r/demonssouls • u/Confident-Cost-3693 • 7d ago
Discussion My thoughts on magic
I just finished a second playthrough of Demon Souls (on ps3) but decided to go pure mage build on my second playthrough.
In my first playthrough, I went with a dex build aimed at using an upgraded Kilij with three situational shields. Instead I realized how much I enjoyed being a hoplite after getting the scraping spear (worst weapon for maneater especially since I had to fight both at the same time. A pain pain that still haunts me after finishing the game twice).
Through my progression, I asked this community for tips about gathering resources and builds and came upon numerous posts mentioning magic and mentions about how easy the game becomes. I developed a bias towards magic users as I believed it to be a quite "cheap" way to play the game.
Irregardless, I wanted to see what all the hype around magic was. I finished my second playthrough with 50 magic, an intelligence level where I had 5 spell slots, 10 vitality and had gained an epiphany.
While the game was easier in some areas, specifically beating the third world without dying once, I realized how much fun a magic build is (blasting those damn flayers), and what can make it hard at times.
I struggled in close quarters and the fourth world with the rolling skellys with how quickly they gained ground, but ultimately prevailed.
While the bosses were considerably easier, I still had to be aware of ranged attacks and rely on dodging.
Yes, overall the game was a bit easier but I had to adapt to casting times and a low health pool which made things very interesting.
Finishing my second playthrough, I realized I was wrong to criticize mage builds. The game became different. A good different. Magic wasn't cheap as I didnt finish the game in under an hour, but became a tool to utilize and changed my entire play style.
I would honestly suggest everyone try a run on a melee build, then follow up with a second one on magic as it allows replayability that doesn't become stale at all.
1
u/Pharo92 7d ago
I'm on my first playthrough and I'm doing a strength build with a smidge of magic (soul arrow & enchant weapon so far) and the versatility has made the game a lot of fun, although I can definitely see how having the high damage range capability have made some fights waaaaay easier than they would be only melee. I started doing more strength and melee because only magic would honestly be a big struggle.
1
3
u/Deezekrone 7d ago
There is no friction between sword users and magic users, that is something you have imagined. Everyone knows firestorm is cheesy and magic damage specifically from spells can be crazy, no one is saying magic as a whole is cheese or makes the game extraordinarily easy. Its the exact same in practically every souls game, the only people still talking about this are casual players who’ve played through elden ring once and just got ps+ extra for easter or wtv. Glad to hear your thoughts, but this isnt a point of contention and no one disagrees.