-Estus restoration is now slower than 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, just Human Effigies to turn 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 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 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 is incredibly slow.
-Summoned Phantoms are now on a time limit depending on White Soapstone size.
-Summoned Phantoms have a health reduction.
-Hourglasses can be seen on Summoned Phantoms to probably show their time limit.
-Phantoms reduce their time by killing enemies, player must throw their weight this time around.
-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" (Not 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 emotes.
-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 (Rumored to be covenant icon?).
-A heading appears at the top of the screen at times (Game news?).
-More minimalist hud, item circle in lower left minimizes when not in use, entire hud disappears when not in use. Status effect icons are still visible.
-Using gestures doesn't take you out of the gesture screen.