Dark Souls 3: How to Unlock the PvP Arena

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Dark Souls 3 includes the unlockable PvP Hollow Arena. This feature allows direct match-making and more structured rules of engagement. This can allow for more fair fights than what can be encountered while plaything through the game normally.

Much of the Hollow Arena has a structured balance for all participants. This means that neither side can rely on the help of allies, roaming enemies, or terrain. This also may make common weapon and spell strategies quite different inside the arena.

Related: Dark Souls 3: PvP for Beginners (Tips, Tricks, & Strategies)

Gaining access to the Hollow Arena does require either DLC pack: Ashes of Ariandel or The Ringed City. Both have different methods to access the arena, and having both will grant access to all maps. However, this unlock requirement is only needed once per character — they will retain full access even on New Game Plus.

There are two different ways to gain first access to the Hollow Arena. Players will likely accomplish these after completing the base Dark Souls 3. Both wind up yielding the special item Champion’s Bones. Burning this at the Firelink Shrine bonfire will unlock the Hollow Arena.

Players around level 60 or 70 will have the option of fighting a secret boss in the Ashes of Ariandel content. To begin, teleport to the Ariandel Chapel bonfire, exit the church, come to the rope bridge, and attack it. After two or three seconds the bridge will collapse, creating a ladder down below. Carefully defeat the various Farron Followers with ranged attacks, as falling at this point will result in instant death. Further below are Millwood Archers who can easily one-shot players with their exploding arrows. It is best to simply avoid them and dash to the bottom of the