Characters & Builds

Crafting an effective character build is paramount in Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin. Unlike its predecessor, DS2 offers a vast array of viable build paths, each with unique strengths and weaknesses. This section will delve into various character archetypes, optimal stat distributions, and crucial equipment choices to help you not only survive but truly thrive in the treacherous lands of Drangleic.

Understanding the core mechanics of stat scaling, equip load, and adaptability is key to a successful playthrough. We'll provide detailed breakdowns for popular and powerful builds, offering step-by-step guidance for early, mid, and late-game progression, including specific item locations and strategies.

Understanding Core Stats

Before diving into specific builds, it's essential to understand what each stat does and how it contributes to your character's effectiveness.

• Vigor (VGR): Increases HP. Crucial for all builds, especially early game. Soft caps at 20, then 50.
• Endurance (END): Increases Stamina and Physical Defense. Stamina is vital for attacking, blocking, and dodging. Soft caps at 20, then 50.
• Vitality (VIT): Increases Equip Load and Poison/Bleed Resistance. Keep an eye on your equip load; staying below 70% (preferably 50% for faster rolls) is recommended.
• Attunement (ATN): Increases Spell Slots and Cast Speed. Essential for magic-focused builds.
• Strength (STR): Increases attack power for Strength-scaling weapons. Required for heavy weapons.
• Dexterity (DEX): Increases attack power for Dexterity-scaling weapons. Required for lighter, faster weapons.
• Adaptability (ADP): Increases Agility (AGL), which dictates i-frames during rolls and item use speed. Also increases Poison/Bleed/Petrify/Curse Resistance. This is arguably the most important stat for survivability in DS2. Aim for at least 99-105 Agility (achieved by 20-25 ADP, depending on ATN).
• Intelligence (INT): Increases Sorcery/Dark Magic attack power and Magic/Dark Defense. Required for many spells.
• Faith (FTH): Increases Miracles/Dark Magic attack power and Lightning/Fire Defense. Required for many miracles.

Build Archetypes & Recommendations

Below are several popular and effective build archetypes, complete with stat priorities, equipment suggestions, and progression tips.

1. The Pure Strength Build (The Tank)

Focuses on wielding massive, slow, but incredibly powerful weapons. High damage per hit, excellent poise damage, and often good defense. Can be challenging early on due to slow attack speed and high stamina consumption.

Stat Allocation Priority:

1. Vigor (20-50): Essential for tanking hits.
2. Endurance (20-40): Crucial for swinging heavy weapons and maintaining stamina for rolls.
3. Adaptability (20-25): For survivability and faster item use.
4. Strength (40-60): Primary damage stat. Consider 2-handing for 1.5x STR bonus, effectively reaching 60 STR with only 40 invested.
5. Vitality (20-30): To comfortably wear heavy armor and weapons.
6. Dexterity (Base requirements for chosen weapon): Usually minimal.

Early Game (Majula, Forest of Fallen Giants, Heide's Tower)

• Starting Class: Warrior or Knight.
• Weapons:
  • Greatsword: Found in No-Man's Wharf. Requires 28 STR, 10 DEX. Excellent early-game ultra greatsword.
  • Craftsman's Hammer: Purchased from Lenigrast after he moves to Majula. Requires 16 STR, 6 DEX. Fast, good damage, low stamina cost.
  • Large Club: Dropped by the Great Club wielding Hollows in the Forest of Fallen Giants. Requires 26 STR.
• Armor: Drangleic Set (found in Forest of Fallen Giants after defeating the Last Giant) offers good protection. Later, the Heide Knight Set (drops from Heide Knights) or Targray's Set (purchased from Targray in Heide's Tower of Flame after joining Blue Sentinels) are good options.
• Rings:
  • Ring of Binding: Found in Heide's Tower of Flame. Reduces HP loss when hollow.
  • Life Ring: Purchased from Merchant Hag Melentia. Increases HP.
  • Third Dragon Ring: (Late game, but aim for it) Found in Dragon Shrine. Increases HP, Stamina, and Equip Load.
• Strategy: Focus on trading hits with smaller enemies, using your high poise. Against bosses, learn their attack patterns and punish openings with powerful 2-handed attacks.

Mid Game (Iron Keep, Shaded Woods, Drangleic Castle)

• Weapons:
  • Great Club: Found in the Gutter. Requires 28 STR. One of the best Strength weapons, excellent blunt damage.
  • Smelter Demon Sword: Soul Transposition from Smelter Demon Soul. Requires 40 STR, 10 DEX. Inflicts fire damage.
  • King's Ultra Greatsword: Soul Transposition from Soul of the King. Requires 50 STR. Massive damage.
• Armor: Havel's Set (found in The Gutter, behind a hidden wall) or Smelter Demon Set (purchased from Maughlin the Armorer after defeating Smelter Demon and spending 16,000 souls).
• Rings:
  • Stone Ring: Purchased from Gavlan in No-Man's Wharf or Doors of Pharros. Increases poise damage. Essential for Strength builds.
  • Ring of Blades +1/+2: +1 from Pursuer boss in Iron Keep, +2 from Looking Glass Knight (NG+). Increases physical attack.

Late Game (Shrine of Amana, Dragon Aerie, Memory of Jeigh)

• Weapons: Continue upgrading your preferred Ultra Greatsword or Great Hammer. Consider infusing with Heavy if you have high STR.
• Armor: Havel's Set remains top-tier.
• Rings: Third Dragon Ring, Ring of Blades +2, Stone Ring, Chloranthy Ring +2 (found in Shulva, Sanctum City).

2. The Dexterity Build (The Swift Striker)

Emphasizes fast, fluid combat with quick attacks, dodges, and often includes bows or daggers. Relies on high agility and precise timing.

Stat Allocation Priority:

1. Vigor (20-40): Still important for survivability.
2. Endurance (20-40): For sustained attacks and dodging.
3. Adaptability (20-25): Crucial for i-frames on rolls.
4. Dexterity (40-50): Primary damage stat.
5. Strength (Base requirements for chosen weapon): Usually minimal.
6. Vitality (10-20): To keep equip load low for fast rolls.

Early Game

• Starting Class: Swordsman or Explorer.
• Weapons:
  • Uchigatana: Purchased from Steady Hand McDuff after giving him the Dull Ember. Requires 16 STR, 25 DEX. Excellent katana.
  • Rapier: Purchased from Lenigrast. Requires 5 STR, 12 DEX. Great for counter-damage.
  • Falchion: Dropped by Skeleton Lords. Requires 10 STR, 14 DEX. Fast curved sword.
• Armor: Leather Set (starting gear for Swordsman) or Wanderer Set (purchased from Melentia). Focus on light armor for fast rolls.
• Rings: Ring of Binding, Life Ring.
• Strategy: Prioritize dodging over blocking. Learn enemy attack patterns to exploit openings with quick, successive strikes.

Mid Game

• Weapons:
  • Washing Pole: Purchased from Weaponsmith Ornifex. Requires 18 STR, 20 DEX. Longest katana, but high durability drain.
  • Ricard's Rapier: Found in Huntsman's Copse. Requires 8 STR, 25 DEX. Unique R2 attack.
  • Chaos Blade: Soul Transposition from Old Witch Soul. Requires 12 STR, 25 DEX. High damage but drains HP on hit.
• Armor: Black Leather Set (purchased from Gilligan in Majula) or Shadow Set (drops from Shadow enemies in Flexile Sentry's area).
• Rings: Ring of Blades +1, Leo Ring (purchased from Chancellor Wellager in Drangleic Castle). Increases thrust attack counter damage.

Late Game

• Weapons: Chaos Blade, Washing Pole, or infuse your preferred DEX weapon with Sharp.
• Armor: Faraam Set (purchased from Maughlin after spending 16,000 souls) or Alonne Knight Set (drops from Alonne Knights in Iron Keep).
• Rings: Third Dragon Ring, Ring of Blades +2, Leo Ring, Chloranthy Ring +2.

3. The Sorcerer (The Glass Cannon)

Relies on powerful ranged spells to obliterate enemies from a distance. Can be squishy, requiring careful positioning and resource management.

Stat Allocation Priority:

1. Intelligence (50-60): Primary damage stat for Sorceries.
2. Attunement (30-50): For spell slots and cast speed.
3. Vigor (20-30): Some HP is necessary.
4. Adaptability (15-20): For basic roll i-frames.
5. Endurance (15-20): For dodging.
6. Strength/Dexterity (Base requirements for chosen melee weapon): Minimal, for a backup weapon.

Early Game

• Starting Class: Sorcerer.
• Weapons:
  • Sorcerer's Staff: Starting weapon.
  • Fire Longsword: Found in Forest of Fallen Giants. Good early melee option.
  • Magic Mace: Purchased from Steady Hand McDuff. Requires 12 STR, 5 DEX.
• Spells: Soul Arrow, Great Soul Arrow (purchased from Carhillion of the Fold in No-Man's Wharf).
• Armor: Saint's Set (purchased from Licia of Lindeldt).
• Rings:
  • Southern Band: Purchased from Carhillion. Increases spell slots.
  • Clear Bluestone Ring: Purchased from Carhillion. Increases cast speed.
• Strategy: Keep enemies at a distance. Use Soul Arrows to pick off foes. Conserve spells for tougher encounters.

Mid Game

• Weapons:
  • Staff of Wisdom: Found in Dragon Shrine. Requires 50 INT. Best Sorcery staff.
  • Magic Mace +6 or higher.
• Spells: Soul Spear (purchased from Straid of Olaphis), Homing Soulmass (purchased from Straid), Great Heavy Soul Arrow.
• Armor: Hexer's Set (purchased from Felkin the Outcast if INT/FTH are 20+).
• Rings: Clear Bluestone Ring +1/+2 (found in Shaded Woods/Undead Crypt), Southern Band +1/+2 (found in Huntsman's Copse/Shrine of Amana), Ring of Knowledge (purchased from Straid).

Late Game

• Weapons: Staff of Wisdom +5 (infused with Magic).
• Spells: Soul Geyser (purchased from Straid in NG+), Crystal Soul Spear (purchased from Straid in NG+).
• Armor: Black Witch Hat (drops from Black Witch in Aldia's Keep) for extra spell slots. Lion Mage Set (found in Shaded Woods) for increased cast speed.
• Rings: Third Dragon Ring, Clear Bluestone Ring +2, Southern Band +2, Sorcery Clutch Ring (Crown of the Old Iron King DLC).

4. The Faith Build (The Holy Warrior/Healer)

Combines melee combat with powerful Miracles for healing, buffs, and offensive lightning spells. Versatile and supportive.

Stat Allocation Priority:

1. Faith (40-50): Primary damage/healing stat for Miracles.
2. Attunement (30-40): For spell slots and cast speed.
3. Vigor (20-30): For survivability.
4. Endurance (20-30): For melee and dodging.
5. Adaptability (15-20): For basic roll i-frames.
6. Strength/Dexterity (Base requirements for chosen melee weapon): Enough to wield a good weapon.

Early Game

• Starting Class: Cleric.
• Weapons:
  • Mace: Starting weapon. Excellent blunt damage.
  • Heide Knight Sword: Drops from Heide Knights. Requires 11 STR, 10 DEX. Inflicts lightning damage.
• Miracles: Heal, Lightning Spear (purchased from Licia of Lindeldt in Heide's Tower of Flame).
• Armor: Cleric Set (starting gear).
• Rings: Ring of Binding, Life Ring.
• Strategy: Use Mace for melee, Heal for sustain, and Lightning Spear for ranged damage.

Mid Game

• Weapons:
  • Lightning Heide Knight Sword +6 or higher.
  • Thorned Greatsword: Soul Transposition from Executioner's Chariot Soul. Requires 20 STR, 18 DEX. Shoots lightning.
  • Dragon Chime: Found in Shrine of Amana. Requires 20 STR, 12 DEX, 30 FTH. Best Faith chime.
• Miracles: Great Lightning Spear (purchased from Straid), Sunlight Blade (purchased from Straid), Sacred Oath (purchased from Straid in NG+).
• Armor: Saint's Set (purchased from Licia).
• Rings: Clear Bluestone Ring +1, Southern Band +1, Ring of the Sun's Firstborn (purchased from Licia).

Late Game

• Weapons: Lightning Dragon Chime +5. Lightning Defender Greatsword (Soul Transposition from Throne Defender Soul) is an excellent FTH scaling weapon.
• Miracles: Sunlight Spear (obtained by reaching Rank 3 in Heirs of the Sun covenant).
• Armor: Saint's Set, or Judgement Set (Crown of the Ivory King DLC).
• Rings: Third Dragon Ring, Clear Bluestone Ring +2, Southern Band +2, Lightning Clutch Ring (Crown of the Old Iron King DLC).

5. The Hexer (The Dark Arts Master)

A hybrid magic build utilizing both Intelligence and Faith to cast powerful Dark spells. Often requires a significant stat investment but offers immense versatility and damage.

Stat Allocation Priority:

1. Intelligence (30/30 or 40/40): Equal investment in INT and FTH for optimal Hex scaling.
2. Faith (30/30 or 40/40):
3. Attunement (30-50): For spell slots and cast speed.
4. Vigor (20-30): For survivability.
5. Endurance (15-20): For dodging.
6. Adaptability (15-20): For basic roll i-frames.
7. Strength/Dexterity (Base requirements for chosen melee weapon): Minimal.

Early Game

• Starting Class: Cleric or Sorcerer, then level INT/FTH equally.
• Weapons:
  • Dark Mace: Infuse a Mace with Dark.
  • Sunset Staff: Obtained from Felkin the Outcast if INT/FTH are 20+. Best Hex staff.
• Hexes: Dark Orb (purchased from Felkin), Resonant Soul (purchased from Felkin).
• Armor: Hexer's Set (obtained from Felkin if INT/FTH are 20+).
• Rings: Southern Band, Clear Bluestone Ring.
• Strategy: Use Dark Orb as your primary offensive spell. It's highly efficient. Be mindful of the soul cost of Resonant Soul.

Mid Game

• Weapons:
  • Sunset Staff +5 (infused with Dark).
  • Chime of Want: Soul Transposition from Nashandra Soul. Requires 18 INT, 18 FTH. Best Hex chime.
  • Crypt Blacksword: Soul Transposition from Darklurker Soul. Requires 40 STR, 10 DEX. Excellent Dark scaling Ultra Greatsword.
• Hexes: Great Resonant Soul (purchased from Felkin in NG+ or from Darkdiver Grandahl), Affinity (purchased from Straid).
• Armor: Hexer's Set.
• Rings: Clear Bluestone Ring +1, Southern Band +1, Abyss Seal (purchased from Darkdiver Grandahl). Increases Hex damage but drains HP per cast.

Late Game

• Weapons: Dark Sunset Staff +5, Dark Chime of Want +5.
• Hexes: Climax (purchased from Darkdiver Grandahl, consumes all souls for massive damage).
• Armor: Hexer's Set or Black Witch Hat.
• Rings: Third Dragon Ring, Clear Bluestone Ring +2, Southern Band +2, Dark Clutch Ring (Crown of the Old Iron King DLC), Abyss Seal.

6. The Quality Build (The Jack of All Trades)

Balances Strength and Dexterity to wield a wide variety of weapons effectively. Offers great versatility but may not hit as hard as specialized builds with their primary stat.

Stat Allocation Priority:

1. Vigor (20-40): Standard survivability.
2. Endurance (20-40): For sustained attacks and dodging.
3. Adaptability (20-25): For i-frames.
4. Strength (30-40): Primary damage stat.
5. Dexterity (30-40): Primary damage stat.
6. Vitality (15-25): For equip load.

Early Game

• Starting Class: Knight or Swordsman.
• Weapons:
  • Longsword: Purchased from Lenigrast. Excellent all-around weapon.
  • Broadsword: Purchased from Lenigrast. Higher base damage, shorter range.
  • Claymore: Found in Forest of Fallen Giants. Requires 20 STR, 13 DEX. Greatsword with good moveset.
• Armor: Drangleic Set or Faraam Set.
• Rings: Ring of Binding, Life Ring.
• Strategy: Experiment with different weapons to find what suits your playstyle. Focus on upgrading your chosen weapon.

Mid Game

• Weapons:
  • Bastard Sword: Purchased from Lenigrast. Requires 20 STR, 10 DEX. Good Greatsword.
  • Drakekeeper's Sword: Drops from Drakekeepers in Dragon Shrine. Requires 20 STR, 18 DEX. Excellent straight sword.
  • Sun Sword: Obtained by reaching Rank 2 in Heirs of the Sun covenant. Requires 15 STR, 22 DEX. Best Quality scaling straight sword.
• Armor: Drangleic Set, Faraam Set.
• Rings: Ring of Blades +1, Chloranthy Ring +1 (found in Shaded Woods).

Late Game

• Weapons: Sun Sword +10, Drakekeeper's Sword +10, or infuse your preferred weapon with Refined (if available, though typically not as strong as uninfused for quality in DS2).
• Armor: Faraam Set, Alonne Knight Set.
• Rings: Third Dragon Ring, Ring of Blades +2, Chloranthy Ring +2, Royal Soldier's Ring +2 (found in Drangleic Castle in NG+).

Common Pitfalls & Tips for All Builds

• Don't Neglect Adaptability: Seriously, this stat is crucial for survivability. Aim for at least 99 Agility (AGL) for a decent roll.
• Equip Load: Always strive to stay below 70% equip load for a medium roll. Below 50% gives you a fast roll, which is highly recommended.
• Weapon Upgrades: Upgrading your weapon is almost always more impactful than leveling up your damage stats, especially early on. Prioritize getting your primary weapon to +3, then +6, then +10.
• Infusions: Infusing weapons can dramatically change their damage output.
  • Raw: Increases base damage, removes scaling. Good for low STR/DEX builds.
  • Magic/Lightning/Fire/Dark: Adds elemental damage, scales with INT/FTH, reduces physical scaling. Great for magic builds.
  • Poison/Bleed: Adds status effect build-up.
  • Mundane: Scales with your lowest stat. Only viable in very specific, high-level builds.
• Durability: DS2's durability system is notorious. Carry repair powder or have a backup weapon. The Bracing Knuckle Ring (found in Lost Bastille) is also very useful.
• Soul Memory: This hidden stat determines your online matchmaking. Be aware that farming souls excessively can put you out of range for co-op or PvP with friends.
• Explore Thoroughly: Many crucial items, spells, and weapons are hidden behind illusory walls, tricky jumps, or optional boss fights.
• Talk to NPCs: Many NPCs offer valuable items, services, or lore if you exhaust their dialogue. Some even move to Majula.
• Covenants: Joining covenants like the Company of Champions (makes the game harder) or Heirs of the Sun (for co-op and Sunlight Medals) can unlock unique rewards and experiences.

By following these guidelines and understanding the nuances of Dark Souls II's character progression, you'll be well-equipped to face the challenges of Drangleic and emerge victorious.