Does Leaving a Covenant Reset Your Rank in Dark Souls?
Yes, leaving a covenant in Dark Souls (specifically Dark Souls 1 and Dark Souls: Remastered) does impact your rank, but it doesn’t necessarily reset it entirely to zero. The common understanding and observed behavior is that you will lose one rank upon leaving a covenant. Additionally, your offerings to that covenant are halved. This means that if you were at rank 2 in a covenant and had offered, say, 30 Humanity, leaving that covenant would drop you down to rank 1, and your Humanity offering would be reduced to 15. Consequently, you would then need to offer additional Humanity to regain your previous rank. Remember, the specifics can vary slightly between covenants, but this is the general rule that players should expect.
Understanding Covenants in Dark Souls
Covenants are a crucial part of the Dark Souls experience, acting as factions or groups that players can join. Each covenant offers unique benefits, gameplay experiences, and sometimes even items. Joining a covenant aligns you with a particular philosophy or goal within the game’s world. It also influences how you interact with other players through online gameplay mechanics like summoning and invasions.
However, unlike many modern games where allegiance switching is seamless, Dark Souls makes these decisions impactful. Leaving a covenant isn’t simply a matter of clicking a button; it carries consequences, primarily affecting your standing within that faction. This system encourages thoughtful decision-making and adds a layer of depth to player choices. Covenants are a cornerstone of the game’s design, contributing significantly to replayability and player immersion, a topic often discussed within communities like the Games Learning Society.
Consequences of Leaving
The primary consequence is the reduction in rank. As mentioned, you usually lose one rank level. This means you must rededicate resources to the covenant to reach your former standing.
The second consequence is the reduction in offerings. For example, if you offer Humanity to the Darkwraiths, or Sunlight Medals to the Warriors of Sunlight, these offerings are halved when you leave. This creates a further hurdle to get back to the rank you were, creating a risk-reward style of gameplay.
Understanding these consequences is crucial for making informed decisions about covenant allegiance in Dark Souls.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about covenants in Dark Souls:
1. Do all covenants penalize you the same way for leaving?
While the general rule is a rank reduction and halving of offerings, there might be slight differences depending on the specific covenant. It’s always a good idea to research the specific consequences for the covenant you’re considering leaving.
2. Does abandoning a covenant count as a sin?
No, simply leaving a covenant doesn’t count as a sin. Betraying a covenant, such as attacking its members, does. Abandoning is seen as a different action and doesn’t incur the same kind of negative consequences.
3. Can I rejoin a covenant after leaving it?
Yes, you can rejoin a covenant after leaving, provided you haven’t permanently angered its leader (for example, by killing them). However, you will still be at a lower rank than before you left.
4. Does this rank penalty apply to Dark Souls 2 or Dark Souls 3?
The rules are different in Dark Souls 2. You can switch covenants freely with no penalty. Dark Souls 3 follows a different rule system again. Be sure to research how leaving covenants works in each game.
5. How do I leave a covenant “cleanly”?
To leave a covenant cleanly, speak to the NPC in charge of the covenant and choose the option to abandon it. In Dark Souls 1, for instance, you can speak to Oswald of Carim in the bell tower above Undead Parish.
6. What happens to covenant-specific items I’ve earned if I leave?
You keep any covenant-specific items you’ve earned, even after leaving the covenant. You just lose the ability to further progress within that covenant until you rejoin and regain your rank.
7. Is there any way to change covenants without losing rank?
In Dark Souls 1, there isn’t a legitimate in-game way to change covenants without experiencing a rank penalty. However, the PC version of the game can be modded to allow for this functionality.
8. Which covenant is the easiest to rank up in?
The “easiest” covenant to rank up depends on your play style and skill. However, the Warriors of Sunlight (for co-op players) and the Forest Hunter (for PvP players) are often cited as being relatively straightforward.
9. What is the most popular covenant in Dark Souls 1?
The Warriors of Sunlight, thanks to their emphasis on cooperation and the iconic “Praise the Sun” gesture, are widely considered the most popular covenant.
10. Are covenants important for completing the game?
No, covenants are not essential for completing the game. They provide optional side content, unique rewards, and different gameplay experiences.
11. Can I be in multiple covenants at the same time?
No, you can only be a member of one covenant at a time. Joining a new covenant will automatically overwrite your previous allegiance.
12. What happens if I attack a covenant member?
Attacking a covenant member is considered a betrayal and will likely result in you being kicked out of the covenant, incurring the penalties mentioned above. It may also lead to other in-game consequences, depending on the specific covenant.
13. Does leaving a covenant affect my ability to summon or be summoned?
Yes, certain covenants, like the Way of White or the Princess’s Guard, increase the likelihood of summoning or being summoned by other members of the same covenant. Leaving such a covenant will remove this benefit.
14. Is it possible to max out every covenant in a single playthrough?
It is possible, but extremely time-consuming and requires a significant amount of grinding and potentially trading with other players.
15. What is the best covenant for PvP?
The best covenant for PvP depends on your preferred play style. The Darkwraiths offer unrestricted invasions, while the Blade of the Darkmoon punish those who have sinned. The Forest Hunter covenant focuses on protecting the Darkroot Garden.
Making the Right Choice
Choosing a covenant and managing your allegiance is a core part of the Dark Souls experience. Understanding the implications of leaving a covenant, including the rank reduction and halved offerings, is crucial for making informed decisions. Weigh the benefits of each covenant against the cost of switching to determine the best course of action for your playthrough. Be careful which covenant you join!
Remember that online resources, forums, and communities like the GamesLearningSociety.org offer a wealth of information and advice from experienced players. Consulting these resources can help you make the most of your Dark Souls journey.