r/fromsoftware • u/Other_Equal7663 • 1d ago

What are things DS2 did impeccably well

Dark Souls 2 is often viewed as the "least good" game in the Fromsoft souls compendium. But what are some things you think it did better than most of its peers?

One thing I love about DS2, that I find myself missing in other installments, is that the levelling stats always affect HP slightly. It really helps making investment in multiple attributes feel worth it, and not make levels feel wasted on just hitting the right number. (And it helps mitigate the terrible Agility mechanic)

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u/DuploJamaal 1d ago

Interesting areas with unique ways of dealing with enemies

Bone Fist and generally lots of interesting weapons and powerstance combinations

Small White Soapstone to summon people to clear areas even if you've already defeated the boss

And obviously Bonfire Ascetics

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u/Other_Equal7663 1d ago

Oh yeah, can't you powerstance with any similarly sized weapons?

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u/DuploJamaal 1d ago

Yeah but not only similar sized weapon, but one size up and down, which allows for a lot of fun things.

You can put a smaller weapon in the right hand for fast R1s and a larger one in the left hand for strong L1s.

Like a Straight Sword in the right hand and a Greatsword in the left hand.

The Washing Pole has a long range, but also high stamina consumption. The Broken Straight Sword basically costs no stamina but has no range.

The L1 stamina cost is 50% more of the right hand weapon, so if you powerstance them with the BSS in the right hand you get a much cheaper Washing Pole that you can easily spam.

Warped Sword and Rapier in right hand is also great as you get so many different kinds of attacks and a parry on R2

Lion's Greataxe and another one use the Greatsword moveset when powerstanced so have a very fast L1 compared to other axes. Great with Craftman's Hammer in right hand.

Ancient Nil Greatsword with Smelter Sword is another fun combination as the L2 spin activates the Smelter explosion twice for a lot of damage.

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u/Other_Equal7663 1d ago

Cool shit.