Dark Souls 2: Tons of Info Surfaces From the Recent Beta Footage

A host of details for Dark Souls 2 have emerged from recent beta footage and has been listed on Reddit. The game is set to be released in March 2014 for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 and you can find out what to expect below.

One of the notable changes is the addition of dedicated servers for the game to ensure a better connection. Also, there are beards now – very important, obviously.

The game is set to be even harder than its predecessor with purity being "key". You can check out a recent leaked video of the beta which shows a boss fight and co-op gameplay throughout.

General features:

Movement speed is increased over the original game.
Sprinting speed is now close to charging speed.
Estus restoration is now slower than it was in Dark Souls I.
Action speed is dependent on Agility (More explained in the stats section.
Getting hit with plated armor makes a "clank" sound rather than a fleshy sound.
Humanity is now replaced with "Human Effigies".
Bonfire is no longer needed to turn human, you just need Human Effigies to become human instantly.
Human Effigies don't restore health.
Healing stones are a new healing item.
Healing stones can be used when moving, but restoration speed (and/or amount) is dependent on stone type.
Three items can be equipped in each hand.
Hollowed players can now get invaded.
Dedicated servers for better connections.
Enemies are more tenacious.
Enemies ambush around items.
Enemies switch from ranged to melee attacks frequently.
More types of soapstones (Or different styles of soapstones).
Ranged weapons can be used while moving.
The more times died while hollow, the more your base health is reduced, similar to curse (Restored once humanity is restored).
Many previous sets from Dark Souls I will make an appearance in Dark Souls II.
Rings and arrows will give burden instead of being weightless, different from Dark Souls I.

Phantoms:

Phantoms can be around when you light a Bonfire.
Phantoms can now drink estus, but restoration rate is incredibly slow.
Summoned Phantoms are now on a time limit depending on the size of White Soapstone used.
Summoned Phantoms have a health reduction.
Hourglasses can be seen with Summoned Phantoms and most probably show their time limit.
Phantoms reduce their time by killing enemies meaning players must throw their weight this time round.
When playing as a White Phantom, a message saying "Task Completed" will show when you're time limit is done. You'll be returned back home.

Covenants:

Darkwraiths are now called the "Brotherhood of Blood".
New covenant "Way of the Blue" (which isn't the official name) has players assist other invaded players.
Gravelording is still a possibility.

Animations:

Many new realistic and fast animations with the help from MOCAP.
New emotions.
Players show fatigue when low on stamina.
Tumbling when the player falls from certain distances.
Different backstabs for different weapons.

UI:

Summoned Phantom's health can now be monitored at the side of the screen.
Humanity counter now replaced with an icon (which is rumoured to be covenant icon).
A heading appears at the top of the screen at times (possibly providing game news).
More minimalist HUD, with an item circle in lower left minimizes when not in use and the entire HUD disappears when not in use. Status effect icons are still visible however.
Using gestures doesn't take you out of the gesture screen.
Gesture screen enlarged.
Bonfire screen zooms in on character.

Inventory:

New inventory screen.
More in depth weapon categories (Straight swords, sabers, rapiers, polearms, etc).
Total of 40 items shown on each page with a description at the bottom.
Inventory screen zooms in on your character on the right.
Items can be used on the inventory screen without exiting.

Graphics: