What’s New in Dark Souls III? 4 Things You Need to Know

No More Soul Memory

PVP and co-op lovers rejoice! Dark Souls III has done away with the Soul Memory system that was introduced in the second game. If you recall, Dark Souls II had a Soul Memory system that calculated players’ soul range instead of level range during matchmaking. This means that even if you were at the same soul level as another player, you might not be able to match up with them in a duel if you had accumulated a significantly larger number of souls than them. This included souls acquired from defeating enemies, popping soul items, as well as souls that you lost after dying twice in a row.

In Dark Souls III, your soul level will be the primary factor for consideration when you’re trying to match up with other players for invasions, duels, or just jolly cooperation.

Weapon Upgrade Levels Matter in Online Multiplayer

Aside from your soul level, your weapon upgrade level will also be taken into consideration in online PVP and co-op. If you have a +10 weapon, you’ll only be able to invade or co-op with players who have a +8 weapon or higher, and they must also be within your soul level range. This was likely done to prevent players from creating low level characters with powerful weapons to invade newer players and make their lives a living hell.

From all reports, if your character has a +10 weapon, that character will automatically be sorted into the +10 player bracket even if you end up discarding that weapon. So if you want to invade players at a lower level range, you’ll have to keep your soul and weapon levels low as well – a good way of evening out the online playing field.

There is Password Matching

Dark Souls III has taken a page out of Bloodborne’s book and is reintroducing the password matching system in this entry. If you wish to host duels with your friends or take down a boss with someone you know, simply head into your options menu and set a common password. Setting the password will allow you to see summon signs from players with the same password, allowing you to play together.

It is also worth noting that password matching will override soul levels and weapon upgrade levels, so you’ll be able to play with your friends with no restrictions. Praise the Sun!

You Won’t Be Forced to Start NG+

Thankfully, Dark Souls III will grant players the option of staying in their current New Game cycle after beating the game’s final boss. At the end of the credits, you’ll get a pop-up asking if you wish to start New Game Plus, simply say no and the game will inform you that you can enter NG+ from the hub bonfire.

This is especially useful for players who might have missed out on certain optional bosses or areas, and wish to clear them out before starting a second journey. You should also consider recruiting all possible NPCs and buying all the things they have to offer before starting on your next cycle. This will ensure that you are well-prepared for what lies ahead in your second, significantly tougher journey.

Be sure to check out our Dark Souls III wiki for more tips and tricks.