In Dark Souls 3, covenants are integral to the multiplayer experience, offering players varied interactions with the game world and each other. Each covenant provides unique mechanics, rewards, and enhances specific styles of gameplay, whether cooperative or competitive. Below is a detailed overview of some of the key covenants in the game, including their locations, how to join, and the rewards they offer.

Major Covenants Overview

1. Way of Blue
– Location: Found near the Firelink Shrine.
– Joining Requirements: Speak to the NPC named Emma, High Priestess of Lothric.
– Functionality: This covenant focuses on cooperative play. Members receive protection from invaders through the assistance of Blue Sentinels and Blades of the Darkmoon.
– Rewards: Players can earn special items through cooperative defeat of invaders targeting them, including unique spells and armor pieces related to the covenant’s theme.

2. Blue Sentinels
– Location: Speak to the NPC named Anri of Astora in the Catacombs and Lothric Castle.
– Joining Requirements: Effectively, joining involves aligning with the goals of protecting members of the Way of Blue.
– Functionality: These players are tasked with defending Way of Blue members against invaders.
– Rewards: Players receive items based on the number of invaders they successfully defeat while helping those in the Way of Blue.

3. Blades of the Darkmoon
– Location: Connected to the Church of the Sable Church in Anor Londo.
– Joining Requirements: Players must speak with the NPC, and typically, you need to have specific conditions met related to the game’s story progression.
– Functionality: They specialize in punishing invaders and aid the Way of Blue, much like the Blue Sentinels, but with a more lore-specific approach tied to their theme.
– Rewards: Similar to the Blue Sentinels with unique items tied to their lore.

4. Mound-Makers
– Location: Found in the Road of Sacrifices.
– Joining Requirements: Talk to the NPC positioned on a mound near the swampy area.
– Functionality: This covenant promotes chaotic PvP multiplayer, allowing players to invade others and interact in a unique way where you can also help other players while being an invader.
– Rewards: Players receive various items that facilitate misunderstandings in PvP scenarios and gain ranking through PvP activities.

5. Aldrich Faithful
– Location: In Anor Londo, near the Irithyll of the Boreal Valley.
– Joining Requirements: Speak to an NPC in the area after defeating the boss in Irithyll Dungeon.
– Functionality: Focused on protecting the area from intruders while also having the capability to invade other players’ worlds.
– Rewards: Unique items themed around Aldrich, including spells and gestures that reflect this covenant’s lore.

6. Rosaria’s Fingers
– Location: In the Cathedral of the Deep.
– Joining Requirements: Speak with Rosaria, located in a hidden room near the large area with the poison.
– Functionality: Primarily a covenant dedicated to PvP, allowing players to invade and compete against others heavily.
– Rewards: Players can collect special items to level up in the covenant and gain unique items associated with Rosaria, including the ability to reset stats.

Joining a Covenant

To join a covenant in Dark Souls 3:
1. Find the NPC: Look for the specific NPC associated with the covenant, often marked by their distinct lore or decorative items.
2. Speak to the NPC: Engaging in dialogue generally offers options related to joining their cause.
3. Meet Requirements: Some covenants may need further requirements to be met, which could include specific quest paths or defeating certain bosses.
4. Participate in Activities: Engage in activities linked to the covenant such as summoning, invading, or protecting, which will allow you to earn covenant items to increase rank within that faction.

Conclusion

Covenants in Dark Souls 3 are more than just groups; they create rich, interactive gameplay moments in a game filled with tension and excitement. By joining a covenant, players significantly alter their role in the game while gaining access to exclusive teamwork or competitive strategies. If you’re interested in specifics about each covenant’s rewards or further details on them, feel free to ask!