Can you become hollow in Dark Souls 3?
Dark Souls 3 is a challenging action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware. Players take on the role of an unkindled protagonist, tasked with linking the First Flame to continue the cycle of fire and ending the darkness. The Hollowing process is an inherent part of the game, but many players have concerns about whether they can truly become Hollow in Dark Souls 3.
When do you become hollow?
In Dark Souls 3, you can actually become hollow when you meet a specific condition. As stated in the official FaQ, you become a Hollow when the Hollowing counter reaches 15. This is the key milestone that defines your state.
Why does hollow matter?
Hollowness is significant in the context of your progress, experience gain, and interactions with non-human characters. While alive, you retain humanity as an essence of your existence. This has several implications, including how characters perceive and react to your presence. Losing your humanity can affect your social reputation, influencing the decisions other characters make regarding your path.
Can you get rid of your Hollowed state?
Fear not, adventurers! If you find yourself Hollowed and wish to return to life, you can acquire the Purging Stone. This can reset your Hollowing counter and restore your humanity. Purchasing this item from certain NPCs will reset the number, effectively allowing you to regain your former self. If you want to prevent Hollowing from the start, consider taking routes that involve linking the Flame or making sacrifices that bolster your humanity.
No negative consequences, only perks
Unlike the older Dark Souls games, you won’t experience severe gameplay penalties for being Hollow in Dark Souls 3. Souls You’ve collected won’t drop, but they won’t be lost either; return to the location of death to collect them again. In contrast to prior games, your health can still recover in various manners, including from soul revival. The experience gains upon dying while Hollow aren’t affected either. However, keep in mind that maintaining your humanity through purifying your blood can significantly hinder your experience growth. Prioritize the choices you make to achieve the path your character pursues.
| Table of Hollowness | Condition | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hollowed | Hollowing counter reaches 15 | Loses Humanity and experiences the effects described. | |
| Not Hollow | Humanity maintained | Continues to exist as alive |
Other facts to highlight
Only 37% of Dark Souls 3 players have defeated the game. According to Steam achievements, nearly 86% of players defeated the first boss, emphasizing the high level of skill needed to conquer the world.
Completing the 3 Dark Souls games, including the base games Dark Souls and Dark Souls 2, can reach a combined playtime of 120 hours or over 320 hours as completionists.
With Facebook sharing functionality available within the game, there may be potential opportunities to bond with other players online (or locally).
The unbridled struggle of navigating High Lord Wolnir (the Asylum Demon successor in Dark Souls 3).
**What’s your impression of Hollowness in Dark Souls 3? Tell us your experiences with characters, NPC interactions, or your most significant fears/fears regarding becoming hollow!
In summary, to tackle the initial question directly: Yes, you can become Hollow in Dark Souls 3** by hitting the 15-Hollowing counter milestone. Regaining humanity is also relatively straightforward. Enjoy exploring Lordran’s vast worlds (and its unforgiving environments)!