Dark Souls 2: Speedrun Guide

Welcome to the ultimate Dark Souls 2: Speedrun Guide! Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer eager to conquer Drangleic at lightning speed, this guide has you covered. Dive into the exhilarating world of Dark Souls 2 speedrunning with expert insights and proven strategies. We'll break down crucial elements like planning a speedrun, must-know tips and tricks, optimal routes, strategies for defeating bosses quickly, and an overview of impressive speedrun records. Get ready to sharpen your skills and race against the clock with confidence!

Planning a Speedrun

So, you're thinking about speedrunning Dark Souls 2? Awesome choice! Speedrunning is more than just blitzing through a game; it's about strategy, precision, and a little bit of luck. Let's break down the essentials to get you started on your journey to a personal best.

Choose Your Speedrun Category

First things first - decide on a category. In Dark Souls 2, you have several speedrun types to pick from, including:

• Any%: Finish the game as fast as possible using any means necessary. This includes glitches and skips.
• All Bosses: Defeat every boss in the game.
• No Major Glitches: Complete the game without using any significant glitches.
• SL1 (Soul Level 1): Beat the game without leveling up your character.

Each category has its own set of challenges and strategies, so pick one that fits your style and start from there.

Route Planning

Once you’ve picked a category, the next step is planning your route. You need to optimize your path through the game to minimize time and maximize efficiency.

Important Route Terms

• Splits: These are segments of your run that you split into smaller parts, usually ending each split on significant events like boss fights.
• Bonfire Warping: Bonfires are not just for resting; they’re crucial for warping around quickly.

Plan your path to minimize unnecessary detours. Use online resources like community guides or speedrun videos to get a sense of the most efficient routes. Watch seasoned runners on Twitch or YouTube, and take notes on their strategies.

Equipment and Stats

Speed is the game here, so you’ll want to focus on equipment and stats that maximize your agility and damage. Here are some pointers:

• Weapon Choice: Fast weapons like the Rapier or the Bandit’s Knife are popular because of their quick strikes and low stamina cost.
• Armor: Light armor or even no armor will help you roll faster and recover stamina more quickly. Remember, speed is paramount.
• Stats: Prioritize Dexterity if you’re using a dex weapon like the Rapier, and consider putting points in Endurance for more stamina.

Practice Makes Perfect

One thing to keep in mind: Speedrunning requires practice, and a lot of it. Be ready to:

• Die... a lot. Mistakes are part of the learning process.
• Reset often. If your run is not going well, it's okay to start over.
• Analyze your play. After each run, review what went well and what didn't.

Use tools like LiveSplit to keep track of your times for each split. Watching your improvements over time can be highly motivational.

Community and Resources

Join speedrunning communities. Websites like Speedrun.com and forums have tons of information and a community of runners willing to help out with tips and tricks.

• Stream and Record: Consider recording your runs for review. Streaming can also be a great way to interact with other runners who can give you instant feedback.

Staying Motivated

Speedrunning can get frustrating, especially when you're aiming for perfection. Set small, incremental goals and celebrate each achievement. It’s about improving with each run, not just aiming for world records from the start.

Remember, the most important part is to enjoy the process. Speedrunning Dark Souls 2 can be an exhilarating experience, especially when you finally nail that perfect run. Good luck, and may the RNG be on your side!

Speedrun Tips

So, you’ve decided to take on Dark Souls 2 with the intention of speeding through it faster than anyone ever thought possible. Whether you're a seasoned speedrunner or new to the fast-paced world of quick completion, here are some essential tips to help you blaze through the game.

Know Your Route

The first step to a successful speedrun is knowing your route. Speedrunning isn't just about quick reflexes; it's about planning and precision. Spend some time learning the quickest path through the game. Watch other runners and study their techniques.

• Start with Forest of Fallen Giants: This area is relatively straightforward and sets you up with some important items and souls early on.
• Skip Some Bosses: Certain bosses are optional and can be skipped to save time. Know which ones to avoid.

Master Movement Mechanics

Understanding how your character moves can shave minutes off your time.

• Roll, Don't Run: Rolling is faster than running and can help you dodge enemies while keeping up your speed.
• Toggle Sprint: Learn to toggle sprint efficiently, especially when coupled with weapon swaps and item usage.
• Jump Glitches: Mastering jump glitches and precise falls can help you cut through sections of the game more quickly.

Quick Item Usage

Speedrunners need to be fast with their items. Know your inventory like the back of your hand.

• Hotbar Essentials: Only keep vital items in your quick access bar--like Estus Flasks and important buffs.
• Healing: Healing items other than Estus can come in handy since you won’t always have time to rest at a bonfire.

Efficient Combat

Speedrun combat is about efficiency--defeat enemies swiftly and safely without getting bogged down.

• Boss Rushing: Don't waste time fighting regular enemies if you can run past them to the boss.
• Weapon Upgrades: Focus on upgrading one or two weapons that you’ll use throughout the run. This saves on time and resources.
• Hit and Run Tactics: For tougher enemies, use hit-and-run strategies to stay safe while keeping the pressure on.

Memorize Key Shortcuts

Certain short-cuts in Dark Souls 2 can save you a significant amount of time.

• Black Gulch Ledge Drop: This shortcut can bring you directly to The Rotten, saving you from a lot of dangerous navigation.
• No-Man’s Wharf Skip: There's a skip here that can bypass the boat section entirely.

Glitches and Exploits

Every speedrunner needs to know a few glitches and tricks to cut down their time.

• Belfry Luna Skip: Use a well-timed jump to bypass a large section of the level.
• Dragonrider Strat: Push the Dragonrider boss off the platform for a quick win instead of battling it out.

Mental Preparation

Speedrunning isn't just a physical task; it’s a mental one too.

• Stay Calm: Frustration can lead to mistakes. If you mess up, take a deep breath and refocus.
• Consistent Runs: Practice running through sections repeatedly until they become second nature.
• Know When to Reset: If you're aiming for a personal best, sometimes it's better to reset than to keep going with a flawed run.

Final Thoughts

Speedrunning Dark Souls 2 is a challenging yet rewarding experience. It requires not only a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics and layout but also perseverance and practice. So get out there, hone your skills, and maybe one day you'll find yourself at the top of the leaderboards. Happy speedrunning!

Speedrun Routes

Let's dive right into the fast-paced world of Dark Souls 2 speedrunning! Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting out, this guide will walk you through some of the most popular routes to help you get through Drangleic at lightning speed.

Route 1: Any%

For those who are new to speedrunning, Any% means getting to the end credits as fast as possible, using any and all glitches, skips, and tricks. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Things Betwixt

   • Skip the tutorial area.
   • Choose the "Bonfire Ascetic" as your starting gift for later use.

2. Majula

   • Head straight to the well for the Estus Shard.
   • Light the bonfire.

3. Forest of Fallen Giants

   • Run past enemies to grab the key items: the Soldier Key from the Last Giant isn't necessary here; you’ll be skipping that.
   • Pick up the Fire Longsword if you need a quick weapon upgrade.

4. Heide's Tower of Flame

   • Head straight to Dragonrider; use the lever to make the fight easier.
   • You can skip the Old Dragonslayer fight; proceed to grab the key to No-man’s Wharf from Licia.

5. No-man's Wharf

   • Rush past enemies. Light any torches if you need to make the area’s visibility easier.

6. Lost Bastille

   • Use the bonfire teleport trick to avoid unnecessary fights.
   • Fight through, grab some important items, avoid unnecessary detours.

7. McDuff's Workshop

   • Light the torch to get the craftsman's hammer if it's part of your route.

8. Sinner's Rise

   • Run straight to The Lost Sinner, taking down enemies only if necessary.
   • Use the firebomb or Black Firebomb for an easier time.

9. Iron Keep

   • Adaptive combat; remember to save and skip certain battles here.

10. Drangleic Castle

    • Use the aged Feather for quick returning.
    • Take down the Throne Defender and Watcher.

11. Nashandra and Aldia

    • Deliver precise hits, dodge, and evade perfectly.

Route 2: All Bosses

Hunting down every boss in Dark Souls 2 means you will have to be even more prepared. Here is a streamlined approach:

1. Standard Start

   • Follow the same initial path as Any%.

2. Flexile Sentry

   • Defeating this boss opens up the Straid of Olaphis vendor.

3. Lost Bastille

   • Vicar Amelia should be one of your priorities after Sinner’s Rise.
   • Use the antiquated key to open the cells in Lost Bastille.

4. The Gutter and Black Gulch

   • Clear this area quickly by using bright torches and defeating The Rotten.

5. Brightstone Cove Tseldora

   • The Duke’s Dear Freja is encountered here. Speed and precise hits are key.

6. Drangleic Castle Extended

   • Ensure all keys and gates are unlocked, moving quickly to each boss room.

7. Shrine of Amana and Undead Crypt

   • Zelot teleports will aid in speed in traversing these maps.

8. Aldia's Keep and Dragon Aerie

   • Prepare for Dragonrider fights and time your approach.

9. Ancient Dragon (optional final boss for purists)

   • Circular dodging and fire-resistant gear will aid in defeating him swiftly.

Essential Tips

• Use Bonfire Ascetics Wisely: Ascetic usage is vital. Reset bosses but be prepared for harder battles.
• Perfect the Jump Glitch: Practice in areas that allow you to skip large portions of maps.
• Optimized Stat Builds: Focus on endurance, strength, dexterity, and adaptability for quicker rolls and hits.

These routes require practice but will make you a swift conqueror of Drangleic. Remember, practice, patience, and precise movements are key! Good luck and don't let the bonfires catch you waiting.

Speedrunning Bosses

So, you want to speedrun Dark Souls 2? Great choice! When it comes to bosses, mastering quick kills can make or break your run. Here, we'll break down strategies for some of the game's trickier bosses. Get ready to take some notes!

1. The Last Giant

• Preparation: Equip a strong melee weapon like the Fire Longsword.
• Fight Tips:
  • Get behind the Giant's legs and attack non-stop.
  • Roll through his stomp attacks to avoid damage.
  • When he rips off his arm, stay close to his legs and keep attacking.

2. The Pursuer

• Preparation: Grab a plus-one (or higher) weapon and keep your shield up.
• Fight Tips:
  • Before engaging, use the ballistae trick: bait him, then fire the ballista for massive damage.
  • Without the ballistae, roll through his charges and get a few hits in.
  • Stay to his shield side to avoid his Ultra Greatsword swings.

3. Dragonrider

• Preparation: A ranged weapon or magic can make this fight quicker.
• Fight Tips:
  • Knock him off the ledge by baiting his charge.
  • If that's too risky, stick close and dodge his attacks. Get 1-2 hits in after he swings.

4. Old Dragonslayer

• Preparation: Lightning-resistant gear will help.
• Fight Tips:
  • Circle around him to the right to dodge his lightning lance.
  • Roll under his jumping attacks.
  • Heal when he's preparing an attack to avoid getting hit.

5. The Ruin Sentinels

• Preparation: Equipping a heavy shield can block their big hits.
• Fight Tips:
  • Bait one to the upper platform and defeat it there.
  • Drop down when the second Sentinel jumps up.
  • Keep moving to avoid getting cornered.

6. The Lost Sinner

• Preparation: Bring a torch or use Flash Sweat to light up the room.
• Fight Tips:
  • Stay as close as possible to disrupt her attacks.
  • Roll towards her swings, not away.
  • Punish her heavy attacks for a few hits.

7. Smelter Demon

• Preparation: Fire-resistant gear is a must.
• Fight Tips:
  • Roll through his sword attacks and get hits in before the area-of-effect flame attack.
  • Avoid his charge by rolling to the side.
  • Heal when he powers up his sword. The animation gives you a breather.

8. Velstadt, The Royal Aegis

• Preparation: High-damage weapons can help you power through his defense.
• Fight Tips:
  • Roll into his mace attacks.
  • Stay close and force him to use his ground slam.
  • When he buffs, sprint around to his back and attack.

Final Tips for Success

• Memorize Patterns: Learn each boss's attack patterns through practice.
• Upgrade Weapons: Efficient smithing means quicker kills.
• Manage Stamina: Never get caught without enough stamina to dodge or block.

There you have it, some of the key strategies for blitzing through bosses in Dark Souls 2! With these tips, you'll save precious minutes on your run. Happy speedrunning--and may your dodge rolls be timely!

Speedrun Records

Speedrunning Dark Souls 2 is no joke. It's one of those things where even thinking about it is enough to make your palms sweat. But trust us, it’s totally worth it. Let’s dive into the world of speedy Souls and see what records are absolutely insane.

The Current Record Holder

As of the latest update, the fastest time to beat Dark Souls 2 in the Any% category is held by Distortion2. This legendary runner clocked in at a mind-boggling 20 minutes and 48 seconds. That’s less time than it takes to watch an episode of your favorite TV show. Distortion2 is a well-known name in the speedrunning community, and this record just cements his god-like status.

How They Do It

You’re probably asking, “How do they actually do that?” Well, runners use a mix of crazy strategies, glitches, and pure skill. Let’s break down a bit of what goes into these record-breaking runs:

• Glitches and Skips: A big part of speedrunning involves finding and using glitches. In Dark Souls 2, one popular trick is the Bonfire Ascetic glitch, which lets you skip huge chunks of the game. Another key technique is the Binoculars Jump--it lets you leap across large gaps that usually need tons of planning and dodging.

• Precise Routing: Speedrunners map out the most efficient route through the game. They know exactly which items to grab, which enemies to avoid, and which bosses can be quickly dispatched. This planning alone can shave off crucial minutes from their time.

• Amazing Reflexes: There’s no question--speedrunning demands lightning-fast reflexes. Watch any top run, and you’ll see players dodge, attack, and move with precision that seems almost superhuman.

Categories and Their Champions

Dark Souls 2 speedrunning isn’t just about the Any% category. There are multiple other categories, including:

• All Bosses: In this category, every single boss in the game must be defeated. Romanticore holds the current record with an impressive 1 hour 18 minutes and 55 seconds.

• No Major Glitches: This one is for purists who think glitches are cheating. Here, runners can’t use any major exploits. The record is currently held by Elajjaz, with a time of 1 hour 29 minutes and 40 seconds.

• SL1 (Soul Level 1): The challenge here is finishing the game without leveling up your character. Yep, stay at level 1 and beat the whole game. Nemz38 holds the record at 2 hours 26 minutes and 24 seconds. Just… wow.

Tips for Aspiring Speedrunners

So, feeling inspired? Want to try your hand at speedrunning Dark Souls 2? Here are some tips to get you started:

• Study the Pros: Watch recorded runs by top speedrunners. You'll pick up a lot by seeing how they handle different parts of the game.

• Practice, Practice, Practice: Seriously, repetition is key. Keep practicing different sections of the game until you can do them in your sleep.

• Join the Community: Speedrunning has a pretty welcoming community. Join forums, subreddits, or Discord servers to get tips, advice, and support from other runners.

Speedrunning isn’t just about the destination; it’s about the journey. Every second you shave off your time is a victory. So, grab your controller, fire up Dark Souls 2, and get running. Who knows? Maybe one day, we’ll be talking about your speedrun records.