Welcome to the ultimate guide for mastering PvP combat in Dark Souls 3! Whether you’re a seasoned warrior looking to sharpen your skills or a newbie eager to dive into the thrill of player-versus-player battles, this comprehensive guide has got you covered. We’ll break down the essentials, including Understanding PvP mechanics, providing top-notch PvP Tips, crafting unbeatable PvP Builds, navigating Different PvP Scenarios, and dominating Duels with expert Duel Tips. Get ready to conquer your foes and become a legend in Lothric with our in-depth Dark Souls 3: PvP Combat Guide!

Understanding PvP#

Player versus Player (PvP) combat in Dark Souls 3 can be both exhilarating and frustrating. Whether you love dueling with other players or hate getting invaded, having a good grasp of how PvP works is crucial. Here’s a breakdown to help you get started.

Getting Invaded#

One of the most nerve-wracking parts of Dark Souls 3 is getting invaded by another player. This happens when you’re in “Embered” form, which usually grants more health but also opens you up to others entering your game to fight. Invaders will appear as red phantoms, and their goal is simple: take you down.

Tips for dealing with invaders#

• Stay Calm: Freaking out won’t help. Take a deep breath and assess the situation.
• Use the Environment: Traps and enemies can work in your favor. Lead invaders to mobs that can help you out.
• Summon Help: You can call in phantom players using soapstones to even the odds.

Invading Others#

If you’re feeling confident, you can turn the tables and invade other players. To invade, use a Cracked Red Eye Orb or get the permanent version from certain in-game covenants like the Rosaria’s Fingers or Aldrich Faithful.

Tips for invading#

• Surprise is Key: Catching opponents off guard can give you a big advantage.
• Know Your Build: Strength builds hit hard but are slower, while dexterity builds are faster but may do less damage.
• Mind Games: Sometimes, psychological tactics like running away temporarily or making your opponent think they have the upper hand can be beneficial.

Duels and Fight Clubs#

Not every PvP encounter is an all-out brawl. Dark Souls 3 has a strong community of players who organize duels or “fight clubs”. These usually happen in certain areas of the game, like near bonfires or cleared-out zones.

Understanding duel etiquette#

• Bow Before Fighting: It’s courteous and shows respect.
• No Healing: Most duels are no-heal zones to keep things fair.
• Equipment Balance: Avoid using overpowered gear or spells.

Gear and Builds#

Your success in PvP hinges a lot on how you build your character.

Recommended weapons and spells#

• Weapons: Katanas, spears, and ultra greatswords are popular due to their reach and damage.
• Spells: Sorceries like Soul Spear or Pyromancies like Chaos Bed Vestiges can deal massive damage but require precise timing.

Armor and rings#

• Light Armor: Good for dodgers and those who rely on speed.
• Heavy Armor: Better for tanky builds who can soak hits.
• Rings: Rings like the Ring of Favor or Havel’s Ring can give you that extra edge.

Essential Skills#

Beyond gear, here are some skills you’ll need to master:

• Timing: Learn when to attack, block, or dodge.
• Spacing: Keep the right distance to avoid getting punished.
• Parrying: High-risk but can turn the tide if you nail the timing.
• Stamina Management: Don’t exhaust yourself; always keep some stamina in reserve.

Covenants and Rewards#

Joining a covenant can change your PvP experience. Some focus more on invading while others are about protecting zones or players.

Popular PvP Covenants#

• Rosaria’s Fingers: Good for invaders who want to level up by collecting “tongues.”
• Aldrich Faithful: Focuses on defending Anor Londo and can summon others to help.

Final Thoughts#

PvP in Dark Souls 3 is a core part of the game’s experience. It can be tough, but with practice and strategic thinking, you can become a formidable opponent. Remember, every loss is a chance to learn, and every victory is a testament to your skill. So go out there, and may the embers of your enemies light your way.

Good luck, Ashen One!

PvP Tips#

Player-versus-Player (PvP) combat in Dark Souls 3 is where the game really tests your skills. Whether you’re defending your world or invading someone else’s, these tips will help you survive—and maybe even thrive—in the chaotic world of PvP.

1. Understand Your Builds#

First things first: know your character. Different builds have their strengths and weaknesses in PvP. Here’s a quick breakdown of some popular builds:

• Strength Builds: Heavy weapons and high damage. They can break through defenses quickly but are slower.
• Dexterity Builds: Faster weapons with quicker attack speed. They rely on agility and dexterity for their damage.
• Magic Builds: Strong ranged attacks but usually weaker in close combat. Managing your magic and FP (Focus Points) is key.
• Hybrid Builds: A mix of the above, offering versatility but often lacking in specialization.

2. Master Your Timing#

Timing is everything in PvP. Here’s what you need to focus on:

• Parrying: Mastering the parry is one of the most rewarding skills. With proper timing, you can deflect an opponent’s attack and follow up with a powerful riposte.
• Dodging: Learn to read your opponent’s moves and roll at the right moment to avoid damage.
• Attacking: Don’t spam attacks; it leaves you open. Wait for your moment and strike when the opponent is vulnerable.

3. Use the Environment#

The battleground itself can be your ally:

• Narrow Pathways: Luring opponents into tight spaces can limit their movement and make them easier to hit.
• High Ground: Play like Obi-Wan; having the high ground can sometimes give you an advantage, especially against melee builds.
• Obstacles: Use pillars, walls, and other structures to block or avoid magic and ranged attacks.

4. Adapt and Observe#

PvP is as much about psychology as it is about mechanics:

• Observe Your Opponent: Watch their behavior. Are they aggressive or defensive? Do they spam attacks or wait for openings? Adapt your strategy accordingly.
• Switch it Up: Don’t be predictable. Change your attack patterns and tactics to keep your opponent guessing.
• Know When to Retreat: Sometimes, backing off and regrouping is better than pressing the attack. Use healing items and re-evaluate your strategy.

5. Utilize Equipment and Items#

Gear and items can turn the tide of battle:

• Weapons and Shields: Choose the right tools for the job. A good shield can block attacks, and a heavy weapon can break through defense.
• Rings: Equip rings that boost your strengths or cover your weaknesses. Rings like the Silvercat Ring can reduce fall damage, giving you an edge in certain environments.
• Consumables: Don’t forget about consumables like Estus Flasks for healing and Green Blossoms for stamina recovery. Buffs like resins and bundles can also give your weapons elemental damage.

6. Know the Meta#

Understanding the current PvP meta can give you an edge:

• Popular Builds: Keep an eye on what others are using and tailor your strategy to counter these builds.
• Game Updates: Stay updated on patches and balance changes. Developers often tweak the game, affecting weapon performance and build effectiveness.

7. Practice Makes Perfect#

Finally, nothing beats practice:

• Train: Regularly play PvP matches to keep your skills sharp.
• Learn from Defeats: Every loss is a learning opportunity. Analyze what went wrong and how you can improve.
• Watch Others: Sometimes watching experienced players on Twitch or YouTube can provide insights and strategies you hadn’t considered.

By mastering these PvP tips, you’ll be better prepared for the intense encounters that define Dark Souls 3. Remember, every battle is different, and the best way to improve is to keep fighting and refining your approach. Good luck, Ashen One!

PvP Builds#

What is PvP?#

PvP (Player vs Player) in Dark Souls 3 is when you go up against other real players instead of just NPC enemies. It’s intense, unpredictable, and a great way to show off your skills and builds. Whether you’re invading other players’ worlds or defending your own, having a solid build is key.

Choosing the Right Build#

Your build is basically your character’s setup – the weapons, armor, spells, and stats you choose. Here are some popular PvP builds to get you started:

Strength Build#

Why go Strength?
Strength builds focus on wielding heavy weapons that deal massive damage. If you like the idea of flattening opponents with a huge greatsword or smashing them with a giant club, this is the build for you.

• Weapons:
  • Great Club: Huge, high damage, and great stagger potential.
  • Zweihander: Versatile, with a mix of thrust and horizontal attacks.
• Armor:
  • Havel’s Armor: For maximum poise and defense, but be mindful of weight.
  • Smough’s Armor: Also heavy, with terrific defense and poise.
• Rings:
  • Havel’s Ring: Increases maximum equip load to help with heavy armor.
  • Ring of Favor: Boost HP, stamina, and equip load.
• Tips:
  • Focus on leveling up Strength and Vitality.
  • Use your heavy weapons’ stagger to keep opponents off-balance.

Dexterity Build#

Why go Dexterity?
Dexterity (Dex) builds focus on fast, agile combat with lighter weapons. If you’re a fan of nimble dodging and quick attacks, this build is perfect.

• Weapons:
  • Sellsword Twinblades: Quick, deadly combos with good scaling.
  • Uchigatana: Excellent reach and bleed effect.
• Armor:
  • Brigand Armor: Light, allowing for maximum mobility.
  • Black Hand Armor: Stylish and functional, with great balance.
• Rings:
  • Chloranthy Ring: Boosts stamina recovery, vital for dodging and attacks.
  • Flynn’s Ring: Increases attack power for lower equip loads.
• Tips:
  • Level up Dexterity and Endurance to keep moving and attacking.
  • Focus on maintaining light or medium equip load for quick dodges.

Mage Build#

Why go Mage?
Mages excel at dealing damage from a distance using powerful spells. This build is for players who like to keep enemies at bay and bombard them with magic.

• Spells:
  • Great Soul Arrow: Reliable and consistent damage.
  • Crystal Soul Spear: High damage spell, but requires timing.
• Weapons:
  • Court Sorcerer’s Staff: Best for sorcery scaling.
  • Moonlight Greatsword: Offers both melee and magic attack.
• Armor:
  • Sorcerer Set: Keeps weight down and boosts some mage stats.
  • Cleric Set: Also light, allowing high mobility.
• Rings:
  • Young Dragon Ring: Boosts sorcery damage.
  • Bellowing Dragoncrest Ring: Further increases sorcery damage.
• Tips:
  • Prioritize Intelligence and Attunement stats.
  • Distance is key; keep your enemy away and cast spells wisely.

Quality Build#

Why go Quality?
Quality builds balance Strength and Dexterity, making them versatile and adaptable. They are great for players who want to switch between different weapon types seamlessly.

• Weapons:
  • Dark Sword: Excellent all-rounder with strong attacks.
  • Refined Astora Straight Sword: Balanced and effective.
• Armor:
  • Knight Armor: Good balance of weight and defense.
  • Eastern Armor: Lightweight with decent protection.
• Rings:
  • Ring of Favor: Increases HP, stamina, and equip load.
  • Knight’s Ring: Boosts your Strength.
• Tips:
  • Balance your level ups between Strength and Dexterity.
  • adaptability to different weapons can catch opponents off-guard.

Tips for All Builds#

• Know Your Enemy: Learn common PvP strategies and counters.
• Be Unpredictable: Mix up your attacks and dodges to keep opponents guessing.
• Upgrade Smartly: Upgrade your primary gear to the max and reinforce it with the right infusions.
• Practice: There’s no substitute for experience. The more you fight, the better you’ll get.

No matter the build you pick, the key to PvP success is mastering your chosen style and understanding how to counter others. Experiment, adapt, and most importantly, have fun! Happy dueling!

Different PvP Scenarios#

Dark Souls 3’s PvP (Player vs. Player) can be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or new to the game, understanding the different PvP scenarios is key to mastering combat. Let’s dive into the different types you might face:

1. Duelled Invaders#

When another player enters your world as an invader, they’re usually looking for a fight. This can happen if you’re Embered and hanging around certain areas. These duels are often one-on-one, and while invaders can be tricky, these battles are usually more honorable. They’ll bow before the fight and refrain from using healing items.

Tips For Duelled Invaders#

• Stay Calm: Invaders are tough, but keep your cool.
• Adapt: Be ready to dodge and counter different weapons and spells.
• Watch Your Back: Some duelists will go for cheeky backstabs.

2. Gank Squads#

Few things are as stressful as running into a gank squad. These are groups of 2 or more players hunting together. They usually gank (ambush) you, giving you little room to breathe.

Tips For Handling Gank Squads#

• Use The Environment: Lead them into tight spaces where they can’t surround you.
• Divide And Conquer: Try to separate them and take them down one by one.
• Be Unpredictable: Change your tactics frequently to confuse them.

3. Fight Clubs#

Fight Clubs are organized areas where players gather to duel one-on-one in a somewhat controlled environment. They’re usually found in popular PvP hotspots like the Pontiff Sulyvahn bonfire area. Organizers often expect good behavior, no healing, and no ganging up on single fighters unless it’s a special round.

Tips For Fight Clubs#

• Respect the Rules: Honor the unwritten rules of Fight Clubs.
• Patience: Wait for your turn to fight.
• Observe Others: Watch others fight to understand common tactics.

4. Arena Battles#

The Undead Match in the arena lets you engage in more structured PvP combat. There are different modes: 1v1, 2v2, and even 4-player free-for-alls. It’s a great way to hone your skills in various combat scenarios.

Tips For Arena Battles#

• Learn Each Mode’s Rules: Each mode functions a bit differently. Learn the rules to optimize your strategy.
• Power Management: Be mindful of your stamina and FP (Focus Points) usage.
• Teamwork: In 2v2, coordinate with your partner for effective combat.

5. World Invasions#

As an invader in someone else’s world, you’ll often enter a larger, sometimes already chaotic scene. The host might have Phantoms (friendly players) helping them.

Tips For World Invasions#

• Surprise Elements: Use the environment to ambush or sneakily approach.
• Hit And Run: Don’t engage a full group head-on. Hit, then retreat.
• Target The Weak: Focus on the weaker players to tilt the balance in your favor.

Crucial PvP Strategies#

• Rolling Wisely: Master the i-frames (invincibility frames) to dodge attacks.
• Weapon Switching: Adapt your weapon choice based on the scenario.
• Stay On The Move: A moving target is harder to hit.

Mastering different PvP scenarios in Dark Souls 3 holds endless challenges and rewards. Remember, it’s about learning and adapting. Get out there, practice, and embrace the thrilling chaos of PvP combat!

PvP Duel Tips#

Dueling in Dark Souls 3 can feel like both an art and a chaotic dance. Whether you’re looking to defend your honor or just want to test your skills against other players, these tips can help you come out on top.

1. Know Your Role#

First things first: What kind of fighter are you? Are you a nimble assassin with a dagger, a sturdy knight with a greatsword, or a sorcerer slinging spells from a distance? Understanding your playstyle and sticking to it is crucial. If you’re still experimenting, spend some time in PvE to figure out which weapons and abilities feel right for you.

2. Gear Up Wisely#

PvP isn’t just about skill; it’s also about gear. Here are some quick tips on what to bring to a duel:

• Weapons: Choose something versatile. Straight swords and katanas are popular for their balance of speed and damage.
• Armor: Go for a mix of protection and mobility. Heavier armor gives you more toughness but can slow you down.
• Rings: Rings like the Chloranthy Ring (for stamina recovery) and the Ring of Favor (for HP, stamina, and equip load) are almost always a good choice.
• Items: Stock up on Estus, but remember that not every duel allows healing.

3. Stamina Management#

Running out of stamina leaves you open to attacks, so manage it carefully. Watch your stamina bar and don’t let it drop too low. Always keep a little in reserve for that crucial roll or block.

• Pro Tip: Use the grass crest shield or chloranthy ring to boost your stamina recovery rate.

4. Timing#

Patience is key. Don’t just spam attacks hoping to land a hit. Watch your opponent and learn their patterns. Time your strikes to hit when they’re most vulnerable, like after they’ve missed an attack or while they’re recovering from a heavy swing.

5. Roll, Don’t Run#

Rolling is your best friend. It’s faster and more unpredictable than running. Mastering the art of the roll can help you dodge attacks, close the distance, and get behind your enemy for a critical hit.

• Pro Tip: Practice “i-frames” (invincibility frames) in PvE first. This is the short period during a roll where you can’t be hit.

6. Mind Games#

Dark Souls 3 duels are as much about psychology as combat. Faking out your opponent by pretending to attack, then rolling away, can cause them to make mistakes. Sometimes, just changing up your rhythm can catch them off guard.

7. Parrying and Guarding#

If you’re feeling confident, try parrying. It can break an opponent’s attack and leave them open to a devastating riposte. It’s risky but rewarding. On the flip side, don’t forget you can block. Shields can absorb damage and give you a moment to breathe, but don’t rely on them too much, as heavy attacks can break your guard.

8. Healing Etiquette#

Healing in duels is usually frowned upon, considered bad sportsmanship by many in the community. Use your Estus sparingly, and if your opponent is clearly not healing, it might be better to fight fair.

9. Learn from Every Battle#

Win or lose, every duel is a learning experience. Pay attention to what worked and what didn’t. Watch other players and learn from their techniques. The more you practice, the better you’ll get.

10. Respect the Arena#

Whether you’re dueling in official arenas or in the wild, respecting your opponent is crucial. Bowing before a duel and after can show good sportsmanship and might even earn you a few friends, or at least fewer trolls.

With these tips, you’ll be better prepared for the intense world of Dark Souls 3 PvP duels. Remember, each fight is a new opportunity to improve. Stay calm, stay alert, and may you always find your mark.