FromSoftware temporarily shuts down Dark Souls 2 and 3 multiplayer over 'server issue'

FromSoftware announced on October 30 that multiplayer features in Dark Souls 2 and 3 have been disabled indefinitely because of an undisclosed server issue. The shutdown affects all platforms for both games, including invasions, co-op play, and messaging systems. The company stated it would share an updated restoration timeline once more information becomes available. No specific cause or duration for the disruption was revealed in the announcement.

This is not the first time FromSoftware’s Dark Souls series has faced server problems. In early 2022, a critical remote code execution vulnerability led to the prolonged shutdown of PC servers across all Dark Souls titles ahead of Elden Ring’s release. However, the current issue is limited to Dark Souls 2 and 3 and spans all platforms, not just PC, suggesting a potentially narrower scope.

The timing of the shutdown coincides with the availability of Seamless Co-op mods for both games, which operate on separate servers. Players can still access co-op functionality by using these mods, bypassing the official server restrictions. Dark Souls 2 received its Seamless Co-op treatment in late September, while Dark Souls 3 has supported it for some time.

The disruption follows a pattern of server-related issues in FromSoftware’s back catalog, though the current problem appears less severe than past incidents. The company has not indicated whether the issue is related to security vulnerabilities or infrastructure problems. Players are advised to monitor official updates for further developments regarding the restoration of multiplayer services.