Invasions & PvP — Dark Souls III Guide

Invasions & PvP

Dark Souls III offers a robust and often brutal player-versus-player experience, both through invasions into other players' worlds and dedicated dueling. Understanding the mechanics, items, and strategies involved is crucial for survival and success.

Understanding Invasion Mechanics

Invasions occur when a player uses a specific item to enter another player's world with the intent of killing them. The invaded player (Host of Embers) is typically in Embered form, granting them increased HP and the ability to summon phantoms for assistance. Invaders, conversely, are often outnumbered but benefit from environmental hazards and the element of surprise.

How to Invade

1. Obtain Invasion Items: The primary items for invading are the Red Eye Orb and the Cracked Red Eye Orb.
   • The Cracked Red Eye Orb is a consumable item found early in the game. You can farm these from Darkwraiths in the High Wall of Lothric, or purchase a limited supply from the Shrine Handmaid after giving her the Mortician's Ashes.
   • The Red Eye Orb is an infinite-use item. To acquire it, you must defeat the Darkwraith in the Road of Sacrifices (near the Farron Keep Perimeter bonfire) and then speak to Leonhard at Firelink Shrine. He will give you the orb after you've offered a Pale Tongue to Rosaria's Fingers covenant.
2. Use the Orb: Select and use either the Red Eye Orb or Cracked Red Eye Orb from your inventory. The game will then attempt to match you with a suitable host in an active area.
3. Matchmaking: Invasions are primarily based on Soul Level (SL) and Weapon Upgrade Level (WL). Generally, you'll invade players within a certain range of your own SL and WL.

How to Defend Against Invasions (Host of Embers)

As a Host of Embers, you are vulnerable to invasions. However, you have several tools at your disposal:

• Summon Phantoms: Use an Ember to become Embered, then look for white or gold summon signs on the ground. Summoning friendly phantoms significantly increases your chances against invaders.
• Way of Blue Covenant: Equip the Way of Blue covenant item (obtained from Emma in the High Wall of Lothric). If you are invaded, this covenant automatically summons a Blue Sentinel or Blade of the Darkmoon phantom to assist you.
• Environmental Awareness: Invaders often use enemy mobs to their advantage. Lure invaders into areas with strong enemies or environmental hazards.
• Use the White Sign Soapstone: If you wish to avoid invasions entirely while Embered, you can place your own white summon sign. This prioritizes you for co-op summons, and while it doesn't prevent invasions, it often fills your world with friendly phantoms quickly.
• Seed of a Giant Tree: This rare consumable item (found near the Giant Tree in Firelink Shrine, often after an invasion) turns all world enemies hostile to invaders for a short duration. This can turn the tide dramatically.

PvP Duels & Arenas

For more structured PvP, Dark Souls III offers dedicated dueling locations and covenants.

Popular Dueling Spots

• Pontiff Sulyvahn's Backyard (Irithyll of the Boreal Valley): The area immediately after the Pontiff Sulyvahn boss fight is the most iconic and popular dueling hotspot. Players place Red Sign Soapstone signs here for consensual duels.
• Undead Match (DLC Arena): If you own The Ringed City DLC, the Undead Match offers structured 1v1, 2v2, and free-for-all PvP. Access this via the bonfire in the Firelink Shrine after defeating the Halflight, Spear of the Church boss in the DLC.

PvP Covenants

Covenants offer unique PvP experiences and rewards:

1. Watchdogs of Farron: Equip the Watchdog of Farron covenant item (found in Farron Keep). You will automatically be summoned to defend Farron Keep from trespassers (Hosts of Embers). Rewards include Wolf's Blood Swordgrass for ranking up.
2. Aldrich Faithful: Equip the Aldrich Faithful covenant item (found in Irithyll of the Boreal Valley, near the Pontiff Sulyvahn bonfire). You will be summoned to defend Anor Londo and Irithyll from trespassers. Rewards include Proof of a Concord Kept for ranking up.
3. Rosaria's Fingers: Join Rosaria's Fingers in the Cathedral of the Deep. This covenant is for invaders. Offering Pale Tongues (obtained from successful invasions or as drops from Darkwraiths) allows you to reallocate your stats or change your appearance. Ranking up also grants unique items.
4. Blue Sentinels / Blades of the Darkmoon: These covenants (obtained from Horace the Hushed in the Road of Sacrifices and Yorshka in Anor Londo, respectively) are for protecting Hosts of Embers. When a Host of Embers with the Way of Blue covenant is invaded, you may be summoned to assist them. Rewards include Proof of a Concord Kept for ranking up.

General PvP Strategies & Tips

• Stamina Management: Over-committing attacks will leave you vulnerable. Always save enough stamina for a roll or block.
• Spacing and Positioning: Maintain optimal distance from your opponent. Understand your weapon's reach and your opponent's.
• Weapon Arts: Utilize your weapon's unique Weapon Art. Many are powerful tools for offense, defense, or utility.
• Parrying: Mastering parries can turn the tide of any duel. Practice with a Parrying Dagger or Small Shield against PVE enemies.
• Buffs: Consider using weapon buffs like Darkmoon Blade, Lightning Blade, or Great Magic Weapon before engaging.
• Healing: In invasions, hosts can use Estus Flasks. Invaders typically have fewer Estus Flasks and often rely on Siegbru or Divine Blessings for healing. In duels, healing is generally considered bad etiquette unless explicitly agreed upon.
• Build Optimization: A well-optimized build with appropriate stat distribution, weapon infusions, and rings (Ring of Favor, Prisoner's Chain, Chloranthy Ring, Life Ring) is crucial for competitive PvP.
• Learn from Defeat: Every loss is a learning opportunity. Analyze what went wrong and adapt your strategy.