Embark on a perilous journey through the enigmatic realm of Drangleic, guided by the pivotal decision of selecting your Dark Souls 2 starting gift. This comprehensive guide unveils the intricacies of each gift, empowering you to tailor your gameplay experience from the very outset.
From melee-oriented warriors to arcane spellcasters, the choice of starting gift profoundly influences your character’s capabilities and early game trajectory. Discover the hidden gems and overlooked options that can grant you an edge in this unforgiving world.
Starting Gift Overview
In Dark Souls 2, players begin their journey with a starting gift, which provides various benefits and resources. These gifts offer different advantages depending on the player’s preferred playstyle and character build. Understanding the purpose and benefits of each starting gift is crucial for a successful start in the unforgiving world of Dark Souls 2.
The available starting gifts in Dark Souls 2 are as follows:
- Life Ring
- Fragrant Branch of Yore
- Human Effigy
- Soul Vessel
- Binoculars
- Petrified Something
- Old Leather Shield
- Talisman of the Flame
- Stone Ring
- Cleric’s Sacred Chime
- Simpleton’s Ring
- Firebombs (5)
- Throwing Knives (5)
- Repair Powder
- Torch
- Wooden Crossbow
Best Starting Gifts for Different Playstyles
Melee-Focused Builds
For players who prefer close-quarters combat, the following starting gifts are recommended:
- Old Leather Shield:Provides essential protection in the early game, reducing incoming damage.
- Stone Ring:Enhances physical attack power, increasing damage output in melee combat.
- Talisman of the Flame:Casts a weak pyromancy spell, offering ranged attack options for melee builds.
Ranged Combat Builds
For players who prefer to fight from a distance, the following starting gifts are ideal:
- Binoculars:Allows for scouting and observing enemies from a distance, providing a tactical advantage.
- Firebombs (5):Provides a ranged attack option with fire damage, effective against certain enemies.
- Throwing Knives (5):Offers a quick and agile ranged attack, useful for harassing or finishing off enemies.
Versatile and All-Around Gifts
For players who want a balanced approach or are unsure of their playstyle, the following starting gifts are versatile and suitable for various builds:
- Life Ring:Increases maximum health, providing an advantage in combat and exploration.
- Human Effigy:Allows players to revert to human form after dying, enabling online play and summoning.
- Repair Powder:Repairs broken equipment, saving resources and allowing players to maintain their gear in good condition.
Hidden or Overlooked Starting Gifts
Petrified Something, Dark souls 2 starting gift
The Petrified Something is often overlooked, but it can be valuable for players who want to access the Dragon Shrine area early in the game. By offering it to the petrified dragon at the bottom of the pit in Majula, players can unlock a shortcut and access the area before defeating the Last Giant boss.
Simpleton’s Ring
The Simpleton’s Ring reduces intelligence and faith stats, but it also lowers the requirements for casting spells. This can be beneficial for players who want to experiment with magic early on without meeting the stat requirements.
Starting Gift Impact on Early Game Progression
The choice of starting gift can significantly influence the early game experience in Dark Souls 2.
For example, choosing the Life Ring provides an advantage in the early areas, where enemies hit hard and health is limited. Conversely, choosing the Binoculars can be helpful for scouting and avoiding dangerous encounters, making exploration less risky.
Role-Playing Considerations
In addition to practical benefits, starting gifts can also align with the role-playing aspect of Dark Souls 2.
For instance, choosing the Cleric’s Sacred Chime aligns with a faith-based character build, while the Wooden Crossbow fits a hunter or ranger-type character.
Gift Comparison Table: Dark Souls 2 Starting Gift
| Gift Name | Description | Stats | Recommended Playstyles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Life Ring | Increases maximum health. | +50 HP | Versatile |
| Fragrant Branch of Yore | Heals poison and toxic effects. | – | All-Around |
| Human Effigy | Reverts to human form after dying. | – | Versatile |
| Soul Vessel | Resets spent souls. | – | All-Around |
| Binoculars | Scouting and observing enemies from a distance. | – | Ranged, All-Around |
| Petrified Something | Unveils a hidden area. | – | All-Around |
| Old Leather Shield | Provides physical protection. | – | Melee |
| Talisman of the Flame | Casts a weak pyromancy spell. | – | Melee, All-Around |
| Stone Ring | Enhances physical attack power. | +10% physical damage | Melee |
| Cleric’s Sacred Chime | Casts weak healing and offensive miracles. | – | Faith-Based |
| Simpleton’s Ring | Reduces intelligence and faith stats, lowers spellcasting requirements. | -10 intelligence,
|
Magic-Experimentation |
| Firebombs (5) | Ranged attack with fire damage. | – | Ranged |
| Throwing Knives (5) | Quick and agile ranged attack. | – | Ranged |
| Repair Powder | Repairs broken equipment. | – | All-Around |
| Torch | Illuminates dark areas. | – | Exploration |
| Wooden Crossbow | Ranged weapon that fires bolts. | – | Ranged |
Question & Answer Hub
What is the most versatile starting gift for all playstyles?
The Lifegem is a solid choice, providing immediate healing capabilities and adaptability to various situations.
Are there any hidden or overlooked starting gifts?
Yes, the Seed of a Tree of Giants is often overlooked but offers significant benefits for pyromancy builds.
How does the choice of starting gift impact early game progression?
Certain gifts, such as the Firebomb, can make the early areas easier by providing a ranged attack option.