Quick Links

  • Focus On Speed Over Damage
  • Stamina And Dexterity Should Take Priority
  • Keep Invaders On Their Toes
  • Heal At Your Own Risk
  • Poise Will Give You An Edge

As if Dark Souls 3 isn't hard enough just trying to fight the monsters FromSoftware throw at you, you'll also have to deal with invaders invading your game and hunting you down. These attackers appear in-game as similar looking to the player character, except shrouded in a red aura, and they are either a scripted part of the game or actual players seeking a fight.

Unlike other encounters, you know that human Dark Souls opponents are more tenacious and skilled than the AI thanks to the knowledge they will have gained in their own playthrough. However, it is important to remember that this is simply another challenge you'll have to deal with in an already challenging game and as such, there are ways to prepare for the duels ahead.

Focus On Speed Over Damage

Invader using backstep in Dark Souls 3

Like in any RPG, you'll gain access to a huge number of impressive pieces of gear during your playthrough. This includes expensive and intimidating armor sets and weapons that are the size of trees. The thing about the Dark Souls series is that being heavy is typically a death sentence especially when it comes to PVP.

It won't matter that you can tank a few of hits if you can't even move fast enough to counterattack and take down your enemy. As such, it makes more sense to build your character to be mobile, as hit-and-run tactics prove much more effective at keeping you alive in the long run.

Stamina And Dexterity Should Take Priority

Invader using a finisher in Dark Souls 3

The leveling up system in the Dark Souls series can take some getting used to and doesn't always feel instantly gratifying. As you slay enemies and bosses, you'll gather souls which act as currency that you can spend at rest points to raise certain stats. This will gradually raise your level and stat boosts will become more and more expensive. It might take a few levels a while before you see the benefit of investing in a stat, but keep with it.

For duels and PVP, you should put a majority of these points towards Stamina and Dexterity. The former will allow you to run, roll, and hit more before getting tired, and the latter will make your movement and rolling much faster and more fluid.

Keep Invaders On Their Toes

Invader using pierce in Dark Souls 3

When fighting invaders, you need to remember that these aren't AI enemies, they are player characters who can behave unpredictably. Some players will fight more cautiously and pick moments to strike, while others will simply keep rushing you without any consideration for their own safety.

No matter what they decide to do, it's in your best interest to keep them moving. Whether this means casting weak spells at them or throwing items, you need to force opponents to stay on their guard so that they can't regain composure.

Heal At Your Own Risk

Invader posing in Dark Souls 3

One of the most dangerous times in Dark Souls 3 is whenever you have to heal. Your main form of healing is by drinking from your trusty Estus Flask, which not only requires you to stand in place but also has an animation that feels like it takes forever in the midst of combat. In PVP, both you and your opponents will have the ability to heal, but you shouldn't do it unless you must, and you're somewhere safe.

Invaders will always look for an opportunity to strike so don't heal haphazardly. On the other hand, keep an eye on your opponent if they try to hide or create distance between the two of you as this means they may be trying to heal themselves.

Poise Will Give You An Edge

Invader Mod Fighting A Huge Warrior

The character page of Dark Souls 3 can look pretty intimidating with all the different stats, resistances, and countless numbers. Some of them are pretty self-explanatory, but others are more unclear. This includes the unique stat known as Poise which is primarily affected by armor and accessories. Poise determines how prone you are to being staggered and knocked around by attacks.

The higher this stat is, the more you're able to ignore the impact of attacks and keep your rhythm going. In PVP, Poise can be extremely helpful in resisting an opponent's attacks so that you can continue your assault without fear of interruption.

NEXT: Dark Souls 3: Stat Soft Caps, Explained