It's hard to even know what using all the tools means! I have no qualms about using any possible game mechanic or item, this isn't an easy game, so I'm fine with it. Like the Rotten Stray ashes. I killed Godrick and only hit him like six times and then hid behind the tombstones while he slowly perished. I didn't know the rot effect would be permanent, but I was thrilled to see it was and see him fall, and them's the breaks.

But like I said this game is not going out of the way to tell you about what can be done. Like the great rune I mentioned. Divine Tower? How would I have known to do this without the interweb? That thing boosts all stats by 5 and that can be pretty strong at my level. Later on, who cares about 5 points, but I could have easily gone hours, weeks or never before I knew about it. Maybe if I had inspected it in my inventory there would have been clues? Or maybe a character I should speak to that would have guided me on my way. Like Panzer alluded to, a lot is revealed through exhausting NPC dialog, but you gotta find them first.

So let me ask you guys, as you played though the game, what things that weren't weapons did you find most effective? Ashes, bombs, spells, incantations, greases, whatever. I bet I don't even know half of it.

I had just found the first incantation I am interested in using, Bloodflame Blade, which should synergize well with my build. In order to use this I have to buff up my Faith, which I am doing. But I have questions about how it is used. I need a seal, right? I have a claw seal, or something like that. And I need to equip this in one hand in order to use the incantation right? Bloodflame Blade enhances the weapon in your right hand, as I understand, so if I want to use incantations as a melee build, I cannot dual-wield, or how does this work?

Not sure if Frank played the DLC, I see he 100%-ed the game, but I don't know if the DLC added achievements. Still, that's impressive, beating every significant boss, though I would expect Panzer 100% as well.

I am not summoning players to help as I understand that opens you up to invasions

To achieve anything in this game you must be prepared to dabble in the boundary of disaster — Stirling Moss