Choosing Your Allegiance: The Best Covenant in Dark Souls 3
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Picking the “best” covenant in Dark Souls 3 is like choosing your favorite flavor of poison – it really depends on your taste! There’s no single answer because it hinges entirely on your playstyle, goals, and what you want out of the game. Do you crave chaotic PvP? Do you dream of jolly cooperation? Or do you just want cool loot? Different covenants cater to different desires. However, if I had to pick one, I would recommend the Warrior of Sunlight due to its focus on cooperative play. Its emphasis on helping others not only provides a consistent way to earn rewards but also aligns with the core spirit of overcoming challenges together in Dark Souls. For many players, the Warrior of Sunlight embodies the game’s core philosophy of perseverance and community.
Understanding the Covenants of Dark Souls 3
Before we dive into specifics, let’s quickly recap the covenants available and what they offer:
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Warrior of Sunlight: Emphasizes cooperative play. “Sunbros” assist other players to earn Sunlight Medals.
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Aldrich Faithful: Focuses on PvP defense of Anor Londo. Summons you automatically to defend against intruders.
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Mound-Makers: Offers a chaotic mix of cooperation and PvP. Can be summoned as a friendly phantom or a hostile one.
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Rosaria’s Fingers: Primarily a PvP covenant. Invade other players to earn Pale Tongues.
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Spears of the Church: Summons you to be the boss fight for other players in the Ringed City.
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Blades of the Darkmoon: A defensive PvP covenant. Summoned to assist players who are being invaded.
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Blue Sentinels: Similar to Blades of the Darkmoon, but with a more forgiving summoning range. A defensive PvP covenant.
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Watchdogs of Farron: Automatic PvP in the Farron Woods area. Defend against players who have not cleared the area.
Evaluating Covenants Based on Playstyle
Let’s break down the best covenant choices based on different playstyles:
For the Cooperative Player (“Sunbro”)
The Warrior of Sunlight is your absolute best bet. Not only do you get to engage in jolly cooperation, but you also earn Sunlight Medals for ranking up in the covenant. These medals unlock powerful miracles, and praising the sun alongside other players is always a blast.
For the PvP Enthusiast
Here, the choice depends on what kind of PvP you enjoy:
- Rosaria’s Fingers: For aggressive invaders who enjoy unrestricted PvP.
- Aldrich Faithful: If you like a more territorial defense role, protecting Anor Londo is for you.
- Watchdogs of Farron: For early-game PvP action in the Farron Woods.
- Mound-Makers: If you prefer a wildcard role that lets you switch between helping and hindering other players.
For the Defensive Player
Blades of the Darkmoon and Blue Sentinels are designed to protect players who are being invaded. While similar, Blue Sentinels have a slightly wider summoning range, making it easier to get summoned. These are great choices if you want to help others while honing your PvP skills.
For the Unique Experience Seeker
Spears of the Church offers a unique experience, allowing you to be the boss fight for other players. This can be quite challenging and rewarding, especially if you enjoy unconventional gameplay.
Covenant Rewards and Leveling Up
Each covenant offers unique rewards for ranking up. These rewards can include weapons, armor, spells, and consumables. To rank up, you typically need to offer specific items to the covenant leader. These items are usually earned through covenant-related activities, such as helping other players or defeating invaders. Before committing to a covenant, research its rewards to see if they align with your character build and goals.
For example, The Games Learning Society understands that motivation is key. So, if you’re a magic user, the Warrior of Sunlight’s miracles might be more appealing than the Rosaria’s Fingers’ infusion options.
The Freedom to Experiment
The beauty of Dark Souls 3 is that you are not locked into any covenant. You can switch covenants freely without penalty. This allows you to experiment with different playstyles and rewards. Don’t be afraid to try out different covenants to see which one suits you best. It also lets you experience different facets of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens if I leave a covenant?
Leaving a covenant does not incur any permanent penalties. You simply lose any progress you have made in that covenant, such as rank and offerings. You can rejoin the covenant later if you wish.
2. Can I join multiple covenants simultaneously?
No, you can only be a member of one covenant at a time. Joining a new covenant will automatically remove you from your current one.
3. Is there a “best” covenant for farming covenant items?
This depends on the item. For Sunlight Medals, cooperative play is the most efficient method. For Pale Tongues, invading other players as a Rosaria’s Finger is the way to go. Research specific farming strategies for each covenant item.
4. Does my covenant affect the game’s story or ending?
No, your covenant affiliation has no impact on the main story or the ending of Dark Souls 3. It primarily affects multiplayer interactions and reward acquisition.
5. Can I still be summoned for co-op or PvP if I’m not in a covenant?
Yes, you can still use summon signs and be invaded even if you are not currently affiliated with a covenant. However, you will not earn covenant-specific rewards for these activities.
6. Are there any offline methods for ranking up in covenants?
Some covenants allow you to rank up by defeating specific enemies in the game world. However, these methods are usually much slower than online multiplayer activities.
7. Does my character level affect my ability to join covenants?
No, there are no level restrictions for joining covenants. However, your level can affect your ability to find other players for co-op or PvP activities.
8. Can I join a covenant after killing its leader?
In most cases, killing a covenant leader will prevent you from joining that covenant. However, some covenants can be joined even if the leader is dead, often through alternative methods.
9. What is the easiest covenant to max out?
This is subjective and depends on your playstyle. The Warrior of Sunlight can be relatively easy if you enjoy cooperative play.
10. Can I trade covenant items with other players?
No, covenant items cannot be traded with other players. You must earn them yourself through covenant-related activities.
11. What are the requirements to join each covenant?
The requirements vary. Some covenants, like the Warrior of Sunlight, have simple requirements. Others, like the Blades of the Darkmoon, have more complex prerequisites.
12. Does changing covenants reset my sin level?
Covenants do not directly reset your sin level. Sins are more connected to killing friendly NPCs or betraying covenants.
13. How do I know if I’m successfully being summoned by my covenant?
When you are summoned, a special visual effect and sound will indicate that you are being summoned as a covenant phantom (e.g., a blue phantom for Blades of the Darkmoon).
14. What is the point of being in a covenant if I don’t engage in multiplayer?
Even if you don’t engage in multiplayer, being in a covenant can still provide access to unique items, spells, and lore that are not available elsewhere.
15. Can I rejoin a covenant if I’ve angered its leader?
This depends on the covenant and the extent of your transgressions. Some leaders can be appeased through specific actions or offerings, while others may remain hostile permanently.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best covenant in Dark Souls 3 is the one that best aligns with your personal playstyle and goals. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different covenants and find the one that brings you the most enjoyment. Remember, the world of Dark Souls is full of challenges and rewards, and choosing your allegiance is just one step in your journey. You can learn more about the nuances of game mechanics and their impact on learning and engagement by exploring resources like the GamesLearningSociety.org.
Embrace the darkness, praise the sun, and good luck, Ashen One!