Understanding the Difficulty of Dark Souls 1 DLC: A Comprehensive Analysis
Understanding the Difficulty of Dark Souls 1 DLC
Even though the only requirement to access the new areas is to beat Radahn and Mohg – which, granted, is no small feat – you’re going to want to overprepare before stepping foot into this new arena, because it is brutal. Is the Dark Souls 1 DLC hard? The DLCs are scaled to be as hard or harder than the end of the game. If you went there immediately after the Iron Keep then yeah, it’s going to be a bit of a jump in difficulty. The DLC is harder because players aren’t adjusted to new ways on how to beat the bosses. If the DLC bosses played the same as the base game, then experienced players will rolfstomp them to next Tuesday. The devs made it so that even experienced players get a challenge.
According to our count, there are more than 40 bosses, with 10 of those being the big, showstopper fights that reward you with a Remembrance upon defeat. Compare that to the more than 100 in the base game, and it’s a significant chunk. The difficulty spike from the main game to the DLC is attributed to the fact that almost all of the DLC enemies are very aggressive—always in your face. Manus isn’t really a fun boss fight, but Artorias and Kalameet, though, these bosses are meant to give you that sense of achievement and thrill.
I would recommend doing it before fighting Sif (but after gaining the lordvessel), and being level eighty before venturing into the DLC. Any lower and you run the risk of getting destroyed; the DLC is no laughing matter. You’ll do fine at level 50-60 if you have a good weapon with decent scaling.
The game is easy. The controls are natural. When you lose it’s your fault and goddamn, the game is easy; it’s you who sucks! You need to man up and get it right this time! Slowly and surely getting the mechanics under your belt and…crap. Slowly, SLOWLY and surely figuring out the enemy weaknesses only to find the following enemies will test all your so far acquired skills and a new one you didn’t have to use yet.
Artorias of the Abyss feels fully thought out and has the same sort of compelling environments and challenging bosses as the main game. There’s a case to be made that Artorias himself is a better boss than anything in DS1. It’s got tons of variety, it throws new enemies and challenges at you from the very beginning, it has an awesome optional dragon boss, and overall it’s just a lot of fun to play.
On another note, if you’re new to the series, Dark Souls 3 is generally more forgiving, with a smoother learning curve and quality-of-life improvements. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a deeper challenge and want to see the foundation upon which the series was built, Dark Souls 1 will give you that raw and rewarding journey. Whichever you choose, both games are masterpieces and worth your time!
It took me about 25 hours or so to beat the final boss of Shadow of the Erdtree, but I could easily see myself putting in another 15 or 20 on just this one playthrough. I still have a handful of optional bosses I need to go back and cross off my list, areas on my map I haven’t fully explored, weapons and skills I haven’t gotten to play around with yet, and sidequests I still want to follow to completion. That’s pretty much exactly like when I completed my review of the base game after about 80 hours, which makes sense because Shadow of the Erdtree is essentially a full Elden Ring adventure made miniature.
Moreover, there’s now a talisman that enhances two-handed attacks; one that decreases spellcasting time dramatically, but causes you to take increased damage; another that increases the damage of abilities that involve stances; and another still that increases your damage every time you defeat an enemy.
Comparing DLCs: How Hard is Dark Souls 1 Compared to Other Soulsborne Games?
DLC Comparison and Difficulty in Dark Souls and Soulsborne Games:
Artorias of the Abyss would introduce the template for all Souls DLC. When FromSoftware integrated the DLC content directly into the base game, it added a hidden portal that players needed to find to access the DLC. This opened a world of possibilities for the Souls franchise. Suddenly, each new Dark Souls game was hiding pathways to potential new areas and questlines that would later be introduced via expansion DLC.
Crucially, the new area of Oolacile introduced Manus, Father of the Abyss, whose influence would extend through the series all the way to Dark Souls 3. With Artorias of the Abyss, FromSoftware demonstrated that it wasn’t just releasing DLC to extend the shelf life of its games. The expansions in Dark Souls are transformative, finishing crucial storylines while flexing the studio’s world-building muscles. The boss fights are almost always among the best in the series or, at the very least, the most difficult.
Furthermore, the DLCs are scaled to be as hard or harder than the end of the game. If players venture into the DLC immediately after the Iron Keep, there’s a significant jump in difficulty. The Artorias of the Abyss DLC certainly increases the difficulty of the game, showcasing many of Dark Souls’ toughest bosses. As is tradition, each game’s respective DLC tends to represent a significant leap in difficulty from the base game’s content.
In Dark Souls 3, the second DLC, The Ringed City, serves as the penultimate chapter of the trilogy. Players venture into the Ringed City, the kingdom of the Pygmy Lords first revealed in Dark Souls 1. The city ranks among the best locations in the Souls series. The walls of the kingdom appear to cave in, possibly referencing Junji Ito’s tragic town in Uzumaki. The enemies in the city, such as the angels of death and the Judicators, provide dynamic and striking encounters.
Moreover, the first Dark Souls 3 DLC, Ashes of Ariandel, revisits the concept of painted worlds introduced in Dark Souls 1. While this DLC presents a beautiful yet sparsely populated Snowfield area, it features a great twist on a fan-favorite boss from Dark Souls 1. The main excitement of the DLC emerges during the thrilling three-phase boss battle against Sir Vilhelm and Sister Friede.
Lastly, in regards to other DLCs in the series, whereas the Sunken King and Old Iron King DLC employed new mechanics to primarily increase difficulty, the Ivory King DLC feels like a fully-fleshed location, set in the frozen kingdom of Eleum Loyce. The challenges players face are intricately tied to the tragic story of Alsanna and the Burnt Ivory King, culminating in one of the most unique boss fights in the series, where players utilize a small army to combat the main enemy.
Overall, Dark Souls 1 was designed to be more polished and challenging for those experienced with Demon’s Souls, setting a high benchmark for the series to follow.
Optimal Level Strategies: When Should You Attempt the Dark Souls 1 DLC?
The DLCs are scaled to be as hard or harder than the end of the game. If you went there immediately after the Iron Keep, it’s going to be a bit of a jump in difficulty.
It’s recommended to attempt the DLC before fighting Sif but after gaining the lordvessel. Ideally, you should be level eighty before venturing into the DLC. Any lower and you run the risk of getting destroyed; the DLC is no laughing matter.
However, you might also do fine at level 50-60 if you have a good weapon with decent scaling.
Furthermore, the DLC is harder because players aren’t adjusted to new strategies required to beat the bosses. If the DLC bosses played the same as those in the base game, experienced players would easily overcome them. The developers designed it so even skilled players face a significant challenge.
In summary, while it’s best to take on the DLC after defeating Nashandra, be prepared for its difficulty, which is still considerably higher compared to the base game.
Key Boss Battles: The Toughest Encounters in Dark Souls 1 DLC
Key Boss Battles in Dark Souls 1 DLC
When examining the boss battles in Dark Souls 1, especially in the DLC, several key encounters stand out in terms of difficulty:
- The Asylum Demon: It’s the first boss in the game and really the Asylum Demon is all bark and no bite. As long as you don’t try to fight it when it first appears, remember, he is just part of the tutorial. He is a boss designed to make you consider the necessary thoughts required to beat later bosses. You Died Scale – 1/10.
- Pinwheel: Encountered at the very base of the Catacombs, Pinwheel is the perfect boss to have at the end of this horrible area due to how unlikely it is you will die against him. It really is that easy. Perhaps the most insulting thing is that the game offers you an NPC summon for this fight. You Died Scale – 1/10.
- Sif, the Great Grey Wolf: On paper, Sif looks like a difficult fight. However, when you get into it, it’s actually a lot simpler than it might seem. The fight gets easier the more you damage Sif, and you should be fine. You Died Scale – 3.5/10.
- Dark Sun Gwyndolin: Gwyndolin is known for his magic attacks. This boss is one of the simplest in the game due to his massive arsenal of three attacks. However, one mistake will generally lead to death. If you fight him at the right time and go in blind, he’ll probably catch you out with a few hits, especially when his soul spears go through the columns you use as cover. You Died Scale – 6/10.
DLC Boss Challenges
The DLC is notably harder because players aren’t adjusted to new strategies for defeating the bosses. If the DLC bosses played like those in the base game, experienced players would easily overcome them. Thus, the developers ensured that even seasoned players face a challenge.
The bosses in the DLC are more aggressive with larger movesets, more HP, and stronger elemental resistance. They represent a considerable step up in difficulty.
Overall, the DLC bosses are regarded as some of the best and toughest in the game, particularly Elana, who fights similarly to the base game’s final boss.
DLC vs. Main Game: Why is the Difficulty So Much Higher?
The difficulty in Dark Souls DLCs compared to the main game is notable for various reasons.
Firstly, the DLCs and expansions offer a significant amount of challenge. They are designed to be as hard or even harder than the end of the main game. For example, if players venture into the DLC immediately after the Iron Keep, they will likely experience a substantial jump in difficulty.
Moreover, the bosses in the DLCs are crafted to pose unique challenges. Players often find that they are not adjusted to the new ways of defeating these bosses. If the DLC bosses shared similar mechanics as those in the base game, experienced players would easily overcome them. Therefore, the developers designed them for even seasoned players to face a challenge.
- Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel: This DLC is especially tough to navigate, particularly for newer players. The boss battle against Sister Friede stands out, as she is regarded as one of the most grueling multiphase encounters in Dark Souls history.
- Dark Souls 3: The Ringed City: Following the events of Ashes of Ariandel, players pursue Slave Knight Gael to the Ringed City. This city, a cyclopean megastructure at the world’s edge, features a difficult landscape and intense battles, notably against Gael. It is hailed as the most ambitious DLC in Dark Souls and is among the toughest in the Souls-like genre.
- The Crown of the Iron King: This DLC is remembered for its high difficulty, with fans considering it one of the hardest parts of Dark Souls 2. It creatively utilizes smelter wedges and presents a variety of status afflictions, making the experience particularly unforgiving.
In summary, FromSoftware’s Dark Souls games provide a significant challenge, but the DLCs elevate this difficulty, redefining what players perceive as hard.
Time Investment: How Long Does it Take to Complete the Dark Souls 1 DLC?
When focusing on the main objectives, Dark Souls: Artorias of the Abyss takes about 6 hours in length to complete. However, if you’re a gamer that strives to see all aspects of the game, you are likely to spend around 8 hours to obtain 100% completion.
Additionally, according to polling data, the average completion times for different playstyles are as follows:
- Main Story – 8h 45m
- Main + Extras – 13h 17m
- Completionist – 9h 4m
To achieve 100% in Dark Souls, we will have to complete two full playthroughs & a half playthrough of the game all on the same character (NG++).
Tips for Success: Overcoming Challenges in Dark Souls 1 DLC
Tips for Success: Overcoming Challenges in Dark Souls 1 DLC
You do not have to complete the game to access the new DLC. However, you do have to complete a cryptic series of events to initiate the DLC event. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Clear the Hydra from the Darkroot Basin and save Dusk of Ooalice.
- Obtain the Lord Vessel and give it to Kaathe or Frampt.
- Go to The Duke’s Archives and kill the lone Crystal golem after the bonfire.
- Obtain the Broken pendant.
- Return to where you killed the Hydra.
- Follow the water around the waterfall to find a black portal.
- Examine it to access the Sanctuary Garden.
In the new areas included in the Artorias of the Abyss content, players will encounter various bosses that present unique challenges requiring different strategies to overcome. Notable bosses include:
- Sanctuary Guardian in the Sanctuary Garden
- Artorias the Abysswalker in the Royal Wood
- Manus, Father of the Abyss in the Chasm of the Abyss
The Dark Souls 1 DLC is an unforgiving journey that pushes players to their limits. It demands creativity and adaptability as players face challenges like throwing poop and knives, sniping enemies, and engaging in whimsical swordplay.
In the Ulacile Sanctuary, players will find a new weapon: the Sniper Crossbow. While using it, players must take aim against distant casters amid chaotic surroundings. Timing the shots correctly while avoiding enemy attacks is crucial, turning missed shots into moments of both frustration and humor.
Among the grueling challenges, the battle against Calamity stands out. Armed with the Sniper Crossbow, players engage in a test of patience and precision, with every shot counting. The slow reload time adds to the difficulty, requiring players to block incoming attacks strategically between shots.
Facing Manus, the Lord of the Abyss, is the ultimate test. Players must utilize their skills, knowledge, and resilience to triumph over this formidable foe. Equipped with the Gargoyle Tail Axe or other preferred weapons, they engage in a battle that rigorously tests timing, reflexes, and strategy.
One crucial PSA for new players: it’s advisable to play the DLC before defeating the last boss. Doing so will prevent you from automatically entering NG+. If you kill the last boss without completing the DLC, you may encounter unexpected challenges or even die due to increased difficulty.
Remember, in Dark Souls, prioritizing damage avoidance is essential. Whether you use a shield, dodge, or heal through it, always wait for openings to hit back.
Getting to Soul Level 1 is easier than challenge runs in other games. Uncover unique mechanics and strategies for each area, especially as the end-game DLC will introduce enemies capable of one-shotting you in certain circumstances. Embrace the challenge and unleash your inner warrior!
Player Experiences: Stories from the Dark Souls 1 DLC Community
In the context of player experiences with the Dark Souls 1 DLC community, several key challenges and perspectives arise.
- Ornstein and Smough: This duo is considered probably the hardest boss outside the DLC. Once you defeat them, many players feel capable of handling the entire base game.
- Sanctuary Guardian and DLC Bosses: These are viewed as significant difficulty spikes throughout the game. However, players have differing personal experiences.
- Overall Difficulty in PvE Combat: From the perspective of a Dark Souls veteran with many ng+++ runs, the conclusion is that Dark Souls 1 has the lowest difficulty in PvE combat. Bosses are deemed relatively easy compared to those in other Dark Souls games.
- Miyazaki’s Vision: This perspective reinforces the notion that player experiences vary widely and reflect on the game’s design.
- Traversal and Environments: Despite the lower difficulty in PvE combat, many agree that Dark Souls 1 presents significant challenges in traversal. For example, being stuck in locations like Ash Lake or the Catacombs/Tomb of the Giants can be particularly tough as players try to make their way back up.
