Dark Souls has made its name through an exceptional storyline with an amplified difficulty in boss fights. One thing that often gets overlooked is the variety of characters players meet along the way, often giving some much-needed breaks in intensity. In the otherwise shadowy setting of Dark Souls 2, side characters fill Drangleic with their humour and charm.
Some NPCs also turn out to be fierce allies in battle. Saving players from some of the most arduous boss battles, letting them to take a much-needed breather after persistent combat. Whether it's through fun or ferocity, each of these side characters makes the game more enjoyable. Sprinkled throughout the land, all players should keep an eye out for these gems.
10 Jester Thomas
As far as combat goes, it's hard to compete with the pyromancer. Unleashing suns at will and taking on boss fights solo, the jester does not play games when it comes to serpentine matters. As an ally, he will be invaluable in the fight against Mythra, both dealing massive damage and leaving her wide open for player's attacks if needed.
In the Crown Of The Sunken King DLC, however, he poses a very dangerous threat– firing off quick-fire attacks while jumping around the ring, preventing any surprise or direct offence. He leaves the player to wait for a small window while he's casting to knock him off balance and cancel out his attacks.
9 Lucatiel
One of the most heartbreaking characters in the series, Lucatiel's general goodwill and loyalty make it all the more distressing when she frets over her lost memories. It only gets worse before it gets better, with her eventually accepting her fate of turning into a hollow.
Despite her constant worry and anguish, Lucatiel is always very helpful when the player meets her, gifting 2 items before becoming a phantom to be used in battle. She will give her armor and sword before disappearing, leaving her storyline up to interpretation. Overall, she remains incredibly helpful even through her suffering.
8 Emerald Herald
Acting as the guide through this treacherous landscape, Shanalotte will level up and direct the character at frequent intervals. Her creators meant to design her with the power to break the undead curse but failed, giving her various other abilities instead. Though her general nature is rather bland, giving off a widespread disinterest, her story is great and she's one of the handiest NPCs in the game. If killed, she will drop the Aged Feather and allow the player to return to bonfires an infinite amount of times.
7 Bradley Of The Old Guard
Bradley is the only backup a warrior should ever need. He's got some of the best defence armed with amazing healing abilities that he can use without limit. Any time the player is injured he will beckon to them so he can heal, all while promptly bowing on entrance and exit.
Not only does he have healing abilities and High HP, but he's also immune to backstabbing & curses, taking a mighty big effort to put him down. Combat skills aside, he provides some positive energy in battle and celebrating boss defeats, something that is sorely needed to lighten the mood.
6 Benhart
Benhart is a true savage, travelling the ruins of Drangleic only to test his resolve against the most dangerous monsters around. He isn't chosen or given extra powers, just a warrior with a desire to become the best. Able to be summoned for a variety of boss fights, Benhart is the first one to jump into the fire. Though it's not always the best strategy, his heart certainly can't be denied.
If players manage to get the overzealous brute through 3 boss fights, his armour becomes available for use. Easily one of the most impressive warriors around just for surviving, he isn't even worried about the curse in the slightest. All armed with a strong but unamplified sword, the Scotsman should be applauded.
5 Vengarl
The warrior turned pacifist, Vengarl won't serve much used to players in battle. His head is decapitated from his body and he has had a lot of time to rethink his violent ways. His headless body can be found and defeated, unlocking him in his previous form for assistance in battle. The head will even thank the player by giving up his helmet if the player sticks around to listen to his past. Besides his own items, Vengarl is a merchant who sells ammunition and weapons.
4 Vendrick
The king of the now destroyed Drangleic, Vendrick's story is one of remorse. While alive he was tricked by his queen into attacking the giants, leading to an incredible retaliation that begun the destruction of his kingdom. He would thwart her plans but in doing so resign himself to life as a hollow, wandering the Undead Crypt and sealing the First Flame.
Players will have the chance to talk with the hollow king's past self about using the Ashen Mist Heart. Here he will give the player a quest to retrieve the kings of yore's crowns. Once gathered, he will use their power to make the player immune to the curse. If the player chooses to fight, they'd better bring some Souls Of A Giant to halve his defences– otherwise a very long fight awaits.
3 Straid
For those who can appreciate his arrogant charms, Straid is one of the most cold-blooded sorcerers around. After being turned to stone for eons, he calmly questions where he is and has a chuckle to himself. This is both odd and hardcore all at the same time. If players can take the abuse without fighting him, plenty of laughs are to be had buying spells off this merchant.
Don't expect him to be grateful though, as he mocks the player and puts them down every chance he gets. Straid will never miss an opportunity to compliment his own impressive talents, and rightfully so. He's credited with creating some of the most powerful spells in the game, condemned by his own people out of fear of his magical powers.
2 Gavlan
Providing both entertainment and unique services, Gavlan is the only merchant in the game who will buy items off the player, and for a great price too. He's not exactly a wealth of witty conversation but he does have a fool's charm about him. Even killing the character won't stop the bearded merchant from making his deals, letting the player visit his gravestone and call him back from the dead for his merchandise. Though if he makes it to the Doors Of Pharros, his inventory becomes unlimited.
1 Velstadt
When players are on their way to the Undead Crypt to see the fallen king Vendrick, Velstadt will be standing in the way. The king's most loyal guard, he stood by him until the bitter, hollow end. Even though the player has to defeat the powerhouse, his dedication to serving his king is to be admired.
Forever defending his king from the corrupt queen, Velstadt was imprisoned by duty. Causing massive stamina damage and landing in combination, getting through the bodyguard is a test of agility. Taking him out is most likely mercy, ending the eternal guard that he has been cursed to stand.