To be honest I don't know much of the sequel's mechanics.

Some progress update: unlocked the Kiln on the new no-shield run. Beat Artorias first try, it was intense. Got Manus, Kalameet and Gwyn to go. Did some PvP for the darkmoon covenant. Landed a parry to win a duel.

Beat Ornstein & Smough solo on NG+6 with another character. That fight was crazy intense.

There's still plenty of hackers in the forest