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Can You Play Dark Souls II Co-op With Your Girlfriend?

Dark Souls II has online co-op through summon signs, but both players need compatible versions on the same platform. PS3 and Xbox 360 online service ended in 2024.
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Yes. Dark Souls II supports online co-op: one player places a summon sign, and the other accepts it to bring that player into their world as a phantom. You’ll need to be on compatible versions of the game on the same platform; cross-platform multiplayer is not supported.

How do you play co-op in Dark Souls II?

Co-op works through summon signs, not a shared-screen mode. The Dark Souls II PC manual, published by Namco Bandai Games and FromSoftware in 2014, explains that using a White Sign Soapstone or Small White Sign Soapstone writes a sign on the ground. When another player accepts it, the sign’s owner appears in that player’s world as a phantom, and the two can play together. The manual describes a party of up to three players, so two people fit within its stated limit.

  1. One player places a sign. Use a White Sign Soapstone or Small White Sign Soapstone to leave a summon sign.
  2. The other player finds and accepts it. The player who accepts the sign is the host.
  3. The sign’s owner joins the host’s world. They appear as a phantom and can play together online.

The official manual describes this online summon system; it does not establish split-screen or local co-op.

Can PS4 and PC play Dark Souls II together?

No. FromSoftware’s official game FAQ says cross-platform multiplayer is unsupported. Agree on the same platform and compatible game version before you plan a session or buy the game. A PS4 player and a PC player cannot join one another’s co-op session.

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#1 Best Overall
Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin - PlayStation 4
  • All 3 DLC Pack Contents: Crown of the Sunken King, Crown of the Old Iron King, Crown of the Ivory King
  • Additional NPCs Added For Enhanced Story Experience To Assist Guiding Players Through Level
  • Parameter Setting Adjustments for Improved Balance
  • Augmented Item Descriptions
  • Increase in Maximum Online Players

Edition and server group matter, too. FromSoftware says save data cannot transfer between the PS3, Xbox 360, and Windows DirectX 9 group and the PS4, Xbox One, and Windows DirectX 11 group. Do not assume a save or multiplayer group carries across those builds.

Which Dark Souls II versions still support online play?

FromSoftware’s FAQ states that online services for the original Dark Souls II on PS3 and Xbox 360 ended on March 31, 2024. Offline play remains available, but those versions should not be chosen for online co-op. The FAQ lists online services for PS4, Xbox One, and Windows DirectX 9/11 versions as ongoing; that is a status statement, not a guarantee of future uptime.

Rank #2
Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin (PS4)
  • The undead curse continues to spread across the kingdom of Drangleic in the ultimate Dark Souls II experience
  • Features the game's 3 DLC chapters: Crown of the Sunken King, Crown of the Old Iron King, and Crown of the Ivory King
  • Also includes an array of brand new content, including an expanded story featuring additional in-game events

Scholar of the First Sin is the updated edition to consider for current-platform play. Its PC listing describes online sessions increased from four to six players and an item to regulate souls acquired in battle. That edition feature statement is distinct from the 2014 PC manual’s description of a party of up to three players. FromSoftware also describes the high-spec PS4, Xbox One, and Windows DX11 versions as full HD and 60 fps; those specifications should not be applied to every legacy version.

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What should you check before starting?

  • Platform: Choose the same platform, since cross-platform co-op is unsupported.
  • Edition and version: Confirm that both players can launch compatible versions, rather than assuming editions or server groups mix.
  • Online service: Avoid PS3 and Xbox 360 for online play; their services ended on March 31, 2024.
  • Console subscription: Console online multiplayer requires the applicable platform subscription. Check the current plan name with PlayStation or Xbox, as subscription labels and terms can change.
  • PC: FromSoftware says Steam play does not require a console subscription. Check the Steam listing for the PC edition.

FromSoftware’s Scholar of the First Sin product page covers the edition and its platform versions.

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Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin - PlayStation 4
Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin - PlayStation 4
Parameter Setting Adjustments for Improved Balance; Augmented Item Descriptions; Increase in Maximum Online Players
$21.39
Bestseller No. 4
Dark Souls III: The Fire Fades Edition - PlayStation 4
Dark Souls III: The Fire Fades Edition - PlayStation 4
Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) Content Description: Blood and gore, violence
$21.94
Rank #4
Dark Souls III: The Fire Fades Edition - PlayStation 4
  • The Complete Dark Souls III Experience All on One Disc: Includes the award-winning base game, PLUS both complete DLC expansion chapters: Ashes of Ariandel and The Ringed City.
  • Intense Combat Action: Challenging, genre-defining gameplay. Diversified combat action allows players to craft their own unique style.
  • Team up for some jolly good cooperation or test your ability in PvP battle: All PvP maps unlocked and accessible. Improved online matchmaking functionality.
  • Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) Content Description: Blood and gore, violence

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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