Hollow Infusion: Embracing the Undead in Dark Souls 3
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The point of Hollow infusion in Dark Souls 3 is to create a unique build centered around the Luck stat and the Hollowing mechanic. It’s a niche but interesting path for players who want to experiment with a different playstyle, offering a scaling bonus to damage based on your Luck stat and a +5 Luck bonus when wielding a Hollow-infused weapon with 15 or more Hollowing. It allows you to redistribute your stats into Luck while still providing a moderate AR (Attack Rating) for your chosen weapon.
Understanding Hollow Infusion
The Mechanics Behind Hollowing
Hollowing is a state in Dark Souls 3 tied to the Dark Sigil, acquired through the Yoel of Londor questline. Dying with Dark Sigils increases your Hollowing level, up to a maximum of 99. Visually, this turns your character into a progressively more desiccated version of themselves. The core benefit, aside from the roleplaying aspect, lies in its synergy with Hollow-infused weapons.
Benefits of a Hollow Build
Hollow infusion offers several key advantages:
- Luck Scaling: Unlike other infusions, Hollow infusion adds damage scaling based on the Luck stat. This means that the higher your Luck, the more damage your Hollow-infused weapon will do. This is critical for a build that focuses on item discovery.
- Luck Bonus: At +10 upgrade level and with 15 or more Hollowing, a Hollow-infused weapon grants a +5 Luck bonus. This bonus stacks if you wield two Hollow-infused weapons, giving you +10 Luck.
- Unique Build Potential: It opens up the possibility of builds that are highly effective at both combat and item discovery. The extra Luck enhances your chances of finding rare items, making farming for gear much more efficient.
Drawbacks to Consider
While Hollow infusion is beneficial, there are some downsides to consider:
- Reduced Base Damage: Hollow infusion slightly reduces the base damage of your weapon compared to other infusions or a raw weapon.
- Niche Application: It’s a very specific build. It requires investment in Luck, which might not suit all playstyles or be optimal for every boss encounter.
- Appearance Change: Hollowing alters your character’s appearance, which some players may find undesirable. However, the Untrue Dark Ring can mask this.
Building a Hollow Character
Stat Distribution
For a Hollow build, prioritize the following stats:
- Luck: This is your primary damage stat. Aim for 40+ Luck.
- Vitality: You will want to maximize your survivability.
- Endurance: Stamina is always important to allow you to attack, block and dodge!
- Vigor: Crucial for survivability, allowing you to take more hits.
- Strength/Dexterity: Meet the minimum requirements for your chosen weapon, as Hollow infusion does not change the scaling.
Recommended Weapons
Some weapons work exceptionally well with Hollow infusion:
- Anri’s Straight Sword: This weapon already scales primarily with Luck.
- Hollowslayer Greatsword: This weapon can be infused with a hollow gem and becomes even more potent.
- Warden Twinblades: Good for applying bleed with added luck.
Synergy with Items and Rings
Enhance your Hollow build with the following items:
- Symbol of Avarice: Increases item discovery but drains HP.
- Crystal Sage’s Rapier: Equipping this increases item discovery.
- Covetous Gold Serpent Ring: Boosts item discovery.
- Untrue Dark Ring: Masks the appearance of Hollowing.
Hollow Infusion: Is it Worth it?
Hollow infusion isn’t the most powerful or versatile infusion, but it does offer a unique and rewarding playstyle. Its effectiveness is directly tied to your investment in Luck and your willingness to embrace the Hollowing mechanic. If you are looking for a different experience or want to maximize your item discovery, a Hollow build is worth exploring. Embrace the undead, and good luck in your hunt for loot!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly does Hollowing do in Dark Souls 3?
Hollowing is a status in Dark Souls 3 caused by the Dark Sigil. Each death increases your Hollowing, altering your character’s appearance and providing a bonus to Luck when wielding Hollow-infused weapons. It caps at 99 and is primarily a cosmetic and build-enabling mechanic.
2. How do I get Hollowing?
You acquire Hollowing by obtaining the Dark Sigil through the NPC Yoel of Londor. Each time you die after receiving the Dark Sigil, your Hollowing stat increases.
3. What are the downsides of having high Hollowing?
The main downside is the altered appearance of your character, which can be masked with the Untrue Dark Ring. Gameplay-wise, there are no negative effects; in fact, it enables the Hollow weapon Luck bonus.
4. Can I reverse or cure Hollowing?
Yes, you can temporarily reverse Hollowing with a Purging Stone or by paying souls to the Statue of Velka. To permanently cure Hollowing, you must give the Fire Keeper Soul to the Fire Keeper and ask her to heal your Dark Sigil. However, curing the Dark Sigil will lock you out of the Usurpation of Fire ending.
5. How does Hollow infusion affect my weapon’s scaling?
Hollow infusion reduces the base damage of the weapon slightly, doesn’t change the weapon’s natural scaling, and adds damage that scales with the Luck stat.
6. What weapons are best for Hollow infusion?
Weapons that work well with Hollow infusion include Anri’s Straight Sword, as it already scales with Luck, and weapons you want to use for Bleed since luck increases the bleed build up.
7. How much Luck should I have for a Hollow build?
Aim for at least 40 Luck for a Hollow build. You can go higher, but diminishing returns kick in after a certain point. Consider other stats like Vigor and Endurance for survivability.
8. Does the Luck bonus from Hollow weapons stack?
Yes, the +5 Luck bonus from Hollow-infused weapons at +10 upgrade level stacks if you wield two Hollow weapons, giving you +10 Luck.
9. What rings should I use with a Hollow build?
Recommended rings include the Covetous Gold Serpent Ring for item discovery, the Untrue Dark Ring to hide Hollowing, and rings that boost your damage output or survivability, such as the Havel’s Ring or Ring of Favor.
10. Is Hollow infusion viable for PvP?
Hollow infusion can be viable in PvP, but it’s more of a niche build. You need to optimize your stats and weapon choice to make it effective. It’s best suited for players who enjoy unconventional playstyles.
11. Does item discovery increase with Hollowing?
Hollowing itself does not directly increase item discovery. However, the increased Luck from wielding Hollow weapons can indirectly boost your item discovery rate.
12. Can I respec my stats to create a Hollow build?
Yes, you can respec your stats by giving a Pale Tongue to Rosaria in the Cathedral of the Deep. This allows you to redistribute your stats and create a Hollow build if you initially invested in other stats.
13. How does Hollow infusion compare to other infusions?
Hollow infusion is unique because of its Luck scaling and the Luck bonus it provides. Other infusions may offer higher base damage or scaling with different stats, but none offer the unique synergy with Hollowing. It really depends on the build.
14. What is the best way to farm items with a Hollow build?
Equip Hollow-infused weapons, the Symbol of Avarice, and the Covetous Gold Serpent Ring to maximize your item discovery. Also, consider using the Crystal Sage’s Rapier in your off-hand for an additional boost.
15. How does Hollowing tie into the lore of Dark Souls 3?
Hollowing is a significant theme in Dark Souls 3, representing the decay and decline of the world. Characters become Hollow as they lose their purpose or are unable to fulfill their duties. Embracing Hollowing and Hollow infusion aligns your character with this theme, offering a unique roleplaying experience.
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