Table of Contents

Where to Unleash Your Inner Dark Spirit: A Dark Souls 1 Invasion Guide

So, you’re itching to spread some chaos in Lordran and become a true agent of discord? You want to invade in Dark Souls 1, but where do you begin your reign of terror? The answer isn’t simple, because the best invasion spot depends on your Soul Level (SL), build, and desired level of challenge (and perhaps grief). Let’s delve into the prime locations for invasions, covering everything from newbie stomping grounds to havens for experienced PvP enthusiasts.

Prime Invasion Spots in Dark Souls 1

Undead Burg: At low SLs (around SL 10-20), the Undead Burg is a fantastic starting point. It’s teeming with new players just learning the ropes, making it ideal for honing your skills and snagging some easy victories. Beware of the occasional experienced player who’s twinking, but generally, this is a safe zone for practice. This is also a good way to get humanity early on.
Undead Parish: A natural progression from the Burg, the Parish at SL 20-30 is rife with players tackling the Bell Gargoyles. The level design offers plenty of opportunities for ambushes, and the risk of facing a summon makes things interesting. The Bell Tower itself can be a deadly playground for invaders.
Darkroot Garden/Forest: This is the undisputed king of high-level (SL 100-125) invasions. The Forest Hunter covenant zone, in particular, is a hotbed of activity. Expect skilled opponents, gank squads (groups of players working together), and plenty of fast-paced action. This area is definitely not for the faint of heart, but the rewards (souls and humanity) can be substantial. Watch out for the notorious “janky frontstabs” in this zone!
Sen’s Fortress: This treacherous area is great for SL 30-40 invaders. Its narrow corridors and devious traps create opportunities for opportunistic kills. Players are often focused on navigating the level, making them vulnerable to surprise attacks. However, be mindful of your own footing, as the environment is just as dangerous to invaders.
Anor Londo: A visually stunning but dangerous location. Invading here around SL 50-60 can be rewarding, as players are often struggling with Ornstein and Smough. The vast open areas, like the rooftop walkways, are great for catching your prey off-guard.
Oolacile Township: Accessed through the Artorias of the Abyss DLC, this is a popular spot for SL 60-80 invasions. The labyrinthine streets and powerful enemies create a challenging environment for both the host and the invader. The risk is high, but so is the reward, with potentially lucrative soul gains.
The Catacombs/Tomb of the Giants: For SL 30-50 invasions, the Catacombs and Tomb of the Giants present a unique challenge. The darkness and hordes of skeletons create a tense atmosphere. Be prepared for players using divine weapons and expect plenty of plunging attacks. These areas are often overlooked, providing a change of pace from more popular invasion hotspots.
Kiln of the First Flame: For the truly daring, the Kiln at SL 100-125 offers the chance to invade players on the cusp of finishing the game. Expect to face seasoned veterans with optimized builds. This is the ultimate test of your PvP skills. The stakes are high, as players may have a large number of souls at risk in this zone.

Remember that player activity can fluctuate. It’s also worth experimenting with different areas and Soul Levels to find what suits your playstyle best. And always be prepared for anything – Dark Souls is known for its unpredictability!

FAQs: Dark Souls 1 Invasions

1. What Soul Level should I be for optimal invasions?

The “best” SL depends on the area you want to invade. SL 10-20 for Undead Burg/Parish, SL 30-40 for Sen’s Fortress/Catacombs, SL 50-80 for Anor Londo/Oolacile, and SL 100-125 for Darkroot Garden/Kiln of the First Flame are generally considered the sweet spots.

2. What is “twinking,” and how can I avoid it?

Twinking refers to experienced players creating low-level characters with end-game equipment, giving them an unfair advantage against new players. While you can’t completely avoid it, try to stay at a reasonable level for the area, use appropriate gear, and focus on developing your skills.

3. How do I invade in Dark Souls 1?

You need either a Cracked Red Eye Orb (limited use) or a Red Eye Orb (unlimited use, requires joining the Darkwraith covenant). To invade, be in human form and use the orb. The game will then search for a suitable world to invade. Note that you cannot invade areas where the boss has already been defeated.

4. Why can’t I invade? The orb is greyed out!

The orb being greyed out usually means you’re not in human form or you’re in an area where invasions aren’t possible (e.g., Firelink Shrine, or an area where you’ve defeated the area boss).

5. What are “gank squads,” and how do I deal with them?

Gank squads are groups of players who intentionally summon allies to gang up on invaders. Dealing with them requires strategy, patience, and often a bit of luck. Use the environment to your advantage, try to isolate individual players, and don’t be afraid to retreat and re-engage when the odds are more favorable.

6. What stats should I prioritize for an invasion build?

Prioritize stats that complement your chosen weapon and playstyle. Vitality (HP), Endurance (stamina), and relevant damage scaling stats (Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Faith) are crucial. Adaptability (ADP) is not a stat in Dark Souls 1.

7. Which covenant is best for invasions?

The Darkwraith covenant is the primary invasion covenant, granting you the Red Eye Orb for unlimited invasions. The Forest Hunter covenant (in Darkroot Garden) also allows invasions but with specific limitations.

8. How does Soul Level matchmaking work?

The game searches for players within a certain SL range of your own. This range expands as you level up. A helpful invasion range calculator can be found online to determine the exact levels you can invade at your current SL.

9. What are the rewards for successful invasions?

Successful invasions typically reward you with souls and humanity. Some covenants also offer unique rewards for fulfilling their specific invasion conditions.

10. How do I avoid being invaded?

Stay in hollow form, avoid summoning allies, and play offline. Summoning other players for cooperative play significantly increases your chances of being invaded.

11. Is it possible to invade upwards or downwards in soul level?

Yes, the soul level range for invasions allows for both invading players with higher levels and those with lower levels. The extent of the range depends on your own soul level.

12. What’s the best weapon for invasions?

There’s no single “best” weapon, but popular choices include fast-attacking weapons like katanas and curved swords, weapons with good range like spears and halberds, and powerful greatweapons for punishing mistakes. Experiment to find what works for you! The Black Knight Halberd is often considered one of the most overpowered weapons.

13. Should I focus on poise for an invasion build?

Poise can be helpful, especially when trading blows with other players. However, it’s not essential. Good positioning, timing, and understanding your weapon’s moveset are equally important.

14. What is the best starting class for invading?

Pyromancer is widely considered the best starting class due to its balanced stats and early access to powerful pyromancy spells. However, any class can be viable with proper planning and build optimization.

15. Where can I learn more about Dark Souls 1 PvP?

The Dark Souls community is a great resource. Look for online forums, guides, and videos. Don’t be afraid to experiment, learn from your mistakes, and develop your own unique style. The GamesLearningSociety.org also has valuable resources related to learning and gaming.

Where should I invade ds1?