Dark Souls 2: Co-op and Multiplayer Guide

Dark Souls 2: Co-op and Multiplayer Guide#

Multiplayer Basics#

Dark Souls 2 is an incredibly challenging game, but it doesn’t have to be a solo journey. You can dive into the multiplayer aspect to make things a bit smoother (or tougher, depending on your luck). Here’s everything you need to know to get started with multiplayer in Dark Souls 2:

Summoning and Being Summoned#

In Dark Souls 2, you can either summon other players to help you out or be summoned into another player’s world. To do this, you’ll need access to some key items and understand a few mechanics.

1. Human Effigies#

To summon others or be summoned, you need to be in human form. Use a Human Effigy to switch from hollow to human. These items are scattered throughout the game and can also be purchased from certain NPCs.

2. Summon Signs#

Players use a White Sign Soapstone to place their summon signs on the ground. Interact with these marks to bring other players into your world. An NPC named Merchant Hag Melentia sells the White Sign Soapstone early in the game at the Forest of Fallen Giants.

Co-op Play#

3. White Phantom#

When you summon a player with a white summon sign, they appear as a White Phantom. Their goal is to help you progress and defeat bosses. If they die or if the boss is defeated, they return to their own game.

4. Small White Sign Soapstone#

This item places a small summon sign, calling another player for a shorter duration but typically with fewer requirements. It’s great for a quick bit of co-op action.

PvP (Player vs. Player)#

Not all multiplayer interactions are friendly. Dark Souls 2 is known for its intense PvP battles, where other players invade your game to fight.

5. Invasions#

Invasions are essentially players entering your world with the intent to kill you. To invade, players use a Cracked Red Eye Orb. If you are invaded, your game will notify you, and you’ll see the invader’s name.

6. Blue Sentinels and Guardians#

These players can be summoned into your world to help repel invaders. If you’re invaded and a Sentinel has put down a summon sign, they might come to assist you.

Covenants#

Covenants are a big part of the multiplayer experience in Dark Souls 2. These factions can change how you interact with other players.

7. Heirs of the Sun#

Joining this covenant makes it easier to find and summon players who want to help beat bosses. You gain Sunlight Medals for helping other players, which you can use to rank up in the covenant.

8. Brotherhood of Blood#

Focused on PvP, this covenant encourages invasions and player duels. You can earn points by defeating other players, which enhance your standing in the Brotherhood.

Multiplayer Etiquette#

Playing multiplayer involves some unspoken rules that make the experience more enjoyable for everyone involved.

9. Bowing#

When someone summons you, it’s polite to bow as a greeting. Likewise, after a successful co-op or PvP session, bowing can signify respect.

10. Don’t Heal Spam#

In PvP, constantly healing can make fights drag on unnecessarily. Fight fairly, and it will be more fun for both parties involved.

Changing Regions and Cross-Platform Play#

Dark Souls 2 supports various regions, and sometimes adjusting these can help find more players to play with.

11. Global Server Settings#

This game doesn’t support cross-platform play, so if you and a friend are on different consoles, you won’t be able to play together. However, changing your in-game settings to Worldwide can help connect with more players globally if you’re having trouble finding local players.

Master these basics and you’ll be well on your way to making allies or battling foes in Dark Souls 2’s multiplayer world. Good luck, and may the flame guide you!

Multiplayer Features#

Alright, adventurers, ready to jump into the haunting yet thrilling world of Dark Souls 2 with some friends (or frenemies)? The multiplayer system in this game is packed with features that make the journey even more exciting. Let’s break down how you can enjoy the game with (or against) others!

1. Summoning and Being Summoned**#

One of the most popular aspects of Dark Souls 2 multiplayer is summoning and being summoned. It’s a great way to get help or give help to others. Here’s how it works:

White Sign Soapstone: Leave your summon sign on the ground, and other players can summon you into their world to assist them.
Small White Sign Soapstone: Works similarly but for shorter durations and smaller rewards.

When someone summons you, you’ll appear in their game as a phantom. Your job is to help them defeat enemies and bosses. It’s a win-win situation because you’ll get souls and potentially some cool items!

2. Invasions**#

Feeling a bit mischievous? You can invade other players’ worlds, bringing the fight to them. Here’s how you can dive into your dark side:

Cracked Red Eye Orb: Use this item to invade another player’s world.
Blue and Red Covenants: Joining certain covenants makes you more likely to be invaded or to invade others.

When you invade, your goal is to take down the host player. If you succeed, you’ll earn a chunk of their souls.

3. Covenants**#

Covenants in Dark Souls 2 are like clubs or factions you can join to get specific benefits, often related to multiplayer. Here are a few:

Way of Blue: Protects you from invasions by summoning blue phantoms to defend you.
Blue Sentinels: These players are protectors of the Way of Blue. They get called in to help players under invasion.
Heirs of the Sun: Focuses on co-op gameplay. Members are rewarded for helping others in their worlds.
Bell Keepers: Guard the Bell Towers and get summoned to repel trespassers.
Rat King: Allows you to lure other players into your traps in special areas.

Each covenant has unique perks and changes how you interact with other players. Choose wisely!

4. Messages**#

Ever seen those orange glowing messages on the ground? They’re player-created tips! You can leave messages using the Orange Guidance Soapstone to assist (or deceive) others. Some popular message types include:

Warnings: Alert players about ambushes or traps.
Hints: Share hints about secrets or hidden paths.
Trolling: Sometimes people leave cryptic or misleading messages just for laughs. Always double-check!

5. Bloodstains and Ghosts**#

While not directly interactive, bloodstains and ghosts add a unique flavor to the multiplayer experience:

Bloodstains: When you see a bloodstain on the ground, you can touch it to see the final moments of another player’s death. This can give you insight into potential dangers ahead.
Ghosts: Occasionally, you’ll see the faint outlines of other players moving around. These “ghosts” are real-time indicators of other people playing the game.

6. PvP Arenas**#

If you’re into structured PvP, the game offers arenas where you can face off against other players in organized fights. Win your matches to climb the leaderboards and earn rewards!

Tips for a Smooth Multiplayer Experience#

Stay Human: To summon or be invaded, you need to be in human form. Use a Human Effigy to do this.
Soul Level and Soul Memory: Your ability to interact with other players is influenced by your Soul Level and how many souls you’ve collected. The game tries to match you with others within a similar range.
Stock Up on Items: Keep plenty of healing items and multiplayer items on hand. You never know when you might need them!

Dark Souls 2’s multiplayer features add layers of intrigue, challenge, and fun to the game. Whether you’re teaming up with friends for co-op or dodging invaders, online interactions make each playthrough unique. So get out there, link those fires, and master the art of multiplayer mayhem!

Co-op Play Tips#

Playing Dark Souls 2 solo can be a tough grind, but co-op can make the journey more fun and manageable. Whether you’re summoning friends or random allies, here are some tips to make the most out of co-op play.

1. Know When to Summon and Be Summoned#

Timing is everything. Summons work best just before tough boss fights or in areas swarming with enemies. Weathering these dangers together increases your chances of success. To summon help or be summoned, you’ll need to be human and have your White Sign Soapstone ready. Make sure you’re in an area where summoning is allowed (usually you’ll see other summon signs around).

2. Communication is Key#

If you’re playing with friends, set up a voice chat. Dark Souls 2 has no in-game voice chat, so using Discord, Xbox Live, or PlayStation Network to talk can make things smoother. Coordinate your strategies, call out dangers, and coordinate healing and buffs.

3. Watch Your Soul Memory#

Soul Memory is the total number of souls you’ve collected, regardless of whether you spent them or lost them. It affects who you can summon or be summoned by. If your Soul Memory is too high or too low compared to others in the area, you might not be able to team up. Try to stay in sync with your friends if you plan to play together often.

4. Be Aware of Limited Resources#

Human Effigies are crucial for co-op play, as you need to be human to summon players. Use them wisely! Don’t burn through them carelessly. Reserve your Effigies for particularly tough sections or bosses.

5. Take Turn with Bosses#

If you’re playing with friends, take turns fighting bosses. If Player A summons Player B and Player C, after defeating the boss, Player B should summon Players A and C for the next try. This way, everyone gets a chance to progress without running out of Effigies too quickly.

6. Study Enemy Patterns#

Understanding enemy patterns benefits the whole team. Share info about what you’ve learned (e.g., vulnerabilities, attack patterns). Helping your allies dodge attacks or coordinate strikes can turn a chaotic fight into a well-oiled machine.

7. Balance Your Builds#

Diversify your builds to cover more ground. If one player is a tank, another could focus on magic or archery. Mix offensive and defensive skills. For bosses with elemental weaknesses, having a spellcaster can be a huge advantage, while a tank can keep the boss’s attention.

8. Use the Environment to Your Advantage#

Look for natural cover, interactable elements, and environmental hazards. Lead enemies into traps or bottleneck points where your team can handle them more efficiently. Always be on the lookout for shortcuts or strategic points to regroup.

9. Praise the Sun#

When you have some downtime, use gestures to boost morale and keep the fun alive. “Praise the Sun” and other joyful emotes can make the tense moments feel rewarding and keep spirits high.

10. Don’t Be Greedy#

Patience often wins out over greed. When engaging bosses or tough enemies, prioritize survivability over damage. Manage your stamina wisely, avoid over-committing to attacks, and be ready to dodge or block incoming hits.

11. Learn from Defeats#

Dying is a part of Dark Souls. Treat every failure as a learning opportunity. Discuss what went wrong and plan your next move together. Adjust strategies based on what you’ve learned and keep trying.

12. Return the Favor#

Once you’ve made good progress, don’t forget to help others who might still be struggling. Being summoned as a white phantom not only benefits them, but it also gives you useful practice and additional souls to collect.

By following these tips, you’ll be a formidable team player in no time, ready to tackle the challenges of Drangleic together. Remember, co-op in Dark Souls 2 is about collaboration, smart play, and sometimes just having a good laugh in the face of overwhelming odds. Happy summoning, and may the sun guide your way!

Dealing With PvP#

PvP in Dark Souls 2 can be seriously intense. You’re exploring Drangleic, feeling pretty good about your progress, and suddenly – boom – some stranger invades your world, ready to take you down. But don’t worry, we’ve got the tips you need to survive these encounters and maybe even become a PvP champion!

Understanding Invasions#

Invasions happen when another player enters your game world with the intent of defeating you. This usually kicks off when you’re “human” (as opposed to Hollowed) and can happen almost anywhere. Knowing when you’re vulnerable to an invasion is a huge part of being ready.

Human Form: You risk invasion primarily when you’re in human form.
Areas and Activation: Certain areas are more PvP-heavy, and some enemies can even summon invaders.

Recognize the Signs#

Red Phantom: If you see a red phantom, that’s another player who wants to fight.
PvP Covenants: Watch for players that are part of PvP covenants like the Blue Sentinels, Brotherhood of Blood, and Rat King Covenant.

Preparing for Battle#

Preparation is half the battle. Here’s what you need to know:

Gear Up#

Armor and Weapons: Use gear you’re comfortable with but also consider versatility. Some opponents might exploit your weaknesses.
Rings: Rings like the Ring of Thorns or the Ring of Steel Protection can give you an edge in PvP.
Consumables: Stock up on healing items like Lifegems or Estus Flasks. Make sure you have some repair powder, poison moss, and other useful items, too.

Stat Management#

Adaptability: A higher Adaptability stat improves your roll and makes it easier to dodge attacks.
Endurance and Stamina: Ensure you have enough stamina to dodge and counterattack.

Tactics and Strategies#

Every encounter is different, but here are some universal tactics:

Keep Moving#

Dodge Rolling: Mastering the dodge roll is crucial. Roll towards enemies to dodge attacks better.
Stay Mobile: Running in unpredictable patterns can make it harder for invaders to land hits.

Element of Surprise#

Ambush Spots: All maps have hidden areas or blind corners. Use these to your advantage.
Terrain: Utilize the environment. Lead invaders to narrow paths or environmental hazards.

Mind Games and Tricks#

Feign Retreat: Pretend to flee, then turn and attack when the invader drops their guard.
Magic and Ranged Attacks: Keep them guessing. Mixing up melee with magic or ranged weapons can confuse your opponent.

Covenants and Allies#

Not all covenants are about fighting other players:

Blue Sentinel Covenant: These players can come to your aid when you’re invaded.
Way of the Blue: Join this covenant for protection against invaders.

Post-Invasion Actions#

Take Notes: Win or lose, take mental notes about what worked and what didn’t. Learn from each encounter.
Message System: Leave messages for other players about places where invasions are common or strategies that worked for you.

Conclusion#

PvP in Dark Souls 2 adds a layer of unpredictable excitement to the game. With this guide, you now have the tools to face invaders head-on and survive. Gear up, stay alert, and may your humanities always be restored!

Good luck out there, Ashen One!

Talking to Players in Dark Souls 2#

One of the most exciting parts of Dark Souls 2 is connecting with other players. Whether you’re looking for help with a tough boss or just some company on your journey, here’s how you can communicate with others in this grim world.

Messaging System#

Unlike many other games, Dark Souls 2 features a unique messaging system that keeps everyone in the game immersed in its dark fantasy setting. You can leave messages on the ground for other players using a Soapstone. Here’s how:

Obtain an Orange Guidance Soapstone: You can buy one from Melentia, the old lady merchant in Majula.
Leaving Messages: Navigate your items to select the soapstone and use it. You’ll be able to construct a message from a predetermined list of phrases.
Reading Messages: Keep an eye out for orange glowing notes on the ground. These are messages left by other players. They can be warnings, tips, or just funny comments.

Remember, messages can also be rated. Highly rated messages are likely more useful, so pay attention to these!

Summon Signs#

Dark Souls 2 encourages cooperation through summon signs. Summon signs are your gateway to bringing other players into your world or entering another’s. Here’s the lowdown:

White Sign Soapstone: Use this to leave a summon sign, inviting other players to summon you to help them.
Small White Sign Soapstone: This is a shorter-term version for quick cooperative play. It doesn’t last as long.
Summoning Others: Look for white/gold signs on the ground. Interact with them to bring another player into your game. Note that summoning is restricted by Soul Memory (the total number of souls you’ve collected) to ensure balanced gameplay.

PvP and Invaders#

Multiplayer in Dark Souls 2 isn’t just about cooperation; there’s also a competitive edge. Here are some ways you can interact with other players in more antagonistic ways:

Red Soapstone: Want to challenge someone? Leave a red summon sign with the Red Sign Soapstone to invite players who dare to duel you.
Cracked Red Eye Orbs: Use these to invade another player’s world. Your goal is to hunt them down.
Bell Keeper & Blue Sentinel Covenants: Joining certain covenants will automatically set you up to invade or defend other players in specific areas.

Voice Chat and Gestures#

Finally, while Dark Souls 2 doesn’t support voice chat natively to maintain its atmosphere, you can still use gestures to communicate non-verbally:

Gestures: You can access gestures from the menu. There are a variety of them, from waving to bowing to even lying down.
PSN/Xbox Live/Steam Chat: If you need more direct communication, consider using the respective platform’s voice chat or messaging systems to talk to friends.

Remember - the beauty of Dark Souls 2 is in its subtle communication tools, which help keep the mystique and challenge intact. Always keep an eye out for those orange hints and white/gold summon signs, and don’t be afraid to leave a few notes behind yourself. Happy adventuring, fellow Undead!