Dark Souls 2: hollow players can still be invaded, match-making & covenant PvP discussed

Dark Souls 2 covenants will give players more ways to co-op and PvP than previous games, but it doesn't just apply to players who enter a 'human' state. Now, all undead players are fair game. Good thing there's a new match-making system in place, then.

We recently posted the full Dark Souls 2 Xbox achievement list. Check it out through the link.

Now, in an OPM interview, From Software’s Yui Tanimura stressed, "Our main intent is not to foster a greater frequency of multiplayer, but more to give players the opportunity to interact even within the ‘loose’ parameters allowed."

So Dark Souls 2's not going to be an MMO free-for-all or anything like that, but the team confirmed that even hollow undead players can be invaded. If the threat of constant PvP attacks makes you feel a bit ill, Namco Bandai producer Takeshi Miyazoemay put you at some ease.

He said, “Before, the matchmaking was based upon player level. That will remain, but we also want to focus on how much time you’ve played the game. Also, there will be penalties for players who invade, but still lose. There are risks. And there will be ‘policemen’ against invaders and a ransom system where if you constantly invade or kill NPCs there will be motivation for summoned players to go after you.”

Covenants will play heavily into how all of this works. Think of them as guilds you can join in single-player, that bear an impact on Dark Souls 2's online functions. For example, if you'e a Way of the Blue member, you will automatically summon a Blue Sentinel member once your world is invaded. Heirs of the Sun are summoned to fight in PvP and PvE, while the evil Brotherhood of Blood members can invade with increased regularity and with fewer penalties.

Lastly, Bell Keeper covenant members will be summoned to protect specific areas of the world. As before, repeat invaders can find themselves reported, and with a bounty slapped on their head.

What do you make of Dark Souls 2 so far? Let us know below.

It's out March 11 on PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 in North America, then March 14 across Europe.