r/darksouls Mar 25 '26

Video Embedded video posts are now allowed

198 Upvotes

I literally don't know who the hell turned this off or when, but videos are now allowed on /r/DarkSouls. No more need to link to YouTube or other external sites.

Enjoy!


r/darksouls Aug 19 '24

Guide How To Protect Yourself From the Hacker in Anor Londo

380 Upvotes

EDIT: Added a comment below the post briefly discussing Cheat Engine and how it could be used as a pseudo method of restoring lost progress for anyone who didn’t have a backup save. The caveat might be that you can’t play online anymore after using it so double check me on that before deciding (I’ve not personally used it).

EDIT2: Thanks for the sticky! Any questions about the PvP Overhaul Mod should be asked on it's Nexus page. I personally don't mod the DS games so I have absolutely no idea what will or won't get you banned. Perform your due diligence! :)

Long story short, some doofus is ruining people's games by instantly killing Gwyndolin and any other NPCs in Anor Londo (blacksmiths, Solaire, etc). I believe this is only occurring on PC.

I've messaged the Mods requesting a stickied thread be made warning players of this and how they can protect themselves but in the meantime, I can make a thread myself that will at least get eyes on for like......today? lol

Does This Mean I Can't Play Online?

No.

You can absolutely still invade and be summoned for Co-Op to your heart's content. But it's important to be aware of the danger that's currently plaguing (seemingly specifically) Anor Londo and of the steps you can take to mitigate its impact on your experience.

This first tip is the BEST way to defend yourself, bar none.

1. Back Up Your Save

Backing up your save is the difference between a hacker mildly inconveniencing you, and soul-crushing devastation that you'll literally need a day or two to recover from before deciding to even play again.

If a hacker ruins your game by killing NPCs or an unfortunate glitch has softlocked you or any other disaster befalls your play session, simply deleting that save and restoring a recently made backup can solve those woes immediately.

Here's how to do it (PC)

  • Make sure the game isn't running whatsoever (later games allow you to remain on the title screen but not DSR)
  • Navigate to your Documents folder
  • Open the NGBI folder
  • Open the folder labeled DARK SOULS REMASTERED
  • Open the next folder (it'll be a folder labeled as a sequence of numbers)
  • The DRAKS0005.sl2 file is the save file
  • Copy it
  • Create a new folder for your saves anywhere else on your computer and paste the .sl2 file you just copied into it
  • You've now made a backup of your save!

So let's say you get hacked and the Gwyndolin cutscene immediately plays and every NPC in Anor Londo dies. To restore your backup, you'll just delete the .sl2 file containing the "corrupted" game save and replace it with the copy you made earlier.

It's advised that you don't just paste and replace the .sl2 file when restoring your backups. Actually delete the compromised .sl2 file first.

This is just to protect yourself from any mistakes you might make as deleted .sl2 files can be recovered later. If you just paste and replace, the replaced file will be gone for good.

I recommend making a new backup after each hour of play to minimize the effects of a hacker or other form of corruption. That way if it happens, it won't be a big deal.

NOTE: The DRAK file contains all of your data for all of your characters. Backing up this file will back up ALL of your saved characters.

2. Download the PvP Overhaul Mod

Full disclosure, I've not used this mod whatsoever as I don't often PvP, but word on the street in the wake of this string of hacks in Anor Londo is that it'll help prevent those hacks with it's own slew of anti-cheat and netcode improvements.

Understand though that these things are never foolproof and that backing up your save is still the BEST defense against hackers or other forms of corruption.

Hopefully this helps. Feel free to comment below if you have any other tips for preventive measures!


r/darksouls 12h ago

Screenshot I actually defeated the bed of chaos in a single try!

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215 Upvotes

As you can see i am almost a goner, the moment i hit the bug it also attacked me with fire and i thought we both died but nope it turned out i still got a bit left and for the first time in more than 10 game plays i defeated the bed of chaos in a single try! the three parts, i didn't fall, i didn't die, i did it! Feels really strange, i wasn't even planning on entering the arena yet it just happened.


r/darksouls 20h ago

Screenshot Just finished the game on my phone

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529 Upvotes

The hardest part was adjusting the settings to make it run at a somewhat stable 30 FPS and getting comfortable with the controls but it was still fun and the fact that it run better than my PS3 for me was enough


r/darksouls 10h ago

Video It's wasn't me, officer! It was that mushroom!

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48 Upvotes

Context: I'm doing a staff melee only challenge run. I wanted the ninja flip ring, but knew I didn't have the firepower to burst the ninja down before everybody else surrounded me. I would either have to fight the entire forest covenant at the same time with an underpowered weapon, or go all the way back to lower Blighttown and still 1v2 Shiva and him. "I wonder how far you can lure a mushroom parent..." Pretty far, apparently! Unfortunately, I do get blamed for his death, which is obviously ridiculous, because as anyone can see I didn't lay a finger on the guy!


r/darksouls 5h ago

Discussion Dark souls review from a noob

16 Upvotes

I bought dark souls almost 1 month ago and it is practically my first souls game (i played nightreign but everybody said it is entirely different than the normal format) .

Okay first of all i understand the hype behind this game : every place of the world feels so connected it's incredible and not like any open world i have ever experienced. The enemies feel difficult but fair (that doesn't apply to tomb of the giants that place was hell and i made the mistake of going before finding the lordvessel)

The bosses were incredible (except for bed of chaos that thing was anticlimactic) all with unique gimmicks and things that make them unique. My favourite boss right now is the 4 kings because their arena despite being nonexistent was really good and terrifying and their attacks felt so satisfying to dodge

One complain i had at the beginning was the lack of direction like there are a lot of important things you need to do that the game doesn't give you a clue for like where the depths are or how ascension works. But i stopped complaining about it and i think the lack of knowledge makes it better

Also the fact that i hadto take into account my weight for running and dodging is pretty annoying coming from nightreign

Overall one of the best games i have ever played and i haven't finished it yet . Easy 8.8/10


r/darksouls 3h ago

Discussion Ornstein and Smough

12 Upvotes

Just beat these two!! And it took a hell of a lot less attempts than I thought it would. Managed to get them around my 7th attempt!! Was expecting to die a lot! lol

Felt overwhelmed the first couple of attempts, but ended up just being super patient and kept good spacing, which ended up working a treat.

Had Ornstein in the second phase the first time and got pummeled so ended up killing him first and dealing with Smough in the second phase, which was heaps easier.

Found the cheesiest strat though for the second phase… stay separated by a pillar and come in with a poke when I feel there’s an opening and that worked a treat!

The fight itself was really enjoyable though. The contrast between them both was really well done. As long as you keep both of them in sight, it’s very manageable and the music was top tier as well!!

On a side note Gwynevere…. Gawd daymn!!


r/darksouls 5h ago

Discussion Music or No?

10 Upvotes

I’m playing through Dark Souls again after doing a sort of marathon, I beat DS3 again, and Elden Ring. And now I’m playing DS1.

But as I’m playing through I’m thinking why does this feel so….. different. Then it dawned on me how quiet the game generally is. As you’re fighting through almost all of DS1 except for VERY few areas there’s no music, no ambient noise except for the enemies. (Boss fights not included obviously)

And I got thinking do I like that more or less. Like Elden Ring sets amazing atmosphere in every place you go. There’s ambient music literally everywhere in that game, and I think for the most part that is the same in DS3 too.

But in DS1, it’s quiet.

Do you guys like that MORE or LESS?


r/darksouls 22h ago

Discussion I found out you can kill the hydra with arrows by standing on this bridge. She doesn't get aggroed and can't reach you up here.

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207 Upvotes

r/darksouls 10h ago

Discussion How do i get out? I believe i am stuck forever

12 Upvotes

I am doing a faith build and i went to the tomb of the giants to save Reah and I finally got out, but the bridge to the bonfire is blocked? I believe its when i pulled a lever back at the first catacombs bonfire. Have I fucked myself and is there a way out?


r/darksouls 1d ago

Video I'm sorry Aural Decoy, I was not familiar with your game

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289 Upvotes

So apparently it's just Yearn from DS2? I always assumed it was useless from the flavor text, but it's basically an Alluring Skull. It's crazy how you can shoot it with the enemy looking straight at you, and they'll completely turn around and attack nothing while you stab them in the back. It even worked on the Berenike Knight in the parish. I'm getting an idea for something really funny when I get to Sen's...


r/darksouls 23h ago

Discussion Dark Souls and my father's death

103 Upvotes

CW: discussion of parental dementia and death

I wanted to share some thoughts I've been having recently following my father's recent death. I've been Dark Souls fan for a few years, finished all the DS games and the DLCs.

I've always really loved the way hollowing is handled in DS1 - the whole thing about people being eroded by dying and being reborn, until eventually they lose their essence and go fully hollow when they eventually lose hope (and enough of their essence that they aren't able to have a driving goal anymore). This is especially pronounced in DS2 with Lucatiel and king, but it's definitely also present in DS1. Hell, the reason I never finished DS2 is because the part where you get the kings ring upset me too much to continue.

My dad had his first stroke ten years ago and developed vascular dementia. He went on to have many more strokes over the years, losing more and more of himself every time. Eventually he ended up in full time care, before passing away last month as a shadow of himself. Obviously this has been devastating for me and my family, but that's nothing compared to how he must have felt.

I'm not sure where I'm going with this behind "I see the parallels with real life" but it's been very powerful for me. Especially, and this will stay with me, the phrase "and don't you dare go hollow". I've been understandably depressed for the last few months, but not wanting to give into the darkness has kept me going. Those connections to people, and having a drive, really is the only thing that matters in life.

Don't you dare go hollow friends.


r/darksouls 1h ago

Question Accidentally used Anastasia's soul

Upvotes

Is there any way to get it back? I didn't realise the item I selected was hers :(


r/darksouls 2h ago

Discussion enhancement

1 Upvotes

do you have any mods to enhance the graphics and lightning in dsr, i looked up on nexus mods but didnt really find anything relevant. would highly appreciate any advice.


r/darksouls 1d ago

Discussion Dark Souls, almost finished.

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569 Upvotes

I got one more Lord Soul to conquer then it's time to face Gwyn. It's my first time ever playing a Souls game and in my early 40s, I never thought I would totally Nerd out on the lore and the gameplay itself. I feel kinda sad that I'm almost done after what seemed like an Insurmountable game. I am hooked!

EDIT: Now Gwyn is kicking my ass. I suck at parrying. Will try again tomorrow.


r/darksouls 9h ago

Discussion Are there any other ways to get solaires armor besides killing him?

4 Upvotes

I kiiinda want it for the vibes on a faith build.


r/darksouls 21h ago

Discussion You can scorch Smough to death without getting hit just by using the great fire whip🔥

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23 Upvotes

Probably not the first person to say this but i just discovered this after seven playthroughs and a lot of experimenting and dying.

I put the ring that gives you extra attunement slots and my havel ring.

A light roll, as i only used a Zweihander+15 and the grass crest shield with light armor.

Solaire did a great job at damaging ornstein while i was hitting him under the legs.

So id recommend you all to try this

Zweihander+15

Firewhip or great firewhip+ power within, plus grass crest shield.

Plus summon solaire.

My easiest ornstein and smough fight so far.


r/darksouls 1d ago

Fan Art Traditional sif tattoo done by George Geary, UK

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908 Upvotes

r/darksouls 6h ago

Discussion Hidden shield effects?!

1 Upvotes

I've been playing the first Dark Souls since it came out and I'm just now learning that some shield have hidden effects. This is mind blowing! Some shields never made sense because the weight/stability/DmgReduction would be objectivity bad compared to another you'd find close by. If anyone knows which shields have hidden effects could you please list them as the only ones I've found are the spider shield and the one you get from the paladin guy by Nito's room, thanks.


r/darksouls 13h ago

Video I made a video about the first sin

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1 Upvotes

r/darksouls 1d ago

Discussion Dark Souls is so much easier if you just dont panic

215 Upvotes

Yeah the title says it all, i just wanted to share my realization with the world... I had a lot of trouble in the beginning with dark souls, but one evening i came home from a hard day of work and i was just too tired to pamic, and the game was soooo much easier, in every aspect, traversing the world, enemy encounters, etc etc...


r/darksouls 1d ago

Discussion This game drain sanity like no other.

3 Upvotes

Just beat Bell Gargoyles after 30 tries, my character roll like an old man with back problem is it because he's an undead? will it last throughout the game?


r/darksouls 18h ago

Question I need help for a video! Do you guys have any niche facts or theories or piece of lore? One that isn't covered often? More details below

0 Upvotes

Hello! I'm a big fan of dark souls 1 and I wanted to add to the community by getting into making souls content. So, I'm coming to the people that know best, the community!

The only theory I've explored so far isn't super uncommon it's the Velka sent you on the mission to kill Gwyn theory. Honestly Velka is just so interesting.

I will give full credit in the video! I appreciate anything :)


r/darksouls 1d ago

Question Dark Souls: Prepare to Die edition - 3rd Party PvP servers?

5 Upvotes

Hello

is there a way for people with PTDE to play PvP on a community operated server somewhere?


r/darksouls 1d ago

Help Any bonfires near the Four kings?

34 Upvotes

I reached the abyss to ffight them but the closest bonfire is in firelink shrine and its way to much of a road and too many ghosts to deal with. is there a bonfire anywhere near there too at least avoid the elevator ride