FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Common questions from struggling Ashen Ones. Quick answers to get you back in the fight.

Search FAQ

Getting Started

Which starting class should I pick?

Knight is the best choice for beginners — highest starting Vigor and solid melee stats. Pyromancer for magic. Deprived only for challenge runs.

Where should I go first?

After Iudex Gundyr, go to High Wall of Lothric. Explore thoroughly, then Undead Settlement. Follow the natural progression — the game guides you.

What does Soft Cap and Hard Cap mean?

Soft Cap: The point where stat scaling becomes less efficient. For Vigor, it's 27. Hard Cap: The point where scaling becomes nearly worthless. For Vigor, it's 50.

Combat & Mechanics

Why am I doing so little damage?

Weapon upgrade level matters more than character level. A +6 weapon at level 40 outperforms a +2 weapon at level 80. Find Titanite Shards and upgrade at Andre.

How do I two-hand a weapon?

Hold Y/Triangle + RB/R1 to two-hand your right weapon. This multiplies your effective Strength by 1.5x. At 27 STR, two-handing gives 40 effective STR.

What is Ember and why should I use it?

Using an Ember increases your max HP by 30% and enables co-op summoning. It also makes you vulnerable to invasions. Pop one before tough bosses.

Can I respec my character?

Yes! After defeating the Curse-Rotted Greatwood, join Rosaria's Fingers covenant. Give her a Pale Tongue to respec. 5 respecs per playthrough.

Exploration

How do I upgrade my Estus Flask?

Find Estus Shards and give them to the Blacksmith at Firelink Shrine. Find Undead Bone Shards and burn them at the Firelink bonfire.

Where do I find Titanite?

Titanite Shards: Lothric Knights (High Wall). Large Shards: Cathedral Knights (Cathedral). Chunks: Silver Knights (Anor Londo). Slabs: One per playthrough in each major area.

What are Covenants and which should I join?

Covenants grant unique rewards. Way of Blue summons help when invaded. Warrior of Sunlight for co-op. Rosaria's Fingers for respecs. Aldrich Faithful for PvP.

Endings & New Game Plus

How many endings are there?

4 endings: To Link the First Flame (standard), The End of Fire (hidden), Usurpation of Fire (hidden), The End of Fire + alternate (hidden). Some require specific questlines.

What carries over to NG+?

Carries over: Levels, stats, equipment, inventory, upgrades, spells. Resets: Bonfires, bosses, keys, quest progress. Enemies are stronger and drop more souls.

Difficulty

This game is too hard. Should I quit?

No! Every boss can be overcome:

  • Explore other areas and come back overleveled
  • Upgrade your weapon — this matters more than levels
  • Use Ember for +30% HP
  • Summon co-op help — the community is very active
  • Learn the boss patterns — every attack is telegraphed

Death is part of the learning process. Even veterans die 50+ times to Nameless King.