Elden Ring

[Jaymann]

What perhaps was my last unexplored region was Jagged Peak Summit. On the way I took out Ancient Dragon Senessax with my mimic. At the summit I needed a couple co-ops to take down Bayle the Dread. He was as tough as many a final boss I have seen.

[Scuzz]

Did you fight the avatar boss behind Shadow Keep? That is the most insane boss I have seen so far.

[Jaymann]

Did you fight the avatar boss behind Shadow Keep? That is the most insane boss I have seen so far.

Yes, my mimic tanked for me and I spammed Wave of Gold as usual. My Faith is like 72 so it scales pretty well.

[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.

Continued with the caster and now there is just one enemy between me and total victory. I am level 201 with +18 Scadutree Blessing and +9 on the Spirit Ashes. I used Black Knife Tiche for most of the boss fights, but the last few I switched to the Greatshield Soldier Ashes. They are better at keeping the bosses eyes off me and Tiche was barely doing any damage anymore anyway.

Hopefully tomorrow I can celebrate taking the final boss down with some fireworks!

[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.

Continued with the caster and now there is just one enemy between me and total victory. I am level 201 with +18 Scadutree Blessing and +9 on the Spirit Ashes. I used Black Knife Tiche for most of the boss fights, but the last few I switched to the Greatshield Soldier Ashes. They are better at keeping the bosses eyes off me and Tiche was barely doing any damage anymore anyway.

Hopefully tomorrow I can celebrate taking the final boss down with some fireworks!

That's great. I actually got a Legendary weapon

Spoiler:

Euphoria

that was allegedly cut from the base game. Amazing how much I am still discovering. Surprisingly I see hardly any casters in the DLC, so attaboy!

[coopasonic]

Initially I wasn't going to buy the game because of all the chatter about the final boss being harder than Malenia.
Then there was the talk about the stuff they did to let you empower yourself so I decided to give it a chance.
Then I took a couple dozen shots at the final boss.
I don't see how I can defeat him. To be fair, that's how I felt about Gaius until he went down yesterday.
I know I can do better at avoiding damage but I am not sure I can do better enough.

[Jaymann]

I am still finding items I have somehow missed. Dueling Shield is da shitz. Now I'm roaming around helping people with their boss fights to collect rune arcs. If I ever start an NG+ I am going to be maxed out to the hilt.

[Scuzz]

I took down 2 bosses in [*]

Spoiler:

Shadow Keep

and appear to be heading towards the last few bosses. I got my blessings up to 17 and 9.

I too have been going through areas looking for things I may have missed.

I did find this games version of a deadly elemental area. I think poison has been made less deadly but maddening is still as bad as ever.

[Jaymann]

I missed the Bolt of Gransax so I started another new charcter to get it. I am already level 200 and have beaten Mohg (with co-op help).

[Scuzz]

I met the final boss and I don’t feel very confident about taking him down.

[Scuzz]

I finally beat the

Spoiler:

final boss

today. I respecced into the biggest tank build I could without going into a fat roll. I have never had to do that with a boss before but it seemed like the best strategy for someone who couldn’t avoid hits by dodging and jumping, although I did a lot of that.

I actually summoned another player into the fight, but he died very early into phase 2, so I don’t feel bad about it as when you figure he added health to the boss it was almost like he was never there. Also, phase 1 had not been a problem.

I did learn that

Spoiler:

Miquella's Rune

is reusable in the same fight, which I didn’t know before and had died because I didn’t know that. Anyone know if your mimic is cured of the curse if you use it?

I finished at level 220. With 19 Blessings.

[Jaymann]

I finally beat the

Spoiler:

final boss

today. I respecced into the biggest tank build I could without going into a fat roll. I have never had to do that with a boss before but it seemed like the best strategy for someone who couldn’t avoid hits by dodging and jumping, although I did a lot of that.

I actually summoned another player into the fight, but he died very early into phase 2, so I don’t feel bad about it as when you figure he added health to the boss it was almost like he was never there. Also, phase 1 had not been a problem.

I did learn that

Spoiler:

Miquella's Rune

is reusable in the same fight, which I didn’t know before and had died because I didn’t know that. Anyone know if your mimic is cured of the curse if you use it?

I finished at level 220. With 19 Blessings.

Congrats. I just beat the base game boss at 223 (with co-op - 1 died) and am about to enter DLC. I took my time and did every dungeon and got every good talisman. Also tried out dual katanas (featuring Malenia's) and dual great bows (Radahn's bow in the off hand for 20% bonus). It is fun to mess around but tough for me to aim and the great arrows are costly.

Edit: Also I learned Commander's Standard is sweet. With it you can cast Rallying Standard with +20% damage and +20% damage reduction. Won't stack with Golden Vow, but I like it better.

[Scuzz]

Great bows are fun to play around with and can be valuable in certain situations, but they are heavy and as you were right saying the arrows are expensive. But if you need to knock an enemy off their perch it is worth it.

[baelthazar]

I respecced into the biggest tank build I could without going into a fat roll. I have never had to do that with a boss before but it seemed like the best strategy for someone who couldn’t avoid hits by dodging and jumping, although I did a lot of that.

I got VERY frustrated with a certain fire-using and spear-wielding DLC boss so I decided to spec into a ridiculous build that is not optimized but sure is fun. Build in spoiler tags.

Spoiler:

I did (base class was Astrologer, Level at the time was 191):
Vigor 50
Mind 25
Endurance 60
STR 60
Dex 25
Int 16
Faith 25
Arcance 9

I kitted out a DLC armor set called the Armor of Solitude, used a DLC Black Steel Greatshield, and I can use almost ANY of the major weapons. Depending on the situation I switch between the Black Steel Greathammer, Blasphemous Blade, Sacred Relic Sword, and Greatsword of Solitude.

Changing into this tank build I was literally able to hide behind my shield and block the major strikes of this particularly irritating boss. Since I use Great Jar's Arsenal, I get medium encumbrance and no fat roll. I also use the Two-Headed Green Turtle Talisman so that my stamina replenishes super fast. It really compensates for the fact that I am not super good at timing, rolling, and getting a strike in at the right moment. I still die to bosses (a lot) but I'm breezing through most of the DLC.

With that kit:

Spoiler:

I have almost 60% damage reduction in every category and the shield itself has 100 physical reduction and 95 Holy.

For trash mobs I used the Greathammer, but for bosses its the Blasphemous Blade.

[hepcat]

So I'm STILL running through the base game to get to the DLC. I'm resigned to the fact that I'm just going to have to play through most of the game again to get to it. I'm still a little miffed that they put the expansion behind a late game boss, and that I started a new game after I finished the game the first goddamn time because I didn't think that would happen.

[Scuzz]

So I'm STILL running through the base game to get to the DLC. I'm resigned to the fact that I'm just going to have to play through most of the game again to get to it. I'm still a little miffed that they put the expansion behind a late game boss, and that I started a new game after I finished the game the first goddamn time because I didn't think that would happen.

Read Varre’s quest line and it will get you to Mohg faster, but the DLC pretty much wants you to start it at level 150 or higher.

Also you have to have beaten Radhan.

I almost think you would be better going into NG+ as you would have a lot of gear already and NG+ isn’t much tougher, and since you know the base game you would not have to repeat much of it.

[Scuzz]

I respecced into the biggest tank build I could without going into a fat roll. I have never had to do that with a boss before but it seemed like the best strategy for someone who couldn’t avoid hits by dodging and jumping, although I did a lot of that.

I got VERY frustrated with a certain fire-using and spear-wielding DLC boss so I decided to spec into a ridiculous build that is not optimized but sure is fun. Build in spoiler tags.

Spoiler:

I did (base class was Astrologer, Level at the time was 191):
Vigor 50
Mind 25
Endurance 60
STR 60
Dex 25
Int 16
Faith 25
Arcance 9

I kitted out a DLC armor set called the Armor of Solitude, used a DLC Black Steel Greatshield, and I can use almost ANY of the major weapons. Depending on the situation I switch between the Black Steel Greathammer, Blasphemous Blade, Sacred Relic Sword, and Greatsword of Solitude.

Changing into this tank build I was literally able to hide behind my shield and block the major strikes of this particularly irritating boss. Since I use Great Jar's Arsenal, I get medium encumbrance and no fat roll. I also use the Two-Headed Green Turtle Talisman so that my stamina replenishes super fast. It really compensates for the fact that I am not super good at timing, rolling, and getting a strike in at the right moment. I still die to bosses (a lot) but I'm breezing through most of the DLC.

With that kit:

Spoiler:

I have almost 60% damage reduction in every category and the shield itself has 100 physical reduction and 95 Holy.

For trash mobs I used the Greathammer, but for bosses its the Blasphemous Blade.

What you did is almost exactly what I did except I was in an arcane build. I also used the shield you can get from a heavy npc merchant.

[hepcat]

So I'm STILL running through the base game to get to the DLC. I'm resigned to the fact that I'm just going to have to play through most of the game again to get to it. I'm still a little miffed that they put the expansion behind a late game boss, and that I started a new game after I finished the game the first goddamn time because I didn't think that would happen.

Read Varre’s quest line and it will get you to Mohg faster, but the DLC pretty much wants you to start it at level 150 or higher.

Also you have to have beaten Radhan.

I almost think you would be better going into NG+ as you would have a lot of gear already and NG+ isn’t much tougher, and since you know the base game you would not have to repeat much of it.

From what I've read, most reviewers recommended NOT going in with NG+ build as it would end up being unbalanced. I've already put in 50 or so hours with my new alt, so starting over again is out of the question.

I beat Radahn last weekend. I'm playing a caster this time around (although I'm starting to morph into a "spellblade" build, so to speak) and the first time I got killed almost immediately. The second time, I tried the trick of turning tail and running towards the shoreline. Then I turned back around and headed straight for the summon signs. He took one shot and then drew his blades. From that point on, I just kept resummoning dead summons and won with barely a scratch.

I also finished the Varre's quest line the other day. Can I use the medal to teleport straight to Mogh now?

In any case, it just annoys me that I couldn't just load a save from the end game before I started the NG+. Lesson learned though.

[Scuzz]

Yes, if Varre gave you that item you should be able to travel to the start of Mohg’s area. It’s not a large area but it has a lot of items to pick up and a few difficult enemies. In theory if you knew the route you could run to the boss but I would take the time to look around if you have never been there before.

[hepcat]

Oh, I've finished the game once already and experienced the mighty mogh and his region. I wasn't looking forward to going through all that again though. So thanks, i'll definitely use that tonight! I'm about level 100 so I should be good for a run at mogh. Mayhaps with some help from a friendly player or two.

Sounds like I'm closer than I thought to getting to the DLC!

[Jaymann]

If you want to follow a guide, this guy has an excellent step by step series. I can't believe the stuff I missed (including quest lines) first time through, though I was rushing to get all the scadutree fragments. Definitely defeats FOMO.

[Jaymann]

I have a new favorite dual katana setup. Off hand is Hand of Malenia+10 (blood loss buildup of 50). Main hand is Cold Nagakiba+25 with Divine Beast Frost Stomp ashes of war. Physical plus magic damage and causes blood loss buildup of 38 plus frost buildup of a whopping 105!

[Scuzz]

If you want to follow a guide, this guy has an excellent step by step series. I can't believe the stuff I missed (including quest lines) first time through, though I was rushing to get all the scadutree fragments. Definitely defeats FOMO.

I watched those after I played through each area. I guess I didn’t pay close enough attention as I still missed 5 scadutree fragments. But he does do a great job.

[Scuzz]

Oh, I've finished the game once already and experienced the mighty mogh and his region. I wasn't looking forward to going through all that again though. So thanks, i'll definitely use that tonight! I'm about level 100 so I should be good for a run at mogh. Mayhaps with some help from a friendly player or two.

Sounds like I'm closer than I thought to getting to the DLC!

Go get em big boy!

[hepcat]

I’d forgotten what a soul goldmine the grounds outside the site of grace in mogh’s dynasty can be. 40,000 souls in 10 minutes or less, easy. Think I’ll level up a bit first.

[Scuzz]

I’d forgotten what a soul goldmine the grounds outside the site of grace in mogh’s dynasty can be. 40,000 souls in 10 minutes or less, easy. Think I’ll level up a bit first.

If your main goal is the DLC don’t worry about over leveling. Get as many as you can.

[Jaymann]

I have decided to take the plunge into NG+ at the paltry level of 409. So far it has been great. I wiped the first boss in 2 hits and the tree sentinel in 3. This it what I spent so much time to accomplish. The chests (at least some of them) have different rewards which keeps it interesting.

[hepcat]

Purifying crystal tear for the win when it comes to Mogh. I had forgotten about that. Was able to take him out at level 125 last night….only to realize I hadn’t installed the DLC after buying it a month or so ago.

So installed it and headed over to the new area. At which point I realized I should level up a bit more before continuing down THAT road.

[Jaymann]

Purifying crystal tear for the win when it comes to Mogh. I had forgotten about that. Was able to take him out at level 125 last night….only to realize I hadn’t installed the DLC after buying it a month or so ago.

So installed it and headed over to the new area. At which point I realized I should level up a bit more before continuing down THAT road.

Congrats! You can actually pick up a few Scadutree fragments before committing too much to the DLC. Note: If you max them out on your first playthrough, they stay with you in NG+.

[hepcat]

What level were you folks at when you tackled the SoE expansion?

[stimpy]

What level were you folks at when you tackled the SoE expansion?

I was around 180.
Currently around 230 and making huge progress.

[hepcat]

Okay, then I won't wait TOO much longer. I'll probably just grab a few more things from the base game that I want (weapons, black knife tiche spirit summons....seriously, i used that just as much as I did the mimic, it was so good, etc.) then I'll head on through the dangling arm from the broken egg door.

...yeah, From Software is just full of stoners, I believe.

[Jaymann]

NG+ is different, some good some bad. I solved 2 rise tower puzzles only to find an empty chest. There seems to be little incentive to do side dungeons as I already have all the rewards from them. I suppose you could dual wield some weapons, but that doesn't seem very effective. At the moment I am using the Icon Shield which has HP regen, so I am almost always topped off. Along with the Ritual Sword Talisman which increases damage at full health.

My flasks are maxed out so there is no need to obtain Golden Seeds or Sacred Tears. The finger sisters have all the bell bearings so smithing stones aren't much needed. I can still go after the Somber and regular Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones.

It seems like going straight to mandatory bosses is the ticket.

[Jaymann]

I just finished the base game and DLC on NG+ (third time overall) at the ripe young level of 436 (Vigor and Dex at 99). Took several tries with co-op help on the final boss but got it done. Since I had everything I wanted and was maxed out on flasks, scadutree fragments and revered spirit ashes, I just went straight up the gut to every mandatory boss. 416 hours.

Edit: Plus another 224 hours on second character for total of 640.

[Isgrimnur]

Here's your look at Elden Ring Nightreign in this trailer for the upcoming standalone co-operative spin-off set in a world parallel to that of 2022’s Elden Ring. Elden Ring Nightreign allows players to team up with two co-op partners and drop into a condensed map based on Elden Ring’s Limgrave area, with enemies and structures that are randomized at the start of each session.

[hepcat]

I just finished the base game and DLC on NG+ (third time overall) at the ripe young level of 436 (Vigor and Dex at 99). Took several tries with co-op help on the final boss but got it done. Since I had everything I wanted and was maxed out on flasks, scadutree fragments and revered spirit ashes, I just went straight up the gut to every mandatory boss. 416 hours.

Edit: Plus another 224 hours on second character for total of 640.

I’m in the end game of Erdtree and have discovered I completely screwed the pooch on almost every NPC interaction. I’ve locked myself out of every quest but one. That will teach me to remember you need to actually read all the spoilers for a Souls game before playing it.

[Jaymann]

I just finished the base game and DLC on NG+ (third time overall) at the ripe young level of 436 (Vigor and Dex at 99). Took several tries with co-op help on the final boss but got it done. Since I had everything I wanted and was maxed out on flasks, scadutree fragments and revered spirit ashes, I just went straight up the gut to every mandatory boss. 416 hours.

Edit: Plus another 224 hours on second character for total of 640.

I’m in the end game of Erdtree and have discovered I completely screwed the pooch on almost every NPC interaction. I’ve locked myself out of every quest but one. That will teach me to remember you need to actually read all the spoilers for a Souls game before playing it.

I missed a lot of those on the first playthrough, as i thought they were just talky, talky. Picked them all up on the second playthrough.