Thread:Volknur/@comment-25274226-20140806223842/@comment-5264386-20140807120118

Hey Scope,

It's been a fairly long time since I last started the DLC, but the most important requirement I'd say is that you're at least SL 60 or so (if you're starting it in NG, of course). This allows you to have a fairly good mix of stats (unless you 'done goofed' and focused on levelling up Resistance :P). Personally, I've found that physical attacks are the more viable option against Artorias and the Sanctuary Guardian (I've actually never bothered to fight Manus or Kalameet, for some reason), since magic seems to be less effective, at least on the first two bosses, so maybe a more melee-based build would be best?

Light-rolling is also brilliant once you learn the attacks of the bosses, but this can arguably be said for most, if not any, other bosses in Dark Souls. Anyway, in the Artorias fight, I found it much easier to light-roll and dodge his attacks than tanking through them with heavy armour and a Greatshield (on that matter, I highly recommend the Eagle Shield if you are looking for a light Greatshield), whilst light-rolling made the Sanctuary Guardian pitifully easy (granted, it was the second time I had played through the DLC, so I did have a rough idea of its attacks). As a result, having decent Endurance, as well as using lighter armour and Havel's Ring, probably wouldn't hurt.

On a more general note, know the overall characteristics of Strength and Dexterity weapons; that is, Strength weapons are generally very strong and deal excellent Poise damage, but are heavy and have slower movesets. On the other hand, Dexterity weapons are fast and light, but as a result, often deal less damage per hit and Poise damage than Strength weapons do. It all really boils down to your playstyle as to which types of weapons you choose, really. Don't be afraid to experiment with new weapons, though. For instance, I used the Butcher Knife to kill Artorias on my Strength build, not because it had the best DPH or a quick moveset, but because I liked the one-handed strong attack's ability to close distance after rolling past an attack. Prior to that boss fight, I'd never even used it before, yet that attack makes it one of my personal favourites for PvE.

Anyway, hope this helps you in some way, and good luck with the DLC! :)