Covenants are a unique and exciting form of gameplay that gives many hours of replay value. The previous Dark Souls games held many bizarre and fun online experiences, but nothing compared to the exhilarating mayhem that can ensue when delving into Dark Souls 3's multiplayer madness.
There is co-op boss slaying, PvP skirmishes, and more! There are many ways to revel in the glory of battle alongside fellow Ashen Ones. There are rewards to be had as well. Riches in the form of weapons, spells, rings, and other useful things can be used for novel, and effective, builds. There is much more to covenants than online play, for each has its own lore.
9 Warriors Of Sunlight
If praising the sun and being grossly incandescent is one's desire, then this is the covenant to join! This faction appeared in previous games in the series and remains much the same in terms of function and goals. In jolly co-operation, players can team up to defeat bosses and acquire sunlight medals in order to rank up. Doing so will allow access to powerful miracles like the buff Sacred Oath and the Great Lightning Spear spell.
8 Way Of Blue
An almost benevolent clan whose goal is to aid players against invaders, this covenant is one most tend to benefit from. Lower level gamers who are having a hard time will sometimes find aid from blue phantoms if they are a member of the Way of Blue. Saviors appearing just in time for a valiant rescue, these ashen adventurers can make life easier for those struggling to make their way through Lothric.
7 Blue Sentinels
Similar to the Way of Blue, the Blue Sentinels are a group that defends the weak against invaders. Though, as a member of this covenant, there are more rewards. The Darkmoon Ring and the Darkmoon Blade miracle can be used to great effect for those looking to enhance sorcery, or magic damage, related builds. Led by Yorshka, a child of Lord Gwyn, she can reveal much of the world's lore through dialogue options. Her existence, and placement, in Lothric's geography also hints at lore from past games.
6 Blades Of The Darkmoon
A sister covenant of the Blue Sentinels, this faction serves much the same purpose. The two even share rank leveling and rewards. The only real difference, in terms of gameplay, is that in PvP, Blades of the Darkmoon are pitted against members of the Aldrich Faithful covenant more often. In terms of lore, however, this has a deeper meaning.
The Darkmoon represents Gwyndolin, a god from an era now past, who was devoured by the fiendish Aldrich. The animosity between these two factions hints at the conflict ravaging Anor Londo, which was once a glorious home for deities. Now, the seat of a cannibalistic Lord.
5 Aldrich Faithful
In a room guarded by two vicious, horrid beasts, one can find a way to become faithful to Aldrich, the Devourer of Gods. Joining forces with others under the carnivorous one's banner will allow players to collect human dregs and rank up. Serving the celestial slayer enough will grant one access to the Great Deep Soul spell, which is ideal for felling fleeing prey due to its excellent tracking and the fact that the slow projectile increases in speed as it travels. In combination with the other reward, the Archdeacon's Great Staff, players can become a PvP nightmare for those afraid of the dark.
4 Rosaria's Fingers
The Mother of Rebirth may seem odd, and possibly repulsive, but this covenant is one of the most useful to those looking to experiment with builds. By invading other players and defeating them in name of Rosaria, one can collect pale tongues to offer and increase rank. Doing so will grant access to the Man-Grub's Staff, a weapon that allows spellcasting that scales with the luck stat instead of intelligence. The other reward, the Obscuring Ring, is also novel and handy with the right build, but the greatest boon for members is likely the chance to reallocate their stats. This allows for fine-tuning, or complete rethinking, of one's build.
3 Mound-Makers
Those seeking blood, fire, and madness are always welcome as a Mound-Maker. This is a covenant for ashen individuals who want to invade others relentlessly and wantonly. The lore states that this is all that is desired by true members of this cult.
With the help of a special bloody katana and a unique pyromancy, one can gallivant about adding corpses to the pile and collecting vertebrae from their fallen foes.
2 Watchdogs Of Farron
Another covenant specializing in defense, those of this faction act as a pack. Sticking together with one's fellow watchdogs can allow for easier progress through certain areas and access to equipment favoring those who enjoy melee combat. The Old Wolf of Farron which one communes with for features of this covenant is also a reference to older games and specifically an adored figure: the Great Grey Wolf Sif. This ties into the lore of Farron Keep, which is all about the corruption of the Abyss and swordsmen who fall to it, much like Sif's dear friend Knight Artorias.
1 Spears Of The Church
The last covenant one is likely to encounter during the game, it is one that requires literally slaying a dragon to enter. In the Ringed City, there is an organized faith encircling the notion of holy right. The divine are worshiped, like in days long past, and members of the church dole out bright retribution against others. Larger scale multiplayer battles than in the main game are also possible in the Ringed City. Feeling much more like a turf war between gangs than duels, these conflicts can be a lot of fun when playing with friends, further strengthening replayability for this already awesome game.