New Dark Souls 3 exploit poses risk to online mode

Dark Souls 3 players were recently alerted to a new security threat on Twitter. As of writing, the exploit only affects the PC version of the game, with no word if console players could also be susceptible.

Players have been warned to avoid playing Dark Souls 3's online mode until a patch is released from developer From Software. However, the exploit could spell potential doom for the studio's upcoming release, Elden Ring.

New Dark Souls 3 exploit could brick PCs

In a series of tweets on 22nd January 2022, Twitter user SkeleMann issued a PSA alerting avid Dark Souls 3 PC players about a new exploit that poses a significant risk when playing its online mode. They explained the exploit essentially turns the game into malware vulnerable to hackers.

PSA - DARK SOULS 3 - PC#DarkSouls3#DarkSouls

Hey folks

On PC there is a new, very serious exploit plaguing Dark Souls 3 which can cause lasting damage to your computer.

This could brick your PC, let your login information be shared, or execute programs in the background. 1/?

— SkeleMann (@SkeleMann) January 22, 2022

"On PC, there is a new, very serious exploit plaguing Dark Souls 3 which can cause lasting damage to your computer. This could brick your PC, let your login information be shared, or execute programs in the background like a Trojan Horse."

They prompted fellow players not to play Dark Souls 3 until its developer, FromSoftware, releases a new patch to fix the exploit. Players are recommended to play the game offline; however, they will need to download and install the Blue Sentinel mod as a precaution if they wish to play online.

like a Trojan Horse. And more nasty stuff.

It's highly suggested to NOT PLAY ONLINE DARK SOULS 3 in it's current state. Avoid any online activity from Ds3.

In addition, if you haven't already everybody and their mother can recommend the Blue Sentinel modhttps://t.co/lposZRzbr1

— SkeleMann (@SkeleMann) January 22, 2022

The Blue Sentinel mod is widely used and recognises hackers during online play. Currently, the mod has been patched in light of the exploit's discoverability; however, the mod's developers advised players not to play online.

"If you go online, you aren't likely to have your PC damaged, only because the people who know how to execute this understand the severity of it and are responsible. In my opinion, online should still be avoided until a community solution is created," Redditor Jonientz posted on the Dark Souls 3 subreddit.

It does appear that the exploit seems to have affected PC for the time being. Followingly, players have been warned about the severity of the damage caused by the exploit should they choose to dismiss the warning and play online.

While the exploit won't likely affect other Dark Souls games, some have commented that there's a high chance the exploit can affect FromSoftware's upcoming release, Elden Ring.

"If this issue exists in DS3's netcode, then it'll exist in Elden Ring's netcode, and I have zero faith that FromSoftware will fix it. I really didn't want to have to buy a console for Elden Ring, but I guess I'll just have to figure it out," a Reddit user explained.

This is terrible news for the developer and publisher, Bandai Namco, as we are weeks away from the game's release. "I'm sure they want their money. So they might fix it, but I highly doubt they'll do the same for Dark Souls 3," another Reddit user commented.

The good news is that a FromSoftware community manager has been notified of the latest exploit, which according to the Reddit post, "has submitted reports to internal resources".

We'll continue to update the story with more updates and feedback from the developers once it becomes available.

• Read more: The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask coming to Switch Online next month

Featured image courtesy of FromSoftware / Bandai Namco & Know Your Meme.