Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel Undead Matches - How the arena mode works and PvP strategies

Until now PvP (Player versus Player combat) in Dark Souls has been a largely ad hoc diversion from the main game, but Ashes of Ariandel adds a specific PvP arena and some new game modes to expand on the basics.

To gain access to the Undead Matches you need to first defeat the Champion's Gravetender to collect the Champion's Bone, then return to Firelink to burn it; once you've done so a new Undead Matches option will appear in the bonfire menu. If you're stuck in other areas of the DLC, consult our main Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel guide.

A note on levelling: to ensure a reasonably level playing field and to help keep matchmaking quick, the general consensus has been that PvP players should keep themselves to a level cap of around 120; the further you go beyond that the fewer players you'll find that fall within matchmaking range meaning you'll struggle to get picked.

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Undead Matches Arena

Fights all take place in a reasonably large arena reminiscent of the Soul of Cinder boss area from the main campaign. It slopes up at one end and has a couple of collapsed towers that can provide cover or vantage points, but it's open enough that getting caught up on scenery or backed into an inescapable corner shouldn't present a problem.

Undead Matches game types

The fights are split into three general categories:

• Duel: This is very much like the traditional Dark Souls PvP; you and a single opponent in a "first to die loses" match. Ashen Estus use is limited, you can't use regular Estus at all, and there's a three minute timer to prevent things dragging out. If you've not played PvP before this is the best place to start: human opponents are a lot more unpredictable and varied than the usual enemies you face and it may take you a while to find your feet.
• Brawl: These fights have a five minute time limit, and when the timer runs out the player with the most kills wins - there are no prizes for coming second. You can use one Estus per "life" so it's a little easier to stay alive, and matches can either be 2, 4, or 6 players - the latter is only recommended for PvP veterans.
• Co-op: These take the form of 2-vs-2 or 3-vs-3 brawls. While it's difficult to co-ordinate as a team this variation can make for a gentler introduction to the larger brawls, and if you prefer a ranged style of play rather than melee then having a couple of team mates to act as a distraction gives you more of a fighting chance.

Undead Matches Strategies

Because you're fighting humans there's really no specific advice that can be offered other than the usual Dark Souls mantra of "git gud".

It's likely that you'll be torn alive the first few fights you have, but once you get used to the different flow and drop your expectations of easily spotted patterns things should start to pick up.

You may also want to experiment with different gear too; not having ready access to Estus or other items in battle may mean you need to compensate in other ways.