Good duo for strictly two player coop play.

[hotarri]

I've played Demon's Souls and Dark Souls 1 primarily single player as a dex based melee character. I didn't play much DS2, but now my wife is interested in playing through Dark Souls 2 in coop. I understand that with the name engraved ring it shouldn't be too difficult to do this, though we will need to complete every task twice since only host gets credit.

Any suggestions for a two builds that would work well together in co-op PvE? I was thinking one of us should go ranged and the other melee. Any advice is appreciated.

[Profailer]

Aggro ring + two-handed greatshield // ranged is op.

[Groen90]

One of you could be a paladin-like character (strength/faith build) with high vitality so that he can take a few hits and also use miracles for heals/buffs, and the other one could be a caster casting spells from a relatively safer position?

[Majo]

Same as the other two guys said, Tank+Ranged would work very well, one of you build a high health and STR character that will tank damage with a shield while the other one inflicts damage.
As Profailer said the tank should use the ring that makes enemies pick him/her more often as the target for their attacks, so the other player can inflict damage from relative safety.
The ring is an early game purchase right past the training ground zone at the Majula zone(You buy/upgrade stuff there as you unlock NPCs throught the game), and do watch a short video or two on co-oping.
I'd recommend that both of you join the Blue Apostoles covenant since you're going to get invaded sooner or later, and that covenant is also available at Majula, just talk to all NPCs there before moving on.

[Toji's Sweaty Gymshorts]

One of you tank, the other one destroys. tasnk should also be a healer, think of it as a paladin. one start with cleric, the other with knight. you'll destroy.

[hotarri]

Thanks that sounds great. I'll go with the Str/Faith tank healer and she'll go with a caster.

Any suggestions on the caster build to go along with the Str/Faith Paladin?

[Groen90]

Originally posted by hotarri:

Thanks that sounds great. I'll go with the Str/Faith tank healer and she'll go with a caster.

Any suggestions on the caster build to go along with the Str/Faith Paladin?

Hexer build is very powerful in pve but it's hard to start. You can try that or just go with a classic int build, that's good too...

[Vamatti™]

both go ATT STR and DEX then once you reach desired amounts in both, get to 120 stamina and get equip load percantage below 30% (i suggest black dragon armor because of its light weight and good fire defense). santiers spear (doesnt break) flame weapon (bonfire ascetic lost sinner) and boom once you hit undead crypt you can heal each other with warmth and buff around 3-4 times per rest/death/succesfull summon