Top Ten Worst Soulsborne Boss Runbacks

[@DoofusSupreme]

This right here, this type of content, is *precisely* what KZbin was created for. Keep up the good work sir

[@traeirby]

Thank you so much! Your words make me proud to be doing this! 💛

[@MarioNotBros]

I had the EXACT same thought

[@Docyang]

I feel same 😊

[@MirvDingle]

@DoofusSupreme yea this really feels like 2010s youtube

[@CrunchyTire]

@@traeirby Do you like your copypasta with cheese or without?

[@CANCHER]

Stakes of Marika was truly a remarkable invention by From Soft.

[@traeirby]

It’s a better invention than the wheel. Who the hell needs a stupid wheel? I HAVE TORRENT! 😂

[@frostdino938]

Shame they forgot about it for Placidusax. But even the worst Elden Ring runbacks are nowhere near as bad as anything on this list. Sekiro too. FromSoft really learned something in this regard.

[@traeirby]

@@frostdino938 big time! I wanna send those guys a fruit basket 😂

[@alyantza]

Ah, yes the stake of: "Yea we made the bosses harder, buuuuuut here's a check point right next to the fog door so you can bash your head considerably more times per minute against the boss until you beat it. Have fun!"

[@traeirby]

@@alyantza yeah but those really hard boss fights can be super fun in a crazy way! Like sister friede!

[@sleepy-yyy]

would you look at that, the youtube algorithm actually recommended me something good for once.

[@traeirby]

😊 thank you so much! That makes me feel really good!

[@thomastakeshita4979]

I know right.

[@traeirby]

@@thomastakeshita4979 😊

[@Liam-jx4zb]

Same

[@donderix]

yessss i love seeing great video by small channels

[@dotfflan]

Wouldve been funny to mention how sometimes in ds2 after beating a boss. The enemies from the runback that havent de-aggrod can enter the arena, swarm you and kick your ass

[@traeirby]

Lol yeah I really should’ve mentioned that even though it’s so so aggravating it’s pretty funny 😆

[@englorious]

Happened to me after the Smelter 1 Fight, I had put the controller down, heard someone approaching and almost shat my pants haha

[@traeirby]

@@englorious 😂🤌

[@FSVR54]

I got killed after Freya by some spiders lol

[@traeirby]

@@FSVR54 😂

[@alchemy5750]

Bed of chaos should be an honorable mention simply cause if you decide to warp out to upgrade your weapons, you have to face the fact that you can't warp back to Lost Izalith for some reason. You can get into Seath's arena (for whatever reason) but not into Lost Izalith. The closest you can get is Daughter of Chaos so you do the elevator ride, run out the firesage arena, run through the shortcut which will still take minutes, evade the titanite demon which can oneshot you if you have low vigor and then potentionally (most likely) repeat the entire procedure when the ground just falls below you.

[@traeirby]

I seriously was going to make a video just about bed but I think I’m gonna make a part two to this lol

[@maxburrill6192]

How are upgraded weapons gonna help against the Bed of Chaos?

[@SickNote93]

There is a bonfire closer to Bed of Chaos. It's in a tomb where all the lava dinosaurs are. Still a pain to run to Bed but closer.

[@traeirby]

@@SickNote93 damn I forgot about that one! And you get to see all those dragon ASSES

[@alchemy5750]

@@SickNote93 there is one, it's just unwarpable. And while its true weapon upgrades won't help, I went out to trigger the end of Siegmeyer's quest and couldn't return. That's why I consider it an honorable only, there is a shorter path but once you get out of Izalith it's just a huge hassle to get back there.

[@ThereminElectro]

The awkwardness mixed with the complete confidence in your delivery is delectable. New subscriber for sure

[@traeirby]

Thanks 😂 I seriously appreciate it! I used to be a professional musician and you have to be confident on stage live lol

[@ThereminElectro]

@@traeirby awesome!! Yeah you have the "rizz" as they say haha!

[@traeirby]

@@ThereminElectro 🤣well I certainly am flattered! Thank you 🙏

[@thederpside7123]

@@traeirbythat’s so cool! What did you play?

[@traeirby]

@@thederpside7123 usually I was lead vocals,guitar, and harmonica

[@knuckleheadwestwind3585]

Fun fact: that shortcut to old king Allant was added in the remake, the original has NO shortcut☠️

[@traeirby]

Yep, we had to git REALLY good on the ‘ole PS3 🤣

[@psterud]

That elevator ride is so ridiculous. On the bright side, though, it did allow time for a drink and a snack and a nap.

[@traeirby]

@@psterud 🤣 always look on the bright side

[@TheStraightestWhitest]

I've never died to a boss in that entire game, so it can't have been too bad. Bosses only started getting difficult with the DLC of DS1.

[@psterud]

@@TheStraightestWhitest I've never died in any game I've ever played. Back in the arcade days I'd put a quarter into a new game and play until kill-screen. I almost died on Ghosts 'n' Goblins once when some idiot spilled his Orange Julius on the controls, but I still made it the two cycles to the true ending.

[@felipecci]

I clicked on the video already saying to myself: "Frigid Outskirts must be top 1". I was not disappointed. Great video dude.

[@traeirby]

😂 I’m glad you enjoyed it! I hope you enjoy all the other ones just as much or more!

[@dubdundub]

the outskirts are ez

[@SOGAUAAA]

I've found, that the runback to the lothric twins without the shortcut is juuust long enough to reconsider All of your life decisions.

[@traeirby]

😂😂😂 well said! Hopefully nothing too painful lol

[@wired-up5677]

Didn't know about thr shortcut for years when I found it I screamed

[@traeirby]

@@wired-up5677 😂😂😂I wish I had gotten to see that!

[@mohamdb8273]

I didn’t know how to use the elevator so i just used the long run, luckily it wasn’t a hard boas

[@traeirby]

@@mohamdb8273 not too insanely hard but it’s a pretty fun fight

[@kiyo1396]

Honestly, I've always seen the Ancient dragon fight and run back as just one large punishment for anyone evil enough to attack the helpful dragon

[@traeirby]

That’s a very valid point there!

[@brucepreston3927]

Thats why I have never killed the ancient dragon...It's literally the only Soulsborne boss that I have never killed...I may come back and do it one day, but I didn't even know it was a boss for a long time...I thought it was just an NPC, and then I saw a youtube video of someone fighting it!

[@pixelperfectpizza]

@@traeirby Ah but he's an imposter, read his soul description.

[@genesisosuna]

​@@traeirby makes vendrick easier, which is also a horrible run back. So making vendrick easier is invaluable imo, even if it costs a bit of my sanity fighting the ancient dragon

[@big_hat_logan]

Don’t you have to do it to get some item and access special area ? I can’t remember now

[@KpatTX]

It really doesn’t hit you how bad the Lud and Zallen runback is until you’re actually doing it. It’s the only boss run that made me genuinely wonder what the hell they were thinking and if Fromsoft even tried it themselves. I literally could not reach the boss without using the 3 npc summons.

[@traeirby]

I mean for real, it’s pretty ridiculous lol

[@farhankurniawan7567]

it took me long enough to realize that the map is only a "circle", and found out that if you stick to the wall on the right of the map you'll find the bridge that leads to the boss room eventually, but you still have to fight those reindeers. i didn't even bother to fight them on the second playthrough even knowing this info

[@traeirby]

@@farhankurniawan7567 wow that’s really cool 😆

[@exodus9001]

Do the kirin stop spawning if you kill enough of them? Or is it disconnected from despawns because of their whole spawn in mechanic

[@farhankurniawan7567]

@@exodus9001 they are infinite i believe

[@_GRAMPS]

I’m so happy I found this channel!

[@traeirby]

That’s great to hear! I’m happy that you like it!

[@nuy1271]

I found this channel today and man... these runbacks make me renember some war memories... (also really good video, keep it up!)

[@rachelamber5349]

i love when i see a "worst souls runback" vid and i know im seated for some good old ds2 quality content

[@traeirby]

😀

[@NSAhitLIST]

Nah ds2 is easy because if you kill the enemies multiple times they stop respawing forever.

[@officegossip]

@@NSAhitLISTyea after 20 runbacks. Completely missed the point there buddy.

[@NSAhitLIST]

@officegossip i don't even fight the boss until most of the way is clear if it's a tough run, so no. Plus, bosses in ds2 are the easiest in any dark souls, so there is no runback for me, the ONLY thing about dark souls 2 that is hard are the massive areas with lots of enemies.

[@burushifudara]

@@officegossip 12 times But yeah, have fun killing all relevant enemies 12 times till they despawn ... That's how I ended DS2SotFS with 4m soul memory On a first playthrough Going in blind (I only used a map to get all items, since I was already too overpowered, and also a wiki to know why the heck I wasn't allowed to fight the final boss) And without any grind aside from grind at lvl 1 to get INT at the point I wanted

[@Telawin]

I only ever defeated blue smelter demon once. And I made heavy use of the fact that defeating the local enemies enough makes them stop spawning... By the time I actually beat the demon the walk there was completely empty Same for Sir Alonne

[@traeirby]

You know what you’re right that’s a good point I think I did forget to mention that at least in dark souls two if you kill enough of the enemies, they will stop spawning. I really appreciate that comment. That’s good information for everybody who doesn’t know that already!

[@Telawin]

@@traeirby glad I could help

[@Dante-420]

That's pretty much how I did the optional DLC bosses the first time. Now I just use multiple (NPC) summons

[@parthachem83]

Try using any of fogs (toxic, poison) or any poison. That's the easiest way to kill blue. Also summons can help immensely. They will hold aggro while u use all poisons to stack. U never ever have to raise a sword in this fight. Give it a shot

[@alchemy5750]

If you unequip your armor and put on stuff that help dodging, it's not that hard to scrape through the closing gates which can save you a lot of pain. Also you'll end up right behind the back of those clerics casting the slowing spells and just annihilate them.

[@sethmiller2532]

Another thing about the Sir Alonne run is that it's timed because you're in a memory. If you take too long you just get kicked out and have to start over again.

[@traeirby]

Dude, that is a really good point. Thanks for adding that! I don’t think there are enough people who understand how terrible the run is and it makes me sad because Sir Alonne is one of the best bosses in the game!

[@Hookborn]

Sir Alonne was the worst of all boss runs in soulsborne imo.

[@bradmace6144]

@@HookbornOh no the reindeers that constantly attack you are the worst run 🤣

[@Hookborn]

@@bradmace6144 you can run in a certain pattern that guarantees that you wont have to fight any reindeer iirc? You cant avoid getting spotted by alonne knights. If that wasnt the case i would probably agree.

[@bradmace6144]

@@Hookborn Oh really ? I never knew you could avoid the reindeers...

[@benwagner742]

When you describe all the ds2 runbacks it really just puts into perspective how low the lows are in that game.

[@traeirby]

They are pretty damn low 😆

[@kyroquadz2299]

Just a skill issue lmao ds3 has worst runs

[@Trails3rdFanboy]

​​@@kyroquadz2299ds2 is worse kiddo

[@firatd.monkey7330]

​@kyroquadz2299 No? Worse than DS2? Nah you're trolling lmao tell me which ones are bad and which do you think is worse than FRIGID FRICKING OUTSKIRTS?

[@derpi3438]

@@kyroquadz2299 ds3 has the worst runbacks? Genuine skill issue

[@psterud]

Four Kings in DS1 was pretty long, all the way from Firelink. I remember going a little crazy one night doing it over and over as a low-level NG+ character.

[@traeirby]

I totally understand, I should have included that one but I’m definitely putting it on part two

[@psterud]

@@kyokokirigiri100 Good luck!

[@panamajerky]

​@@kyokokirigiri100you probably beat em already, but if you ever end up fighting them again, there is a pretty short run that avoids most of the danger. at least compared to the shortcutless run 1) you have to have kicked down a ladder on the bridge on the way to the ghost house (the building with the dude in red who gives you the key to the seal on the roof)(i think his name is eggbert or something idk cant remember) 2) to get to the ladder, run across the wood bridges and up the staircase to the 1st platform. behind where a ghost spawns on the right, there is a small ledge you can drop down to 3) once there, you can jump over to the bridge and use the ladder to skip the 1st part of new londos amazing level design 4) run to the ghost house and either risk the jump across the broken staircase or take the extra 2 seconds to go around it 5) right after exiting or jumping, look down. the fog door should be right there. simply drop down in front of it and enter 6) regret not knowing about the shortcut before. i sure as hell did

[@mattd9881]

Theres a shortcut though. Those 2 giant doors open where those Wyverns on the bridge are.

[@panamajerky]

@@mattd9881 my way avoids the wyverns and that entire lower section with all the edgelords. i dont exactly know if my way is faster, but i can assure you its pretty damn fast and a whole lot safer than other paths

[@scruf2002]

The normal smelter demon boss run broke my soul into a million pieces especially on ng+

[@traeirby]

Yeah that’s one that I can’t believe I left off here 😂 gotta put him on part 2!

[@Doogins420]

Actually that it wasn’t bad. Cool area and I farmed the enemies till they stopped respawning lol.

[@minespatch]

There's a shortcut if you turn the fireroom off. You can skip Smelter to fight Old Iron King.

[@F1rstNameLastName]

It's fine if you've got a shield and a strike weapon. An unupgraded regular mace with only like 12 strength can 2-shot or 3-shot those knights, and they always do the same initial attack that can be easily blocked.

[@minespatch]

@@F1rstNameLastName Yeah, twin dragon shield did fine against the Alonne knights.

[@DanielJones-mq7oe]

I definitely think half of dark souls 2 run backs would be much more forgivable if fog walls still had their I frames. Also I would have put iron keeps smelter demon up there for sure.

[@JellyJman]

I don't know why they got rid of that, so many dumb things in DS2.

[@traeirby]

Yeah that’s fog wall crap should’ve been patched out! Also, yeah iron keep really does suck. I probably should’ve put it on here somewhere. Lol

[@traeirby]

It’s really frustrating because I love dark souls two but there are some things in that game that make me wanna beat someone’s ass lol

[@NexusKin]

That was so completely stupid. Demon's Souls and DS1 were perfect in that regard. It's like every single thing in DS2 was created only to make everything as cheap and unfair as possible.

[@anstorner]

For that smelter demon, i had an technique called the iron uncloging, u run to the left of that fogwall (after aggro everything) and u fall into the staircase below, now u wait for each knight to fall into them, u smack them once, and it falls into the lava, repeat until all or most dead.

[@JediMIndaugas]

Honorable mention for Taurus Demon - not because it is bad, but because it is the very first boss in the very first Dark Souls game. As such, for a complete noob with the genre, I had difficulties.

[@traeirby]

Oh I completely understand! I think we've all been there!

[@lynackhilou4865]

What makes the runback to king allant worse is the fact that the shortcut was only added in the remake and you have to deal with the dragon and fat official every time in the original

[@traeirby]

You know what I’m glad that you mention that because I have not played the original demon souls in many years and I actually forgot that!

[@milesaway1980]

Considering that the remake is nearly a 1:1 of the original in every way, with all its blemishes and warts included, the fact that they added that shortcut says a lot about how bad that was in the original.

[@traeirby]

@@milesaway1980 damn bro that is a really excellent point! It just points out how bullshit that boss run really is 🤣

[@TheStraightestWhitest]

​@@milesaway1980Artistically it is far from a 1:1 remake, sadly.

[@NexusKin]

I was forced to upgrade Dexterity to 24 just so I could use the White Bow to finally kill that Blue Dragon, even though I previously hadn't used a bow one time throughout the rest of my playthrough.

[@thebigbean8783]

The blue smelter demon broke me more than once. Over 50 deaths at least. That boss run will forever haunt me. The boss himself. I just can't think about it. It took years off of my life

[@traeirby]

😣 i feel your pain brother

[@pbabiesinspace6112]

Bro....out of all souls games...from Demon Souls to Elden Ring...BB and Sekiro included...Blue Smelter was the very last boss in the series I beat. I probably made that run over 100 times. I have beat all souls game(other than Sekiro...only beat it once and I don't really consider it souls, just a FROM Soft game) at least 3 times and I can confidently say Blue Smelter is the hardest boss due to the run back. I was so excited to try both the swords at the same time for the cool effect. Requirements are insane...but I did an entire ng+ run afterwards with those swords in celebration. I've seen streamers just run in and bear Blue Smelter first time but screw those guys. When I beat him I was running a strength build witu a greatsword and majestic greatsword both +10. I only summoned one of the npcs to get some distraction but not buff his health too much.

[@mohamdb8273]

And the audacity for them to put the shitty shortcut which is near impossible to do, it’s really the worst run to a boss

[@traeirby]

@@mohamdb8273 yeah they were trolling HARD

[@traeirby]

@@pbabiesinspace6112 damn that sounds like quite an experience you had with all that! I’m glad you got up there and pwned him like he deserved!

[@Daniel_Lancelin]

I can just imagine a perplexed undead knight watching the main character _absolutely tear ass_ right past them with a look of pure rage on their face, screaming and gibbering like a rabid beast.

[@traeirby]

😂

[@imagoloop4029]

"This? This is John Fromsoft, walked past by for the...42th time I guess? Oh no, he could kick our ass but as long as we dont stand in his way its a chill life."

[@bjmurphy34]

This video was extremely cathartic and hilarious to me. I love From Software's games, but I'm so glad that long "run-backs" to boss fights have been left in the past.

[@traeirby]

I’m glad you enjoyed watching! And I totally agree on the new short run age that FromSofe has entered.

[@Ramon-gg3bd]

The trauma I have from getting two-shotted by the blue smelter demon's weirdly delayed attacks, having to do the runback so often until most those enemies would stop respawning, and the useless reward that is given to you at the end after finally having bested him, is never going to disappear from my brain.

[@traeirby]

For real man, that stage hurts to even think about 😣

[@glowerworm]

Blue smelter Demon was meant to be fought coop so honestly I think it shouldn't really count that high

[@traeirby]

@@glowerworm ok 👍

[@glowerworm]

@@traeirby also, the boss run to pinwheel is the only boss run to this day that I had to go grind in order to get past I had to grind levels to equip the black knight great shield just to get past those friggin roly-polies for the *first* time, all so I could beat the boss in 5 seconds. So in my list that'd be way up there.

[@traeirby]

@@glowerworm you know I found the best way to get to pin wheel is explore the area to the point where you can just drop down and you can actually skip the catacombs and you can go human. Summon Leroy and just let him kill pinwheel. You can literally do that shit at level one once you get used to the drops!

[@ZeroNeedsCoffee]

One of the best thumbnails ive seen in a while lol

[@traeirby]

😊❤️ Thanks!

[@cultoffish8076]

You missed the Elden Beast - every time it goes underwater and appears it's another gauntlet of hell to get back to the boss

[@traeirby]

Oooooh very nice point! Thanks for drawing attention to that! I need to put that one on part 2!

[@anthonygriffin8421]

How about you cry some more that boss was pretty easy

[@Based1889]

​@@anthonygriffin8421ikr people complain about that boss way too much, I honestly found it very fun to fight.

[@Shin_FTW]

@@onyxeyes734 Actually, you could technically consider Radagon part of the runback to Elden Beast, which makes the runback even worse, especially if going for no-hit since you still have to worry if it'll use Elden Stars and auto ruin the attempt.

[@silentnature95]

@@anthonygriffin8421 man guys like you really ruin the community. It's almost like someone could have a varying play style or experience level compared to you that makes them struggle more with different bosses. Almost like that's a unique part of the souls experience or something hm

[@raidetac4762]

played dark souls 3 religiously as a teenager and have just recently beat elden ring for the third time, now im on deployment and decided im gonna play through all the dark souls games and seeing how many DS2 entries there are is absolutely terrifying to me

[@traeirby]

Exactly lol

[@BruhSmith-r1f]

I'm a DS2 Fanatic, you learn to love it eventually, EXCEPT THE FRIGID WASTELAND

[@pequodbestboy]

Removing the larger runbacks from Elden Ring entirely was possibly the best choice that Fromsoft has ever made. There's a reason Lady Maria of The Astral Clocktower is my favourite Bloodborne boss, and it's probably in part because she has absolutely no runback.

[@traeirby]

Heck yeah, Elden ring is so my jam! Also, lady Maria 🙌

[@Psynnegyn]

True. Sadly my favourite boss in ER, Placidusax, has an annoying runback. Wish they would add a stake once you encountered him first time.

[@traeirby]

@@Psynnegyn they really should, I agree

[@kylehart8829]

​@@PsynnegynThe lack of a stake for that fight and for Rennala is an objectively wrong decision in my opinion. I don't care that lore wouldn't allow it, they should've done it anyway.

[@toastybowl]

If only because it allowed them to just toss in strong af bosses like Godfrey & Marika with absolutely zero regard

[@lucasbeck1391]

Im surprised that the red smelter demon wasn't mentioned does nobody remember the 20 knights chasing you and the 4+ archers shooting at you?

[@traeirby]

I know lol you’re totally right I don’t really know what I was thinking. I know that I was trying to think of the worst ones that I could think of and that would definitely should’ve been in the video but I’ve gotten so many responses of the ones that I had forgotten that I am eventually gonna be making a part two to this video. 😆

[@EroBotan]

i don't remember that because i farmed them all into extinction ... i know it's not the ideal solution though. bonfire should be placed in front of the boss' door

[@F1rstNameLastName]

It's fine if you've got a shield and a strike weapon. An unupgraded regular mace with only like 12 strength can 2-shot or 3-shot those knights, and they always do the same initial attack that can be easily blocked.

[@markopusic8258]

@@F1rstNameLastName That's still a dozen knights you have to defeat every single time Smelter gets the better of you, and every single time you have to be extra careful because these motherduckers have a sixth sense and will aggro you from so ridiculously far you can't realistically predict it on a first run, you have to know by heart what the thresholds are which is just... wonderful game design, not frustrating at all. Doesn't help that you can't ignore them because they run faster than you and there are archers near the fog gate for maximum pain in the ass.

[@jackholt6860]

There is a way to avoid most of them by doing a running jump onto some stairs just after emerging into the open. Without that shortcut it is the worst boss run backs in ds2.

[@marcuscaestus3583]

That Blue Smelter run back was syphilis. Another notable run is the chaos tree thing (qualaags mom) in lost izalith. The length of the run on top of the invader and the titanite demon that can impale you, all for an RNG fight. It definitely wasn’t well thought out.

[@traeirby]

I totally agree! And to rectify my mistakes, I’ll be making a part two to this video soon!

[@marcuscaestus3583]

@@traeirby hell yeah man I’m stoked for part 2!

[@dannyjenkins1408]

Just finished the Blue smelter boss and had to run back like 5 times. All you gotta do is time a dodge against the big guy at the end. Nothing else can realistically hit you if you just run straight past every enemy. I dont think it was that bad.

[@barneybetsington7501]

You don't even encounter a titanium demon in the normal route and you can just run past the invader into the fog gate. The only annoyance is the time it takes to get to the boss, and of course, the boss herself

[@Tamoon_]

honestly i think the run to qualaag worse i just hate that poison swamp

[@MrTmm97]

Would you look at that!? The earlier titles pretty much filled the list! It’s almost like FromSoft learned we like hard games… not tedious run backs lmao Great video! I was also going to comment about how the Stake of Marika spoils us but saw I was beat too it. Found your channel just now by KZbin recommendation… I’ll be watching much more of your content!

[@traeirby]

That’s great to hear! I’m really glad you enjoyed watching the video! Yeah, they did a great job considering the shortness of the run backs in Eldon Ring, and armored core six top-notch stuff! Also, I totally agree I would rather the boss fights be challenging and fun and not have to go through an aggravating run back just to enjoy that boss fight!

[@emanuellopez8578]

You didn't mention it, but another thing that makes runbacks so utterly frustrating in DS2 is the stupid infinite aggro most enemies have, they'll just chase you to the ends of the earth for no reason at all.

[@traeirby]

Oooooooh! That’s right! And it’s INFURIATING

[@henriklarssen1331]

Thats just not true. The run to Sir Alonne is super fast and easy, the moment you drop down they dont realy follow you and when you reach the fog gate no one is following you to the Gate. Maybe you mistake that with another Game.

[@big_hat_logan]

Also the bonfire aesthetics make it where you can make these runs just comically hard. Just ludicrous. You can just burn 25 aesthetics and create the worst area of all time

[@andrewomahony9260]

"Just level ADP bro"

[@HeroSword_P]

I mean honestly its kind of silly to just expect enemies to give up trying to chase and kill you. It's real immersion breaking when you see them backpedaling due to invisible area borders.

[@Szadek23]

The shortcut in 1-4 was added in the remake. Pretty much one of the only changes besides visuals and music, but a very welcome one.

[@traeirby]

I’m really glad you drew attention to that because I have not played the original demon souls since I had a PS3 and the game was relatively new. I completely forgot !

[@JoJo-il6mz]

I gave up on my first playthrough because of that run. Ended up coming back and just shooting the drake with arrows

[@traeirby]

@@JoJo-il6mz can’t blame you there 😂

[@TheWither129]

I love that elden ring added the stakes of marika to respawn you right in front of like, 99% of the bosses without graces. Really great addition. I DONT like that they didnt put any in raya lucaria and that for some reason there’s one way outside the church of vows when the grace is right in front of it, so when you fight bell-bearing hunter you can accidentally spawn in front of the graveyard instead of the building.

[@traeirby]

Man yes elden ring hallelujah!

[@farhankurniawan7567]

it's because of the lore reason, her husband "left" her for marika. that's why there's no stake of marika in raya lucaria, but still...they should add 1 more grace near the boss room at least

[@traeirby]

@@farhankurniawan7567 cool! That makes sense and yeah, site of grace would have been nice 👍

[@AndreasFleissner]

​@@farhankurniawan7567No, I think it's absolutely fine the way it is.

[@SorowFame]

I have absolutely no clue why that Church of Vows stake exists. There’s absolutely not reason for it to be there.

[@namedthespartan]

This is the first video I’ve seen of yours and I’ve instantly subscribed. Great content man. Love the almost weatherman-esque way of presenting the list too. Makes it way more interactive

[@traeirby]

I’m happy to hear that you enjoyed it and thank you for the feedback! 😊

[@vickyburr2745]

There is a very good chance you will die…and there will be a brief storm cloud later on - have a nice day everyone 😂

[@thefuturist8864]

When I learned that Elden Ring would pretty much do away with boss run backs, I initially thought it would ruin the experience. Part of the difficulty of the Soulsbornekiro games is that *every* time you reach a boss and start fighting them, you have a *really* good reason to fight as hard and cleverly as you can, so as to avoid having to do the run back. Then, before Elden Ring came out, I replayed DS3 and BB; I very quickly changed my mind about the run backs. Praise the Stake of Marika!

[@traeirby]

Yeah, I know what you mean a lot of the parts and those games really adds high stakes to every death so I could really understand that viewpoint. Also, I’m really glad the Elden ring doesn’t have any real run backs. Thank you, Miyazaki!

[@keyman245]

I haven't played Elden ring (probably never will because I'm broke), but I believe it's because that game is more about the boss spectacle, all the flashy movesets and you also have access to weapons that makes you feel in an hack n slash like DMC Ds3 had one of the easiest bosses in the series so I believe the runbacks weren't really that awfull, while Elden would be surreal because it has so many real hard bosses (I think, as stated I never played, just saw some videos, it looks hard)

[@traeirby]

@@keyman245 Elden ring is a really wild ride so far but I haven’t even finished it yet because I’ve been so busy with other stuff lol I’m taking my time with it though!

[@mrswaggersticksgamingextra5246]

My brain tried so hard to repress the memories of these runbacks for the rest of my life...thanks for brining them back

[@traeirby]

😂😘 you’re so welcome!

[@traeirby]

Hope you guys enjoy the video! It definitely took longer to make than I expected but I think it was worth taking the extra time to iron out any kinks 😅 feel free to throw out out any ideas for future videos, this was a viewer suggestion and a great one imo!

[@Normthemmafighter]

Keep it up a good video idea. Try pat practicing talking a little bit more so you’re not pausing all the time but I’m OK if you don’t, I like the awkwardness. It’s enduring

[@traeirby]

@@Normthemmafighter ok I’ll try to go back and listen and see what your talking about, i appreciate the constructive criticism! Also I’m glad you liked it!

[@DDRaHolic]

I love this video. You talk like a normal human being instead of an annoying KZbinr voice. You’re funny. Finally, you realize that DS 2 has all of the worst crap ever thought up. I’m convinced most of that game was never playtested! The weird hit detection and floaty feel to the combat is all the proof I need. I’m definitely subscribed for more!

[@traeirby]

Big thanks for all the kind words! I appreciate you giving me such detailed feedback as well! I have a new countdown. That is going to go public tomorrow for everyone. Who is not a channel member, and I am currently writing another one! I hope you enjoy the other videos as much as this one! 😃

[@WickedHamBurglar]

@DDRaHolic I'm of the crowd that thinks "If you think DS2 was bullshit, you either didn't actually play it, or you tried to run through every area again and again like an actual insane person". Bows are extremely viable in DS2 and encouraged for pulling one aggro at a time. BestSouls™️

[@DDRaHolic]

@@WickedHamBurglar well I'll admit I've only beat it twice. Once as Ice Rapier and once as Great Club. Maybe I should try a bow out!

[@MartiniAndrini]

@@WickedHamBurglar as someone who has played DS2 around 20 times or more, it's both my favorite and least favorite Souls game at the same time. There is a large amount of bullshit and lazy design, and I hate actually playing around half the game, but the good parts are really good and the combat, while I hate phantom hitboxes and a stat for more i-frames, is very varied and fun with some absolutely awesome weapons, and the armor sets, my god. DS2 is peak Fashion Souls. The game is also just stupid fun, even in the horrible parts. Just my opinion tho of course

[@aydenD0Texe]

This has the energy of my dad if he was actually good at video games, telling me about playing the souls games while we are eating his famous spaghetti bolognese

[@traeirby]

🤣 DAMN I love this comment! Also I wish I could cook lol but I just play video games 😂

[@lefthandedscout9923]

Few extra things to talk about: Seath's runback gets bonus points because the first time you go into Seath, you can get ganked by clams. This can't happen on future runs because the fog wall goes up, so therefore the first time you fight Seath, the fight is demonstrably harder. Seath is very easy on his own with curse resistance but a first time player that decides to run past the clams will likely get swarmed and die. This means you'll likely have to do the runback exactly once, continuously wondering why the hell the clams were let into the fight, before probably killing them all before going in, because how would you know as a first time player that they only grt in the first time? Total waste of time. Executioner's Chariot is a million times worse in NG+ because the red phantom before the fog gate respawns on NG+, meaning you have to fight him each time unless you want to get backstabbed by him while goikg through the fog gate. The Ancient Dragon runback is both far better and far worse than you said, because if the Ancient Dragon is aggressive, the acolytes don't aggro if you skip enemies, presumably because they want you to fight the boss honourably. Honour is their whole thing, after all. BUT, if you summon coop help, they all gank you! The boss with the most health in the whole game, and you demand us to do it solo to not get run over by 18 guys. Frigid Outskirts gets a special mention because for some reason, the kill limit on the reindeers is higher than the normal 10-14 that every other enemy in the game has. WHY?!?!

[@traeirby]

Dude, I really appreciate you taking the time to comment! That is actually some information that I was not aware of! I’ve never tried dark souls two on new game plus and I did not know that the red phantom respawns! What a crock of bullshit. Also, that’s a really good point about seeing the scale is first run where they follow you boy does that ever suck!

[@Garayin]

As soon as I saw one of the Dark Souls 2 co-op bosses, I knew they would all be there. The co-op designed areas were an interesting concept and it's kind of sad they didn't refine it in later entries.

[@traeirby]

Oh yeah! I think thats a great idea! they definitely could bring them back with some more development 👍

[@r.r.r.r.r.r.r.]

those were designed to be co-op? i never knew that but it makes a lot of sense. im not sure if i'd want to drag anyone else through horsefuck valley though.

[@dooperdooper6679]

@@r.r.r.r.r.r.r.I actually had fun in the Frigid Outskirts playing with my buddy. We would stop and go back to back when the storm kicked up so we could warn the other. It felt pretty cinematic.

[@chasewood1562]

The random platforms at the start of the run are special if people in the starting room room of the dlc put their signs on the same statues they appear at the start of the run.

[@Corvus-uh2db]

gatekeeping an area behind a multiplayer mode are something only the fromsoftware b-team would do.

[@pogethedoge]

Also Honorable mentions to Laurence and gwyn they have FUN run backs (at least they're good bosses tho)

[@traeirby]

I gotta talk about them in part two 😂

[@madman4450]

You actually awoke something deep in my consciousness when you reminded me how bad the boss run back the the tigers were, dear god

[@traeirby]

Ohhhh yea, it’s straight up frozen hell

[@PhoenixEdgeworth-n4q]

Seeing that Logarius runback, I think that the Laurence one should be there too. For me its several times worst than Logarius' because of those hunters trying to hit you, and the giant fire ball coming at you, and that giant Cthulhu monster with that giant axe blocking your way and probably taking out your entirely HP right there if you get hit. Oh and of course, you can't forget that you WILL die like dozens many more times comparing to Logarius because Laurence is so much goddamn hard than him, making you repeat your journey up there.

[@traeirby]

Very good point! I need to put him in part two!

[@based-ys9um]

You missed a lantern for sure

[@thereallyinterestingdragon]

3:03 funniest thing is that in the original demon souls in 2009(not the 2020 remake)that shortcut was not there so the player did have to run through the dragon and pyros.amazing video

[@traeirby]

Ikr that original ds was insane lol, also thanks for the kind words, I’m glad you liked it 😊

[@thereallyinterestingdragon]

It is an amazing video,keep making those types of videos

[@traeirby]

@@thereallyinterestingdragon ❤️thanks so much! Comments like that really make me feel like I’m doing a good job! I’m currently editing a non from soft video but the next one is going to be a fun dark souls 1 video 😂 I’m so excited about it

[@Eagle_SFM]

This video was very enjoyable. There is alot of charm in the green screen b roll, and you have good comedic timing.

[@traeirby]

That's so nice of you to say! I'm really glad to hear that you enjoyed it!

[@wexdust]

There is unlimited human effigies method. 1. Use Bonfire Ascetic at Aldia's keep first bonfire. (Killing 2 hollows upstairs grants you x3 Elizabeth Mushroom (very powerful heal that can be combined with lifegems for fast healing) and +2 Ascetics, one can be used again on bonfire enabling this loop and the other one is bonus, of course always have at least 1 to repeat the loop) So reward is actually +3 Elizabeth Mushrooms and +1 Ascetic. Now use bonus Ascetic at Forest of Fallen Giants first bonfire, run back and take +5 humanities from the chest. Repeat the process. Yes it is a little bit of 'farming' but it guarantees drop. I easily got up to 20 humanities and 12 Elizabeth Mushrooms this way. Method 2: Save the game while you have it all, if you fail miserably you can load it all back. (bit less cheaty) Method 3: Save the game in front of boss fogwall and reload every time you die, that's how l dealt with Lud and Zallen boss on my SL1 (you can call this more cheaty, and it is) but l don't care, actual challenge should be bossfights not bullsh*t areas.

[@traeirby]

Good tips!!! Thanks for that!

[@coppershortsword8544]

There's also rise of the dead (the last bonfire of shrine of amana) if you go upstairs there's a path that leads to a room with a milfanito singing to an altar, interact with the altar to restore your humanity. The only thing about it is that it can only be used if you dont have any human effigy (storaged effigies included), there's also a pyromancer in the middle of the path, however he's quite easy to take care of and will eventually stop spawning if killed enough times.

[@Ashlevon]

For Logarius, I've learned to keep in my inventory a weapon with a Tear Blood Gem, as it regens HP. If you're willing to wait a few seconds after the final fall, you can regen to full HP.

[@traeirby]

That’s a very good point I forgot about thanks for sharing that tip!!!

[@SorowFame]

I always just put it on my pistol. It’s not like it’ll ever do good damage by itself and it can still parry no matter what so may as well heal a slight bit.

[@traeirby]

@@SorowFame 👍

[@diphinius9713]

​@@SorowFame if you go to ng+2 or more you'll level bloodtinge and the evelyn can deal a ton of damage

[@DearAnem0ia]

The good thing about Ancient Dragon and Lud/Zallen is that midway through the run you go "Wait, why the fuck am I fighting these guys again?" and then you just go home.

[@traeirby]

You are so right about that, On my last playthrough, I did just that!

[@NexusKin]

You fight the Ancient Dragon to get a Giant Soul that will make the fight against Vendrick a little easier. I didn't even attempt to fight it until I had acquired the Giant Warrior Club and gotten it to +10.

[@proboz]

KZbin algorithm delivered for a change. Your script and delivery, plus your spot on analysis made this a great watch.

[@traeirby]

😊❤️ that’s so nice of you to say! I’m very happy to hear you liked it!

[@Akatsukileader9]

My Dark Souls 2 runbacks: 1. Put on some show or video you want to listen to 2. Summon NPC helpers if you can 3. Kill EVERYTHING with their help until it despawns 4. Level up with the gazillion souls you've collected 5. Go kill boss 6. Profit I really don't get bored of doing that, especially for Sir Alonne and the like. The despawn mechanic is godlike and should have stayed. Same for the Bonfire Ascetics.

[@traeirby]

Yeah, that sounds like the best most stress-free way to tackle the situation. I agree I really do you think the despawning mechanic is cool because if it just feels like a brick wall with the specific build you have, you can do that and bonfire ascetics are awesome!

[@fuzzywuzzy843]

I’ve always found the process of boss run backs to be oddly meditative, I usually listen to podcasts or music while replaying these games so it just gives me a moment to rethink my equipment/strategy if I’m struggling with the boss. Dark souls 2 is the only game where I always kill all the enemies on the run back because I feel like the level and enemy design is specifically designed with that in mind. I feel like that’s why I lot of people don’t like the game because it’s designed with a certain type of engagement in mind and most players try to brute force it the same way they played dark souls 3 or something. Almost all the super hard run backs have npc summons as well which I’ve always enjoyed

[@traeirby]

@@fuzzywuzzy843 oh yeah definitely! Dark souls 2 is awesome and should still be played and appreciated!

[@Akatsukileader9]

@@fuzzywuzzy843 Yeah I'm also starting to really appreciate games that just let you be, I guess mostly RPGs. Where I can both listen to something and play at the same time without the game pausing every 2 minutes for someone to talk or explain something. Games like the Souls series or Fallout, where you can just run around wherever and nobody tells you what to do.

[@shindrac]

My Dark Souls 2 runbacks: With the exception of a few bossess where doing a run back isn't more trouble than fighting the enemies, I just fight all the enemies on the way. Especially since the fog walls work the way they do, it's way easier to just learn to take all the enemies without taking much damage and saving the estus for the boss. But then again, my old gpu could only run DS2 without massive frame rate issues, so I have way too many hours at that game.

[@jhx97]

i just love how this looks like a 2009 videogame review, can definitely tell the inspiration from AVGN and the other videogame reviewers from that era. I'm glad the algorithm recommended me this. New sub!

[@traeirby]

Thanks ❤️ I’m glad you like it! I’m also a big fan of the old Screwattack top tens and video game vault !

[@jhx97]

@@traeirby no problem buddy, and it went viral as expected! absolutely banger video, congrats!

[@Monafide3305]

Great picks, but what made this video great was your delivery. Genuinely really funny.

[@traeirby]

Thank you very much. I am glad that you enjoyed the video. I have a new one premiering tomorrow!

[@argeniside1015]

Bed of chaos should definitely be on this list from ds1. Seath is pretty easy so the runback is not much of a hassle but with bed of chaos I had to run back so many times after getting double slapped ten seconds into the boss fight

[@traeirby]

Now that you mention it, I think I have had a bed of chaos fight where I had to run back more than three times, I think you just made me remember a blocked memory 🤣

[@klabjcobevj72nso0fj4]

The run back to Bed of Chaos is less frustrating than the actual fight itself lol

[@traeirby]

@@klabjcobevj72nso0fj4 I agree the run back is pretty mild, but Bossfight has to be in my top 10 most infuriating bosses if not the top three 😂

[@wompastompa3692]

Learn the cheese strat. BoC doesn't deserve actual effort. It even has checkpoints, the devs knew.

[@JKLeeds]

Definitely one of the more unique formats I've seen for a Souls ranking video! Love the personality and energy 🙂

[@traeirby]

Hey! Thanks man! I love your channel! 😄

[@JKLeeds]

@@traeirby I actually did a variant of this vid way back when but my editing skills and audio were absolute shit at the time 😂 this is a way better effort. Keep it up man and wish you all the success going forward!

[@traeirby]

@@JKLeeds thanks so much! I wish you great success as well! Love your stuff!

[@paintedeyes9736]

Wow, a recommendation that is actually fun to watch! I agree with most of the picks, but I would personally add the regular smelter demon run on scholar as well. That one has had me raging more than every single other I think lol

[@traeirby]

Yeah, I think one day I might have to make another list. I apparently missed a lot of them that I should’ve reconsidered! I am really glad that you thought the video was fun to watch. That’s so great to hear especially since I worked my ass off for like eight days making this video it means a lot for you to take the time to comment and let me know you enjoyed it!

[@Corneliusoco]

Where has this chanel been all my life it's the old KZbin video style al over again like old jontron game reviews or video game nerd I truly have missed this

[@traeirby]

Hey i'm glad you really like the channel! I worked hard as hell on these videos. And i'm pretty much making them whenever i'm not at my job. I'm gonna keep working until I can make this my full time job. I don't really know what it is. That makes my videos seem like they're more older content. It may just be that I have basically no budget lol but i'm glad that people like it!

[@lucianaryeh3001]

I recently revisited DS2 sotfs a week ago (with new character) n I have to say: Dark souls 2 really have a lot of horrible boss runbacks. Especially Iron keep's smelter demon runback is annoying af with those 2 ranged alonne knight captains and their goons running at you in full speed 😅 (regardless, glad youtube recommend your channel dude! You just earned yourself a new subscriber! ❤)

[@traeirby]

I really love comments like this. Thank you so much. I really appreciate your support and I love the fact that you enjoyed the video I worked really hard on it. ❤️

[@Theclownhaslanded]

Dark Souls 2 has a lot of the worst boss runbacks

[@traeirby]

@@Theclownhaslanded yeah it’s probably the from soft game that punishes you the most for loving it 😂

[@penlordnt]

Honestly, most of the runbacks are fine, it's just that it has almost double the bosses of most of the other games, so in terms of raw numbers it tends to have more bad runbacks.

[@traeirby]

@@penlordnt 👍

[@shvelgud]

I actually liked the despawning mechanic in DS2, after I finished the game i spent a lot of hours essentially going through every area over and over again to ‘clean’ the area of enemies. I wanted to leave the world empty, with me being the only being left in the world

[@traeirby]

Hmm, that’s pretty cool. How long did that take though 🤣

[@shvelgud]

@@traeirby I didn’t get very far lmao I stopped playing the game after clearing heides tower of flame, the forest of fallen giants and the lost bastille but even just those 3 small starting areas took me a lot of hours. Would be awesome to leave the game world totally empty and devoid of any life though, like a true ending to a dark souls game

[@traeirby]

@@shvelgud yeah that does sound like the ultimate dark souls ending 😀

[@YourAverageGamerGames]

Bonfires/grace outside boss rooms is simply the greatest invention since the light bulb. Great video btw I really enjoyed it.

[@traeirby]

I totally agree about the bonfires/grace! Also thanks so much! I’m glad you liked it!

[@jeredphillips3424]

just needed some good ol background talking to listen to while playing astrobot! thanks Trae

[@traeirby]

Well i'm glad I could help! I would have done a live stream last night, but I was totally exhausted! Planning on doing one today after work though!

[@user-zk3dx9dd6p]

The runback to Nito can be made much shorter in two ways - first, start from Patches' bonfire and head to the isle with the silver serpent ring, from which you can jump a few more times and avoid the entire Tomb. Second, don't go down to the baby skeletons - go up to the Pinwheels. And the fall damage is dependent on your equipment load, so strip naked. In defence of DS2 - those are all optional bosses, and the Blue Smelter Demon, the Gank, Sir Alonne, and the Horsefuck Valley Cats live in high-level, coop-oriented areas. They're supposed to be a bit harder. Just summon a friend.

[@traeirby]

Very good tips for that Nito run good stuff! As far as dark souls two goes, I really hope that people don’t watch this video and think that I hate the game because I really still love the game. The run backs are just really crazy 😂

[@user-zk3dx9dd6p]

@@traeirby Nah, I love that game, but I know it has some moments. Personally though I would replace The Gank with the original Smelter Demon. You can run through the Caves without fighting anyone if you know the way, but even speedrunners kill some enemies in the Iron Keep.

[@EMOTION-ENGINE]

Am I crazy or is the second bonfire in tomb of giants actually quite close to the area where paladin leeroy invades and you don't have to deal with any bone dogs at all?

[@user-zk3dx9dd6p]

@@EMOTION-ENGINE I'm so used to running from the first one, I don't even remember much about the second. Maybe)

[@anthonyhertlein4629]

You definitely have a noticeable style in your videos that's completely unique. Keep it up brother you're gonna blow up in no time

[@traeirby]

Thanks man I really appreciate that. I think that’s one of the biggest things to me right now I was trying to be unique and entertaining so it’s really great to hear that!

[@Domo3000]

For the Ancient Dragon runback you don't have to fight anything. The little Dragon Knights only aggro the first time you walk up, but as soon as you defeated the larger one at the end they bow down and respect you for subsequent runbacks

[@Domo3000]

@@traeirby like I said, you don't have to fight them. It's only the first time you walk up that you get attacked by the small ones for disrespecting the duels with the larger ones. Once you made it all the way up and defeated their boss you earned their respect forever and for subsequent runbacks you can just run through without them aggroing.

[@danielsjostedt5287]

You can make it safely through the fog door with everything aggroed. I do that every time

[@m.j.5681]

0:40 - If go right and drop down, you avoid the fall damage.

[@traeirby]

Good tip!

[@zacoliver5547]

There is a second bonfire in the grave of giants, so you don't need to run by the skeleton dogs. When you run by the executioers to get to the chariot, just jump on the little platform on the right at the end of the wooden bridge. The executioners will retreat then after a bit. This is much faster than fighting them.

[@traeirby]

❤️thanks for that advice! I’m gonna make sure I find that second bonfire next time! And that help on the chariot run! THANK YOU

[@masterchain3335]

I played through DS1 at least half a dozen times before even realizing that other bonfire exists. Definitely helps once you know about it.

[@traeirby]

@@masterchain3335 oh yeah! That second bonfire is a big relief!

[@patrickripleyiii134]

I was so happy when sekiro had no real runbacks for bosses, if only they could remember to do that every time

[@traeirby]

Man I tell you it really is great! I have a good feeling that they’re done with runbacks

[@dubsguy7986]

Yeah the only one that comes to mind is Juzou the Drunkard and that's not even really a runback (more the fact you have to kill all his goons first).

[@charleslynn3937]

I really enjoy your style of videos. Keep it up. I laughed out loud when “LAME” popped up when you mentioned fall damage

[@traeirby]

😀 I’m glad you like it! I’m working on a Halloween video right now!

[@iHaveTheDocuments]

I'm just glad fromsfoftware fixed this objective mistake in the newer games. They finally saw the terrible error in their ways and put bonfires within an acceptable distance to the bosses

[@traeirby]

Totally agree!

[@WolfBergMenace]

You know, my mind completely supressed the runback to the Blue Smelter Demon. But then I saw the Mages on the high ground and got legit Vietnam Flashbacks.

[@traeirby]

I believe it, that section is PURE B.S.

[@orangenostril]

Surprised Four Kings didn't make the list! Secretly I actually enjoy boss runbacks but in my experience Four Kings was by far the most challenging one I've done

[@traeirby]

I’m gonna put them on part two for sure, admittedly I didn’t take into account that I can do the run really quick but if you’re not practiced in the run it’s a total nightmare

[@parris739]

U can jump down the ledge on the right after the two ghosts u meet in new londo if u dont know. U still have to fight the darkwraiths tho XD

[@traeirby]

@@parris739 🤣 just given ‘em the ole zwei

[@zachattack4666]

How can one enjoy boss run backs

[@raijinoflimgrave8708]

I like how some of the information considered was just how scary it was

[@traeirby]

😆👍

[@atomic_chill8418]

I appreciate a video like this. It's nice to see all of the optional stuff and expansion content to a game that I refuse to reinstall after finishing the main story.

[@traeirby]

🤣🤣🤣

[@Theclownhaslanded]

Really great video! I just finished replaying the Dark Souls series, I am surprised they weren't all Dark Souls 2 bosses because my lord, they really don't like you in that game.

[@traeirby]

Thank you so much for the kind words. I really appreciate! Yeah, you’re right you could really do a video of just dark souls two runs they really punish you for being a fan on that game 😆

[@chrisluu6281]

Glad to see the runback to Old Hero on the list, what a 5 hour nightmare. My world tendency was pure black (no idea why at the time ), so I had to avoid a few gold skeletons and a black one otw. Honestly only managed to reach the boss a handful times.

[@traeirby]

Holy crap man that sounds like a nightmare!

[@traeirby]

@Dio-xo9rv so you like his decisions but now you are going against the great man’s decision to take running backs out? 😂

[@traeirby]

@Dio-xo9rv just hop on the next stream, he’s a subscriber, you can give him tips

[@traeirby]

@Dio-xo9rv 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@givenfool6169]

Dont forget Sen's fortress with iron golem. Sure there's a hidden bonfire or the lift, but how many of us figured that out in the first run.

[@traeirby]

That’s a very good point. That is quite a run back. Gotta love good old sens fortress baby it’s the closest dark souls has ever gotten to double dare!

[@RhodokTribesman]

You ran through that whole damn thing without the cage lift? I didn't know it was supposed to be hidden, you poor soul; that place is 20x worse than Blighttown

[@givenfool6169]

@@RhodokTribesman I think it probably had to do with getting the cage key requires some clunky DS1 parkour. I probably didn't make the jump a couple times and figured it wasn't meant to be. Edit: yup, found my save file, it was a jagged ghost blade + 2

[@givenfool6169]

@@traeirby dark souls 1 has my favorite dark souls memories. Probably cause it was my first one, but damn it had some absolutely great moments of severe punishment. Reminiscing about going through blight town the hard way, getting rekt by skeleton beasts, having really improperly specced characters and weapons, nearly crying at the ornstein and smough fight. Really great memories all around. I think I had the ghost blade when I fought O&S the first time. I just thought they were really tanky

[@RhodokTribesman]

@@givenfool6169 Isn't it available in the Big Hat Logan room after you break the wall down with the stone balls?

[@pedroferreira5478]

To me, there is something that makes the Darklurker runback even worse than Frigid Outskirts, and that is: Darklurker is an actually good boss. At least Lud & Zallen just kind of sucks so I don't need to bother ever again, but Darlurker is one of the best bosses in Dark Souls 2, and so the runback is straight up stopping me from having fun in a way that the other runbacks in your top 5 don't. It's like the Sir Alonne or King Allant runbacks, but much worse.

[@traeirby]

I totally understand, and I agree, Darklurker is worth fighting and I believe on my current play of Dark Souls 2 I will be using the save scum technique 😂

[@kamikazestriker4675]

I think Dark Eater Midir, from DS3's Ringed City DLC, is at the very least an honorable mention. His bossfight is likely to kill you over and over and over again as his health pool is INSANE! And for his run back, you have to 1. Already have defeated Midir once on that bridge 2. Solved a puzzle to even unlock the real Midir bossfight 3. SO MANY LADDERS 4. then you have to fall down this hole that takes forever to reach the bottom 5. Midir spawns on the complete opposite side of this massive boss arena, which requires you to either a) run to him wasting time and stamina or b) wait for him to rampage over to you which takes a good 10+ seconds every time. I love the fight now, and the lore is really cool, but holy shit is the boss an absolute nightmare for new players. It probably took me 50+ tries to beat him my first playthrough.

[@traeirby]

Yeah that fight is hell, just reading your comment I got flashbacks of my last time in the pit with that hoe lol

[@kamikazestriker4675]

@@traeirby I still have nightmares lol... I've watched a few of your videos now today, (discovered you off this video), I've left a "like" on every one I've watched and am a new subscriber! Really like your style in your top ten videos, keep up the good work!

[@traeirby]

@@kamikazestriker4675 I’m so pumped you enjoy the videos! I’m in the process of writing two new ones now!

[@charlestonobryant807]

To be fair to it, you unlock the shortcut right next to the first bonfire, so it’s not a hassle, it’s just long

[@TheStraightestWhitest]

It's not an issue, half an elevator, a tiny jog, then a ladder. That's nowhere near almost any Bloodborne or DS2 boss.

[@JohannesBee]

Dark Lurker is definitely #1 for me. Having to kill all the NPCs every run is insanely frustrating! At least you can get lucky with the blizzard horses.

[@traeirby]

Tbh I almost made it number one 😂

[@BlondeMcGuinn]

Is Dark Lurker the DS2 PvE covenant boss? The boss is awesome but, yeah, the runback is troublesome.

[@JohannesBee]

@@BlondeMcGuinn Yep, the dude in the Chasm of the Abyss

[@BlondeMcGuinn]

@@JohannesBee Thank you! I was finally able to watch the rest of the video. That runback is a pain for sure.

[@traeirby]

@@BlondeMcGuinn yep, awesome boss, crazy hard fight, but F that run!

[@Qallyx]

My number 1 was actually in Elden Ring. There was a dungeon with a bugged stake of marika which sent you back a little further than the actual grace. It's been patched out now and the run itself wasn't super terrible, but the psychological damage cannot be overstated.

[@traeirby]

Dude holy crap that sounds so freaking bad! I bet you do have some trauma!

[@MatthewManney]

I had to experience this for my blind RL1 run I did on launch. What a nightmare 😐

[@traeirby]

@@MatthewManney hell yes 🤣

[@MatthewManney]

@thetraeirby You did pretty well on this video btw really nice job. I may be crazy at Souls games but I can't put myself on camera and perform like that. Absolutely killing it man I hope you blow up

[@business_dog]

Oh my god, this video came up in my recommended a day after I just spent hours in the Frigid Outskirts, turning hollow IRL from that hellscape. Imagine my surprise when I guessed correctly what the worst boss run in this video would be before I even started watching. Good stuff man!

[@traeirby]

Thanks bro! I’m glad you enjoyed it, f those outskirts 😂

[@RoryDavidWatts]

For me, Blue Smelter Demon was absolutely the most infuriating part of any FromSoft game. But I still loved it.

[@traeirby]

I feel ya, great game but genuinely rage inducing lol

[@markv2267]

Awesome video, it feels like im speaking with my mates about our favorite games we play. The presentation and delivery along with the content is amazing brother, subbed and bell 🤘

[@traeirby]

Thanks! It’s so nice to hear that! Love that you enjoyed it!

[@billy_g_44]

Great list! I would have also put flamelurker on there. Dropping down those ledges was always so stressful, and you have to take fall damage. Plus, I had a lot of trouble with that boss until I finally caved and used a shield

[@traeirby]

First of all thank you so much for the kind words and I’m glad you like the video ! Yeah, it’s probably gonna be back there in the household chemicals department. Also, I completely understand about that run, I think one of the problems I struggled with when I was writing this video was that some runs are easier to me based on how many times I had to do them, but thinking about having to do that entire level after losing the flame lurker makes me think it should’ve been on the list ! I’m definitely gonna do a part two. Also, thank you so much for the feedback!

[@Eleanor.A.C]

My least favorite part about old king allant is that he also drains a soul level with a certain attack, so not only is it a pain to get there but I'd also have to go farm another level if I didn't want a fat roll during his fight :\

[@traeirby]

Hell yeah! It’s crazy because of he had been tuned up like an Elden ring boss, he would’ve been a nightmare

[@dadomino4]

this feels like an early 2000 yt video and i love it

[@traeirby]

I’m glad you like it 😀

[@leifur1999]

I went through DS2 for all the trophies recently, and I just skipped the frigid outskirts. The pain was to much to go through again.

[@traeirby]

I’m kind of thinking about replaying DS2 once I finish demon souls, and man, I’m really not looking forward to those damn outskirts 😂 tbh I’ll probably skip it too

[@Szadek23]

The one areaI haven't finished and never will. Just not worth it.

[@traeirby]

@@Szadek23 that attitude will save you a lot of stress! 😂

[@YEY0806]

Is it funny that i never died at frigid outskirts? The reindeer don't seem to spawn that much, and entering a house seems to stop them. The reindeer themselves are pretty easy to kill for me with ultra weapons

[@ratburn4830]

The gank squad boss fight was so bad that I genuinely forgot about the run back until watching this.

[@traeirby]

😱 yeah, and anytime a gank boss has a runback it’s always HELL

[@theactualslapmaster2466]

I love the don't hug me I'm scared shirt. Subbed for that alone 😂😂

[@traeirby]

🤣 It's one of my favorite shows for real! When I saw that they had 2 different shirts at spencers, I bought both of them!

[@tateallen9972]

Hey! This is the first video of yours that I saw. I looked at some of your other videos and you make the exact kind of variety content that I love. Souls games, mtg, top 10 lists and more. I wish you the best and hope that your channel grows. Have a good one

[@traeirby]

Thanks man I really appreciate the kind words! I’ve really grown to enjoy the process of making videos and I wish I had gotten into this a long time ago lol

[@rickydargence5948]

I found Sir Alonne to be a very easy boss, due to this I think the blue smelter runback is even worse because it just feels so annoying to go there and then fight an enemy that can slowly eat your HP if you dare to be close to it.

[@traeirby]

It’s pretty cool how everyone has their own preferences on what is hard and annoying to deal with in these games! I think it’s just another great thing about them 😃

[@SGraveman]

Hard to imagine Frigid Outskirts was designed with co-op in mind.

[@stickers8454]

Yo man, love the video, it really helped me with picking what bosses to playthroughs and fight next, it’s nice to see KZbin finally got some authentic people back on it again

[@traeirby]

I’m so happy to hear those words and I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed it!

[@irvancrocs1753]

I love DS2 but in same time I am kinda glad a lot of the game's bosses are mediocre or straight easy, because damn...a lot of the runbacks are straight painful (Looking at you the duo reskin tiger, blue smelter demon, and executioner chariot!!). But then there is a tough one like Sir Alonne, he would be one of my favorite fights in souls games if not because the disaster runback to reach him..

[@traeirby]

Yeah, it’s a shame that some really good DLC bosses are behind some garbage ass levels!

[@dannyjenkins1408]

Nah its not normal that i felt actual pain when you mentioned 'the duo reskin tigers'... I think i might be traumatized.

[@LEWIS1992]

3:17 That shortcut didn't exist in the original PS3 version of Demon's Souls. It was added in the PS5 remake.

[@traeirby]

That's correct! And of course, I had a hard time finding it lol

[@Cultri_97]

I think that the runbacks to Lady Maria is the shortest runback I have ever seen, you spawn outside of the arena where you fight her

[@traeirby]

That's true, it's probably the shortest lol

[@shenmuelandlord]

4:29 If I'm not mistaken there's a bonfire around this area that makes the runback to Nito a lot quicker and more tolerable. It doesn't change much IMO, since going through the cave with the twenty hundred Pinwheels gets annoying....I like the little baby skeletons though...Nito is the boss I always got stuck at the most so it's always the most annoying runback to me.

[@traeirby]

I actually did discover that bonfire not too long after making this video!

[@luloski2741]

I remember lud and zallen fight. After arriving to the boss arena i noticed that there is no bonfire or shortcut. I got fking terrified just thinking about dying and running again. So i put all my healing buffing items and used effigy. I managed it the first time and im really glad i did

[@traeirby]

Man I bet that was so INTENSE 🤣👏bravo for killing that annoying ass boss in the first try!