In Dark Souls, a unique aspect of gameplay is the way it incorporates online interactions with other players. There are variable ways to interact with other players in the game, whether helping one another through a tough area or challenging each other in a one versus one battle of skills. All online interactions are optional, though playing offline is mainly disadvantageous to the player regardless of whether he decides to directly interact with players. This is apparent through the appearance of messages in the world left by other players.

Messages in Dark Souls can be left on the ground by any player. The messages appear as three bright orange marks on the ground, and to read it the player simply walks over it and presses a button to read it. Each player can only leave a certain number of messages, so spam is prevented. When a player leaves a message, it is a template of predetermined sentences that can aid (or trick) the player. For example, I could leave a pre-written message that says “Amazing ring ahead” or “Tough enemy ahead” on the ground for anyone online to see.

You might think the ground would become overcrowded with messages everywhere with players leaving them, but the messages can only be seen by those on the same server, which the game handles since it doesn’t matter how the player connects online. The messages are incredibly useful for players who may not want to challenge others in a one versues one duel or who don’t necessarilly want direct help from a player defeating a boss or tough enemy. They act as little hints throughout the world that can help guide the player. Also, leaving messages is just as gratifying when conquering a tough area and feeling like you have enough knowledge to want to aid others in the future. This is great if a secret treasure is discovered; I could place a message near it to lead a player to look around for it.

For those who DO want more solid online cooperation, it’s possible to summon another player the same way one would summon an NPC to help with a boss battle. An online player can connect with another player only if he has not defeated the boss of that area. Once he dies, he is banished from the player’s world unless he is re-summoned. Tackling tough areas and bosses becomes much easier with a friend or other online ally, and many enjoy playing this way.

Lastly, the player versus player aspect is especially challenging for those proud of their player stats and skills, and upgraded armor and weapons. While connected online, a player can be invaded by another player in the game. When this happens, it’s impossible to rest at bonfires until the invader is banished. The invader can be banished once he is defeated, the player is defeated, OR if the player has a special item that banishes the invader immediately. Dueling is a great way to gain lots of souls, the currency for purchasing items as well as acting as upgrade points for the player. It’s also entertaining to test your skill against another real life person, instead of normal AI in the game. Many players choose to invade other player’s worlds or leave themselves open to being invaded in order to duel.

This generally covers the ways players can have online interactions in Dark Souls but any further nuances and details can be found on any online wiki or simply by playing yourself and exploring the possibilities!