Insane Difficulty: Dark Souls 2 Challenge Runs - Insane Difficulty

So I am trying to think of the exact run I want to do. I'm not going to do anything crazy like a ladel run but I was thinking of something along the lines of some type of SL1 run. Any thoughts?

SL1
Starting equipment only
Must always two-hand your "weapon".
Must play with 1 hand tied behind your back
Must play blindfolded
Must have a cat on your lap the entire time
No rolling

150% equip burden at all times

Do a no-bonfire run. You get a special ring from it, too. You can light bonfires, you just can't rest at them.

Foyboy, on 08 April 2014 - 06:06 AM, said:

ew.

no spell attunement, no estus strengthening, no warping? Bugger.

Personally I'd be challenged with a "melee only" run >_>

Also very importantly, no item repairs unless you complete a summon task.

I think i'm settling in on SL1, Company of Champions, No Bonfire run. My only fear is accidentally resting at a bonfire because its just natural to rest, and if you light one and push the button more than once there is a good chance you will rest even if you try to cancel out. I am pretty prone to doing stupid shit like that

No deaths

Is bow better in this game? Do a ranged only.

Mari, on 09 April 2014 - 07:29 AM, said:

Bows are better but a SL1 can't use any bows, only a light crossbow which I will likely utilize in the run. For the most part ranged is easier than melee

Foyboy, on 08 April 2014 - 06:50 PM, said:

Well you can just die to solve the repair issue, right? And... you port back to the most recently lit bonfire? Shouldn't be too bad on that front.

Just strikes me as more cumbersome to run everywhere and die to repair than... er... a legit challenge. Admittedly the no estus boosting and no spell attunement is more legit.

Quote

Buh? SL1 = deprived = 6 str; how can they even use a light xbow?

Or does SL1 mean "starting class with no leveling", making warrior/cleric/etc viable choices?

philsov, on 09 April 2014 - 11:55 AM, said:

Well the reason I am doing no bonfire is just because there is an achievement and item you can get from doing it. The main issue would be repairs and the travel in some instances. I don't think primal bonfires count though so at least you could warp back when you are done with a certain branch. The main issue will be to figure out my pathing, what bonfire to light or not light, etc.

I thought the strength requirement for the light crossbow was 12 so I could 2 hand it, but it is actually 13 . Throwing knives will probably be my go to then, they do respectable damage especially in the beginning and the poison ones are pretty useful as well. The best way to deal with certain enemies is to poison them as it does a huge amount of damage without you having to be close to them. I should have plenty of souls to work with to buy lots of consumables because I won't be leveling