10. Combat Dark Souls II Guide
Last update: 11 May 2016
In this chapter, you will read what fighting styles you can use and how to pick the weapon fitted for a certain fighting style. Also, you will find here information on how to match your fighting style with various types of opponents. Also, this chapter details the statistics that it is worthwhile to mind, during duels. You can also find here, several golden rules, thanks to which fighting against opponents, even the strongest ones, will be easier and more enjoyable.
Fighting styles
While exploring the game world and encountering various opponents, you can use several fighting styles, depending on the type of the enemy that you are fighting.
One-handed weapon and a shield - this fighting style is ideal at the beginning of the game. At this stage, you should not lean out from behind the shield. Patience is the basic feature that you need to use here, to succeed. This fighting style is perfect against fast and agile opponents. Thanks to the shield, you can block most of the attacks and respond with your attack, when the moment is right. Try (at least at the beginning) not to strike more than twice. The fight will be longer, but the success more tangible.
Two-handed heavy weapon - this fighting style is more fitted for experienced players. It is ideal for fighting strong, sluggish opponents. Blocking their attacks with the shield is not always effective, which is why you should practice dodging. While fighting such an opponent, you can use his sluggishness to your advantage and, at the moment of his attack, dodge and use the time to strike yourself. It is best to act on the observation-dodge-attack basis.
Dual wield - an unique fighting style, requiring the proper equipment, statistics and proficiency. First of all: you will need two pieces of equipment, both with the same attack patterns. It may be two daggers, two rapiers, and, in the case of powerful, strength-oriented characters, even two, two-handed swords! Then you will have to make sure, that your statistics are 1.5x higher than needed to effectively wield a given weapon. A double shortsword, requiring 7 points in strength and 10 points in dexterity, will have a requirement of 11 strength and 15 dexterity. All you need to do now is to press the button responsible for dual-handed grip, and you character will take a dual-wielding style stance. From this point onwards, all your attacks performed with your left hand will cause your character to attack with both weapons.
Ranged attack - at the moment, at which the opponent is farther away, seize the opportunity and deal as much damage as you can, if you have the a ranged weapon on you. You can get lucky enough to stun the enemy, who will, e.g. fall into the chasm. You can always try that.
Special techniques - in the game, there are several special techniques, which it pays to learn at the very beginning. The first one is attack from behind. You perform it by sneaking up to the enemy from behind. They are especially useful while fighting sluggish enemies which are easy to circle. The second special technique is parrying. If you have the right type of shield, or weapon, you can deflect the attack aimed against you, by the enemy, and counter-attack quickly. This technique is just as powerful as the blow from behind , but it requires, of you, more proficiency.
The remaining special attacks are assigned to the weapon type. We should start with the fact that a weapon can be held in one hand or in two (in the latter case you cannot use the shield). It is also worth noting that your character performs a different attack if you, e.g. (1) strike after you roll, (2) strike while running, (3) lean away the movement stick while striking. Keep experimenting with your weapons and you will discover more such curiosities!
Golden rules
Below, you can find several golden rules that it always pays off to observe, while fighting in Dark Souls 2.
Mind your health. If you see your health bar declining at a fast rate, retreat and heal yourself.
Do not let your endurance drop to zero. As soon as the level of the green bar reaches zero, you will be, virtually, defenseless. You will neither block the enemy's attack, nor will you attack or dodge. You will be, in practical terms, without chances.
Fight one-on-one. As much as possible, always try to lure one opponent at a time. When you focus on one opponent, it is going to get much easier.
Pay attention to your surroundings. Your path is full of pitfalls. One careless move and you can fall into a chasm, or be killed by an enemy.
Attack from behind. As often as possible, try to get your enemies from behind and attack their backs. Before they realize what has happened, you will manage to deal considerable damage.
Ensure healing. Before you set off for further journey, make sure that you have a healing kit on your equipment.
And most importantly- Be Patient.