Is Elden Ring‘s Journey 2 Harder? Yes – And Here‘s How To Survive It

Without question, Journey 2 introduces a sweeping increase in difficulty for Elden Ring. Right from Limgrave, enemies hit markedly harder and can take several more hits to fell. This added challenge permeates the entirety of Journey 2, demanding more polished builds, strategies, and reflexes to achieve victory.

The Key Areas Where Journey 2 Gets Harder

Based on community testing and my own bloody experience, here is what ratchets up in Journey 2:

Besides their statistical improvements, enemies may also have expanded movesets compared to Journey 1, keeping veterans on their toes.

While the main story beats stay the same, the fights themselves can feel wholly different. What was once a certain victory becomes a desperate struggle to survive. This amplifies Elden Ring‘s characteristic tension tenfold.

Why Journey 2 Bucks The Trend Of Easy New Game+ Modes

Most games that offer New Game+ difficulties provide players with gear and abilities that help them blast through the replays effortlessly. Rather than power, Elden Ring focuses squarely on increasing challenge upon replays.

So why stray from the beaten path? For FromSoftware, not providing an easy mode and promoting accomplishment is part of their legacy. Journey 2 asks veterans to earn their dominance again. Simply speedrunning with overpowered gear is not an option.

The difficulty spike also prolongs replayability. It rewards observant veterans who spot new oak openings in enhanced enemies. Only by fine-tuning and mastering every tool at your disposal can you hope to stand tall in the tempest Journey 2 brings. Not to mention, the bonus runes certainly don‘t hurt either!

Optimizing Your Build Is Essential

While skill in dodging and decision making still matters greatly, build strength becomes more vital in Journey 2. You need ample health and damage to clash against buffed foes.

For weapons, somber smithing stone armaments that can reach +10 gain huge value. Blasphemous Blade, Dark Moon Greatsword, and Rivers of Blood all offer strong art options to lean on. Ensure your armor provides robust physical negation as well.

Leveling vigor to 60 and above gives needed HP so you can survive lengthy combos. Mind lets you spam arts and summons more frequently. For damage, pick strength or dexterity then augment it with faith or intelligence.

Spirits remain highly useful for drawing aggro, like the ranged casters Mimic Tear, Tiche, and Macabre. Rotten Strayvines and Oleg can also occupy crowds.

If certain weapons or builds stand far above the rest because of unique skills, expect nerfs in future patches. So stay adaptable in your ability loadout.

Co-Op Cooperation Makes All The Difference

While skill in your personal build and battle prowess goes a long way, calling upon allies smooths Journey 2‘s passage monumentally.

Even one extra player distracts foes and adds damage, storing openings to chug flasks or retaliate. Gravity spells and ranged incantations help newcomers contribute without excessive risk.

I struggled mightily with the Godskin Duo upon first arriving in Journey 2 Crumbling Farum Azula. But joining a mere stranger, we felled the troublesome twins in just 2 tries compared to my solo 30+ failed attempts!

So before tackling foreboding foes, use Furcalling Finger Remedies. You needn‘t walk the grim road alone.

Conclusion – Journey 2 Delivers The Ultimate Challenge

For those seeking the purest test of their Elden Ring mastery, Journey 2 is a must. It retains the indelible strength of the original while demanding far more attention to detail in every facet.

The amplified rewards push veterans to scour every corner once again too. Few foes can stand before a high level, fully strengthened character with strong spirits and co-op at their side. Yet there remain worthy battles left to reap glory from.

Just know the way deals much more punishment this time around. But with the above build and strategy tips, you may just emerge triumphant still. That sensation of overcoming Journey 2‘s spiked hostility pays testament to how thoroughly you‘ve conquered Elden Ring.

So ready your rune-hungry blade once more for New Game+ – this is surely what it means to become Elden Lord.