Dark Souls 2 PvP guide

Dark Souls 2 invasions can be very annoying, but are also a lot fun and absolutely ooze with tension. Unlike in PvE, however, you can’t always predict what’s coming when playing against another human player. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide to help you vanquish those phantoms and let you get on with your quest!

SPOILER ALERT: This article contains some minor spoilers for parts of the game up to and including The Lost Bastille and Belfry Luna.


If you play with your console offline, this won’t concern you all that much, but you should be aware that Dark Souls 2 player invasions are an experience in the game that shouldn’t be missed. It may be that so far you’ve been cruising through the game without having to deal with any invasions at all, but one of the Dark Souls 2 locations that will see you getting invaded for certain is Belfry Luna: the home of the Belfry Gargoyles boss stage. As you enter Belfry Luna, which is located in the room below the Servant’s Quarters bonfire in The Lost Bastille. You will need a Pharros’ Lockstone to open the doorway to Belfry Luna, which you can buy from the Merchant Hag Melentia for 4,000 souls.

Every time you enter the Belfry Luna, a member of the Bell Keepers Covenant will be automatically summoned to stop you reaching the top and ringing the bell, and the doorway that you entered through will be locked with a grey mist. Be aware that you can be invaded by up to two grey phantoms and potentially a red phantom as well at the same time, so stay alert and brace yourself for an adrenaline-fuelled contest!

Good PvP Builds in Dark Souls 2

I have personally found that lighter build characters are slightly more effective in most PvP situations, as with a bit of skill you can roll around a more heavily-built opponent all day long and strike when an opening presents itself. Hit and run can be a good tactic: it’s not a sprint so much as a marathon! What works for one person may now work for another, however, and the most important thing is that you are comfortable with the style of combat you are using, so try to experiment with a few different techniques to see what works best for you.

Magic can also be very effective in PvP, provided you aren't using spells with a slow casting speed. If you have the ability to stay away from your opponent and chip away at them with spells, this is a relatively easy way to win at PvP in Dark Souls 2, but be aware that fast opponents will be able to chase you down and dodge your spells, making them useless.

Try to change up between different styles of combat. If you’re primarily a melee character, try using some magic to keep your opponent at bay. For the sake of spending a few level up points in your Attunement stat, you can become a dangerous and unpredictable foe in PvP. If you didn’t loot the chest just after the Flexile Sentry boss (right behind you as you reach the top of the ladder), now may be a good time to go back and get it, as it contains a Pyromancy fireball spell that you can cast without a staff. All you need is to have 10 points in your ATN and you will be able to attune the spell at any bonfire. Conversely, if you are playing primarily as a magic character, you will likely already have a reasonably decent backup melee weapon. If not, it is definitely worthwhile investing in obtaining and upgrading one.



Dark Souls 2 Hints and tips for PvP

The first thing to be aware of in PvP is your surroundings. Always try to use them to your advantage, as your foe will likely be doing the same thing. Is there a ledge you can accidentally trick them into jumping off? Using thr Belfry Luna as an example, the first level of the tower up the stairs has multiple holes in the floor that you can use either to keep your opponent at bay or to jump down through if you’re in trouble and need to use an Estus Flask. This works best if you are playing a light character build, as the heavier your equip load is, the more fall damage you will take.

An interesting technique that may take your opponent off-guard is to execute a backstep by pressing B or Circle, then hitting RB/R1. If you get the timing right, you will perform a sprinting attack from the backstep.

Beware of your opponent parrying your attacks, as this can be a devastating blow to your health bar, which, if it doesn’t kill you, will certainly put you within an inch of your life. If you have any weapons with a faster swing, such as the Scimitar, equip them to make it more difficult for the enemy to parry. Sprinting attacks and the backstep attack as mentioned above are also good for throwing off an enemy’s parrying accuracy.

Finally, don’t be afraid to escape a sticky situation. Invaders cannot use healing items, which gives you the advantage of being able to dash away and use an Estus Flask or a Lifegem once you are safely out of range of your opponent. This again is where lighter builds come in handy, as over-encumbered characters will struggle with taking evasive action.


Did you find this guide helpful? Let us know what tips you have for PvP in the comments section below!

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