How to fight? | Basics Dark Souls Guide

Last update: 11 May 2016

Before you go to the fight, you might consider several aspects of the fight system:

1) Stamina - a green bar that indicates your ability of blocking and attacking. You have to watch it carefully, so it doesn't get empty because you're getting defenseless then. Hint: Stamina replenishes faster if you lower your shield. So keeping it raised all the time is not a best idea.

2) Aiming system - by using the right analog stick you can activate aiming system, which allows you focusing on one enemy. This solution is useful during fight with lower enemies, but can interfere when you dealing with a boss. Hit: you shouldn't always use the aiming system. You have greater mobility without it.

3) Attacks from behind - if you can get behind enemy's back, you'll be able to deal huge damage in a special attack animation. This is important and useful tactics against your enemies. But be prepared for such attacks when you fight with other players.

4) Counterattack - this is a base for best warriors. If you have a proper shield (Small, Standard) you can parry enemy's blow (with left trigger) and then counterattack. This is powerful technique, which requires a lot of exercise. But it is worth it - thanks to that you'll easily defeat the last boss in the game!

5) Equip Burden - each character is described with an indicator for maximum equipment it can wear. If your current gear weight is above 50% of maximum Equip Burden, you move slowly. If it is below 50%, you are quite fast. Even better speed you'll have with weight below 25% of Equip Burden.

During the game you have to develop few behaviors:

1) Do not charge, especially with new type of enemies. In Dark Souls you have to know enemies' behavior first, in order to defeat them.

2) Fight in safe conditions - sometimes it is better to back off than fight on the edge of abyss.

3) Always have a bow and arrow - a bow is "a must" for each character archetype. Thanks to it you can lure out enemies and kill stronger opponents from a distance.

4) Enhance your weapons when you can - an enhanced weapon equals more damage and easier fights.

5) Speed or armor - in many cases you can choose between strong armor (you move slower) and speed/mobility. In fact everything depends on your enemy: sometimes it is better to invest in armor, but mostly higher mobility saves your life.