What Does Hollowing Do?
Hollowing is a fascinating yet mysterious aspect of the Dark Souls series, particularly in Dark Souls 3. As players progress through the game, they may encounter a phenomenon known as hollowing, which can significantly impact their character’s abilities and overall gameplay experience. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of hollowing, exploring what it does, its effects, and how to prevent or cure it.
What Is Hollowing?
Hollowing is a status effect that occurs when a player’s character gains 15 or more hollow. When this threshold is reached, the player’s character becomes a hollowed-out version of themselves, losing their humanity and experiencing a series of debilitating effects.
Effects of Hollowing
When a character becomes hollow, they suffer from a range of drawbacks, including:
- Loss of Humanity: Hollow characters lose their ability to interact with certain NPCs and items, making it more challenging to progress through the game.
- Debuffs: Hollow characters receive a series of negative status effects, such as reduced stamina, lowered physical and magical defense, and increased damage taken.
- Visual Changes: The character’s appearance changes, with their body becoming shriveled and distorted.
- Limited Access: Hollow characters can only interact with certain areas, items, and NPCs, making it more difficult to explore the game world.
Causes of Hollowing
Hollowing occurs when a player’s character accumulates Dark Sigils, which are unique items that can be used to perform various rituals. When a character’s Dark Sigil count reaches 15 or more, they become hollow. Additionally, hollowing can also be caused by:
- Dark Sigil Brand: If a player’s character has the Dark Sigil Brand, they are more susceptible to hollowing.
- Death: If a player’s character dies while hollow, they will increase their Dark Sigil count, making it more likely to become hollow.
- Certain Items: Some items, such as the Rite of Kindling, can increase a character’s Dark Sigil count, leading to hollowing.
Consequences of Hollowing
Once a character becomes hollow, they can experience several negative consequences, including:
- Difficulty in Progressing: Hollow characters can have limited access to certain areas, items, and NPCs, making it challenging to progress through the game.
- Reduced Options: Hollow characters may be unable to interact with certain NPCs or items, reducing their options for solving problems or acquiring new gear.
- Increased Difficulty: Hollow characters are more susceptible to damage and debuffs, making them more vulnerable to enemies and hazards.
Preventing and Curing Hollowing
To prevent or cure hollowing, players can take the following steps:
- Reverse Hollowing: Use Purging Stones to reverse hollowing, restoring the character’s humanity and removing Dark Sigils.
- Offer Humanity: Offer Humanity to NPCs, which can help reduce the character’s Dark Sigil count.
- Avoid Dark Sigils: Avoid accumulating Dark Sigils by not using certain items or interacting with certain NPCs.
- Heal the Dark Sigil: Offer Healing to the Dark Sigil, which can reduce its power and prevent hollowing.
Conclusion
Hollowing is a significant aspect of the Dark Souls series, with far-reaching consequences for players who fail to manage their Dark Sigil count. By understanding the causes and effects of hollowing, players can take steps to prevent or cure it, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable gameplay experience. Remember to keep an eye on your Dark Sigil count, and be cautious when using certain items or interacting with certain NPCs to avoid the pitfalls of hollowing.