Dark Souls have had a cult following ever since its release in 2011. Since then, it has been one of the top-rated game genres and styles, nearly forcing a lot of developers to opt for a similar fighting approach in their games. The reason for this success is the ambiance and simplicity of the game with attention to details and role-playing elements. Dark Souls franchise is known to be very challenging, and with every added playthrough, it gets even more challenging.
Since a lot of players play these games for the challenge, it offers a New Game+ mode, essentially challenging players to a scarily difficult playthrough every time they finish the game. But what are some defining features of NG+ mode in a Souls game?
10 Significance Of NG+
The most crucial factor is the Significance of NG+ and why it is part of the game is due to the fact that Dark Souls is challenging, and this is the reason many gamers enjoy the game. The best part is the challenge isn't mechanical or fake like some other games.
Useful upgrades, superior equipment, and a valid playstyle make a difference in the world of Dark Souls, unlike any other game. This is what makes replaying the game worth it. The new game plus mode is not just for the challenge, but it is for players who want to experience the game again with unique playstyles, variation, and feel.
9 More Souls
It is evident that souls are essential because the word is literally in the name of the game. The whole ecosystem of upgrades in Dark Souls revolves around hunting for souls and becoming more vital for what is behind the fog wall. With each advancement, the amount of souls required becomes higher.
So when a player replays the game on the harder difficulty of NG+, they need more souls than the traditional first playthrough. This is why players receive more souls in NG+. However, that doesn't mean it makes the game easy.
8 Twice Stronger Enemies
There can be an infinite number of NG+ modes in the game, but how long does it take for the enemies to become twice as hard compared to the first playthrough? Each time a player finishes the game and goes for NG+, souls become higher, and enemies become more vigorous.
But the amount of buff these bad boys get is not too much, and it will take a player six playthroughs to be able to spawn twice as stronger enemies. It is at NG+ 6 when players can finally face enemies who have double HP and double damage.
7 Enemies Stop Getting Stronger
Talking about enemies getting more robust with each NG+ doesn't mean they'll keep getting stronger forever. A lot of players who've been through 6 playthroughs will want the challenge to be up and play the game one more time.
Sadly, there's terrible news primarily related to this. In Dark Souls 3, enemies stop getting stronger once the players have finished seven playthroughs. This means NG+7 is technically a difficulty cap for the enemies, and they will stop being a more significant challenge for players.
6 Previous Covenant
One thing players must be aware of with new-game plus mode is the covenants. Covenant plays a significant role in the game, as they provide players with benefits and unique opportunities. This means if the player is aware of these added features, they can make the best use of them in their playthroughs.
The biggest thing to note is the fact that covenants are permanent though playthroughs. This means players will be able to carry their rank status and covenant rewards to NG+.
5 Your Stuff Is Yours
The game would be unforgivingly more difficult if it weren't for the increased souls and covenants in NG+. And here's another added thing about the new-game plus mode that is made to help the players feel better each time.
So players will be able to carry their current stats, weapons, armors, and consumables to the NG+ without a hassle. This is why it is recommended to play each playthrough thoroughly while collecting everything.
4 Hollow Level Will Follow
In addition, players will also carry their Hollow level. This means that there's a lot of opportunities if the players want to go for usurpation of fire ending just in case they've cured the dark sigil in the previous playthrough.
This helps players experience a different ending for the game, especially if they're looking for something new in the NG+ playthrough. The hollow level will continue to follow the players through all the new game plus modes.
3 Other Things That Can Be Carried Over
Few other things are carried over NG+ modes. The best of these include the Estus flasks upgrades and the Bonfire upgrades. This will certainly help the players quickly recover and enjoy a quick playthrough each time.
On top, if the players carried the unique Young White Branch that was given by Giant of the Undead Settlement, the guy will still be a friend. Players will also bring access to the undead match/hollow arena.
2 Things That Are Not Carried Over
In addition to things that are carried over, there are a plethora of things that aren't carried over. This includes essential items such as Dark Sigil, tomes, and ashes. On top, the coals are reset, unlocked shortcuts are gone, bonfires are gone, and NPC quests reset.
This means players can continue if a questline of a specific NPC if they were not able to finish it before. Visually sky will be another thing that changes from the black sun and red clouds. The trades for Nestling are also reset.
1 Things To Do Before Starting NG+
The last thing to know about NG+ is what can be done before accessing this mode. It is fair to assume that more playthroughs will result in a challenging experience to counter that players can make the best use of their initial playthroughs and gather items that can help in the NG+.
These would include all Titanite slabs, killing all crystals lizards, and collecting everything by beating all the bosses. Players can also go to an evil route and kill off NPCs for their stuff because NG+ resets all NPCs back to their initial state.