If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy.

Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel guide - how to access the PvP arena

Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel has PvP content. But where is it?

dark_souls__3ashes of Ariandel- pvp area

Looking for Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel's PvP arena? You're not alone there.

The good news is you can get into Ashes of Ariandel's PvP within minutes of first firing up the DLC. The bad news is you'll need to defeat a PvE boss on the way. But if you're good at PvPO you shouldn't have any trouble with it. Here's the dealio:

  • 1. Start the DLC and fight through to Chapel of Ariandel
    Assuming you can access Cathedral of the Deep to start Ashes of Ariandel, this isn't tough; sprint from Snowfield to Rope Cave Bridge and you'll be safe as houses.
  • 2. Take the side path to the optional boss arena
    The closest bonfire to the optional boss is Depths of the Painting. You get there via a not-very-secret path from Chapel of Ariandel.
  • 3. Defeat the optional boss to receive the Champion's Bones
    Struggling? Here's our Ashes of Ariandel optional boss guide.
  • 4. Burn the Champion's Bones at the bonfire in Firelink Shrine
    Self-explanatory, I hope.
  • 5. Select Undead Match from the bonfire menu at Firelink Shrine
    If you start a New Game+ you'll still have access to this option, by the way.

That's all there is to it. You'll see there are several options for starting a game, either by creating a new lobby or opting to join one, across a couple of different modes: 1v1, free-for-all or various sizes of TDM. If you create a game you can password lock it to ensure you play with your friends.

Matches take place in a dedicated Kiln of the First Flame map. Estus use is not permitted in 1v1 Undead Match battles, but you can use some Ashen Estus if you're a magic or special skill user. Other modes allow limited Estus use.

Dark Souls PvP has always been about honour, so don't think about attacking your opponents before they've fully spawned in; you'll be punished for your transgressions immediately.

Sign in and unlock a world of features

Get access to commenting, homepage personalisation, newsletters, and more!

In this article

Dark Souls

PS3, Xbox 360, PC

Dark Souls III

Video Game

Related topics
About the Author
Brenna Hillier avatar

Brenna Hillier

Contributor

Based in Australia and having come from a lengthy career in the Aussie games media, Brenna worked as VG247's remote Deputy Editor for several years, covering news and events from the other side of the planet to the rest of the team. After leaving VG247, Brenna retired from games media and crossed over to development, working as a writer on several video games.

Comments