In Dark Souls 2, engaging in co-op gameplay with other players requires following specific guidelines and utilizing certain items to ensure successful summoning. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the requirements and recommendations for both co-op and PvP interactions:

Co-Op Summoning

To summon other players for cooperative play, you will need to use the White Soapstone. Here are the key requirements and tips for successful co-op:

1. Human Form:
– The host player must be in Human form. This is essential as only Human players can summon others.

2. Level Range:
– There should be a level proximity between the host and the summoned player. Specifically, they should be within approximately 10 levels of one another to ensure successful matchmaking.

3. Soul Memory:
– The total Soul Memory (the cumulative souls gained by a character) of both players must be within roughly 50,000 souls. This is crucial for the system used to match summons.

4. Use of the Name-Engraved Ring:
– Purchasing the Name-Engraved Ring from the Cat Merchant allows both players to select the same deity. This significantly increases the likelihood of seeing and summoning each other’s signs while helping filter out random players.

5. Avoid Human Effigies:
– If you burn a Human Effigy, it will disable the possibility of summoning for one hour, so be cautious when using these items if you wish to engage in co-op.

PvP Invasions

For players interested in PvP (player versus player) interactions, there are different mechanics in place:

1. Using the Crimson Soapstone:
– To initiate an invasion, players can place an invasion sign using the Crimson Soapstone to invade other players.

2. Covenant Mechanics:
– Players may also be invaded by other players using specific items or abilities linked to covenants. For example, covenants such as the Company of Champions limit multiplayer summoning. If you’re looking to engage in PvP, consider switching out of such covenants.

Connectivity Tips

For optimal connectivity and smoother gameplay experience, observe the following guidelines:

– Cross-Region Play: Both players should set their cross-region play to restricted if they are in the same geographic region. This enhances the reliability of summoning.

– Stay Human: Always ensure that both the host and the summoning player remain in Human form; being hollow prevents summoning.

– Level and Soul Memory Compatibility: Maintain relative proximity in levels and Soul Memory to ensure effective matchmaking.

– Friend Summoning Boost: Utilizing the Name-Engraved Ring alongside choosing the same god is a significant boost when attempting to summon friends, making it easier to connect with familiar players instead of random ones.

Summary

In conclusion, to engage in co-op in Dark Souls 2, players need to adhere to specific requirements involving the use of the White Soapstone, maintaining human forms, and aligning their levels and Soul Memory. For PvP, players can invade using the Crimson Soapstone or specific covenant abilities. Following these rules will enhance your multiplayer experience in the game.