather ingenius what From have done here with the lore especially with it being open world and the ability to go in any direction.
Definitely far more genius than what Nintendo did with TOTK and the tears system, personally I found that a mess.

 

[gaming_again]

I absolutely love this game and think it's the best open world ever created.
But I had no idea about the deepness of the lore, I was watching recently Vattividya videos and was wondering is it all intentional by From Software or is it just all speculation?
I just can't believe the depth that all of this has been created and if so then that is truly unbelievable.

https://www.youtube.com/@tarnishedarchaeologist

This guy is better imo.

 

[ValiantTraveler]

https://www.youtube.com/@tarnishedarchaeologist

This guy is better imo.

Came here to post this.

I love Vaati, but Tarnished Archaeologist goes beyond items descriptions and dialogues, in documentary-style videos that show you that a lot of things in the environments, which we don’t pay much attention to, from the architectural styles to statues and coffins, were put there deliberately.

 

[Danjin44]

I hope we get news for Shadow of the Erdtree DLC soon.

 

[gaming_again]

Came here to post this.

I love Vaati, but Tarnished Archaeologist goes beyond items descriptions and dialogues, in documentary-style videos that show you that a lot of things in the environments, which we don’t pay much attention to, from the architectural styles to statues and coffins, were put there deliberately.

He has the perfect voice for his docu style, too.