Dark Souls 3: Top 10 Mistakes New Players Should Avoid

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Overview

Embarking on your first journey through Dark Souls 3? This guide highlights ten common pitfalls that new players often encounter. By understanding and avoiding these mistakes, you can enhance your gameplay experience and conquer the challenges that await in Lothric.

1. Introduction to Dark Souls 3

Dark Souls III, the final chapter in the acclaimed Dark Souls trilogy, delivers a compelling conclusion to the series. Developed by FromSoftware, the game retains the core mechanics of its predecessors while incorporating elements reminiscent of Bloodborne. Its demanding nature and minimal guidance can lead to numerous errors during an initial playthrough.

2. Not Allocating Estus Flasks Properly

2.1 Importance of Health Regeneration

In the unforgiving realm of Dark Souls, maintaining your health is paramount. Each game in the trilogy provides players with an Estus Flask, a replenishable source of healing.

2.2 Balancing Estus Flasks

Dark Souls III introduces the Ashen Estus Flask, which restores Focus Points essential for sorcerers and pyromancers. Melee-focused builds may find limited use for Ashen Estus Flasks and can allocate those uses to the standard Estus Flask for additional health.

2.3 How to Allocate

Achieving a balance between the two flasks is vital, though the game does not explicitly explain the allocation process. To adjust your flask allocation, speak with Blacksmith Andre at Firelink Shrine and select "Allot Estus."

3. Failing to Adhere to a Build Strategy

3.1 Class Selection

Choosing a class is one of the first crucial decisions in Dark Souls III. Each of the ten available classes has its own strengths and weaknesses. While no class is inherently superior (except for the Deprived, which is best suited for experienced players), the choice significantly impacts your gameplay.

3.2 Importance of Synergy

It is crucial to select rings, armor, weapons, and an overall playstyle that complements your chosen class. A mismatch of abilities can diminish your capacity to deal substantial damage.

4. Illogical Character Leveling

4.1 Strategic Leveling

Careful consideration must be given to character leveling. Dark Souls III is not a game where evenly distributing levels across all nine attributes is beneficial; doing so will make the game exceptionally challenging for newcomers.

4.2 Prioritize Relevant Attributes

Instead, concentrate on leveling attributes that align with your chosen class. For instance, a knight build focused solely on melee combat should prioritize Strength or Vigor and disregard Faith.

5. Ignoring Equip Load

5.1 Impact of Heavy Armor

While it may be tempting to equip the heaviest and most durable armor, doing so can severely impede your ability to roll, a crucial mechanic for evading damage in Dark Souls III.

5.2 Improving Equip Load

Fortunately, there are several ways to enhance your Equip Load stat: leveling up Vitality, equipping the Ring of Favor, Havel's Ring, or the Prisoner's Chain.

6. Overlooking Mimics

6.1 The Deceptive Nature of Mimics

The Soulsborne series is renowned for its difficulty balanced with fairness. However, Mimic chests, which are powerful enemies disguised as treasure chests, are often seen as a cheap trick.

6.2 Identifying Mimics

There are two methods to identify a Mimic: observe the chest for breathing (a slight opening revealing teeth) or examine the chain on the chest's side. If the chain is curled inward, the chest is safe; if it points outward haphazardly, beware.

7. Venturing into Tough Areas with Numerous Souls

7.1 The Importance of Leveling Up

Regularly leveling up is essential for preparing for the challenges ahead. It is wise to frequently return to Firelink Shrine to spend accumulated Souls with the Fire Keeper, especially after defeating a boss.

7.2 The Risk of Losing Souls

Bosses drop significantly more Souls than regular enemies. Losing these Souls can be devastating, and retrieving them requires grinding.

8. Impatience in Combat

8.1 Methodical Combat

Combat in Dark Souls III, like the rest of the trilogy, is deliberate and methodical. New players often adopt an aggressive, all-out approach, which is quickly punished.

8.2 Strategic Patience

Melee combat is often likened to a rhythm game. Players should exercise patience, study enemy attack patterns, and strike only when a clear opportunity presents itself.

9. Engaging Multiple Enemies Simultaneously

9.1 One-on-One Encounters

A hallmark of the Dark Souls trilogy is its emphasis on one-on-one combat. Dark Souls II was criticized for frequently overwhelming players with multiple enemies.

9.2 Drawing Out Enemies

Dark Souls III addresses this issue by allowing players to engage enemies individually through strategic maneuvering. If confronted by a group, draw them out one at a time for the best chance of survival.

10. Neglecting Weapon Upgrades

10.1 Enhancing Weaponry

Upgrading weapons is crucial for tackling progressively challenging areas and bosses.

10.2 Andre's Role

Blacksmith Andre at Firelink Shrine can upgrade weapons using titanite pieces or infusions with gems, significantly boosting weapon damage.

11. Ignoring Backstabs

11.1 The Power of Backstabs

Backstabbing is a highly effective attack for melee builds. While it doesn't work on all enemies, it can trivialize encounters when successful.

11.2 Executing Backstabs

To perform a backstab, position yourself behind an enemy and press the standard attack button. This can even be used on certain bosses, such as the Abyss Watchers.

12. Conclusion

By avoiding these prevalent mistakes, new players can significantly improve their experience with Dark Souls 3. A solid understanding of game mechanics, strategic character development, and patient combat are essential for success.

Aug-26-2025