Invaders are just part of Dark Souls III. FromSoftware was kind enough to give us the chance to summon friends to help. So why not also use that multiplayer capability to let us kill each other?
Even though I’ve done a few invasions myself (after all, it is part of the experience), I usually am on the receiving side. And while I normally act like a civil undead person trying to save the world, sometimes it’s more fun to play less fair.
In other words — it’s fun to troll invaders. It’s also part of the Dark Souls world, hence why you see gank squads that just sit around waiting for invaders.
Even though I don’t really do that — 4v1 is so unfair it’s not fun — there are other things I’ll do.
Here are a few:
Troll Method #1: Rapport
Purchased by Karla, Rapport is my favorite spell in this game. What’s not to love? You get to sick baddies against each other. It’s like the Illusion tree in the Elder Scrolls series.
One great thing about Rapport is that it will turn enemy undead against everyone — including invaders. Invaders don’t see it coming either, because they’re usually able to use these baddies against you.
And since Dark Souls III has undead soldiers, mages, and knights throughout the game, you have lots of opportunities to use this fun little spell.
To give you an idea of what it looks like, here’s a great video I found. It’s vs. Holy Knight Hodrick, an NPC invader, but the concept is still there.
The only bad thing about Rapport is it takes 15 Intelligence. If you don’t want to waste levels boosting INT, you can always just use the Scholar’s Ring for an extra 5 points.
You can also use a Seed of a Giant Tree to turn enemies against invaders.
Troll Method #2: Turn into a Box
My brother and I were kids when the first Metal Gear Solid came out. We had a blast with that game, but there was a certain aspect that made us laugh more than any other. If you’ve played it, you know what I’m talking about.
To help you sneak around the enemy base, one tool at your disposal was a giant box. You simply hide under it and wait for the bad guy to pass.
The best part was that if he’d heard your footstep, he’d come around the corner and just see a box sitting there. Sometimes he’d look underneath, but he’d usually just say “Oh. It’s just a box.” And walk away.
Dark Souls III takes this to the next level.
The next time you’re invaded, pop a Young White Branch, or just cast Chameleon. These turn you into something seen in your local environment. It can be anything from a box or music stand to a crucifix.
The key is to be discrete. Do it next to other similar items- not in the middle of a long hallway or swamp.
The Chameleon spell can be found by killing the assassin in Ithiryll Valley’s church, while you can buy the Young White Branch from the handmaiden after giving her the Xanthous Ashes.
Trolling Method #3: Dress Like an Enemy
In Dark Souls, one common way to troll was to dress up as certain NPCs. The main ones that come to mind were the ninja and Shiva. If you’d killed them, you could dress up like them and stand where they do. Invaders who didn’t know the trick would run right past you.
In Dark Souls III, the huge numbers of undead soldiers, priests, and knights give you plenty of opportunities to do the same.
This is a bit labor-intensive, as you have to put on all of the armor and weapons of the local enemy you’re trying to copy, but it can still be fun. Just look the part, pick a good place to stand, and look inconspicuous as the invader runs right past you.
Trolling Method #4: Launch Them Off a Cliff
Even though this is done by an invader, it can easily be done by the host as well:
Sending an invader off a cliff or high ledge is one of the most satisfying things you can do in Dark Souls. It’s how I killed the Sword Master at a low level with Force, and it’s been used thousands of times against both invaders and hosts.
Knocking them off with a Greatbow is the best troll, as they usually never see it coming! But if you have a few points in Faith, Force or Emit Force are also great candidates.
And Don’t Forget…
If you switch your covenant to The Way of Blue, Blue Sentinels will come help you fight off the invader. Or if you don’t feel like giving up your hiding spot, just stay hidden and watch the fight commence!
DANCE, PUPPETS! DANCE!
