Equip Load

Equip Load is a gameplay mechanic in Dark Souls II.

Overview

Equip load is the maximum weight that can be equipped. Roll and Backstep distance is reduced as the Equip Load percentage is increased.

Equip Load applies to all types of worn items, such as weapons, armor and shields. The heavier an item is, the more it encumbers the player. Weapons with a higher weight value tend to have more base damage, and heavier armor pieces tend to have more physical defense and Poise.

Maximum Equip Load and Equip Load Tiers

Maximum Equip Load is determined by the Vitality stat and determines how greatly the weight of the currently equipped weapon and armor affect movement and roll speed. It determines the distance Rolls and Backsteps the player does will travel as well as their stamina regeneration and fall damage.

When the player's total Equip Load reaches 70%, the player's roll will become shorter, slower, and with higher ending lag.

At 100% Equip Load, the player may no longer roll, run or backstep.

When 120% is reached, the player may only walk very slowly, as running is now impossible, and back-stepping or roll attempts will result in short stagger.

At 0%, the players regenerate 51.9 Stamina per second. Stamina Regeneration Chart:

Roll and backstep distances are decreased in a linear fashion.

Items affecting Maximum Equip Load

Bonuses to Maximum Equipment Load are always cumulative, meaning the percentage influences the total Maximum Equip Load, including any items increasing it already equipped.

• The Royal Soldier's Ring variants increases the player's total Maximum Equip Load by 10%, 15%, and 20% depending on the level of the ring.
• The First, Second, and Third Dragon Ring increase the player's total Maximum Equip Load by 5%, 10%, and 12.5% respectively, while also boosting max Health and Stamina. Only one of these three rings can be equipped at any given time.
• The Penal Mask increases the player's total Maximum Equip Load by 3%.
• Each piece of Aurous' Set (transparent) increases the player's total Maximum Equip Load by a small percentage. The Armor of Aurous and the Leggings of Aurous each grant a 1.5% bonus, While the Helm of Aurous and the Gauntlets of Aurous each grant a 1% bonus to the Maximum Equip Load.
• Vengarl's Helm increases Vitality by 2.
• The Crown of the Sunken King reduces Vitality by 1.
• Velstadt's Helm increases Vitality by 1.
• Handmaid's ladle increases Vitality by 1.

Notes

• The damage bonus granted by Flynn's Ring is reduced if the player has more than 60 max equip load, meaning a character with a high Maximum Equip load will gain very little bonus damage.