Can You Beat DARK SOULS 1 With Only Crystal Weapons & Armor?

A crystal-only challenge run in Dark Souls Remastered!
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[@Sykroid]

4:24 My friend played the remastered version blind for the first time a few years ago, and found this out the hard way. He was so good at the game that it meant he didnt understand "oh this area is supposed to be much harder than the others, I'm not supposed to be here" and so he just kept progressing. He never realized there were gargoyles to kill, so he went through the Darkroot Garden, into the Basin, through the Valley of Drakes into BlightTown, and then UP BLIGHTTOWN INTO THE DEPTHS. And then he asked me how to open the door, which caused my brain to short circuit because I had no idea what he was talking about lmao

[@_WhiteMage]

Happened to me too and is my only big point of annoyance to the game. You can stumble into the end of Blighttown, do it backwards by accident, then have no key and no idea where to go.

[@Sykroid]

@@_WhiteMage Also being able to go through the catacombs into the depths and being hardlocked without a way to easily return back to the shrine

[@Sextus70]

This is why this is one of those games you SHOULD play (at least occasionally) with the help of a guide during your first walk-through. Otherwise, it is very easy to get lost because of the lack of clear pointers and run into big headaches.

[@sigilbreaker2628]

I've never done Blighttown the "right" way just because I find Darkroot easier than the Lower Undead burg. In fact I never found the lower undead burg my first time through.

[@97spartan]

Bruh your homie gave the dark souls story a reach around 😂

[@TheBacklogs]

MOM! MOM GET THE CAMERA! Nicely done on the challenge run - allow me to welcome you to our little corner of madness 💀

[@FRealw27026]

Backlogs! Love your content!

[@notthebrent420]

Challenge run idea. A "no pick up" run. Where you can only use items added to your inventory automatically.

[@SunlightBlade]

Heyyy! This is cool, I've been binge watching your videos recently 😆 thank you!

[@nikoskonstantinidis4069]

just crystal shortsword. no upgrades, nor armor. just crystalsword, just asking

[@BaronsCastle]

One of us! One of us!

[@Deneb626]

9:05 You know it's a weird run when "escaping to Blight Town" is a cause for celebration. Nice run, i always enjoy seeing the less common weapons and spells get some love

[@SunlightBlade]

Thank you! :]

[@daifuku75]

People always say Blighttown sucks, but it's honestly one of the easiest sections. The only things I find difficult are the dogs and the mosquitoes because they're impossible to hit and don't leave you alone. It has so much amazing loot, 3+ armor sets, numerous weapons and shields, dragon scales and tons of upgrade materials, power within, pyromancies, and it's connected to The Great Hollow which has even more. It's just an amazing area to get yourself stronger and ready for Sen's fortress.

[@themustardman219]

@@daifuku75yeah, blighttown's more annoying than actually difficult. In fact, it's extremely easy to run through, just hard to get every item.

[@shimoxmusic2949]

​@@daifuku75I think it's more so which direction you use to get to blighttown if you go down from the abyss then yeah I understand calling it difficult but coming from the valley of drakes it's easy

[@deadbird3144]

people hated blighttown because it used to just obliterate framerates. It isn't a hard area, but it's not all that fun and just a pain if you are stuck at 12 fps

[@alexorr6348]

I used the crystal halberd for most of my first playthrough and it is one of the best weapons in the game.

[@stevemash5444]

Halbreds in general are really strong in ds1

[@beardsmcguiness8463]

personally I prefer the BK halberd

[@mattgretmagoogann3381]

it break

[@alexorr6348]

@@mattgretmagoogann3381 I just upgraded it each time it got low

[@LumpKingDLO]

@@mattgretmagoogann3381*laughs in blacksmithing*

[@DjAtmaWeapon]

damn... 1500 hrs+ in DS1... and never knew that being cursed let you hit the ghost... man what a game... learning more and more

[@peppaz]

My mind was blown when i learned you could hold down on the D-pad to go back to your first item in your belt

[@RevyaAeinsett]

​@@peppaz_What?_

[@calebnixon4307]

@@peppazworks for your spell slots too, but only in the remaster, original ds1, ds2, and scholar of the first sin don’t have this feature

[@anstorner]

@@peppaz WHAT, man so many times i play this game and still find more obscure stuff

[@FishReallySucks]

I think most ppl only found out after Lenny's IGN guide vid lmao

[@FormedBox]

You know your run is cursed when you can say the phrase “and I escaped *into* blighttown” 💀💀🥶

[@netcat22]

THEY'RE MINERALS

[@thatdudewelove8498]

Jesus Christ, Marie!

[@BaddyPlays]

😂

[@Soulessblur]

That beginning stretch made this challenge a lot more compelling than I initially anticipated. Sure, the build eventually gets really strong, but MAN does it make you work for it first.

[@GuardianOwl]

Indeed, I discovered the bottomless crystal weapon inventory awhile ago. This in tandem with the Duke’s Archives being sealed off at the point you meet Domhnal leads me to believe that this method of forging weapons out of crystals is unique to the isolationist country of Zena.

[@Spicywtrmlon]

It's more likely that due to Domhnal just mysteriously knowing about ash lake and the dragon cult that used to be there.... And that Seath uses the ash lake creatures to guard Where Havel is held (Hydra and his own crystal Golems), and to The primordial Crystal (the clams before his actual boss fight).... And that the crystal items (primarily the Shield) is owned by the crystal soldier, using the same detailing (the one before the guaranteed Death by Seath, and its a story about how it's the same design as the Avelyn but that's not our topic for today) it's more likely Domhnal traded with Seath in the past (he even has gold pine resins if trading goes sour)

[@weebto]

5:55 the depths are actually one of the most tightly designed areas in dark souls in that they're designed to be entirely skippable while also allowing players to pick up the most relevant items scattered around. You see, there's a hidden pitfall nearby the first butcher (the one guarding the large ember chest) that drops you down above the giant rat (where the spider shield - an item that makes traversing the upper section of blighttown substantially easier - is found). You can plunge attack it from here, and grab the shortcut key in case you didn't start with the master one. From here, you can slide down the waterfall hugging the left wall to completely bypass the basilisk-infested section, and land right in front of Domhnall. In less than a minute, you're able to access the bonfire via the shortcut and directly face off against the gaping dragon - it's absolutely genius level design (regardless of how enjoyable the area itself is, lol)! Then of course, the channeler would still be alive, and you'd possibly still be missing the ring of the evil eye, the greataxe and Kirk's invasion, but that gets the basics done

[@Krosstic]

It’s weird coming back to your channel after so long. The more things change they stay the same. Glad you’re still here after all this time.

[@SunlightBlade]

Nice to see you again 😁

[@Krosstic]

@@SunlightBladeyou too.

[@justinroux1610]

​​@@SunlightBladealways a fan of your channel and videos especially the top ten series

[@CallMeMimi27]

haven't seen sunlight blade since dark souls 3 invasion pvp days back when it came out. feels like ages ago

[@masonyoung1502]

Walter White crystal run was a huge missed opportunity

[@JK-gy2bc]

"After receiving the traditional Blighttown welcome..." *gets Toxic*

[@SunlightBlade]

every time

[@saltyfry4328]

I didn't know that the bell sound was other players, or that being cursed lets you kill ghost. Very cool when you can learn new things about games you played for years. DKS1 will always be my personal favorite in the series.

[@nefariousnektarios]

I didn't know those two things either! I haven't really replayed DSI but now I gotta (I have like 6 NG characters right after Demon Prince on DSIII right now... yeah that game's definitely my favorite lol)

[@saltyfry4328]

@@nefariousnektarios Its not fast paced like DKSIII but its a great game. Its my fav in the series.

[@CAMSLAYER13]

The bells are one of my favourite things. Makes me feel connected to the other players

[@tonoornottono]

i played in offline mode for most of my DS career, and only recently went online this week. the bell was one of the first things i noticed. it makes me feel so proud of other players and connected to their progress. i also noticed that i’ll occasionally get an extra estus flask and i assume that’s from other players lighting the nearby bonfire, because a little flame sprite flies from the bonfire as if i’m collecting soul. really awesome game, im super new to it (only about 200 hours lol) so i’m finding out new stuff all the time.

[@saltyfry4328]

@@tonoornottono i think you get healed by a small amount any time someone rates one of your messages too. Dks has always been so great with the online features. Messages, invaders, summons, bloodstains. They all add so much to the experience and vibe imo

[@DeadlockDrago]

Ngl, I've always loved the look of crystal armor. Really wish we got more armor like that in Elden Ring, and no I don't mean Lusat and Azur which is just a coating on their shoulders. Something more throughout the armor, which I'm honestly surprised hasn't been made considering the reverence of the material.

[@Robot-Overlord]

I love how people are watching this wondering if its possible after someone beat the game with a dance dance revolution floor pad.

[@roccor2532]

I’m so glad the ds community is getting into a different challenge runs the videos are so good.

[@Omar-rt1hy]

I still get that feeling of happiness and excitement when you drop another dark souls video like when I was still a kid, time truly moves fast.

[@applepie-ei2gz]

"This is when the damage falls off a cliff" proceeds to show a snake falling of the cliff

[@molkwi9077]

Yo SunlightBlade's doing challenge runs???!?!? That's epic! Loved watchin it mate! Hope to see more, if that's in you plans, of course.

[@elzar5987]

One thing I really enjoy about your content is you know its going to be souls related, However you never know what you're getting. Top 10s, sovietwomble style pvp, occasional playthrough, discussion, reaction/commentary ect. Loving the variety

[@SunlightBlade]

Really appreciate that! :]

[@dummbobqqqqq]

Do more challamge runs pls :3

[@theunicorns7756]

This game is unreal, 3k+ hours in, countless run and still it finds ways to surprise me, I’ve NEVER seen Queelag back attack. Also it’s soothing coming back to your channel after so long. Thank you

[@MostEnvious]

It's Sif's fur that drops your frame rate. I've always wanted to do a crystal run from start to finish, but not having anything at the start really made it hard.

[@iamsteezze]

Every excuse to play Dark Souls is f-ing valid. Keep them coming mate

[@Atmos_Glitch]

Name of the Phonk is *_"ROONIN - OUR WXRLD"_* for those curious about the song.

[@Dani.G_German]

👑 dropped something mate

[@joes1552]

I love how you approach the challenge run format, longer videos really let your personality come through - I hope to see more!

[@LadderFromMGS3]

dude this run is insane, only halfway done but the escape from the depths into blighttown was so exciting, and the cracked red eye trade is useful to know too

[@Bratjuuc]

Using an unfortunate curse to unlock titanite chunk farm is a Joseph Jostar level of smart comebacks

[@anwd8646]

I quite like this! The more chill style of playing you did was quite cool, staying online, gravelord invading, grabbing the book of the guilty, it’s fun!

[@Guille-mz7xf]

Yeah I liked that too. Way more entertaining than going just full serious and meta

[@ryanhilliker375]

Ive been loving the challenge videos too. Seeing you make one too genuinely got me so excited! Hope you enjoyed making this because id love to see more challenge videos from you!

[@SlayeralexO3]

It was awesome to see this kind of video from you, and honestly the best part was just the amazing narration you had over the play through, excited to say the least to watch the next video!

[@LeonHidle]

❤❤

[@NoNo-xt8ku]

Love how he got the Rusted Iron Ring and then proceeded to not use it in the Blighttown swamp

[@ianwilliams2632]

Thanks for continuing to make videos on the classics. It's nice to see DS1 get more love again. :-)

[@BaileyBPF]

Really enjoyed your presentation for this challenge run. It was really fun. Strangely I have more difficulties against ordinary enemies every time I return to Dark Souls than I ever do with Ornstein & Smough even though they originally took me a week to beat. I think I've just had that much practice with them now and I'm so used to the dynamic for the fight, so I'm no longer overwhelmed by the intimidation factor.

[@micahjones7837]

Loving the general commentary on the world of dark souls! This was a fun run to watch!

[@purplehaze2358]

I personally would've named your character "THE ROCK" if I were you, but "geologist" works too I guess.

[@wyattmorelock5832]

As a crystal lover, this is the perfect challenge run for me!

[@sirskyrim27]

I love that he gives a shout out to KZbinrs like back logs and lil aggy who are in my opinion some of the titans of ds type game challenge runs

[@Malxer]

An unexpected yet very much welcomed video from Sunlight!

[@spenser4885]

14:22 fun fact, the iron golem's stagger mechanic actually doesnt interact w/ poise at all. his legs buckle once you do enough actual damage to him rather than poise damage, and he falls over fully after another damage threshold, no poise damage involved

[@danielegalizzi8562]

I have good memories of the Crystal Halberd from the Mimic in Anor Londo, as it was the weapon I used to beat Artorias for the first time. He was quite the wall for me at the time, but this weapon came through for me while others did not, for some reason.

[@lathrin]

Same! I looked through my inventory during my first time fighting Artorias and the crystal halberd really came through and carried me to victory lol

[@mikecharnecke3087]

I feel like It makes it more fun that you leave yourself online for challenge runs. Most challenge runers dont and I think It really helps mix it up

[@SunlightBlade]

I didn't even really think about it to be honest! Glad you liked it :D

[@l0fe980]

I would really love to see more of these kinds of challenges from you, was a very fun watch.

[@Manic_Mitch.official]

Man I’ve been playing this game for 10 years now. It really has a charm that none of the other souls games have. The way the textures glow and shine. The music. Atmosphere. This game and bloodborne are my favorite games of all time.

[@claytonbragg]

Love challenge runs for souls games. Definitely need more of these!

[@pancakemixwithblueberriesinit]

I would adore seeing more content like this from you! It's always a fantastic show when a witty, charming KZbinr delivers commentary over the silliness that is Dark Souls.

[@kxs4899]

Challenge runs are always good to watch, hope you do some more

[@Tonba1]

Why would you even waste souls on the crest of artorias? There's a back entrance by the hydra

[@BFG93]

I can definitely get behind this content. Was highly entertaining! And fascinating too. Keep up the good work 🙌

[@A_real_Wizard]

I'm really disappointed you never killed the moonlight butterfly so you can make the crystal ring shield. It's a shield with super magic resistance, Crystal in the name, and a laser beam attack

[@froggie_oggie]

11:35 I had NO idea the snake could break that wall, i always used the boulders It's very funny seeing his hp go down as three giant rocks roll over him the other way though

[@Maedara]

i'm super invested in this run i love it i only played through ds1 once and without looking up anything so i missed a lot it's nice to see what else there is in the game

[@HunterAero]

It's very much doable, I did this years ago before dark souls 2 even came out😅

[@ainumahtar]

I struggled with the armor first time I tried as it was too heavy and I was not set up for it, the weapons are great though

[@RoninCaged]

The sneaky Havel bit destroyed my lungs laughing. Omg that was so good.

[@dragonlord4898]

Promotion Skip Button: 1:42

[@RedCrusader-ph2vk]

This was a great video. I subbed to this channel all the way back during the DS3 days when I first joins the Souls community, and it makes me happy that this channel is still going strong. Can't wait for part two!

[@officialhoonyt]

You could’ve let iron tarkus solo the iron golem and not used the skip

[@ezzzzyyy]

Was not expecting an absolute banger of an intro when clicking on this video

[@Harizl]

...who ever thought you couldnt finish the game with crystal weapons?

[@NEWFIExGAMING]

19:49 A bit late and you've maybe already got this comment before or already know, but in Sen's Fortress you can collect a Rare Ring of Sacrifice. That ring can be used to nullify the downsides of this mandatory death, it prevents you from being cursed, you keep all souls and you remain human when you respawn. You can also purchase 5 Purging Stones from Oswald of Carim for 4000 souls each and an unlimited supply from the female Undead Merchant just outside The Depths for 6000 souls each. There's no need to waste time & Humanity going to Ingward

[@parkerdolson2157]

My first ever playthrough I struggled and crawled my way to the finish without using any walkthroughs outside of basic where to go next stuff. I had made it there with fire damage and tried Gwyn over and over again not really understanding how i could do better since i didnt have any other weapon..... then i remembered the crystal halberd. Won first try, thank you crystal halberd ill never forget you

[@Perthro77]

Oh damn a geologist challenge run? Better get my obsidian knife and my wooden bat and enjoy this

[@square_ace2160]

I'm very pleased by the fact that in 2023 DS1 challenge runs still get tons of views, dope video btw ❤

[@adamyohan]

One of the better takes on the format. Splitting it into two parts is kind of a bummer. I'm afraid part 2 won't do well.

[@OwensShadow276]

I'm afraid part 2 won't release

[@losersbecomewinners2043]

I’m so happy someone else loves the crystal armour as much as i do!

[@joshuathomas3956]

For the bridge soul farm i recently found out on my own that you can create a loop if you trigger the dragon and quickly run back in time to the bonfire to reset. If you did it right, whenever you climb the ladder and touch the stairs the dragon breathes fire again and all you hve to do is go back and rest at the bonfire as quick as possible to keep the loop

[@kanjo4976]

“The generous movement of elden ring” Flashbacks of all the bosses having acrobatics.

[@lolidk6196]

I would have bought A LOT of repairing powder before starting the challenge. The fact that you didn't only makes it more impressive. Nice run!

[@genericname6505]

Repair powder doesnt work on Crystal weapons

[@Micahvideogames]

The effects of Ymfah on the DS Fandom cannot be understated. love the dubstep intro

[@SaucedUpLando]

Bro I played DSR for the first time a few months ago and I thought the bells just rang out at random intervals. The fact that your hearing another person ring the bell just blew my mind.

[@moowaffels]

The answer to “Can you beat dark souls only doing x?” Is always yes

[@luckyduck4084]

There’s an easier skip too! If you climb a specific ladder in the burg, you can jump and roll through the floor into the depths

[@SaganTheKhajiit]

I love your commitment to only using obvious crystals, but... gunpowder is basically a mixture of minerals, therefore I don't think anyone can object about bombing Capra for the key to The Depths

[@SunlightBlade]

That's a fair point, I am a geologist for this run after all :'D

[@YUFlysofast]

I'm alittle bummed that the vod is over.. but happy there Is more fun to be had in pt2! see you there

[@Ironica82]

Beat the game four times, watch countless hours of challenge runs, and I just learned today about having Shiva move into Blighttown and selling a ring. Man, the amount of extra things they added to DS1 is amazing.

[@coredefect6134]

0:08 best intro

[@M10art]

I like how SB explaining Dark Souls 1 like it wasn’t played a billion times before

[@brainkillers]

You actually can get to the forest without the crest of Astorias, just take the ladder near the hydra , but it is a really nice challenge run ! Love the video !

[@AceAviations2]

The Crystal Greatsword got my strength build through upper Blighttown before I could use the main greatsword, the Black Knight Greatsword, it may have only been used for one area, however it earned my respect. The only one that I used before this was the Crystal Shield, which is quite good despite the low Stability when compared to upgraded shields, it has the 2nd highest Lightning damage block (tied with Havel's) without using the Lightning upgrade path, where it drops to 3rd behind the Effigy Shield and Lightning Gargoyle's Shield. Making it an excellent option against O&S and those drakes in the Valley of the Drakes. Also the Crystal upgrade path is an excellent choice for the Heater Shield as long as you don't kill the Undead Male Merchant, it makes what is already EASILY the best shield in the game even better (seriously, for it's stats the thing is a f**king monster of a shield, don't let it's early obtainability fool you), at +14 down the Standard path it has 68 Stability (for 2.0 weight mind you AND a Fast parry speed), if you go down the Crystal upgrade path from +10 Standard, it goes strait to 68 Stability, at +4 Crystal it hits 70 Stability (71 at +5). As long as you don't kill the Undead Male Merchant you have an unlimited supply of Heater Shields, also Shields don't seem to lose Durability as much as weapons do, so you don't need to use a ring slot on the East Wood Grain Ring.

[@daifuku75]

Crystal armor was some of the coolest looking armor and the weapons were so cool, i never used them because I hated the way you couldn't repair them normally.

[@whizziethewise2924]

Crystal weapons used to be an OG speedrunning strat because you never need to upgrade them. Aye Shami

[@Tonba1]

You know you didn't need the crest of artorias to access the forest right? Theres a back entrance

[@yoyo_210]

one of the most interesting ds challanges i've ever seen, it was interesting and funny at the same time, keep up the work

[@dieterhorvat5176]

Hell yeah I’m glad I found this so close to its release… great vid keen for part 2

[@thatoneniceguy408]

It's been a while since I've seen your content on my "For You" and it's genuinely great to see this again!

[@SunlightBlade]

Thanks! Sometimes I just need a bit of time to figure out what's fun to do as simple as that sounds haha

[@omastarofastora493]

25:20 This can happen in both the Sif and Nito fights from my experience, I've been told it's cuz of the amount of particles that make up Sif's fur and Nito's cloak.

[@Oathkeeper0317]

The freaking achievement popping after you kill Sif was such whiplash.

[@jared30]

That gravelord servant gank is diabolical lol

[@yatosensei6078]

Ah yes love it when the top invader in the game is level 35 but with all stats on 99, totally not a cheater KEKW

[@ninjahaz0180]

They never stood a chance, everyone knows you can only kill a geologist by showing them an obsidian knife

[@samsoncrawford6532]

I've put an easy 2000 hours on dark souls.. and never realized you could hit ghosts while cursed..

[@CCMASS]

SUNLIGHT BLAAAAADE Don't apologize for your energy ever!!!

[@SunlightBlade]

noted :'D

[@DukeOnkled]

I don't remember Domnhall having infinite crystal swords in Prepare to Die Edition. I think that might've been a Remastered screwup.

[@SunlightBlade]

That would be very interesting to know!

[@mfdxxmer2229]

let's goo can't wait to have this make me try out this challenge and i really hope you decide to do more of these in the future

[@After.Heartache]

sunlightblade hitting the algorithm again feels so euphoric

[@whisperingcrown591]

I learned something "there's two ways to cure curse" so I googled it. Had no idea he would cure curse with a humanity. Neat.

[@orang375]

And next time, top 10 crystal weapon ladder kills in souls games!!

[@gmalamat1393]

The enemies should've known that the geologist's greatest weaknesses is obsidian knifes and a baseball bat smh

[@emiljankus3516]

that was even better than expected, great video! looking forward to the next part

[@TheLive100]

watching pros consistently, i really feel when sunlightblade just plays casually.