Dark Souls 3 Covenant Guide
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Dark Covenant
Like its predecessors, Dark Souls III has a variety of covenants. But the way to join these special multiplayer enhancing factions requires following a specific set of steps, which may not be clear at first. That's why we've created this guide explaining what covenants are, what each one can offer you, and how to join them. Be wary; there are potential spoilers ahead.
Click ahead for an in-depth look at all the covenants. If you're trying to find a specific one, hover over the thumbnails above to identify the covenant you're looking for.
For more on Dark Souls III, check out our feature rounding up all of our guide content for the game. Otherwise, you can return to the biggest secrets worth finding in Dark Souls III.
What Are Covenants?
In Dark Souls III, Covenants are special factions you can join that enhance the game's PvP and cooperative modes. There are eight in total, and each has their own unique perks and focuses. For example, the Way of Blue gives you the benefit of summoning players from the Blue Sentinels or the Blades of Darkmoon to assist you against players invading your game.
To follow a Covenant, you need to locate and equip a special talisman, which can either be given to you by an NPC or is found somewhere in the world. There are no restrictions on the number of Covenants you can join, so feel free to enlist in as many as you'd like.
It's also worth noting that once you become a member of a covenant, it's possible to increase your rank in that faction by acquiring a unique item that can bolster your covenant status. Upon reaching certain ranks, you'll be gifted with special rewards.
Warriors of Sunlight
"Warriors of Sunlight are brilliantly beaming co-operators who place their golden signatures to help those in need, for it is their duty to deliver a great conquest to their summoner."
Effects of the Covenant: Joining the Warriors of Sunlight gives you the ability to place summoning signs on the ground that players can interact with to call for your help. When you finish the task you were summoned for, i.e. completing an area, or defeating a boss, you're rewarded with a Sunlight Medal. This item can be brought to the Covenant's altar--located just before the Dragonslayer boss fight in Lothric Castle--to achieve a higher rank.
How to Join: After passing the burning tree in the Undead Settlement, you'll see an archway leading to an abandoned house. Enter the house and drop down the hole in the floor to find a talisman that lets you join the Warriors of Sunlight.
Way of Blue
"Members of the Way of Blue are the beneficiaries of an ancient accord. When a dark spirit threatens them, a blue spirit will grant them assistance and help root out the invader."
Effects of the Covenant: When someone invades your world, a member of the Blue Sentinels or the Blades of Darkmoon is automatically summoned into your world to defend you from harm.
How to Join: You recieve the Way of Blue talisman from Emma, who can be found in the room directly opposite of where you fought Vordt of the Boreal Valley.
Blue Sentinels
"When a member of the Way of Blue is threatened by a dark spirit, the Blue Sentinels, in compliance with an ancient accord, assume the form of blue spirits and help to root out the leader."
Effects of the Covenant: When a hostile player invades the world of a Way of Blue member, you'll be summoned to help defeat the invader. You're rewarded with a Proof of a Concord Kept when the player you're assisting reaches a boss room; the item can be given to Company Captain Yorshka in Anor Londo to increase your rank.
How to Join: You gain access to the Blue Sentinels after you talk to Anri and Horace at the Halfway Fortress bonfire near the Roads of Sacrifice.
Mound-Makers
"The mound-makers wish only to add to their mounds, becoming mad spirits whether summoned as co-operators or invaders. They are blithe to those around them, for in their minds, any kill might lead to another shackle."
Effects of the Covenant: The Mound-Makers are for those looking to deceive and invade other players, earning their reward from killing hosts. When you're a part of this covenant, the way you enter a player's world dictates how you can interact with it. When summoned, you're placed in as a friendly phantom with the ability to kill the host and other phantoms. You're also able to attract the attention of enemies, however, you cannot enter the boss fog with the host, as doing so instantly kicks you from their game. If you invade a host's world, you can only kill them and other phantoms. Enemies will not be hostile towards you.
Killing a host rewards you with a Vertebra Shackle, which you can use to increase your rank at the altar in the Pit of Hollows. You can find the altar where you fought the Curse-Rotted Greatwood in the Undead Settlement.
How to Join: There are two ways to join the Mound Makers covenant. The first method requires that you refrain from killing the Curse-Rotted Greatwood. Go to the Undead Settlement and proceed past the burning tree until you reach a ladder. Climb up and you'll see an enemy in the distance with a cage on his back. Drop down to pursue the creature, but do not attack him. Instead, interact with the cage on his back to trigger a cutscene. You'll be taken to a new area with an NPC that'll ask if you're Hollow. Tell him you are, and he'll give you the Mound-Makers talisman.
If you killed the Curse-Rotted Greatwood, you still have a chance to join the Mound-Makers. After defeating Aldrich, Devourer of Gods, simply head back to the hallway leading to the courtyard where you fought the Curse-Rotted Greatwood and there should be a summon sign on the ground. Interact with it to summon Sirris of the Sunless Realm; speak with her and accept her offer to cooperate. After you've fulfilled this task, you'll gain access to the covenant. Be wary; this will not work if you've made Sirris hostile towards you at any point in the story.
Blades of Darkmoon
"When a member of the Way of Blue faces a dark spirit, the Blades of the Darkmoon, by an ancient accord, help to root out the invader. Summoning takes place automatically when equipped."
Effects of the Covenant: Similar to the Blue Sentinels, the Blades of Darkmoon assist members of the Way of Blue whenever they're invaded by other players. Once you've helped a host reach a boss room, you're rewarded with a Proof of a Concord Kept, an item that can be given to Company Captain Yorshka in Anor Londo to increase your rank. Alternatively, if you kill a member of the Aldritch Faithful covenant, you also gain a Proof of a Concord Kept.
How to Join: To join the Blades of Darkmoon, you need the Darkmoon Loyalty gesture, which you get from Sirris of the Sunless Realm. Once you've acquired it, make your way to the Irithyll Boreal Valley and reach the rotating tower that gives you access to Anor Londo. Pull the lever to bring the tower to its highest level and proceed downstairs. Approach the ledge pointing out to a bonfire in the distance and walk across to reveal an invisible path that leads to Company Captain Yorshka. Perform the gesture in front of her to gain access to the Blades of Darkmoon.
Rosaria's Fingers
"Rosaria's Fingers collect tongues in her name. Some do it to be reborn; others do it to help comfort their voiceless goddess."
Effects of the Covenant: Members of Rosaria's Fingers have the benefit of exchanging Pale Tongues for the ability to re-allocate their stats and change their appearance. You can obtain this item by invading and successfully defeating a host or killing Darkwraiths in the Road of Sacrifices. Ranks are also earned by the exchange of Pale Tongues.
How to Join: To join Rosaria's Fingers, you need access to the elevator shortcut in the Cathedral of the Deep. Take the elevator up to the bell tower and proceed forward until you reach a set of narrow pathways above the cathedral. Go north and roll off the pathway onto a platform below. Drop down to the left and keep on this path, defeating a multitude of slug enemies until you reach a door leading Rosaria, Mother of Rebirth. Pledge your allegiance to her to join her covenant.
Watchdogs of Farron
"The Watchdogs ensure that the warriors sleep in serenity, by taking the form of loyal spirits and hunting down those who would trespass the woods of Farron."
Effects of the Covenant: When you equip the covenant's talisman, you'll be automatically summoned to ward off embered players trespassing in Farron Keep. Giving the covenant leader (location below) a Wolf’s Blood Swordgrass increases your covenant rank. These can be acquired by killing invading players you've been summoned to defeat.
How to Join: Traverse the swamp area in Farron Keep until you encounter a ladder guarded by three slug-like monsters. Climb up this ladder and enter the tower to find a giant, sleeping wolf. Interact with it to join the Watchdogs of Farron.
Aldrich Faithful
"The faithful ensure that Aldrich, Devourer of Gods, remains undisturbed, by taking the form of loyal spirits and hunting down those who would trespass the ruined cathedral."
Effects of the Covenant: The Aldrich Faithful task you with defending Anor Londo, automatically summoning you to defeat embered players invading that area. You can increase your rank in this covenant by acquiring Human Dregs, which can be earned via successful invasion by other players or as a drop from Deacons.
How to Join: In the Irithyll Boreal Valley, past the Pontiff Sulyvahn bonfire, you'll find a pack of Silver Knights guarding the next area. But before proceeding further down that path, head back downstairs to find a secret wall to your right. Hit the wall to reveal a path to a ladder; climb down it to find a room with two giant dogs. Defeat these grotesque creatures and head to the northwest end of the room to find Archdeacon McDonnell. Interact with him to join the Aldrich Faithful.