In chase of the impossible - No Death run

[Vile Dog]

I am done with PVP for good. The main appeal of this game to me is strictly PVE.

I would like to attempt a no-death run (offline for obvious reasons) but I am uncertain which build to select. I am not interested in cheesing the run (shortcuts, skipping etc), but I want it to be a completionist slow and methodical attempt. All bosses, all enemies.

It sounds quite impossible from what I have seen during my first casual run of the game. Enemies are fast, lots of them are seriously difficult and punishing, several bosses immediately come to mind.

But is it actually impossible ? I think not. The most important thing to keep in mind always is not to rush and not get overconfident even in what resembles a safe and harmless situation. The second most important question is the build and the weapons. And here I may need some advise, especially from players who have achieved such a run, or even if failed still can share their view.

The first build that makes sense to me is a shield build. But those tower shields come very late and have steep strength requirement, the weight of the shields require high vitality, basically means that long range and spells are not an option. Quite a big sacrifice there.

On the other hand I am considering caster classes. Pure sorcery maybe, or maybe faith (healing) and those lightning bolts are very nice way to long range out of danger ?

Yet archery build is another option. But looks underwhelming in the damage department, though it is safe and evasive class.

And then the weapon question.

I will allow myself respec for certain bosses though, via Rosaria. Because I just don't see how I would beat Friede, or Sylvahn, and Dancer. So some bosses are not clear to me yet how to approach. I beaten Dancer straight on my very first playthrough, but I highly doubt can replicate it.

I will definitely summon help NPCs whenever possible. A solo no-death run is even crazier than a no-death run.

Such an attempt definitely needs a lot of planning and considerations before even starting it. And the DS3 unverse is so vast that mistakes and misplanning can easily happen.

[Milo]

Sorry to burst your bubble, but there are guys who have done no damage, no death, no parry, no run, no roll, fist only runs.

[Vile Dog]

Originally posted by hornyk***ht69:

Sorry to burst your bubble, but there are guys who have done no damage, no death, no parry, no run, no roll, fist only runs.

Uh, I am not trying to compare myself to anybody. I want to do something which I want to do for my own achievement and entertainment.

[Harry Power]

Some have done no-hit runs over the whole trilogy, meaning playing one game after the other and restarting if getting hit in any of them. So yeah, your run is hard but very much possible

[Milo]

Well, at least it's an improvement from the daily ten threads complaining about whatever weapon killed you.

[Unredemption]

no death run? yeah sure but are great shields performing up to your expectations?

[Vile Dog]

Originally posted by Unredemption:

no death run? yeah sure but are great shields performing up to your expectations?

In PVE quite well, though lack of long range is serious drawback

[ɸ It That Dwells ɸ]

Offensive miracles not only are acquired at Farron Keep at the earliest, but the damage is not so great until much later when you have some serious faith investment, miracle boosting rings, and more powerful spells (Lightning Stake, Lightning Storm and Lightning Arrow). Your biggest options for building into faith early would be to use weapons like the Astora Straight Sword and infuse it with raw as you'll have low strength and dexterity investment, unless you go dexterity or strength as a second main stat in which case you might use totally different weapons. Astora Greatsword has low stat requirements and is incredibly light for an ultra greatsword, and Saint's Bident is in the same area. Relatively early game options to build into afterward. All of the lothric knight weapons scale well with infusions as well if you wanted a more melee oriented build. You'll have access to handy tools like Blessed Weapon and Lightning Weapon mid to late game as well to help buff up your raw weapons. Blessed and Lightning infusions will come later when you have the faith to make their stat scaling worth it. You have options such as Earth Seeker, Dragonslayer Greataxe and Dragonslayer Spear as late game options as well if you are a more melee oriented build.

Faith is a challenge, so as you mentioned, healing will be your greatest utility in the early game, and Caressing Tears is always just a nice handy tool for those niche areas.

My primary weapon for my end game character is the Lothric Warbanner. Incredible weapon that buffs you for 15% damage which includes your offensive miracles. Yorshka's Chime (Lightning Arrow) and Saint's Talisman (Lightning Stake and Lightning Storm) are my catalysts.

Just my input on the faith option, as it's one my favorite builds. Praise the sun!

[April O'Neil]

Originally posted by hornyk***ht69:

Sorry to burst your bubble, but there are guys who have done no damage, no death, no parry, no run, no roll, fist only runs.

Yes and they have hundreds or thousands of hours on this game and know enemies and bosses movements...really smart answer.

[Vile Dog]

In my first casual gameplay I found the game generally easy. But there is a caveat. When I play casual I take risks willingly and dont worry much, and those risks often pay out, like the mentioned Dancer. Two-handing ultra and beng aggressive and risky, it often pays back.

But here I cannot take any risks. This is completely different game to me now.

The faith build sounds strong, Great magic barrier is potent spell here (Aldrich I believe his arrows deal magic damage). I am going to need secondary stat too, dex for bows, and dex goes well with casters. Obscuring ring would have been nice here.

[Vile Dog]

I may need a replica character for this run. A mirror build which will serve as training, mainly boss rehearsals. I would be dying with him on bosses until I spot a clear consistent error-proof method of dealing with each boss. Plus will serve as a refresher into each area as I am litle bit forgetful of them now.

[ɸ It That Dwells ɸ]

You also have access to Tears of Denial as a faith caster. Kind of a spell specifically tailored to things like deathless runs.

[Vile Dog]

I think the Londor Braille Tome would be unavailable in this run. Vow of Silence may have potential uses, works against Aldrich it appears. How useful are these 15 seconds though...Anyway I think Yuria will not sell it to unsigiled.

[Vile Dog]

Originally posted by ɸ Mianethroza ɸ:

You also have access to Tears of Denial as a faith caster. Kind of a spell specifically tailored to things like deathless runs.

Oh yes, this is a big one. Convincing to prefer a miracles over sorcery.

[Vile Dog]

Just watched Astora GS moveset. Awesome, long reach, thrust attacks both one handed and two-handed, devastating charge attack (insta kill those nasty Ghru Leapers) and early appearance in the beginning of the Cathedral. And of course, just beautiful looking sword, stylish.

[Zelo3827 ᑐᑌᑎᕮ]

considering people have done it before it should be possible given enough time and practice.