Welcome to our comprehensive Dark Souls 2: Crafting and Item Guide! Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a fresh face in Drangleic, mastering the art of crafting and item management is crucial for survival. In this ultimate guide, we break down everything you need to know about finding materials, crafting items efficiently, and using and managing your valuable assets for maximum advantage. Dive in and enhance your Dark Souls 2 experience with insider tips and pro strategies designed to give you the upper hand in every battle. Ready to forge your way to victory? Let’s get started!

Finding Materials in Dark Souls 2#

So you’ve decided to dive head-first into the dark and unforgiving world of Dark Souls 2. Excellent choice! Crafting is an essential part of your survival, and knowing where to find materials can mean the difference between life and death. Here’s a handy guide to help you hunt down those crucial materials.

Titanite Shards#

Titanite Shards are one of the most common materials you’ll need. They’re used to upgrade your weapons and armor, making your journey a little bit easier (emphasis on “a little bit”).

Where to Find Them#

• Enemies: Hollow Infantry, who you’ll encounter early in the game, drop these shards.
• Chests: The Forest of Fallen Giants has a chest with a few Titanite Shards.
• Merchants: Once you unlock the blacksmith in Majula, you can buy Titanite Shards from him for a reasonable price.

Large Titanite Shards#

When regular Titanite Shards aren’t cutting it anymore, you’ll need to move up to Large Titanite Shards. These babies start appearing a bit later in the game.

Where to Find Them#

• Enemies: Large enemies like Stone Soldiers in the Forest of Fallen Giants and the Gyrm Warriors in the Doors of Pharros drop them.
• Chests: You can find a few in No-Man’s Wharf and The Lost Bastille.
• Merchants: McDuff the blacksmith in The Lost Bastille eventually sells them after you give him the Dull Ember.

Titanite Chunks#

Titanite Chunks are where the upgrades really start to shine. These are a bit rarer but essential for high-level upgrades.

Where to Find Them#

• Enemies: The Iron Keep is a good farming spot; Alonne Knights drop Titanite Chunks.
• Chests: You’ll find some in the Iron Keep and the Shaded Woods.
• Merchants: At some point, the merchant Stone Trader Chloanne in Harvest Valley will sell Titanite Chunks.

Titanite Slabs#

The crown jewel of upgrading materials, Titanite Slabs, are as rare as they are powerful. You’ll need these for the final touches on your most trusted weapons.

Where to Find Them#

• Enemies: The Stone (Petrified) Dragon in Dragon Shrine sometimes drops a slab.
• Chests: There’s one in Drangleic Castle and another in the Shrine of Amana.
• Quests: The Moonlight Butterfly boss fight in Darkroot Basin drops a Titanite Slab.

Twinkling Titanite#

Twinkling Titanite is used for upgrading unique weapons and armor. Keep your eyes peeled because this material is quite rare.

Where to Find Them#

• Enemies: The Crystal Lizards in various locations drop Twinkling Titanite, but you’ve got to be quick to catch them!
• Chests: In Dragon Aerie, there’s a score of these shinies hidden away.
• Merchants: The merchant in Brightstone Cove Tseldora sells them once you’ve progressed far enough.

Petrified Dragon Bone#

For those larger-than-life boss weapons, you’ll need Petrified Dragon Bones. These aren’t easy to come by but are well worth the effort.

Where to Find Them#

• Enemies: Dragon Acolytes in Aldia’s Keep drop these occasionally.
• Chests: You’ll find a few scattered in Dragon Shrine and the Memory of Jeigh.
• Merchants: Unlimited amounts can be bought from Stone Trader Chloanne after certain conditions are met.

Farming Tips#

• Explore Thoroughly: Rare materials are often hidden in places off the beaten path.
• Use Bonfire Ascetics: They reset areas and respawn enemies, including those who drop valuable materials.
• Focus on Enemies: Some enemies have higher drop rates for certain materials, so farming specific enemies can be quite lucrative.

So go out there, keep your eyes open, and loot everything you can. Happy hunting! May your weapons be sharp and your armor impenetrable.

Crafting Items#

In Dark Souls 2, crafting is crucial for enhancing your gear and staying alive in the brutally challenging world. This guide will walk you through the basics of crafting and the important items you need.

Basic Crafting Materials#

1. Titanite Shards

   • Use: Upgrade weapons and armor.
   • Where to Find: Can be bought from merchants like Blacksmith Lenigrast in Majula or found throughout the world in various locations.

2. Large Titanite Shards

   • Use: Continue upgrading when regular Titanite Shards are no longer effective.
   • Where to Find: Dropped by tougher enemies and bosses, or found in more advanced areas.

3. Titanite Chunks

   • Use: Upgrade high-level gear nearing the top of its potential.
   • Where to Find: High-level enemies and rare chests.

4. Titanite Slabs

   • Use: Max out weapon upgrades.
   • Where to Find: Rare loot from late-game bosses or hidden areas.

5. Twinkling Titanite

   • Use: Upgrade special weapons that have unique abilities.
   • Where to Find: Dropped by rare enemies like the Crystal Lizards or traded with the crows in Things Betwixt.

6. Petrified Dragon Bones

   • Use: Upgrade powerful dragon-based weapons.
   • Where to Find: Rare loot usually found in Dragon-themed locations or from bosses.

Special Crafting Materials#

1. Bonfire Ascetic

   • Use: Increase the difficulty of a specific area by one level, respawning enemies and bosses with better loot.
   • Where to Find: Rare drops and treasure chests.

2. Old Mundane Stone

   • Use: Infuse weapons with the Mundane attribute, improving their damage based on the lowest stat.
   • Where to Find: Found in Exploration zones and tough enemies.

3. Amber Herb

   • Use: Restores spell uses for spellcasters.
   • Where to Find: Dropped by spellcasting NPCs and enemies in the game.

4. Human Effigy

   • Use: Restores your humanity, crucial for multiplayer and increasing your health.
   • Where to Find: Looted from enemies, bought from Melentia in Majula, and hidden in the world.

Infusion Items#

1. Faintstone

   • Use: Infuse weapons with Magic attributes, adding bonus magic damage.
   • Where to Find: Dropped by mages and in magic-rich areas.

2. Boltstone

   • Use: Infuse with Lightning attributes to do lightning damage.
   • Where to Find: Found in Lightning-themed zones and on enemies using lightning attacks.

3. Darknight Stone

   • Use: Infuse with Dark attributes for dark elemental damage.
   • Where to Find: Dropped by Dark monsters and found in shadowy regions.

Crafting NPCs#

Certain NPCs are essential for crafting and using these items effectively.

1. Blacksmith Lenigrast

   • Location: Majula
   • Service: Weapon and armor upgrades.

2. Master Stone

   • Location: Lost Bastille
   • Service: Infusions and special crafting items.

3. Straid of Olaphis

   • Location: Lost Bastille
   • Service: Convert Boss Souls into powerful weapons.

Crafting Tips#

• Always keep an eye out for shiny objects and breakable scenery; they often hide crafting materials.
• Upgrade your Estus Flask with Estus Shards found throughout the game to ensure you have the healing power needed for tougher fights.
• Doing side quests and talking to NPCs can sometimes unlock new merchants or reveal hidden items that can be used for crafting.
• Use Bonfire Ascetics wisely; increasing area difficulty can help farm certain crafting materials but also make the game more challenging.

Eager to enhance your sword and armor? Now you know where to look and what to gather. Be cautious and ruthless, and you’ll be wielding legendary gear in no time!

Good luck, Undead. The shadows of Drangleic are waiting.

Crafting Efficiency in Dark Souls 2#

One of the coolest things about Dark Souls 2 is the crafting system. It lets you upgrade weapons, armor, and create new items from boss souls. But knowing the most efficient way to use your resources can make a big difference in your journey through Drangleic. Here’s a breakdown on how to get the most out of your crafting.

Upgrading Weapons and Armor#

Materials Matter: To start, you’ll need materials like Titanite, Twinkling Titanite, and Petrified Dragon Bones. Here’s a quick list of where to find these valuable materials:

• Titanite Shards: These are common and can be bought from blacksmith Lenigrast in Majula.
• Large Titanite Shards: Found around the game world or at a merchant like McDuff.
• Titanite Chunks and Slabs: Harder to find, but available from certain enemies, chests, and sometimes as rare drops.
• Twinkling Titanite: Looted in specific places, like the Shrine of Amana or farming enemies like Basilisks.
• Petrified Dragon Bones: Best farmed in Aldia’s Keep or by trading Smooth and Silky Stones in Things Betwixt.

Prioritize Your Gear: Focus on upgrading the weapon you use most. A fully-upgraded weapon can make even tough fights manageable. For armor, upgrade pieces that you wear all the time, particularly ones that give you the best balance between weight and defense.

Infusions#

Elemental Advantage: Infusing a weapon adds elemental damage. This can make your attacks much stronger or give you the edge against enemies weak to certain elements. You’ll need a special stone to infuse, like a Boltstone for lightning or a Firedrake Stone for fire.

Accessing Infusions: Blacksmith McDuff in the Lost Bastille is your go-to guy for infusions. Make sure you’ve given him the Dull Ember first, which you can find in the Iron Keep.

Boss Weapons#

Boss Soul Usage: Boss souls can be transformed into powerful weapons and items. Take these to two NPCs: Straid of Olaphis (in the Lost Bastille) and Ornifex (in the Shaded Woods and then Brightstone Cove Tseldora). Each boss soul can typically be traded for one of several different things, so choose wisely based on your play style.

• Straid of Olaphis: In a tower in the Lost Bastille, can create items and spells from boss souls.
• Weapons from Ornifex: Found initially in the Shaded Woods, you’ll need to free her with a Fang Key, and then find her shop in Brightstone Cove Tseldora.

Resource Management Tips#

• Item Farming: Regularly revisit areas to farm items, enemies respawn and drop items again.
• Repair Your Gear: Weapons and armor break gradually; use Repair Powder or visit a blacksmith to keep them in peak condition.
• Don’t Hoard: Utilize your materials rather than save them forever. They’re there to help you now, not later.
• Leave no Stone Unturned: Explore thoroughly; you can find upgrade materials in the most unexpected places.

Closing Thoughts#

Crafting efficiently in Dark Souls 2 means knowing where to get the best materials, focusing on your favorite gear, and utilizing infusions wisely. Don’t forget to make the most of those boss souls by turning them into the powerful gear that suits your build. With these tips, you’ll be better prepared to take on whatever Drangleic throws your way. Happy forging, Ashen One!

Using Items: A Guide to Staying Alive in Dark Souls 2#

Welcome back, Undead. Surviving in the unforgiving world of Dark Souls 2 is no easy task, and learning how to use items effectively can make a significant difference in your journey. Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know:

Accessing Your Inventory#

First things first, you’ll need to access your inventory to use items:

1. Open your menu by pressing the appropriate button (Options on PS4, Menu on Xbox, ESC on PC).
2. Navigate to the Inventory tab.
3. From here, you can see all the items you’ve picked up throughout your adventures.

Consuming Items#

To use consumable items like healing potions, you need to equip them to your item slot:

1. Go to your Equipment menu.
2. Select an empty Quick Item slot.
3. Choose the item you want to equip, like an Estus Flask or Lifegem.

Once equipped, you can use these items by pressing the designated button (Square on PS4, X on Xbox, R on PC).

Healing Items#

Staying alive is your top priority. Here’s a quick look at the main healing items:

• Estus Flask: The classic healing item in Dark Souls. You refill it every time you rest at a bonfire. Don’t forget to collect Estus Shards to increase the number of times you can use it.

• Lifegem: These are slower to heal you but can be used multiple times and are easier to find. They are perfect for topping off your health between fights.

• Divine Blessing: Fully restores health and cures all status effects. Rare but extremely valuable in tough spots.

Buffing Items#

Sometimes raw skill isn’t enough. Buffs can give you the edge you need:

• Resin Items: Apply effects to your weapon, like Pine Resin (lightning) or Charcoal Pine Resin (fire). These can be crucial against certain enemies weak to specific elements.

• Green Blossom: Speeds up stamina recovery. Very useful in long fights where you need to dodge more frequently.

Cure Status Ailments#

Enemies and environments can inflict nasty status effects, but items can heal them:

• Poison Moss: Cures poison.
• Common Fruit: Temporarily boosts poison resistance.
• Radiant Lifegem: Slowly restores health over time, useful if you’re constantly taking small amounts of damage.

Throwables#

Sometimes you need to keep distance:

• Firebombs and Black Firebombs: Deal significant fire damage. Convenient against enemies clustered together.
• Throwing Knives: Weaker but good for triggering enemy attention from a distance.
• Alluring Skull: Distracts enemies, making it easier to sneak by or set up a strategic attack.

Using Spells#

Spells aren’t technically items, but they function similarly:

1. Equip a relevant staff or talisman.
2. Equip the spell in your Attunement Slots.
3. Cast the spell by pressing the designated casting button (R1 on PS4, RB on Xbox, right mouse button on PC).

Key Items#

These are the items that can unlock new areas or provide essential functions:

• Pharros’ Lockstone: Used to reveal secret areas or activate contraptions.
• Soldier Key: Opens various soldier doors within the early parts of your journey.

Item Management Tips#

• Don’t Hoard: Use items when you need them. Dying with a full inventory helps no one.
• Restock Regularly: Always ensure you’re topped up on essential items when visiting merchants or after using a bonfire.
• Be Selective with Item Slots: Only equip items you frequently use to avoid cycling through an endless list in the middle of combat.

Using items effectively will make your Dark Souls 2 journey smoother and less perilous. Keep these tips in mind as you explore, and remember to adapt your strategy based on the challenges you face!

Happy dying, Undead.

Managing Items#

Managing your items in Dark Souls 2 can make or break your journey through the treacherous land of Drangleic. Let’s walk through some helpful tips to keep your inventory in fighting shape and make sure you’re always ready to face whatever the game throws your way.

Inventory Basics#

First things first, get familiar with your inventory screen. Press the appropriate button (Options/Start) and navigate to the “Inventory” tab. Here you’ll find all the stuff you’ve picked up, from weapons and armor to consumables and key items. The “Inventory” tab is divided into categories by type, making it easier to find what you need:

• Weapons
• Armor
• Rings
• Consumables
• Key Items
• Spells and Consumable Spells

Keep It Clean#

Dark Souls 2 doesn’t restrict the weight of your inventory, but a cluttered inventory can waste precious time. Regularly go through and drop or store items you don’t plan on using anytime soon. Accessing the storage box at a bonfire lets you deposit items and keep your main inventory tidy. Trust us, nothing’s worse than digging around for your Lifegems mid-battle and getting skewered because you couldn’t find them in time!

Essential Consumables#

Certain consumables are crucial for survival, so you should always keep a healthy stack:

• Estus Flasks: These are your best friend. Always keep them equipped in your quick bar for healing.
• Life Gems: While weaker than Estus, they’re more common and can be used between battles to save your flasks for crucial moments.
• Human Effigies: These restore your humanity and reverse Hollowing, but they’re rare. Use sparingly!
• Repair Powder: If your beloved weapon is about to break mid-journey, this can be a lifesaver.
• Green Blossom: Boosts your stamina regen which can be a game-changer in tricky fights.

Weapons and Armor#

You can carry multiple weapons and sets of armor, but that doesn’t mean you should. Stick to 1-2 weapons types you’re comfortable with. Upgrading a few select weapons will make them more effective than having a hundred different swords at base level.

Ring Management#

You can wear up to four rings. Rings can provide a multitude of buffs, from increased health to better item discovery rates. Tailor your rings to suit your current needs. For instance, if you’re farming items, wear the Covetous Gold Serpent Ring.

Upgrading Equipment#

Upgrading your gear dramatically improves your survivability. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Titanite Shards (and variants): Used for upgrading most standard weapons and armor.
• Twinkling Titanite: Used for upgrading special weapons and armor.
• Petrified Dragon Bone: For boss weapons.

Seek out blacksmiths like Steady Hand McDuff and Lenigrast for your upgrading needs. Infusing weapons (when McDuff is available) adds elemental properties, which can be especially powerful against certain enemies.

Shopping Smart#

Merchants are scattered across Drangleic. Buy consumables and special items from them to keep yourself supplied. The most notable merchants include:

• Melentia: Found in the Forest of Fallen Giants.
• Gavlan: Can be found in multiple locations, trades weapons, and buys items.
• Titchy Gren: For PvP-oriented items.

Always check back with merchants as their stock updates as you progress through the game.

Summary#

Keeping your inventory clean, managing consumables, focusing on key weapons and armor, minding your rings, and investing in upgrades can make a world of difference. Remember to store what you don’t need, upgrade wisely, and keep your essentials within reach. With a well-managed inventory, you’ll be better prepared to face the horrors of Dark Souls 2.