Dark Souls 2, developed by FromSoftware, is renowned for its challenging gameplay and intricate world design. For those looking to fully experience what the game has to offer, achieving all the game's achievements can be a daunting task. This comprehensive guide will provide players with strategies, tips, and detailed steps to unlock every achievement in Dark Souls 2, ensuring that you can take on the challenges with confidence.
Understanding Achievements in Dark Souls 2
Before diving into the specifics of each achievement, it's essential to understand how achievements work in Dark Souls 2. The game features a total of 38 achievements, including secret ones. They cover various aspects of gameplay, from defeating bosses to collecting items, and even reaching certain milestones. Some achievements are straightforward, while others require specific conditions to be met.
Categories of Achievements
The achievements in Dark Souls 2 can be categorized as follows:
1. Story Progression: Achievements related to advancing the main storyline.
2. Combat: Achievements tied to defeating enemies, bosses, and specific combat-related feats.
3. Exploration: Achievements for discovering hidden areas and items.
4. Collectibles: Achievements for gathering certain items or sets.
5. Multiplayer: Achievements related to online play, including invasions and cooperative play.
6. Miscellaneous: Unique achievements that don’t fit into other categories.
Achievement Guide
Below is a detailed guide to unlocking each achievement in Dark Souls 2.
Story Progression Achievements
These achievements are unlocked simply by progressing through the game’s main storyline.
- The Pursuer: Defeat The Pursuer in the Forest of Fallen Giants.
- The Last Giant: Defeat The Last Giant in the Forest of Fallen Giants.
- Old Dragonslayer: Defeat the Old Dragonslayer in the Cathedral of Blue.
- Flexile Sentry: Defeat the Flexile Sentry in the Lost Bastille.
- Nashandra: Defeat Nashandra, the final boss of the game.
To ensure you get these achievements, focus on progressing through each area and defeating each major boss. Make sure to explore thoroughly to avoid missing any critical items or shortcuts.
Combat Achievements
Combat achievements require players to defeat specific enemies or perform unique actions in combat. Here are some key achievements in this category:
1. You've Got to be Kidding Me: Defeat a boss using only your fists.
2. Abysswalker: Defeat Manus, Father of the Abyss.
3. The True Queen: Defeat the Ancient Dragon.
4. The Dark Lord: Defeat the Darklurker.
For the fist achievement, players can enter a new game plus (NG+) where enemies are tougher. Make sure to wear armor that allows for fast rolling to dodge attacks effectively.
Exploration Achievements
Exploration achievements reward players for thoroughly exploring the game world.
- Treasure Hunter: Find all the treasure in the game.
- Master of Unlocking: Open all the locked doors in the game.
- The Explorer: Discover all the areas in the game.
To achieve these, players should:
- Use a map to track locations of all items and treasure.
- Pay attention to environmental cues that suggest hidden paths or doors.
- Experiment with different actions, such as hitting walls or using items, to uncover secrets.
Collectibles Achievements
Collectibles achievements are obtained by gathering specific items or completing sets.
- Collector's Edition: Obtain all the unique weapons in the game.
- Fashion Souls: Equip a full set of armor.
- The King’s Rings: Collect all the rings in the game.
To complete these achievements, players should focus on:
- Farming areas known for specific items.
- Checking vendor inventories for unique items.
- Engaging in PvP to obtain rare items dropped by other players.
Multiplayer Achievements
Dark Souls 2 features a robust multiplayer component, and several achievements are tied to this aspect of gameplay.
- Invader: Successfully invade another player’s world.
- Co-op Partner: Summon another player to assist you in a boss fight.
- Master of the Arena: Win a duel in the arena.
To unlock these achievements, players should:
- Keep an eye out for summon signs or invitations to invade.
- Use specific items to facilitate invasions or summons.
- Participate in events that boost multiplayer interactions.
Secret Achievements
Dark Souls 2 also includes several secret achievements that can be quite challenging to unlock. Here are a few notable ones:
- The Dark Flame: Discover the meaning of the Dark Flame.
- The Ultimate Sacrifice: Sacrifice yourself for the greater good.
These achievements often require specific actions or conditions to be met, such as completing a particular questline or making a moral choice within the game.
Tips for Achieving 100% Completion
For those pursuing 100% completion, consider the following tips:
1. New Game Plus: After completing the game, play through New Game Plus (NG+) to access previously unavailable content and tougher enemies.
2. Join a Covenant: Many achievements are tied to specific covenants, so be sure to join and participate in their activities.
3. Keep a Checklist: Maintain a checklist of achievements and items found to track your progress and avoid missing anything crucial.
4. Consult Guides: Use online resources and community guides for assistance with tricky achievements.
Conclusion
Dark Souls 2 is a game that rewards patience, exploration, and skill. By following this comprehensive achievement guide, players can unlock all achievements and fully experience what the game has to offer. Remember, the journey through Drangleic is just as important as the achievements themselves. Embrace the challenges, learn from your defeats, and enjoy the rich lore and world-building that Dark Souls 2 provides. Good luck, Ashen One!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main achievements in Dark Souls 2 that players should focus on?
Players should focus on achievements related to completing the game, defeating bosses, and collecting items, such as 'Lord of Cinder' for defeating all the main bosses and 'Collector' for obtaining all unique weapons and armor.
How can I efficiently farm souls to unlock achievements in Dark Souls 2?
A good method to farm souls is to repeatedly defeat enemies in high-yield areas like the 'Heide's Tower of Flame' and 'The Forest of Fallen Giants', using items like the 'Bonfire Ascetic' to respawn enemies for additional soul gains.
Are there any missable achievements in Dark Souls 2?
Yes, certain achievements like 'The Dark Soul', which requires obtaining all other achievements, can be missable if you fail to acquire specific items or defeat certain bosses before progressing too far in the game.
What are some tips for completing the 'Master of Sorcery' achievement?
To achieve 'Master of Sorcery', players must learn all sorceries in the game. It’s essential to locate and purchase spells from various NPCs, including the 'Big Hat Logan' and 'Felkin the Outcast', and to ensure you have enough intelligence to cast them.
What is the best way to manage co-op play for achievements in Dark Souls 2?
To effectively manage co-op play, coordinate with friends to summon each other for boss fights. Use 'White Sign Soapstone' to leave summoning signs and prioritize achievements like 'The Sunlight Spear' by joining the 'Warriors of Sunlight' covenant.
