There is no doubt that players of the Soul series are incredibly hardcore.
While ordinary players may have just completed the purview of ringing the bell and begun a new cycle of suffering, some skilled players have already cleared the game multiple times.
Meanwhile, passionate players have mapped out nearly every area in Dark Soul: The Age of First Fire, sharing them widely online. With their exploration and research, they've even discovered strategies that allowed new players to achieve unstoppable domination within a week.
This isn't just a joke about cutting enemies down—this is a real, authentic Mowing experience.
One of the simplest methods takes place at Bridge. Early on, players need to buy a bow and arrows from the merchant in Undead Town outside the city. Then, by standing on the Bridge and carefully aiming at the flying dragon's tail, they can shoot at it repeatedly. After 20 or 30 shots, the tail breaks off, granting them the powerful Flying Dragon Sword.
Although technically an early-game weapon, in Undead Town, wielding the Flying Dragon Sword makes any player the flashiest and strongest contender.
For those willing to test their skills and practice, another strategy involves heading straight to the Underground Cemetery to sign a contract with the Tomb King and obtain the Tomb King Sword.
This method is fairly straightforward: navigate the map efficiently and avoid being killed by monsters. The only real challenge—aside from general survivability—is encountering the Headless Wedge-Shaped Demon lurking in the tunnel.
Not only must players evade its massive attacks, but they also need to hide inside a nearby casket. However, luck plays a role here, as there's always a chance of being discovered and executed. If they manage to stay hidden for half a minute, they'll be transported to the Tomb King, where they can finalize the contract.
Compared to the initial weapons, which barely have a panel attack value of 100, the Tomb King Sword boasts an impressive 300 attack power. With a bit of caution, it allows for an almost effortless experience in the early game.
Another effective approach involves tricking the Black Knight in the Cracked Forest. By luring it near a cliff and using the terrain strategically, a player can take advantage of this mighty enemy. If successful, they may obtain the Black Knight's Tomahawk.
Like the Tomb King Sword, this makes the entire game significantly easier. However, wielding it requires slightly more skill. Alternatively, players can attempt to defeat the Black Knight outright and hope it drops the Black Knight Sword, though this demands a certain level of technical prowess and a bit of luck.
Of course, in later cycles, the Tomb King Sword loses its edge due to limited upgrades. But for a first-week run, it's a game-changer, making the experience much smoother and more enjoyable.
Unlike previous titles, where the second boss The Dancer had an infamous method, this new installment presents a tougher challenge in standard combat. However, with the right strategies, even this can become manageable.
As big players continue to release strategy guides, more and more players are enjoying the game with ease.
Even though hardcore veterans may still pick suffering. But right now, they're having fun!
"Haha! Chen Xu never saw this coming!"
"Suffering? What suffering? This is amazing!"
"+1! This sword is way too strong! Just a few swings, and the boss is down!"
"Everyone, hurry up and enjoy this before Chen Xu patches it!"
"Yeah, yeah, let's make the most of it while we can!"
The community online wiggled heartily, reveling in their triumph.
At Neon Games, Ruan Ningxue and Yang Xin sat in the rest area, playing Dark Soul: The Age of First Fire.
Both held the Tomb King Sword they had just acquired, cutting through enemies in the Undying Town, while one of them was still trying to obtain the weapon.
"Mr. Chen, do we need to fix this?" Qin Yi, seated next to Chen Xu, asked.
"Why would we fix it? Isn't this part of the game?" Chen Xu replied with a smile.
Qin Yi's expression turned to one of surprise.
Something felt off.
Considering all the brutal design choices made during Dark Soul: The Age of First Fire's development, this sudden power trip for the player felt out of place. Why wasn't Chen Xu reacting?
"What expression is that? I am taking good care of players—you just don't see it," Chen Xu continued.
"Players from the previous game said it was too difficult. Some even resorted to using modifiers just to get through. The normal progression still maintains its challenge, but this also gives players a way to bend the rules. It's all for them—this is my love for the players!"
Qin Yi was momentarily speechless.
Meanwhile, Ruan Ningxue and Yang Xin, still immersed in their game, rolled their eyes.
Neither of them believed it.
Seeing the group's reaction, Chen Xu spread his hands helplessly.
"By the way, Qin Yi, review this first. Have the project team start working on the new model this afternoon. Tomorrow, you're coming with me to Galaxy Intelligent Technology to study the latest AI parameters and settings. It'll be good for our collaboration. I want a new model," Chen Xu said, picking up a design concept draft and handing it over.
Qin Yi, still in a daze, took the document from Chen Xu.
The moment his eyes landed on the first four words, his hands trembled.
"Death Mode!"
A sense of dread welled up within him.
Then, his gaze drifted downward to the key points in the document.
[Gods and Kings in Their Heyday]
[Players Who clears the game - Unlock the Challenge]
He hadn't even read the details yet, but just from these two points, he understood.
A trip to Galaxy Intelligent Technology meant AI addition in games.
And the mention of gods and kings in their heyday instantly brought to mind the game's lore.
At the end of Dark Soul: The Age of First Fire, players faced the King, Gwyn—a hollowed one fighting purely on instinct. His weakness served to highlight the nobility of his sacrifice, his willingness to burn away for the sake of the First Flame.
But in terms of combat? Gwyn was weaker than some of the other bosses, especially considering his attacks could be parried.
And now?
A Gwyn that couldn't be parried.
A Gwyn who could hurl Spears every 5 sec.
But the most terrifying part—
Death Mode unlocks after a single play through!
Qin Yi had already been skeptical about Chen Xu's so-called love for players.
He never expected this to be waiting for them.
Qin Yi read through the entire file before opening the game forum. The players were still flooding various strategy videos and posts with comments like Chen Xu miscalculated, Poor Chen Xu, and Fool Chen Xu.
Seeing this, Qin Yi couldn't help but lament.
'How something never changes?'
Chen Xu is still Chen Xu, after all!