Demon's Souls on PS5 - Beginner's Guide - How The Game Works!

Demon's Souls on PlayStation 5 is spectacular and as challenging as ever. Here are 11 early game hints and general bits of advice that won't spoil the game, but will help you find your feet at the beginning of what should be an incredible adventure.
These tips are meant to guide beginners and newcomers. Demon's Souls is deep and it can be daunting - but we discuss how the world works, how you can tell you're making progress even when things seem hard, what stats to look for when levelling, and point out some early items that can make things a little easier.
We hope you enjoy Demon's Souls as much as we have!
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[@reoraugust5298]

Imma be real with you. This game is currently making me feel like a breathing punching bag

[@reoraugust5298]

@H N no.

[@Indiana_Jonesy]

Long-time player of Soulsborne here - I’ve always been tempted to grab a sword+board class and just tried Royalty in Demon’s Souls. Night and day difference in difficulty reduction. Most enemies are susceptible to magic and you’ll one-shot most early enemies from afar, even the blue knights only take 2 hits with a soul arrow. After you open up all of the arch stones, go to 4-1 and grab the Crescent Falcion - there are lots of videos posted on this it’s easy to grab and will carry you through the first chunk of the game doing double the melee dmg of any starting weapon. It also destroys the tower night :)

[@Micolashwithan]

@H N i have play the original demon souls and i can confirm

[@hangingon]

Git Gud!

[@rtns]

Get good

[@EdGreenwood1974]

Got this last week when I finally finally got a PS5 and I am loving it. And this from someone who generally hates hard games. The little steps of progress like shortcuts and items collected feel very rewarding. I am really enjoying it...

[@ELPRES1DENTE45]

These games are moreso about learning the mechanics and paying attention than they are about "difficulty."

[@-opus]

The least difficult of all of the souls games, especially the bosses who are ridiculously bad in this game.

[@V1Salvo]

@@-opusI found Tower Knight and Flamelurker quite tough

[@BigBeetVisual]

For anyone looking to get the timing of a parry down, try to use the enemy's wrist as your focus.

[@wakkjobbwizard]

Could you elaborate? I’m decent at parries due to a bit of experience throughout the souls games but I’d like to be competent at it.

[@BigBeetVisual]

@@wakkjobbwizard I'm no master, I just mean to watch the enemies hand/wrist as apposed to the tip of the sword, it can make it a little easier to read the animation .

[@Gasper_pause]

Or just get a ginormous shield like me where there's no need to parry

[@BigBeetVisual]

@@Gasper_pause yep, been there too!

[@hangingon]

@@Gasper_pause Kite shield takes 100% of damage. No need to parry

[@ABadassDragon]

The most important combat tip for any souls game is spacing. Let the enemy attack out of reach, move in and attack, obviously works best with long range weapons, but you should be good if you are using anything else than fists and daggers. Also, constantly circle enemies and go for backstabs

[@granthefato340]

Ive seen too many people just stand still while being attacked and gaurding…

[@Zither_Bard]

This was my first souls game ever, I saw so many guides and videos claiming how important a shield and offensive magic is, yet I felt the most comfortable using a pole weapon with two hands for the extra damage and magic just for healing. I still can't believe I beat the game since I've always been intimidated by souls games, took me quite a while and mostly it was just me swinging the weapon around and rolling a lot but I made it in the end. :') I'm very happy.

[@DCdc25]

Difficult game but so satisfying to learn from your mistakes. This game forces you to pay attention and learn how to progress. So hard at first but it does click that helps big time

[@AngelXterror]

I will give y'all a easy tip: If you can't decide on a class, try the Royalty class out. Not only do you get magic and a decent melee weapon, but you start at soul level 1 which means you can build the class into whatever you want.

[@keith1314]

Thanks for the great tips. I’m going to jump back in with a new build now. Didn’t get very far in the first place. So many games to play!

[@bakurawthesupersaiyanhair937]

I'm watching this in 144p while Demon Souls downloads because I don't wanna spoil the visuals 😅 this will be my first game played on my PS5 👍👍

[@ChrisAssassin]

The sound and graphics are AMAZING

[@crday3090]

You looked up a video on how to play a game before playing it, and you're worried about spoiling things? That reminds me, I should go water the lawn before it rains tomorrow.

[@abhigyanjha3490]

What a nice way to destroy a new controller 😂

[@RyuzakiTaiyou]

Seeing Ash in the layout at the end of the videos kinda makes me happy.

[@arthurmorgan6508]

My first souls game ever and im in love with all my heart i look forward to the weekends when I'm off work to jump in this amazing world

[@hangingon]

Next try Bloodborne. It has always been my favorite up till this game.

[@granthefato340]

@@hangingon bloodborne ps5 patch whennnnn

[@troygreen3272]

I fall into the category of never having played any Souls or Bloodborne games regardless of console. From the looks and sounds of this video, I'm now of the opinion that there would be not greater time to jump in with every fiber of my Soul.

[@satyasyasatyasya5746]

Pretty much yes. But if you don't have a PS5, I'd say Bloodborne is a wonderful game to start with too. It is 'faster' than the Dark Souls games and you're not meant to use armor and shields, but its self-contained, lean, has a lot of fluff taken out and has a nice learning curve. Big recommend.

[@troygreen3272]

@@satyasyasatyasya5746 Wow, hey thanks for such an awesome reply, I may do just that. It sounds like a good place to dip a toe in. Its going to happen at some point. Too many gud things about the games to continue holding off. Cheers!

[@satyasyasatyasya5746]

@@troygreen3272 You're welcome. Indeed. Don't worry if nothing makes sense or it seems really hard, though. There's a point where it just 'clicks' and the fear and anxiety turns into a curious, careful confidence. So stick with it! haha If you have any questions about the game, let me know in future via this thread I guess :D I could offer some pointers but I'll spare you the essay!

[@troygreen3272]

@@satyasyasatyasya5746 Thanks a lot for the offer to help me out! I check in on this channel daily, so when I pick up a copy I'll hit you for some insider information for sure. I bet game stop has one on the cheap in stock. Momentum building....

[@satyasyasatyasya5746]

@@troygreen3272 The digital GOTY version is often very cheap - given how old BloodBorne is, its almost always discounted. And if you find yourself utterly helpless, there's always co-op! ;)

[@doodfamnfriends8195]

This video would have helped the first time around, good to see you throwing help out there! You're the unsung hero.

[@heavybism1]

Thank you thank youu for this!! And thank you for not spoiling the rest of the game. Glad you kept it to the first section of the game.

[@TomSir79]

My Problem with these hard af Games is Me. My own Head is in my Way. I admit, i'm to impatient and inexperienced in these Games, which most of the Times, ends in Frustration and Anger. I would love to beat a Game like this, but i'll probably never get to that Point. Respect to those who actually managed to accomplish that!

[@Woupsme]

I tried Bloodborne and couldn't get into it. Then I played and beat Nioh. Bloodborne was much better after that for me. So, maybe try out The Surge, Nioh, Mortal Shell or the like :)

[@anasshahid224]

Just picked up Demon’s Souls and so excited to begin my journey 😊⚔️

[@ChickenMcRube]

Well done Nath, can't wait to get my hands on this...

[@scarfacepr1874]

Thank you for these very helpful tips, I appreciate you!!!

[@jetli3333]

Starting the journey now..Thanks

[@iyeetsecurity922]

The missus surprised me by gifting me the God of War PS5 bundle. I picked up Returnal and Demons Souls used too. I've been wanting to play this since it was announced. I'm extremely impressed by everything.

[@anasshahid224]

Game is a lot of fun, enjoy 😊

[@TheRebelGM56]

I have only just been able to get this game, it's incredible and I am really enjoying the remake. I am currently building a Soul Mage character, royalty class and going well so far.

[@BenCarmine911]

1 point mentioned. You can send stuff while exploring directly back to the dtorage so u dont get cluttered

[@DarkHydro84]

Thanks for this video ✌🏼

[@carrieryan111]

Thanks for the vid 👍 I’ve just ordered a bundle which includes demons souls and was considering whether or not I wanted to play it but I like that some thought / patience is required compared to other games

[@fyrestorm8531]

3:59 ignore that bit of advice. Learn to parry early, the earlier you learn to parry the more it gets ingrained and the easier it is to learn to parry later enemies. Learning how to parry and how to exploit it will make your game easier as it is free damage with little effort.

[@nickhosford7801]

Agree. Learning how to parry makes the boss fight of world 5 significantly easier!

[@geckoreformed6411]

I needed this.

[@aeshaeshaesh]

Wow, this was the most helpful video I've seen in a long while.

[@aeshaeshaesh]

@H N ok

[@myskrillaa]

ggwp

[@mattg768]

I enjoyed watching even though I'm a souls veteran. Tip from me if your a knight when you first start take off your armour so you can roll faster. Dont pop any souls until you beat the first boss because you cant spend them till you get to the nexus.

[@KO_Manic]

This is the first souls game I got and I am finding it impossible to progress and I haven’t even got to the first boss yet.

[@-opus]

@@KO_Manic A bit late but... start with the royalty class, magic will make the start a lot easier. In the other souls games, pyromancer is a good starting class in my opinion.

[@MrDayday112]

You can send items to storage from anywhere now so watching your item weight isn't that big of a deal anymore

[@papaspalaceofpain1880]

That was helpful. I thank you PlayStation aces. 👌

[@Eric-yt7fp]

I would definitely prioritize weapon upgrading above just levelling up. Attack bonuses from weapon upgrading are so much higher than those gained from just a couple levels.

[@Ragnarok3283]

Yes, and they are cheaper than leveling as well and at higher levels increase the bonuses from stats they require to wield. A quick run through of the 1-1 area of Stonefang Tunnel will net you enough souls and materials (usually) to upgrade a weapon or shield a few times in the standard path, which is enough to carry you through to part 3 in most worlds. Between 500 to 1k souls to level weapons to the next upgrade versus 6-8k for a level in anything around the 15th-20th level of leveling stats.

[@sour_crust5803]

Unless it’s luck scaling sword with gold coin 🤪

[@creaturefpv]

Should I focus at all on getting bew weapons? Or just upgrading the one I have at the beginning? And what benefits are there to switch to two hand fighting rather than use a shield and sword. I'm starting off as a Magician so I know its goimg to be hard.

[@Art-zs6sl]

Really good advice IMO

[@swut6895]

Thanks for the great explanation for a beginner. It was Very helpful. I purchased the "discounted" game for PS5, never having played and was ready to throw it away after a little over an hour. I died, went to the Nexus / first castle, and it didn't look like I would ever get through it or progress.

[@Thebigboy641]

Thank you Nathan ❤️

[@melmixpita543]

Thank you!

[@Jagielka06]

When Ash joined and started narrating every video on the channel, she raised the bar. You can see why she was doing the VO for so many. But clearly Nathan wasn't going to lie back and take it, because this video is fantastic. Written and narrated excellently, as was his Witcher video (which bordered on being disgustingly good). The quality of videos coming from the entire access team is outstanding. Awesome work everyone. This hasn't gone unnoticed!

[@josshibu4155]

@@garfield2193 All hail Rob!

[@shyhhorng1956]

Those are very useful advice for all From's Souls games

[@mattkm4213]

Eeeeeeeeeek, tomorrow's the day so excited

[@SwiftX10]

I have always been here in this Nexus. I was here when the Old One awakened, and I will be here when It rests once again

[@julian-fricker]

Since you're there with plenty of time on your hands you could at least give the place a bit of a tidy up.

[@johnbright3019]

Think you for the tips. This game is hard!

[@tvremote9394]

This video will finally be useful for me come Christmas 2021

[@Izthefaithful]

😂

[@EmilianoGonzalez11n6]

Same bro

[@gamingjay141]

lel

[@huntressgaming8521]

Only just managed to get a ps5 so will be picking up this game when I can afford it for sure👍🏻

[@kazekaz69]

A beginners guide indeed, i found the armor heavy so naked build is what works for start of the game

[@BFArch0n]

You can also monitor the souls you need to upgrade in the player menu, good to know.....better than going back to check with her.

[@joes4987]

New to this game and series, the difficulty hype is real lol but it's a fun experience, taking in everything as it comes and learning from your mistakes. Great game

[@goodgame6170]

Good video.

[@lucyvickers443]

I was determined I’d never play a SoulsBourne game - I don’t like a frustrating level of challenge when I’m gaming. The way this game looks convinced me though, the visuals are stunning, and I’m so glad I started it!!

[@hailhydra5061]

Thanks, really needed this in the beginning!

[@rashidhumine]

The Stone of Ephemeral Eyes (8:35) to me the best way to remember this Item was to call it Elephant Eyes, consume them to become Human again with Full Health :)

[@jamiemittermuller6470]

Just got demon souls for PS5, I feel it’s going to be a long play through, but it looks amazing.

[@danieloswald2210]

I agree with you 100%

[@michaelspedding783]

You have to be more specific with regards to levelling up. Vitality and Endurance are basically always useful but there is a clear distinction between Strength and Dexterity. Take note of what weapon you're using and whether it favours Strength or Dexterity. Large axes for example favour strength whereas daggers likely favour Dex. This is crucial if you don't want to waste stats on things you don't need and you want to maximise your efficiency

[@creaturefpv]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@justmikeps2725]

Me patiently waiting for my ps5 😂 great vid access team I can’t wait to get my hands on demon souls

[@Izthefaithful]

Lol no kidding

[@gavandwina.5889]

Just bought this masterpiece today!!! Love From!!

[@bryancadents3559]

Playing Bloodborne right now. Enjoying it way more than I thought I would. Played Sekiro earlier this year and it was incredible. From Software has really captured my attention.

[@IronRich4]

Great video, thanks Nath!

[@troygreen3272]

Living the gud life this evening. Chilling out in front of my grill cooking up some BBQ chicken while "learning" the basic ins and outs of what appears to be a beautiful game. Thanks to Nathan D and the rest of the Access Team for some great insight. Cheers Mates!

[@MatrixEdit]

This is what life’s all about!

[@marcelosandoval8719]

Thanks for the tips!!! This is very useful for beginners... And i appreciate them i bought the game and im ready to destroy every boss . . . So I'll be playing my new game on my PS3

[@greencitytiger7899]

Bloodborne was my first souls game. Besides that, I've enjoyed Lord's of the fallen/ mortal shell/ nioh and now demons souls remake. I've learned what's best for me when starting these types of games is to focus on investing into endurance, vitality and strength for my first playthrough.

[@Andre00x]

Got my ps5 the legit way and now I'm excited to play.

[@MagmaZero4112]

The same build I always make in a Souls game. Big Axe, Heavy Armor, Big Shield

[@psc293192]

AKA one thicc BOI

[@wadesymes1703]

I heard that you can send anything to storage without going to visit Stockpile Thomas. If this is true then the Jade ornament and Herculean Ring is pointless now??

[@Nonlifting_breezy]

I beat this game at level 67 with a character that was 30 strength and 30 intelligence and I didn’t even use spells as I never picked any up or bought any. I also wasn’t even using a strength weapon. I used the crescent falchion it was level 4 I think and I beat the last boss first try. Easiest souls game for sure

[@shazz7494]

Cool! Great advice for when there's availability and scalpers are done hyper inflating the value of the PS5, or I'm not some YT channel to get one for free!! Should be playing this in spring of 2022.

[@RoNdOAk47]

Just being aware with timing unfortunately. They announced the release date straight after that was the time to check online to pre order.. Too many slept on this and missed

[@ThePokestopPapi]

Hey its been almost a year, any luck my friend?

[@slayvidflores9237]

Ahhhh dang it! I've been using the demon souls. I had no idea what they did besides it saying use

[@Chocomunchie]

They not only can be used to make unique weapons at Blacksmith Ed, but also to purchase unique spells from specific NPC’s, such as Sage Freke, Saint Urbain and Yuria the Witch. You have to choose wisely based on what’s most important for your character build. It’s always a better idea to use them for that instead of consuming them. You can always get souls for leveling and purchases elsewhere. But, of course, there’s always New Game Plus to get the boss souls again.

[@shabladooo]

counting the days until the PS5 gets here from Costco... so hype, such excite!

[@brady2277]

I wish I knew if I’d ever get my hands on a ps5

[@masochistic_lele4414]

I’m sad I put the disc in and I’m still on the loading page waiting for the game to start

[@shanobian]

I made the class mistake of going for the weakest stats in Bloodborne thinking on it'd be fine because then I can choose what I want, so naturally it took me a lot longer to understand than most perfect

[@jamie.richardson]

I have just started dark souls 3 (first time playing a souls game) Would these tips be helpful there too?

[@nolongerhuman13]

I have this game downloaded and it has kicked my arse so many times. I beat blood borne and couldn’t get enough of it. I have to go back now. I MUST!! Charge!!! I mean. Creep slowly forward w my shield up. Sound advice. Cheers !

[@papaspalaceofpain1880]

Me and my friend are starting the game together tomarrow

[@ethancodes7134]

lol I've beat the first 3 bosses but now that I'm more familiar with some aspects of it, I'm considering restarting it to get the gameplay experience I want, as well as to make it a little more straightforward for me to get the plat.

[@Houldey]

Unless you've royally screwed up your build by putting say all points into dex whilst aiming to make a caster - i'd say just roll with your mistakes. You've got a lot of game left to play - and you're sure to make more 'mistakes' on your journey :P. The souls games are massively replayable - generally becoming more enjoyable each time due to the wealth of knowledge you have accrued in previous runs.

[@ethancodes7134]

@@Houldey oh I know, this is the only one I haven't played. I just didn't know about a few aspects at the beginning that I wouldn't mind fixing. but you're right, there is no real reason for me to restart. haha!

[@chrisc6874]

This game gets more sick the further I get into it!

[@InsideAssassin2]

He mentioned there was no item that can be used to lure enemies to or from you which is wrong soul remains allow for that

[@mcseventy6]

This game is so amazing looking.

[@hangingon]

The way the controller works with the game is awesome!

[@andriusada]

Kaladin the Storm-blessed. Frontline warrior with spear. Gonna pretend that soul form is when I am full of storm-light!

[@angrypat4023]

Just started reading rhythm of war lmao

[@Berry_Best]

11 things we need to know with a list of 12 things. Interesting.

[@edladd212]

Always expect the unexpected? Over prepare to succeed? It seems Nath is wise beyond our limited understanding.

[@marcy419]

I think I’m going to try this game. Sekiro was to hard for me,it’s the first game I didn’t finish in years.

[@austinknight5881]

How do you not mention world tendency, that's, like, the most important and least-explained thing in the game

[@KalenTomlinson]

Apparently your attention span isn't more than 5 minutes

[@Chino11ification]

I just purchased this game. I think I'm going to be a knight. Thank you Nathan for the tips.

[@MarkArnoldMusic]

Thanks - This guide was useful (Though I'm pretty sure the word "inventory" is trochaic, not iambic... ;-) ;-) )

[@PlayStationAccess]

Haha HARD DISAGREE. Although I think I've fallen somewhere between the quickfire British and (plain wrong) US pronunciation here... N

[@Jash0192]

How is Rosie? Not seen her in a little while!

[@real_entless1301]

Haha he's a turtle... but demon souls has a hidden easy mode as well "sorcery" i personally enjoy a good dex build with the dagger and shield you get at the start by playing the thief the buckler shield and the dagger has one of the best parrie damage and ratings in the game but it can be hard to parrie some bosses

[@rohenbronkhorst6892]

It is wedsday my dude

[@THE_RAMALAMADINGDONG]

Just got this yesterday....waited this long because I just got officially DONE with Bloodborne earlier this week and was told this game would be a proper successor and ....Ho-lee Schet I will be on this game for YEARS !!!!

[@hero28]

I have £70 in my psn account but thinking I might wait till Jan sales ? Dunno Think I go Royal

[@phewitt45]

My god, Christmas can't come quick enough... I need this game in my life. Never played the original, or even DS 1 AND 2 but lived Bloodborne and DS 3....I CAN'T WAIT!

[@osbertchavezviera5977]

this is a question if i doo mage or wizard you know magic stuf can i make parrys long renge attacks sounds good but i feel shields are needed for a good combat with more posivilities better

[@michaelspedding783]

If you're asking whether you can still parry and use magic then the answer is yes. I'd advise having a weapon in the right hand as well as your sorcerer staff. And a shield on your left hand. Then you have the best if both worlds

[@osbertchavezviera5977]

@@michaelspedding783 you have my gratitude

[@alejandromoralesortiz739]

My first ps3 game was Demon Souls

[@SVegaMusic]

Just started playing this after beating Elden Ring and so far it’s pretty great, only thing I don’t understand is where the stats are for weapons, it tells me im not leveled up enough but doesn’t show me what stats I need

[@liamward1725]

Press square on the weapon in your inventory and it'll cycle the info screen. The stats you need are at the bottom, the red ones are what you don't have enough of.

[@psychominded3243]

Thanks for the question and reply you 2.

[@hangingon]

Just got my PS5 and this was the 1st game I got. Just got to #4-2 now starting to backtrack since #1 is white.

[@lovehotdogs]

how do you sprint in demon souls

[@hgjfkd12345]

I tell what I'd wish, that people were able to get their hands on the console :P

[@festerkingofmen]

more stock coming in tomorrow from what I've heard, i was lucky and got one the first time

[@nendouuu2443]

sony direct is your best bet, they’ve been restocking daily since launch day

[@peace4myheart]

I got one but sold it because I just wanted to play demon soul and that's it. I'm fine with my PS4 Pro at the moment.

[@crystalshadow6930]

I get mine tomorrow x

[@aden4431]

@@festerkingofmen and confirm this guys, 3pm est on Walmart US

[@tombaumhart1891]

This game is hard but hopefully after watching this guide I can make it past the first 5 mins

[@EeekiE]

What a launch title

[@brandonknight431]

Grind grind grind grind grind. And then grind some more

[@2k7podge2k7]

Do all the items like the rings are use once or can you use them multiple times ?

[@PlayStationAccess]

You can equip and unequip them as much as you like, just like other gear

[@2k7podge2k7]

@@PlayStationAccess thanks alot 🙏

[@infamoswordz]

wish the original was like this on ps2

[@infamoswordz]

you didn't tell them how bait the mini bosses and Steve bosses will destroy them dropping their collected souls in the boss area