Dark Souls 2: New Game Plus Guide

Ready to delve deeper into the abyss? Welcome to our comprehensive 'Dark Souls 2: New Game Plus Guide', where we unlock the secrets of advancing through the haunting realms of New Game Plus. This guide will illuminate every corner of this dark and daunting phase, so you're well-prepared for everything that lies ahead. Discover the intriguing New Game Plus Changes, master the art of Preparing for New Game Plus, tackle ferocious New Game Plus Challenges, uncover hidden treasures with New Game Plus Content, and deploy battle-hardened New Game Plus Strategies to conquer the darkness. Get ready, Chosen Undead--your next adventure awaits!

New Game Plus Changes in Dark Souls 2

So, you’ve taken down the final boss in Dark Souls 2 and are ready to start New Game Plus (NG+). First off, congrats! But be warned - NG+ isn’t just a simple replay. It’s a whole new challenge, with fresh surprises and dangers lurking. Here's what you need to know.

Stronger Enemies

One of the main changes you’ll notice right off the bat is that enemies are tougher. They hit harder and have more health. This means you can't just breeze through the game with your upgraded gear and high stats. Strategy and patience remain your best friends.

New Enemy Placements

Expect the unexpected. In NG+, some enemies appear in different spots. This keeps you on your toes and makes even familiar areas feel new again. Watch for ambushes where there were none before, and be ready to adapt to new enemy formations.

Extra Phantoms

You’ll also find new Red Phantoms. These are tougher versions of regular foes, appearing more frequently in NG+. They’re not just more powerful but also more aggressive. Ready your shield and keep an eye out for their attacks.

New Items and Drops

NG+ also introduces new items that weren’t available in your first playthrough. You may come across additional bonfire ascetics, new spells, and rings that boost your abilities even more. Plus, some bosses drop different items this time around, giving you a reason to revisit every corner of Drangleic.

Bonfire Ascetics

Speaking of bonfire ascetics, these items are pretty handy. Using one at a bonfire raises the difficulty of the surrounding area, but it also lets you re-fight bosses and farm unique items. In NG+, the stakes are high but so are the rewards.

NPC Invaders

Watch out for a slew of new NPC invaders. These powerful foes will pop up in areas where you never encountered them before. They often drop unique items that are only available in NG+, so defeating them is definitely worth the effort.

Boss Fights

Bosses aren’t just tougher; some may have new mechanics or even additional enemies assisting them. Pay close attention and employ new strategies to take them down. Don’t let the sight of a familiar boss lull you into a false sense of security.

Changes to Online Play

If you enjoy the multiplayer aspects of Dark Souls 2, NG+ spices things up in this area, too. You’ll encounter more frequent invasions, and the PvP areas become more challenging. Cooperation with other players can be more rewarding but also more necessary.

Tips for Surviving NG+

1. Upgrade Your Equipment: Make sure all your gear is upgraded as much as possible before starting NG+. You’ll need every bit of power you can get.
2. Stock Up on Items: Have plenty of healing items, repair powders, and arrows. You don’t want to get caught without resources.
3. Learn Your Parry and Dodge: Perfecting your timing is crucial for surviving the increased difficulty.
4. Use Every Resource: Bonfire ascetics, summons, and covenants can give you the edge you need.
5. Patience is Key: Slow down and think through each encounter. Rushing can lead to quick deaths.

Jumping into NG+ in Dark Souls 2 is like experiencing the game all over again but with the added thrill of unpredictability and heightened difficulty. Embrace the challenge, stay sharp, and enjoy all the new content that comes your way. Happy adventuring!

Preparing for New Game Plus

So, you’ve beaten Dark Souls 2. Congrats! But here comes the real challenge: New Game Plus (NG+). Things get tougher, enemies are meaner, and new items pop up. Don’t worry, though! Here’s how you can prep yourself for the craziness ahead.

1. Stock Up on Resources

• Human Effigies: These little guys are super important. They’ll help you reverse hollowing and let you summon other players. Try to have at least 10-15 before you start NG+.
• Life Gems and Estus Flasks: The more, the merrier. You can never have too many healing items. Max out your Estus Flasks and fill your inventory with Life Gems for extra safety.
• Repair Powder: Your equipment will take a beating, so keep Repair Powder handy to fix things up on the go.

2. Upgrade Your Weapons and Armor

• Reinforce and Infuse: Make sure your favorite weapons and armor are fully upgraded. Infuse them for extra damage. If you’ve got a Lightning Spear you love, infuse it with lightning for even more power.
• Variety is Key: Have a few different weapons fully upgraded. You never know what’s going to work best against NG+ enemies.

3. Developed Build and Spells

• Loadout Check: NG+ is no joke, so make sure your character build is optimized. High Vitality for health, Endurance for stamina, and a good spread in Strength or Dexterity depending on your weapon preference.
• Spells and Pyromancies: If you’re a caster, stock up on your favorite spells. Pyromancies, Sorceries, and Miracles all become a bit more effective in NG+ if you’ve been leveling them up right.

4. Finish Side Quests

• Meet NPCs: Make sure all NPCs have been spoken to and their side quests finished. Some NPCs vanish in NG+.
• Collect Keys and Items: Get all the special keys and items from your first playthrough. Some items may become missable or harder to find.

5. Know Your New Challenges

• Enemy Changes: Enemies in NG+ have more health, do more damage, and sometimes drop different items. Bosses might have new moves.
• Red Phantom Invasion: Expect to see more Red Phantoms invading your world. They are tougher and more frequent in NG+.

6. Tackle Optional Bosses and Areas

• Dragon Slayer, Ancient Dragon: Clear any optional bosses you might have missed. They’re easier to manage before NG+.
• Hidden Paths and Secret Doors: Explore every nook and cranny. Some secrets might help give you a leg up in NG+.

7. Backup Save

• Manual Save Copy: Before stepping into NG+, make a copy of your save file. If things go south, you’ve got a fallback. This can be a game-saver if you miscalculate.

Ready for the Challenge?

New Game Plus is waiting, and it’s no walk in the park. But with these tips, you should be ready to face whatever Dark Souls 2 throws at you. Prepare well, gear up, and jump back into the fray. Good luck, Undead!

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Got any other cool tips for tackling NG+? Drop them in the comments below! Keep your Estus Flask handy and praise the sun! 🌞

New Game Plus Challenges

Starting New Game Plus (NG+) in Dark Souls 2 isn’t just about replaying the game; it's about facing fresh challenges and claiming unique rewards. If you're ready to jump back into Drangleic, here's what you need to know.

Tougher Enemies

First thing you'll notice when starting NG+ is that enemies are much tougher. Not only do they hit harder and have more health, but some areas will have additional foes you didn't see the first time around. You might meet more elite enemies or even entirely new ones in familiar places. Be on your toes and ready for more intense combat encounters.

Red Phantoms

Red phantoms are more plentiful in NG+. These hostile invaders can spawn in key locations where you thought you were safe before. They’re often more aggressive and stronger than their earlier-game counterparts. Keep an eye out and adjust your strategies to deal with these dangerous new threats.

New Weapon Drops and Items

One of the big draws of NG+ is the chance to grab new loot. Unique weapons and items that weren’t available in your first playthrough might drop from enemies or can be found in certain locations. Always keep an eye out for shiny new gear that can give you an edge in battle or bolster your defenses.

Changes to Boss Battles

Boss fights don't just get harder; many of them come with surprises in NG+. Some bosses will have new attack patterns or additional enemies that join the fray mid-battle. For example, bosses like the Pursuer might have phantom allies show up or use more devastating moves. Knowing your old techniques helps, but be ready to adapt quickly.

More Souls

Killing enemies and bosses in NG+ typically rewards you with more souls, which can help you level up faster. But remember, with greater risk comes greater reward--you’ll need every bit of those extra souls to handle the increased difficulty.

Special Bonfire Ascetics

Using Bonfire Ascetics can further increase the challenge. When you burn an ascetic at a bonfire, that area jumps up in difficulty by one NG+ cycle. This means stronger enemies, tougher bosses, and better loot can be yours without having to start another full NG+ cycle. It’s perfect for farming rare items or testing your skills against the game's toughest challenges.

Covenants and Multiplayer

NG+ presents new opportunities for joining covenants and participating in multiplayer. Certain covenants might have new ranks to achieve or offer different rewards. Additionally, you'll encounter more experienced players, which can make for more challenging and rewarding multiplayer sessions.

Unique Rings and Spells

There are special rings and spells available only in NG+. Some are dropped by bosses, and others can be found hidden in the world. Keep exploring and defeating enemies to find these exclusive items. They can enhance your build and give you unique abilities not available in your first playthrough.

Tips for NG+ Preparation

1. Stock Up: Gather plenty of Life Gems, Homeward Bones, and upgrade materials before jumping into NG+.
2. Learn Enemy Patterns: Familiarize yourself with enemy attacks and tendencies--you’ll need this knowledge when they hit harder.
3. Adapt Your Build: Consider tweaking your character’s stats or equipment to better handle tougher foes.
4. Stay Vigilant: Never assume any area is completely safe. Always be ready for ambushes and new red phantoms.

Closing Thoughts

NG+ in Dark Souls 2 isn't just a harder version of the same game; it's a richer, more intense experience with new challenges and rewards. Every playthrough gets a little different, keeping the game fresh and exciting. Ready your gear, brace yourself for tougher battles, and dive back into the beautifully brutal world of Dark Souls 2. Good luck, brave adventurer--you'll need it!

Dark Souls 2: New Game Plus Content

So, you've conquered Dark Souls 2 and now you're ready to take on New Game Plus (NG+)? Awesome choice! Get ready, because NG+ isn't just a rerun of the game you just played. From tougher enemies to new items, NG+ offers a fresh and exciting challenge. Here’s everything you need to know.

Tougher Enemies

First things first: enemies in NG+ are a lot stronger. They have more health, deal more damage, and sometimes even have new attack patterns. But don't worry, you’re stronger too (hopefully)! The difficulty spikes, but so does the fun. You'll have to rethink strategies and stay on your toes.

New Enemy Placement

In NG+, you might notice some old places have new faces. From extra enemies to entirely new enemy types in familiar locations, you can't afford to get too comfortable. For example, you might find more powerful versions of enemies where there were only basic ones before. Keep your shield up and be prepared for ambushes.

Unique Items and Improved Loot

NG+ offers exclusive new items as rewards for your perseverance. Some bosses drop different items, and certain areas now have new treasures. You can now find stronger rings, unique weapons, and other goodies that weren’t available in your first playthrough. Keep an eye out for changes in item locations and new loot!

Additional Boss Souls

In NG+, you can get new souls from some bosses. These alternate boss souls can be traded for different weapons and spells than you could get the first time around. This also means you have the chance to craft multiple unique boss weapons and spells, adding more options to your arsenal.

New Enemy Drops and Bonfire Ascetics

Ever wanted to get more out of those annoying enemies? Well, now you can! Some enemies drop new items that weren’t available before. Plus, Bonfire Ascetics can be used to intensify areas even further, providing further challenges and better loot. Be strategic about which bonfires you use them on.

Phantom Encounters

Expect to face more invading Dark Spirits (Phantoms) who want nothing more than to end your journey. These NPC invaders are tougher and appear more frequently. It's not just the regular enemies you have to worry about anymore, so be cautious when wandering through new areas.

Covenant Changes

If you're part of any covenants, you'll notice some changes in NG+. For example, certain covenants might offer new rewards or present greater challenges. Engaging more with the covenant system in NG+ can be a rewarding experience, providing you with new items and increasing your rank within the covenant.

Tips for Surviving NG+

NG+ can seem daunting at first, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Here are some quick tips to help you succeed:

• Level Up Wisely: Focus on balancing your stats to handle tougher enemies.
• Upgrade Your Gear: Use your souls smartly to keep your weapons and armor upgraded.
• Stay Cautious: Familiar places will have new threats. Always be on guard.
• Experiment with Builds: NG+ is a perfect time to try out new playstyles and builds you didn’t use in your first playthrough.

Final Thoughts

Entering NG+ in Dark Souls 2 adds a whole new layer of depth and excitement to the game. With harder enemies, new items, and fresh challenges, you’re in for a thrilling ride. Stay cautious, strategize, and enjoy the new experiences that NG+ brings. Good luck, warrior--you’re going to need it! Dark Souls 2: New Game Plus Guide
New Game Plus Strategies

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So, you've conquered Drangleic and are about to face it all again? Welcome to New Game Plus (NG+)! It’s not just replaying the same game; things get a lot tougher and more interesting. But don't worry, we’ve got strategies to help you survive and thrive in NG+.

What’s Different in NG+?

Before diving into strategies, here's what to expect:

• Stronger Enemies: Enemies hit harder and have more health.
• New Enemies: Some areas will have new enemy placements and types.
• Phantom Encounters: More NPC phantoms will invade, some in unexpected places.
• New Loot: NG+ adds unique items and spells that weren’t available in your first run.

Levels and Stats

Keep Leveling Up: You keep all your gear and levels, but NG+ enemies are tougher, so continue leveling up. Aim for a balanced build unless you’re a skilled player who prefers a specific playstyle.

Adaptability Matters: This stat increases your Agility, making dodging and using items faster, which is crucial given the increased difficulty.

Gear and Equipment

Upgrade Your Weapons: Your +10 weapon might have wrecked enemies in your first run, but in NG+, you might need multiple upgraded weapons for different situations. Infuse them to match the elemental weaknesses of tougher foes.

Rings of Power: Equip rings that boost your stats, like the Ring of Blades for more attack power or the Third Dragon Ring for increased health, stamina, and equipment load.

Shield Strategy: A 100% physical damage reduction shield is more valuable than ever. Make sure it's upgraded to give you the best chance against brutal enemy hits.

Exploring and Combat

Plan Your Route: Enemies are deadlier, so plan your route to avoid being overwhelmed. Memorize enemy locations and new threats.

Divide and Conquer: Luring enemies one by one is more effective than charging into a group. Use throwing knives or a bow to pull single enemies towards you.

Be Patient: Rushing is a recipe for disaster. Study enemy patterns, wait for openings, and strike with precision.

Spells and Items

Stock Up: Have an ample supply of life gems, estus flasks, and other healing items. Don’t forget to upgrade your Estus Flask with Sublime Bone Dust.

Magic Users: Spells are more potent in NG+, but so are enemies. Use high-damage and crowd control spells wisely, keeping distance when needed.

Boss Strategies

Expect Reinforcements: Some bosses might have extra minions or new mechanics. Be ready for a tougher fight and adapt your strategy accordingly.

Summon Wisely: Use NPC summons for backup if you’re having trouble. They can distract the boss, giving you a chance to strike.

Covenants and Multiplayer

Join a Covenant: Being part of a covenant can offer help in various ways, from pact bonuses to multiplayer assistance.

Summon Allies: Use the multiplayer feature to summon real players for help. It’s not cheating; it’s using resources effectively.

Unique Loot and Bonfire Ascetics

Bonfire Ascetics: Use these to respawn bosses and get their drops again, but they also make enemies harder. Farm them wisely!

Unique Items: Look out for items like the "Soul of a Giant" or exclusive spells. They’re powerful and can give you that extra edge.

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That’s the rundown! NG+ in Dark Souls 2 is a whole new beast, but with the right strategies, you'll not just survive but dominate it. Time to jump back in and prove you're no ordinary Undead!