Joining the Darkwraith Covenant: How Early is Too Early?
Introduction
In the unforgiving world of Dark Souls, joining the Darkwraith Covenant is a powerful decision that can shape your gameplay experience. But exactly when can you join the Darkwraiths, and what are the benefits and consequences of doing so? In this article, we’ll explore the mechanics of joining the Darkwraith Covenant and answer the question: how early can you join the Darkwraith Covenant?
Schematics for Understanding Covenant Options
Before we dive into the specifics of joining the Darkwraith Covenant, let’s take a closer look at the different ways you can interact with various covenants in the game. Here’s a brief overview:
- Covenant options at the start of the game: You can join five covenants from the very beginning of the game: Way of White, Abyss, Darkwraiths, Path of Dregs, and Blade of the Darkmoon.
- Covenant requirements for joining: Each covenant has unique requirements for joining, ranging from killing specific enemies, collecting certain items, to completing specific quests.
- Covenant dynamics: Covenants operate independently, with their own agendas and motivations. Sometimes, covenants even have conflicting goals or views, which can impact how you interact with other covenant members.
The earliest covenant option: Darkwraiths
The Darkwraith Covenant is one of the earliest covenant options you can join in Dark Souls. You can join the Darkwraiths as early as the second bonfire, located right after defeating the Four Kings. To join the covenant, simply speak with Kaathe, located in the Abyss.
Here are some key benefits to joining the Darkwraiths at the outset:
| Benefits | Description |
|---|---|
| Immediate access to covenant items and abilities | As a new member, you’ll be granted access to covenant abilities and items, including estus flasks, ashen estus flasks, and the powerful souls of the Abyss. |
| Increased difficulty, leading to greater rewards | With an extra degree of toughness due to the Darkwraiths’ influence, defeating enemies will become even more challenging, but also increasingly rewarding. |
| Direct access to the Abyss’ secrets | By joining the Darkwraiths at the start, you’ll gain immediate access to key areas and secrets within the Abyss, such as hidden bonfires and rare loots. |
Drawbacks to joining early:
While joining the Darkwraiths early seems like a great option on the surface, there are some potential drawbacks to keep in mind:
| Drawbacks | Description |
|---|---|
| Impaired storyline progression | With the Darkwraith Covenant’s influence, some of the game’s key cutscenes and story events will be altered or made unaccessible. |
| Locked out of other covenant possibilities | By joining the Darkwraiths too soon, you may lock out other covenant options and requirements, potentially limiting your late-game choices. |
Conclusion
Joining the Darkwraith Covenant, either early or later, is a significant decision that can impact your gameplay experience in Dark Souls. Considering the benefits and drawbacks listed above, it’s up to you to weigh your options and decide whether or not to join the Darkwraiths as soon as possible. Keep in mind that each covenant in the game has its own unique dynamics and consequences for joining, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different options to find what suits your playstyle the best.