Elden Ring

[Scuzz]

After two years and on the day the expansion releases, I FINALLY beat the Elden Beast. He really is a huge goober.

Congrats. That is a fight where you really can learn from a few tries. You just need to get past “phase one” with some flasks.

[Scuzz]

DS1 is the game I bought a controller for. All the FROM games are better on PC with a controller.

[Jaymann]

After two years and on the day the expansion releases, I FINALLY beat the Elden Beast. He really is a huge goober.

LOL, I just beat him too. Though technically it was the second time for me. The first time I had to have my son sub in and beat him for me. This time (thanks to this thread) I kept summoning random players to help me. It took me about 10 tries and was looking pretty grim until I found two excellent players and just ran around in the back. Now I have that sweet Sacred Relic Sword (+10) with the Wave of Gold!

Bring on the DLC (where I undoubtedly will get pwned).

[Jaymann]

Woot, I'm in. And I got my first Scadutree Fragment. Looks like there are Revered Spirit Ash Blessings you can get as well.

Edit: Got another new item: Blessing of Marika - Full HP + heals all ailments. Sweet.

Edit #2: It is a little confusing on how to get back to the base world. From the map hit R1. Also it seems you retain some Scadutree benefits in the base world. For example, before I could only get off 3 waves of gold before running out of FP. Now I can do 4.

Edit # 3: I now have 5 Scadutree frags and 5 Spirit blessings. One disappointment is the smithing stones I have found have all been low level. WTF dude? To get here you had to go through areas with high level stones, and this is much tougher.

[AWS260]

It's definitely a controller-first game. I use an XBox wireless controller on PC and it works great.

[Scuzz]

Woot, I'm in. And I got my first Scadutree Fragment. Looks like there are Revered Spirit Ash Blessings you can get as well.

Edit: Got another new item: Blessing of Marika - Full HP + heals all ailments. Sweet.

Edit #2: It is a little confusing on how to get back to the base world. From the map hit R1. Also it seems you retain some Scadutree benefits in the base world. For example, before I could only get off 3 waves of gold before running out of FP. Now I can do 4.

Edit # 3: I now have 5 Scadutree frags and 5 Spirit blessings. One disappointment is the smithing stones I have found have all been low level. WTF dude? To get here you had to go through areas with high level stones, and this is much tougher.

I have been surprised how many stones they have available as you probably should have access to all you want from the base game.

Did you find the 5 scadutree fragments before fighting the lion boss?

[Jaymann]

Woot, I'm in. And I got my first Scadutree Fragment. Looks like there are Revered Spirit Ash Blessings you can get as well.

Edit: Got another new item: Blessing of Marika - Full HP + heals all ailments. Sweet.

Edit #2: It is a little confusing on how to get back to the base world. From the map hit R1. Also it seems you retain some Scadutree benefits in the base world. For example, before I could only get off 3 waves of gold before running out of FP. Now I can do 4.

Edit # 3: I now have 5 Scadutree frags and 5 Spirit blessings. One disappointment is the smithing stones I have found have all been low level. WTF dude? To get here you had to go through areas with high level stones, and this is much tougher.

I have been surprised how many stones they have available as you probably should have access to all you want from the base game.

Did you find the 5 scadutree fragments before fighting the lion boss?

I grabbed all the low hanging fruit. Have not fought the lion boss yet, but I beat a dragon and a couple other bosses. One near the entrance did not allow spirit ashes, so I called in a random player co-op. So far the trash mobs are tough but beatable.

[Scuzz]

I keep looking for the 2 scadutree items I apparently missed.

[Jaymann]

I followed a guide to make sure I didn't miss any, and it soon takes multiple frags to take you up. I did manage to beat an irritating hippo boss, who I found out was a great enemy. Just me and my mimic (who did most of the work while I stayed alive). For my money mimic ashes are the best since you can choose their weapons and it levels up with you. Plus Mohg's great rune gives your summon extra blood damage. Two blood loss weapons makes for a sweet combo.

[Scuzz]

I followed a guide to make sure I didn't miss any, and it soon takes multiple frags to take you up. I did manage to beat an irritating hippo boss, who I found out was a great enemy. Just me and my mimic (who did most of the work while I stayed alive). For my money mimic ashes are the best since you can choose their weapons and it levels up with you. Plus Mohg's great rune gives your summon extra blood damage. Two blood loss weapons makes for a sweet combo.

I noticed in one fight that my mimic seems to be using Rivers of Blood, while I am using a claymore with bleed.

[AWS260]

I am on the final boss (base game), and damn is it hard. I'm using cooperators--I wouldn't dream of soloing this--and the best I've done in a half-dozen tries is get the boss down to a quarter health. Oof.

Still, it's an amazing encounter. The visual design is so, so good. Which is more than I can say for

Spoiler:

Hoarah Loux

who is the only boss I've encountered whose design I actively disliked. They look like a Street Fighter character.

[Scuzz]

The Elden Beast requires you to get very close to it while recognizing a few AOE attacks it can do that requires you to back off.

[Jaymann]

Well a boss put me on my ass so I thought I would just do some casual exploration and get the last map segments. Turned out for the final piece I had to go on an epic journey that took me through a castle, a massive overland trek, and an insane dungeon with a great enemy boss at the end. Fortunately I had a piece of meat for fire negation and one for magic negation so I scraped by.

Up to 10 Scadutree power enhancements

[Scuzz]

Well a boss put me on my ass so I thought I would just do some casual exploration and get the last map segments. Turned out for the final piece I had to go on an epic journey that took me through a castle, a massive overland trek, and an insane dungeon with a great enemy boss at the end. Fortunately I had a piece of meat for fire negation and one for magic negation so I scraped by.

Up to 10 Scadutree power enhancements

That may be the route I am on now.

[hepcat]

I kind of wish I had saved my money for now and not picked up the DLC. I had to start a new character as I had stupidly converted my full game save to a new game plus. Taking my new character through the game now to rush to the 150 suggested level and to complete Mogh is just taking a LOT of time just replaying stuff I already played through. I very, very, very rarely ever replay games with stories, so it's annoying the crap out of me. I really wish they'd thought of the numerous people who were in the same predicament I was when creating the expansion.

[Jaymann]

Yes! Me and (mostly my) mimic beat the Lion King on the first try, and I didn't even have my lightning damage reduction talisman equipped. Making serious progress.

[Blackhawk]

Yes! Me and (mostly my) mimic beat the Lion King on the first try, and I didn't even have my lightning damage reduction talisman equipped. Making serious progress.

Spoiler:

[Jaymann]

YES!!! After a couple hours searching for quality cooperators, I finally took down Messmer the Impaler. I stood back and spammed Wave of Gold while HOOSIER DADDY did most of the work (the other guy died). Whew, that was tough but now I get to try out his Spear of the Impaler.



Edit: It may not be the most powerful weapon, but you can chuck it and it adds a splash of fire damage for no FP cost. Most fun I've had in this game for a while.

[Jaymann]

I'm definitely on the home stretch. I beat two more major bosses (one with co-op, one just me and my monkey) and am in the final area. Now that the end is in sight I am in no hurry to finish. First I will grind up to an obscenely high level (already at 314) and explore every nook and cranny of the map. I am up to +18 on the Scad frag scale, and it is theoretically possible to get to +20.

If I can do this there is no way it is too difficult.

[Jaymann]

I'm cruising along now at level 333. Have done all the optional dungeons in the DLC and just dominated a major boss with no co-op. Have found a few choice talismans and am now exploring every fort and castle. Have also found the Sword of Light (which you can alternate with the Sword of Darkness at an alter if you so desire) which does a sweet AOE and enhances Holy damage. This is perfect for me as my Wave of Gold hits a minion for 3168 damage versus 2640 without it active.

If you are not a caster it is a good idea to keep an upgraded bow on hand to pick off those irritating mages who blast you from the rooftops.

[coopasonic]

Finally bought the expansion. Stated a new character just to remember the mechanics, got to Godrick and... then decided to see where my previous character were. I have a greatsword character that appears to be just past Godrick in NG+ and a caster that I am pretty sure finished the game and was completely naked in Roundtable hold. Looking through her inventory I think I found some equipment she might have been using. It turns out carrying 100+ weapons and 40+ sets of armor doesn't make it any easier to decide what to equip.

No idea which character to go forward with.

[Scuzz]

Finally bought the expansion. Stated a new character just to remember the mechanics, got to Godrick and... then decided to see where my previous character were. I have a greatsword character that appears to be just past Godrick in NG+ and a caster that I am pretty sure finished the game and was completely naked in Roundtable hold. Looking through her inventory I think I found some equipment she might have been using. It turns out carrying 100+ weapons and 40+ sets of armor doesn't make it any easier to decide what to equip.

No idea which character to go forward with.

The NG+ character would still need to defeat Radhan and Mohg. The caster you could use as is or respec since you have usable weapons.

[Jaymann]

Finally bought the expansion. Stated a new character just to remember the mechanics, got to Godrick and... then decided to see where my previous character were. I have a greatsword character that appears to be just past Godrick in NG+ and a caster that I am pretty sure finished the game and was completely naked in Roundtable hold. Looking through her inventory I think I found some equipment she might have been using. It turns out carrying 100+ weapons and 40+ sets of armor doesn't make it any easier to decide what to equip.

No idea which character to go forward with.

The NG+ character would still need to defeat Radhan and Mohg. The caster you could use as is or respec since you have usable weapons.

Agreed (assuming she beat Mohg who is optional). Maybe even stick with caster at least for a while.

[Jaymann]

OMG! I got all 50 Scadutree Fragments for +20 power. That gives me 100% more damage and damage negation. To me that is a bigger accomplishment than beating the final boss.

[Jaymann]

Woohoo, now I have all 25 Revered Spirit Ashes for +10 on my spirit summons. This and the Scadutree Fragments was my goal going in, but I doubted I could actually pull it it off. I think I have also beaten all the optional bosses.

[hepcat]

So let’s say I Venmo jaymann some cash to put in the 80 or so hours needed to get my character to the DLC….

[Jaymann]

Got the Dryleaf Arts glove and Ashes of War. With Star Fist in my off hand I'm a kung fu fool. Not all that powerful but fun as heck, especially when you karate kick an enemy off a cliff.

[coopasonic]

Finally bought the expansion. Stated a new character just to remember the mechanics, got to Godrick and... then decided to see where my previous character were. I have a greatsword character that appears to be just past Godrick in NG+ and a caster that I am pretty sure finished the game and was completely naked in Roundtable hold. Looking through her inventory I think I found some equipment she might have been using. It turns out carrying 100+ weapons and 40+ sets of armor doesn't make it any easier to decide what to equip.

No idea which character to go forward with.

The NG+ character would still need to defeat Radhan and Mohg. The caster you could use as is or respec since you have usable weapons.

Agreed (assuming she beat Mohg who is optional). Maybe even stick with caster at least for a while.

It took me a bit to remember what I was doing but I am exploring the DLC content with the mage. I got to a boss door and decided going to bed was preferable to getting my ass kicked and staying up all night trying to beat the boss. Tomorrow I'll see who gets to kick my butt.

[Isgrimnur]

Worst advent calendar.

[AWS260]

I am on the final boss (base game), and damn is it hard. I'm using cooperators--I wouldn't dream of soloing this--and the best I've done in a half-dozen tries is get the boss down to a quarter health. Oof

I did it! Whew. I think I need a long break before I can even contemplate the DLC.

[Jaymann]

I was about to give up, but I got what is arguably the most difficult talisman in the game:

Spoiler:

The Aged One's Exultation. It's not even that great - raises attack power where madness is in the vicinity. I actually have a weapon that causes madness buildup, but that's pretty niche. The challenge is you must defeat an invincible boss in the Abyssal Woods (who hits you with madness). I found out the only way to beat him is with an obscure buckler you get from that gatekeeper guy near Godfrey. Remember him? Shame on you if you killed him.

The buckler has a skill called buckler parry which you can use on the boss to stun him and kill him. But your timing must be absolutely perfect or you will die. Much tougher than any "real" bosses I have faced.

[Scuzz]

The merchant in the hold should have that as if you kill the guy you get his bell bearing.

[Jaymann]

The merchant in the hold should have that as if you kill the guy you get his bell bearing.

Good to know that a wanton disregard for life carries no penalty.

[Scuzz]

The merchant in the hold should have that as if you kill the guy you get his bell bearing.

Good to know that a wanton disregard for life carries no penalty.

He doesn’t have a quest line either so there is really no reason not to kill him, after all he tried to kill you by locking you into a room with an enemy knight.

[Jaymann]

Well I beat the final boss (at level 351). I got him to his second phase on solo with mimic, but had to find 2 competent co-ops to seal the deal. I used my usual MO of staying back and spamming Wave of Gold. Side note: Somebody invaded while I was summoning. He killed my co-op buddy but I finished him with waves of gold. It is great against frenetic bastards jumping all over the place.

Strangely you do not automatically get the final cutscene, you have to touch a glowing ball. I didn't do that yet, so my journey continues.

[Jaymann]

Where's ma attaboy bros?

[WYBaugh]

Where's ma attaboy bros?

I will absolutely give you props for this. No way I could play this game even though it looks fascinating. Too damn old now.

[Scuzz]

Well I beat the final boss (at level 351). I got him to his second phase on solo with mimic, but had to find 2 competent co-ops to seal the deal. I used my usual MO of staying back and spamming Wave of Gold. Side note: Somebody invaded while I was summoning. He killed my co-op buddy but I finished him with waves of gold. It is great against frenetic bastards jumping all over the place.

Strangely you do not automatically get the final cutscene, you have to touch a glowing ball. I didn't do that yet, so my journey continues.

Congrats. I am level 182 ( plus or minus). I have really had only a few problems in the game. The first is even though I think I am exploring well I have missed a lot of pathways. The second thing is that I dominate 95% of the enemies, but that other 5% has crushed me.

[Jaymann]

Well I beat the final boss (at level 351). I got him to his second phase on solo with mimic, but had to find 2 competent co-ops to seal the deal. I used my usual MO of staying back and spamming Wave of Gold. Side note: Somebody invaded while I was summoning. He killed my co-op buddy but I finished him with waves of gold. It is great against frenetic bastards jumping all over the place.

Strangely you do not automatically get the final cutscene, you have to touch a glowing ball. I didn't do that yet, so my journey continues.

Congrats. I am level 182 ( plus or minus). I have really had only a few problems in the game. The first is even though I think I am exploring well I have missed a lot of pathways. The second thing is that I dominate 95% of the enemies, but that other 5% has crushed me.

Yeah, I don't fare so well against those resistant to holy damage. Thankfully that is pretty rare. It is incredible how I can keep finding unexplored areas. Have used maps and videos.

Does this happen to everyone? You hit circle to exit a menu one too many times and it makes you leap backwards off a cliff.

[Scuzz]

I have done that in the past but not in the DLC yet. I have seen guys hop off torrent and fall to their death as well.

I am using an arcane bleed build that melts most enemies, but others don’t seem effected by it, like Messmer.