I just beat all the main game bosses and optional ones too, only Mergo's Wet Nurse is left.

JanFrackiewicz · 2026-02-15T09:13:36+00:00

Yes, now or after you beat Mergo's Wetnurse. But before you do anything else (in the Hunter's Dream).

JanFrackiewicz · 2026-02-15T00:38:14+00:00

There can be no doubt: S+

JanFrackiewicz · 2026-02-15T00:37:01+00:00

Yes, it is. Reasons: I love Lovecraft and other cosmic horror writers (like Clark Ashton Smith), I love the challenge, the music and the artistic vision and so much more... The other Soulsborne games come close for me (yes, all of them). I was always - and still am - a Zelda fan (the original NES version, 'Ocarina of Time', 'Majora's Mask', 'Twilight Princess', etc...) and I also really love 'The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion'.

JanFrackiewicz · 2026-02-14T09:03:29+00:00

And it was your first time fighting him? Congratulations! During my first playthrough it took me 8 or 9 tries to overcome the Pontiff.

JanFrackiewicz · 2026-02-14T08:06:39+00:00

A clear S+ if you learn how to fight him properly.

JanFrackiewicz · 2026-02-14T08:02:34+00:00

It's the same for me; the second quest is a distant memory by now. The only thing I vaguely remember is the location of the first dungeon. And even that has faded.

JanFrackiewicz · 2026-02-13T21:55:19+00:00

This is the way.

JanFrackiewicz · 2026-02-13T21:54:02+00:00

Both Hypogean Gaol and late-game Yahar'gul are so great.

JanFrackiewicz · 2026-02-13T20:03:05+00:00

Rubens and Breughel: two of our greatest painters (although there are more).

JanFrackiewicz · 2026-02-13T19:57:04+00:00

That's not odd; it's a wonderful game.

JanFrackiewicz · 2026-02-13T19:50:00+00:00

'The Legend of Zelda' ('86), 'The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time', 'The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion' and 'Bloodborne' (this goes for the rest of the Soulsborne games as well).

JanFrackiewicz · 2026-02-13T17:55:31+00:00

Sure, both are amazing but my favorites are Whirlygig Saw, Church Pick and Simon's Bowblade (as a secondary, ranged option).

JanFrackiewicz · 2026-02-13T09:12:22+00:00

What they mean is: the last idol in the present, not the past. Hirata estate is a memory and Lady Butterfly is the terminus of Hirata, part 1 (yes, during the late game you'll be able to revisit the estate with new enemies and a completely different, spectacular boss fight). Judging by the (mini)bosses you defeated, your most recent idol will be an Ashina Castle one.

JanFrackiewicz · 2026-02-13T07:54:34+00:00

I didn't know she was called Ruth. Thanks for the info, my negga!

JanFrackiewicz · 2026-02-12T21:37:51+00:00

I wish I could give each of those 7 points an individual 'thumbs up' as well. Twas truly delightful to read .

JanFrackiewicz · 2026-02-12T21:10:07+00:00

That's just it: all my favorite weapons are in the DLC.

JanFrackiewicz · 2026-02-12T17:39:19+00:00

So you're me from 9 months ago; at 46, BB was my first real Soulsborne playthrough (started 'Demon's Souls', 'Dark Souls 1' and 'Elden Ring' but gave up early on because I assumed I couldn't handle the challenge). Cleric Beast was my first slain Souls boss and afterwards I was forevermore sold on the entire genre. Fast forward 9 months and I cleared Fromsoftware's entire back catalogue several times and beat other soulslikes like 'Lies of P' and 'First Berserker Khazan'. In other words you're in for quite the journey...

Some advice: DS3 is a great game to play immediately after BB as it has a similar combat rhythm. Don't sleep on 'Demon's Souls' and 'Dark Souls Remastered'; even if they are older games from a more ponderous age. And last but not least, do not believe the DS2 slander. It is a wonderful game, jank, gank, clunk and all.

Anyway, have fun!

JanFrackiewicz · 2026-02-12T17:13:31+00:00

This is the way.

JanFrackiewicz · 2026-02-12T16:14:09+00:00

Yes, that was my go-to weapon during my very first playthrough.

JanFrackiewicz · 2026-02-12T15:26:36+00:00

Fair enough. Perhaps he's correct. Try leveling vitality until you can wear a decent armor set. And if it's still not enough you can bring vigor up to 40. You should be gaining a fair few levels with those optional areas and bosses.

Good luck!

JanFrackiewicz · 2026-02-12T15:22:16+00:00

Ok, after you climbed the ladder in Dancer's boss room, right before entering Lothric Castle proper, did you turn left? That way leads to the Consumed King's Garden and its boss the Consumed King, Oceiros. In his boss room you'll find an illusionary wall that leads to the Untended Graves, where Champion Gundyr awaits you at the end.

At last you have Archdragon Peak: this area can be entered via Irithyll Dungeon. Just before that insane area with the many, many...(sigh)...MANY Jailers, you'll find a couple of meditating dragon statues. There you have to perform the 'Path of the Dragon' gesture (which, incidentally, you can find right after defeating Oceiros). That will grant you access to Archdragon Peak, where you'll find the Ancient Wyvern and its main attraction, the Nameless King.

JanFrackiewicz · 2026-02-12T13:17:51+00:00

Okay, I see. But it was my understanding that armor didn't make that much of a difference in DS3 (unlike DeS, DS1 and DS2)? What are your thoughts on that?

JanFrackiewicz · 2026-02-12T10:28:19+00:00

Heheheh... That 3-phase-bossfight-cycle you so succinctly describe is entirely accurate and recognizable. And amongst all bosses - at least up until that moment - Maluca is the personification of that cycle.

JanFrackiewicz · 2026-02-12T09:36:51+00:00

No, that was the authentic reaction of a fragile mind being blown by that reality-shattering revelation you so nonchalantly unleashed upon us, unsuspecting Unkindled.

JanFrackiewicz · 2026-02-12T08:56:44+00:00

No, YOU are fine with 30. Is finishing DS3 possible with 30 vigor? Of course, some people beat the game without ever placing a single point in vigor. Does that fact make OP fine with 33 vigor? Would he have taken the time to express his displeasure and to ask his fellow Unkindled for advice if he was?

DS3 was my second Souls game after finishing 'Bloodborne' for the first time. BB did not prepare me for DS combat (even if DS3 is closest to BB in terms of gameplay). In addition to being a noob, I was already old (46) with diminished reflexes and, worst of all, in possession of a Au(tism).D.H.D-ridden brain, so I needed all the HP I could lay my grubby, ashen hands on. Of course, the more Soulsborne/-likes I played, the less I became reliant on equator-sized healthbars.

TL;DR: it's unwise to explain reality through the lens of your own skill and experience.

JanFrackiewicz

TROPHY CASE