Which Covenant Should You Choose First in Dark Souls? A Comprehensive Guide
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The world of Dark Souls is unforgiving. From its brutally difficult enemies to its labyrinthine levels, the game throws challenges at you from the moment you step foot in Lordran. One of the earliest choices you’ll encounter is the opportunity to join a covenant, a faction that offers unique gameplay benefits, lore implications, and, crucially, a sense of belonging in this desolate world. So, what covenant do you start with in Dark Souls? The most common and arguably simplest starting covenant is the Way of White. However, the “best” choice is entirely subjective and depends on your playstyle and goals.
Way of White: The Classic Starting Point
The Way of White is presented as the default and often recommended starting covenant, for good reason. It focuses on cooperative play and faith-based builds, though it doesn’t restrict anyone from joining.
- How to Join: Speak to Petrus of Thorolund in the Firelink Shrine. He’s one of the first NPCs you’ll encounter.
- Benefits:
- Increased likelihood of summoning and being summoned for cooperative play. This is particularly useful early on, as summoning help can significantly ease the difficulty of early areas and bosses.
- Access to Miracles: Petrus sells basic Miracles, which can be helpful for players aiming for a Faith build.
- Lore Significance: The covenant is associated with the Deity Allfather Lloyd, representing a traditional religious order within the Dark Souls universe.
- Drawbacks:
- Limited unique items or rewards specific to the covenant early on. Its primary benefit is the increased online activity.
- No real drawbacks; it’s a straightforward and non-committal option.
While the Way of White is a solid choice, other covenants offer unique experiences that might be more appealing depending on your preferences.
Alternative Covenant Choices: Beyond the Way of White
Although Way of White is the most common, these are the covenants you can actually select at the start of the game:
- Joining Before the Bell: While Petrus is usually the first, it’s technically possible (though difficult) to reach other covenant leaders before speaking to him. This requires advanced knowledge of the game map and enemy placements.
Forest Hunter: An Aggressive Option
If you’re feeling daring and enjoy player-versus-player (PvP) combat, the Forest Hunter covenant, led by Alvina the Cat, might be for you. However, reaching Alvina so early in the game is extremely challenging.
- How to Join (Eventually): Defeat the Moonlight Butterfly in the Darkroot Garden, then ascend the tower and speak to Alvina. Note that getting there from Firelink Shrine without fighting Sif, or after killing Sif, is impossible.
- Benefits:
- Defend the Darkroot Garden: Members are automatically summoned to the Darkroot Garden to defend it against intruders.
- PvP Focus: This is a covenant for players who enjoy invading other players’ worlds.
- Unique Ring: Receive the Cat Covenant Ring, which allows you to be summoned even if you’re not human.
- Drawbacks:
- Requires Skill: Effective PvP requires understanding of combat mechanics and knowledge of the game’s layout.
- Potential for Griefing: Some players may consider defending the Darkroot Garden as “griefing,” as it can disrupt other players’ progress.
- Not Easily Accessible Early: It’s very difficult to reach Alvina early in the game.
Warrior of Sunlight: Jolly Cooperation!
For those who relish cooperative play and want to be part of something more vibrant, the Warrior of Sunlight covenant is an excellent alternative.
- How to Join: Located near the Undead Parish bonfire, after defeating the Taurus Demon. Requires 50 Faith, reducible by coop play (25 Faith after assisting another player with 2 successful boss battles).
- Benefits:
- Enhanced Cooperation: Similar to the Way of White, but with a stronger emphasis on faith-based builds and a more distinct identity.
- Sunlight Medals: Earn Sunlight Medals by successfully assisting other players in defeating bosses. These medals can be offered to rank up in the covenant.
- Unique Miracles: Access to powerful Miracles like Lightning Spear at higher ranks.
- Inherent “Jolliness”: Associated with the legendary Solaire of Astora, fostering a sense of camaraderie and optimism.
- Drawbacks:
- High Faith Requirement: The initial Faith requirement can be a barrier for some players. However, this requirement is significantly reduced by successful cooperative encounters.
- Dependent on Online Activity: Requires engaging in cooperative play, which may not appeal to all players.
- Inaccessible to new players – Requires either a large amount of starting faith or significant progression through coop play.
Path of the Dragon: An Endgame Covenant
The Path of the Dragon covenant is a strong covenant for players who wish to engage in high level PvP combat.
- How to Join: Found after defeating the Gaping Dragon, then entering Blighttown and finding a hidden path to the Ash Lake and Everlasting Dragon
- Benefits:
- Unique items, such as the Dragon Eye: This item allows the player to invade and battle other players in the world.
- Dragon form: At rank 2 of the covenant, players can become a dragonoid form with strong unarmed combat attacks.
- Drawbacks:
- Requires significant progression into the game: The Everlasting Dragon is found deep within the game, inaccessible to new players.
- PvP heavy: This covenant revolves heavily around PvP activities, which may not appeal to all players.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your First Covenant
Ultimately, the “best” starting covenant depends on your individual playstyle, preferences, and goals. Here are some factors to consider:
- Playstyle: Are you primarily a solo player, or do you enjoy cooperative or PvP gameplay?
- Build: Are you planning a Faith build, a melee build, or a hybrid?
- Lore Interest: Do you want to align yourself with a particular faction or philosophy within the Dark Souls universe?
- Challenge: Are you looking for an easier or more challenging experience?
Switching Covenants
Remember, your covenant choice isn’t permanent. You can leave a covenant at any time by speaking to Oswald of Carim in the Undead Parish after defeating the Bell Gargoyles. However, abandoning a covenant usually results in a loss of rank within that covenant. Also, abandoning covenants with heavy PvP focus will result in permanent sin.
FAQs About Dark Souls Covenants
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you understand Dark Souls covenants better:
1. What is a covenant in Dark Souls?
A covenant is a faction or group in Dark Souls that players can join, offering unique benefits, gameplay mechanics, and lore implications. Joining a covenant affects your online interactions and provides specific advantages tailored to that covenant’s philosophy.
2. How do I join a covenant?
You join a covenant by speaking to a specific NPC associated with that covenant and agreeing to their terms. This usually involves finding the NPC in the game world and completing a dialogue.
3. Can I leave a covenant?
Yes, you can leave a covenant by speaking to Oswald of Carim in the Undead Parish after ringing the first bell. However, abandoning a covenant will result in permanent sin if it is PvP covenant and you may lose rank within that covenant.
4. What happens if I abandon a covenant?
Abandoning a covenant may result in a loss of rank within that covenant. Furthermore, it may result in permanent sin if it is a PvP covenant.
5. Can I rejoin a covenant after leaving it?
Yes, you can rejoin a covenant after leaving it, as long as you meet the requirements. However, you will likely start back at the lowest rank.
6. What are the benefits of joining the Way of White?
The primary benefit is an increased likelihood of summoning and being summoned for cooperative play. Petrus of Thorolund also sells basic Miracles.
7. What is the Forest Hunter covenant about?
The Forest Hunter covenant is focused on PvP, where members are summoned to defend the Darkroot Garden against intruders.
8. How do I join the Warrior of Sunlight covenant?
Located near the Undead Parish bonfire. Requires 50 Faith, reducible by coop play (25 Faith after assisting another player with 2 successful boss battles).
9. What are Sunlight Medals used for?
Sunlight Medals are used to rank up in the Warrior of Sunlight covenant and unlock rewards, such as the Lightning Spear Miracle.
10. What is sin in Dark Souls?
Sin is accumulated by betraying certain covenants or committing specific actions, like killing friendly NPCs. Sin makes you a target for Darkmoon Blade invaders.
11. How do I get rid of sin in Dark Souls?
You can get rid of sin by speaking to Oswald of Carim and paying a fee.
12. Do covenants affect the game’s ending?
No, covenant affiliation does not directly affect the main game’s ending. However, it can influence your experiences and interactions within the game world.
13. Are some covenants better than others?
The “best” covenant is subjective and depends on your playstyle and goals. Some covenants are more suited for PvP, while others are better for cooperative play or lore enthusiasts.
14. Can I join multiple covenants in a single playthrough?
Yes, you can join multiple covenants in a single playthrough, but only one at a time. You must leave your current covenant to join a new one.
15. What is the most popular covenant in Dark Souls?
There isn’t a definitive “most popular” covenant, as player preferences vary. However, the Way of White and Warrior of Sunlight are commonly chosen for their cooperative benefits, while others like Darkwraith are popular for PvP.
Choosing your first covenant in Dark Souls is a significant decision that can shape your early game experience. Consider your playstyle, build, and goals, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different covenants to find the one that suits you best. And remember, it’s always possible to change your mind later on. Good luck, and may the flames guide thee!