Conquer Lothric Together: A Comprehensive Guide to Dark Souls 3 Multiplayer
You can plunge into the world of Dark Souls 3 multiplayer as soon as you reach Firelink Shrine and purchase the White Sign Soapstone from the Shrine Handmaid for 500 Souls. This simple item is your key to both summoning allies and being summoned into other players’ worlds for jolly cooperation. FromSoftware has reactivated the online servers, so the lands of Lothric are once again teeming with both helpful phantoms and menacing invaders. So grab your weapon, prepare to die, and get ready to experience Dark Souls 3 with friends – or strangers!
Diving into Dark Souls 3 Co-op
Dark Souls 3 offers a robust multiplayer system that allows players to experience the game together. Whether you want to tackle challenging bosses with a friend or test your skills in player-versus-player combat, Dark Souls 3 provides the tools to do so. Let’s explore the intricacies of co-op and how you can maximize your multiplayer experience.
The White Sign Soapstone: Your Ticket to Co-op
As mentioned earlier, the White Sign Soapstone is the essential item for participating in co-op. Once you have it, you can place your summon sign in various locations throughout the game world. Other players who are Embered (the equivalent of being “human” in previous Dark Souls games) will be able to see your sign and summon you into their world to assist them.
Placement is key. Bonfires are popular spots, as are areas immediately before boss fights. Consider your level and the area you’re in. Higher-level players are less likely to be summoned in early areas. Remember, cooperation is a two-way street, so be ready to answer the call to arms!
Embered: The Key to Summoning
To summon other players, you must be Embered. This state is achieved by consuming an Ember, a consumable item found throughout the game or awarded after defeating bosses. Being Embered not only allows you to summon phantoms but also grants a temporary boost to your maximum health. However, it also makes you vulnerable to invasions from other players. This risk-reward mechanic is a core element of the Dark Souls experience.
You automatically become Embered after defeating a boss, but be warned: this effect is temporary. So, if you want to continue summoning help, you’ll need to keep a stock of Embers handy.
Password Matching: Playing with Friends
Want to ensure you only play with specific friends? Password Matching is the answer. By setting a password in the Network settings menu, you’ll only see summon signs from other players who have the same password. This allows for easy and reliable co-op sessions without the interference of random players. This is particularly useful when dealing with level differences, as it bypasses some of the usual summoning restrictions.
Level and Weapon Matchmaking
Dark Souls 3 utilizes a matchmaking system based on both your level and your weapon upgrade level. This ensures that you’re paired with players of similar strength and experience. While Password Matching can bypass some of these restrictions, it’s still important to be aware of them when playing with friends who may be at different stages of the game.
To effectively co-op with friends of varying levels, consider using a character specifically tailored for the intended area. This will minimize any disparities in damage output and survivability.
Understanding Covenants in Multiplayer
Covenants play a significant role in the multiplayer experience. Some covenants, like the Way of Blue, provide automatic assistance when you are invaded. Others, like the Watchdogs of Farron, automatically summon you to defend specific areas from other players. Joining a covenant can significantly impact your multiplayer interactions, adding layers of complexity and excitement to your journey.
The Games Learning Society studies the impact of these dynamics in video games and how they affect user engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are Dark Souls 3 servers still active?
Yes! FromSoftware has reactivated the online servers for Dark Souls 3 on Windows PC. They are also working to restore online functionality to all other Dark Souls titles. This means you can once again engage in co-op and PvP with players around the world.
2. Why can’t I see summon signs in Dark Souls 3?
There are several reasons why you might not be seeing summon signs:
- You are not Embered: You need to be in Embered form to see summon signs.
- The area boss is dead: If you’ve already defeated the boss of an area, summon signs will not appear (except for PvP signs).
- Your Summon Sign Visibility is restricted: Make sure this setting is set to “Unrestricted” in the Network options menu.
- Connection issues: Check your internet connection and ensure that you are properly connected to the Dark Souls 3 servers.
- Level range: You may be outside the level range of other players in the area.
3. How do I become Embered in Dark Souls 3?
You can become Embered by:
- Using an Ember consumable.
- Defeating a boss.
- Successfully assisting another player as a summoned phantom.
4. How do I use the White Sign Soapstone?
Simply equip the White Sign Soapstone to your item bar, select it, and use it in an area where summoning is allowed. Your character will kneel and place a summon sign on the ground. Other players who are Embered will be able to see and interact with your sign.
5. Can I summon NPCs for boss fights in Dark Souls 3?
Yes, NPC summons are available for certain boss fights. Their summon signs will appear near the boss fog gate. You don’t need to be Embered to see NPC summon signs.
6. How does password matching work in Dark Souls 3?
To use password matching, go to the Network settings in the options menu and enter a password. Only players who have the same password set will be able to see your summon signs.
7. What are the level restrictions for summoning in Dark Souls 3?
The level range for summoning is approximately +/- 10% of your level +/- 10. A character at level 50 can summon and be summoned by players between levels 35 and 65. However, Password Matching bypasses these level restrictions to a large degree.
8. What is the dried finger for?
The Dried Finger allows you to summon more phantoms into your world and makes you a higher priority target for invaders. It also resets the invasion timer, allowing for more frequent invasions.
9. Can I get banned in Dark Souls 3?
Yes, you can get banned for cheating, hacking, or using exploits. Banned players are separated from the general player base, meaning they can only play with other banned players.
10. Does it matter if a summoned NPC dies during a boss fight?
No, it doesn’t matter if a summoned NPC dies during a boss fight. You can still attempt the fight again, and the NPC’s summon sign will reappear. However, killing the NPC outright will make you unable to summon them at all for any fight.
11. Why can’t my friend summon me in Dark Souls 3?
Possible reasons include:
- Different passwords: Ensure you both have the same password set in the Network settings.
- Level difference: While password matching reduces the impact, extreme level differences can still cause issues.
- Area boss is dead: If the area boss is already dead, summon signs will not appear.
- Connection problems: Check both your internet connections.
12. What happens when an Elden Ring player tries Dark Souls 3 for the first time?
Expect a familiar yet different experience. While both games share a similar core gameplay loop, Dark Souls 3 is more linear than Elden Ring and has a faster, more aggressive combat system. The level design is also tighter and more intricate.
13. How do I activate summons in DS3?
If you want to be summoned, use the White Sign Soapstone to place your summon sign. If you want to summon, look for summon signs (glowing white or gold symbols on the ground) and interact with them.
14. Is DS3 multiplayer back?
Yes! Dark Souls 3’s multiplayer is officially back online.
15. How active is DS3 in 2023?
Dark Souls 3 maintains a healthy player base. Check current statistics on Steam and other platforms to see the current number of active players.
Embracing the Dark Souls 3 Multiplayer Experience
The multiplayer component of Dark Souls 3 adds a unique layer of depth and replayability to an already fantastic game. Whether you’re seeking assistance with a challenging boss, looking to test your PvP skills, or simply want to explore the world of Lothric with friends, the game offers something for everyone. So, grab your White Sign Soapstone, prepare for some challenging encounters, and embrace the spirit of jolly cooperation! For more on the intersection of gaming and learning, be sure to check out GamesLearningSociety.org.
Playing and learning games is an interesting experience. Keep venturing in the Dark Souls 3 world and good luck!