The Dark Souls series is renowned for its complex covenants, systems that allow players to align themselves with specific factions, each with unique roles, rewards, and lore implications. Among these, the Blades of the Darkmoon stands out not only for its cooperative nature but for the profound mechanical advantages it offers to Faith-based builds. This covenant serves as a defensive mechanism, automatically summoning members to aid players who have been invaded by hostile phantoms. The covenant is deeply rooted in the lore of the Darkmoon Knights, originally led by the legendary Dark Sun Gwyndolin, and is accessed through the character of Company Captain Yorshka in Anor Londo. Understanding the intricate mechanics of joining, ranking up, and utilizing the associated miracle and ring provides a comprehensive edge for players seeking to optimize their gameplay and immerse themselves in the rich narrative tapestry of the game.
The primary function of the Blades of the Darkmoon is cooperative defense. Unlike covenants that focus on PvP invasion or solo combat, this group is designed to protect other players who are under attack. When a player in the Way of Blue covenant is invaded by a hostile phantom using a Red Eye Orb, members of the Blades of the Darkmoon are automatically summoned into that world to assist. This system mirrors the function of the Blue Sentinels but operates within the specific context of the Darkmoon lore, creating a seamless loop of protection and assistance. The lore suggests that while the miracles associated with the covenant speak of revenge, Captain Yorshka recites them only to remember her brother, stripping the act of vengeance and focusing instead on remembrance. This thematic depth adds a layer of emotional resonance to the mechanical function of the covenant.
To participate in this system, a player must first join the covenant. The process involves obtaining the covenant's insignia, a silver pendant depicting the Darkmoon and a sword, which serves as the crest of the Darkmoon Knights. This item is obtained from Company Captain Yorshka, who is located within the Anor Londo area. To reach her, players must navigate the rotating stairs, which can be positioned at the top or bottom of the tower. If the stairs are at the top, the player must go to the bottom of the stairs; if they are at the bottom, the player must ascend to the top. Once the insignia is equipped, the player pledges themselves to the covenant, enabling the automatic summoning mechanic.
However, simply joining is not enough to unlock the full potential of the faction. To access the highest-tier rewards, including the powerful Darkmoon Blade miracle, players must advance through the covenant's ranks. Progression is tied to a specific currency known as Proof of a Concord Kept. This currency is earned by successfully repelling invaders. Specifically, players receive one Proof for each invader banished and two Proofs for killing a red Aldrich Faithful. Additionally, Silver Knights have a small chance to drop these items, approximately one in thirty encounters. The rank requirements are cumulative; to reach Rank 2, which unlocks the Darkmoon Blade miracle, a player must have offered a total of 30 Proofs of a Concord Kept to Company Captain Yorshka. Reaching Rank 1 requires offering 10 Proofs, which unlocks the Darkmoon Ring.
The Darkmoon Ring is a significant reward for reaching Rank 1 in the Blades of the Darkmoon. This ring grants the player two additional attunement slots, effectively increasing the number of spells a character can have equipped simultaneously. With a weight of 0.8, it is also a very light piece of equipment, making it highly desirable for builds that rely on high spell usage. The ring's design references Dark Sun Gwyndolin from the original Dark Souls game and is visually similar to the Darkmoon Blade Covenant Ring, yet it functions similarly to the Darkmoon Seance Ring. This artifact is not just a stat booster but a direct extension of the covenant's legacy, linking the mechanics of the first game to the sequel.
The Darkmoon Blade is the centerpiece of the covenant's offensive capabilities. This miracle allows players to imbue their right-hand weapon with mystical Darkmoon light. The effect adds magic damage to the weapon, calculated as 95% of the player's casting talisman's Spell Buff. This buff lasts for 60 seconds and is particularly effective for Faith-based builds. The miracle requires a Chime, Talisman, or Special Weapon capable of casting miracles, and it demands 30 points in the Faith attribute to use. The focus cost is 50 FP.
A critical aspect of the Darkmoon Blade is its scaling and damage application. Despite applying magic damage, the miracle scales exclusively with the player's Faith stat. This makes it an essential tool for characters who have heavily invested in Faith. The damage is applied with every hit, regardless of the base damage of the attack. While the spell adds magic damage, it counts as a Weapon Buff, meaning it will overwrite other similar buffs. This mechanic forces players to choose their buff wisely, as only one can be active at a time. The spell is noted to be fully interchangeable with Lightning Blade in terms of raw damage output, differing only in the element applied (Magic versus Lightning).
Strategically, the Darkmoon Blade is most potent on weapons that already possess inherent magic damage, such as the Drakeblood Greatsword. The synergy between the weapon's natural properties and the miracle's buff creates a powerful offensive output. However, players must be aware of certain mechanics that can slightly alter the damage. For instance, Daggers and Paired Weapons have hidden multipliers that can lower the buff's damage per hit, though the buff remains efficient even with this adjustment. The duration of the buff can be extended by equipping the Lingering Dragoncrest Ring, and the total damage can be further increased by utilizing the Magic Clutch Ring and the Crown of Dusk.
The cooperative nature of the covenant dictates how rewards are distributed. When a member of the Blades of the Darkmoon is summoned to assist a player who has been invaded, they are rewarded based on the outcome of the encounter. If the invader is banished, the Blade receives one Proof of a Concord Kept. If the invader is a member of the Mound Makers, the Blade receives a Vertebra Shackle in addition to the Proof. However, if the invader dies by fall damage, returns home, or is killed by a monster, no Proof is awarded, though the victory message is still displayed. Similarly, if the invader dies before the Blade spawns into the world, no reward is given. The system is strict; the player must be present and actively involved in the banishment to earn the currency.
The lore of the covenant is deeply tied to the history of the Darkmoon Knights and their leader, Dark Sun Gwyndolin. The covenant represents a shift from the vengeful tales of revenge associated with Darkmoon miracles to a more personal act of remembrance for Captain Yorshka. This narrative shift is reflected in the gameplay, where the primary function is defense and assistance rather than aggression. The covenant also shares a direct lineage with the Way of Blue, the group that is protected by the Darkmoons. The lore explicitly states that the Darkmoons and the Blue Sentinels are tied together, suggesting a shared history of protecting players from hostile phantoms.
The mechanics of the covenant are also influenced by the state of the world. If the Host of Embers (the player being invaded) enters a boss room, the Blade of the Darkmoon is immediately rewarded a Proof of a Concord Kept and returned to their own world, effectively ending the summon. This rule ensures that the system remains responsive to the flow of the game, preventing the Blade from being stuck in a boss fight. The Darkmoon phantom itself appears as a dark blue color, distinguishing it from other summon signs. The system is specifically triggered by invasions using a Red Eye Orb. Invasions that occur via Red or White signs, or through items from the Aldrich Faithful or Watchdog of Farron covenants, do not trigger the automatic summoning of a Darkmoon Blade. This specificity ensures that the covenant remains a targeted defense mechanism against the most direct form of hostile intrusion.
The Darkmoon Blade miracle also offers a unique advantage for builds that rely on magic damage without requiring high Intelligence. Since Faith builds have access to four distinct element-based weapon buff spells—Blessed Weapon (Holy), Lightning Blade (Lightning), Darkmoon Blade (Magic), and Dark Blade (Dark)—the Darkmoon Blade fills a specific niche. It allows a Faith build to deal magic damage, which is often more versatile against certain enemy types compared to Lightning or Holy damage. The damage formula, being 95% of the Spell Buff stat, means that players with high Faith and a powerful casting tool (Chime, Talisman, or Special Weapon) can achieve significant offensive output.
The acquisition path for the covenant requires a specific sequence of actions. Players must first locate the Dreamchaser's Ashes in the Farron area and trade them to the Shrine Handmaid. After teleporting away or quitting the game and returning to Firelink Shrine, Sirris will reappear. Speaking with her grants the Darkmoon Loyalty gesture. With this gesture, players must proceed to the Prison Tower bonfire and speak to Company Captain Yorshka. Performing the Darkmoon Loyalty gesture is the final step to joining the covenant. This process ensures that only committed players gain access to the rewards, filtering out casual participants.
Once joined, the ranking system becomes the primary method of progression. The cumulative nature of the Proof of a Concord Kept means that players do not need to earn 30 Proofs specifically for Rank 2 if they have already earned 10 for Rank 1; the total count carries over. This design encourages continuous participation in the cooperative defense system. The rewards are not just about stats; they are about the narrative of loyalty and remembrance. The Darkmoon Ring, for example, is not merely a stat booster but a symbol of the knight's pledge to protect the innocent.
The interplay between the covenant and the game's broader systems is evident in the reward structure. The Vertebra Shackle, sometimes awarded alongside the Proof of a Concord Kept, is a rare item that can be used for crafting or trading, adding an economic layer to the covenant's utility. The chance for Silver Knights to drop these Proofs provides an alternative farming method for players who struggle with the cooperative aspect, ensuring that the rewards are accessible even if the player is not frequently summoned into other worlds.
The visual and mechanical design of the Darkmoon Blade is also noteworthy. The spell creates a mystical Darkmoon light that visually alters the weapon, making it glow with a specific hue. This visual cue helps players identify which weapon is buffed. The 60-second duration provides a substantial window for combat, though it can be extended by specific rings. The requirement of 30 Faith is a significant barrier to entry, ensuring that the spell is accessible only to dedicated Faith builds. The focus cost of 50 FP is manageable for most builds, but the reliance on the casting tool's Spell Buff stat means that investing in better talismans or chimes directly enhances the spell's potency.
In summary, the Blades of the Darkmoon represents a unique intersection of cooperative gameplay, deep lore, and strategic offensive capability. The covenant offers a defensive role that is automatically triggered, requiring active participation to earn rewards. The Darkmoon Blade miracle provides a powerful magic damage buff for Faith builds, while the Darkmoon Ring offers a substantial boost to spell capacity. The lore ties the group to the legacy of the Darkmoon Knights and the figure of Captain Yorshka, adding emotional weight to the mechanical systems. By understanding the requirements, rewards, and strategic applications of the covenant, players can maximize their effectiveness in the harsh world of Dark Souls 3.
Detailed Comparison of Darkmoon Rewards
| Reward | Rank Requirement | Function | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Darkmoon Ring | Rank 1 (10 Proofs) | +2 Attunement Slots, Weight 0.8 | Source [4] |
| Darkmoon Blade | Rank 2 (30 Proofs total) | Weapon Buff (95% Spell Buff as Magic Damage) | Source [1] |
| Proof of a Concord Kept | Earned per victory | Currency for ranking up | Source [2] |
| Vertebra Shackle | Mound Makers invasion | Rare drop, additional reward | Source [2] |
Strategic Application of the Darkmoon Blade
The Darkmoon Blade is not merely a stat boost; it is a tactical tool. The spell's ability to add magic damage based on the player's Faith and casting tool allows for high damage output against enemies weak to magic. The interaction with specific weapons like the Drakeblood Greatsword creates a synergy that maximizes damage. However, players must be cautious about weapon choices. Daggers and Paired Weapons have hidden multipliers that slightly reduce the buff's damage, making them less optimal for this specific miracle. The spell's duration of 60 seconds is generous, but it can be extended by equipping the Lingering Dragoncrest Ring, providing even more time for the buff to take effect.
The Cooperative Loop: How the Covenant Functions
The cooperative loop is the engine of the covenant. When a player is invaded, they become a target. If they belong to the Way of Blue, the system automatically summons a Blade of the Darkmoon. This summoning is specific to invasions using the Red Eye Orb. The summoned Blade fights alongside the host. Upon victory, the Blade is rewarded with a Proof of a Concord Kept. If the invader was a Mound Maker, the Blade also receives a Vertebra Shackle. If the host enters a boss room, the Blade is rewarded and returned to their world immediately. This loop ensures that the covenant remains active and functional only when needed, preventing unnecessary interference.
Lore and Narrative Significance
The lore of the Blades of the Darkmoon is steeped in history and personal tragedy. The covenant is a continuation of the Darkmoon Knights, originally led by Dark Sun Gwyndolin. The Darkmoon Blade miracle itself is described as a "miracle of those who devoted themselves to the Darkmoon covenant." The text notes that while these miracles are tales of revenge, Captain Yorshka recites them only for the sake of remembering her brother. This shift from vengeance to remembrance is a profound narrative choice, suggesting that the covenant's purpose is not to kill, but to protect and remember. The Silver pendant, the insignia of the covenant, depicts the Darkmoon and a sword, serving as a physical symbol of this pledge.
Joining the Covenant: Step-by-Step
- Locate the Dreamchaser's Ashes in the Farron area.
- Trade the Ashes to the Shrine Handmaid.
- Teleport away or quit the game, then return to Firelink Shrine.
- Speak with Sirris to obtain the Darkmoon Loyalty gesture.
- Travel to the Prison Tower bonfire and speak with Company Captain Yorshka.
- Perform the Darkmoon Loyalty gesture to join the covenant.
This process ensures that the player is fully committed to the covenant's ideals before gaining access to its rewards.
Conclusion
The Blades of the Darkmoon is a multifaceted system in Dark Souls 3 that blends cooperative defense, offensive enhancement, and deep narrative lore. Through the Darkmoon Ring and the Darkmoon Blade miracle, players gain significant mechanical advantages. The covenant's requirement to earn Proofs of a Concord Kept ensures active participation, while the lore provides a rich background that connects to the game's broader history. Whether for strategic magic damage or for the satisfaction of defending others, this covenant offers a unique and rewarding experience for players who embrace the Faith path.