15 Greatest Multiplayer Video Games Of The Decade (So Far)

The best thing about Dark Souls' multiplayer component is how sparse it is. Although much of the dungeon crawler can be played on your own without ever seeing another player, the franchise uses a drop-in online experience that transforms the way key moments in the game are tackled.

Mostly before boss fights, the biggest and toughest showdowns in the franchise often give you the option to call in a co-op buddy to help you out. Likewise, you're also able to opt in to being summoned to the same fights in order to aid other players who might be stuck themselves.

Although it's basically just to help you progress through the game when you hit a wall, there's a real sense of companionship forged during these encounters as you call on other players to give you a leg up and then repay the debt by helping someone else once you've mastered the fight yourself.

However, it's the much praised "invasion" feature that most fans adore. Throughout the game you can either be invaded by other players or invade them yourself, transforming the game into a PVP experience for a series of short, brutal bouts.

The intense, risk-reward structure of these showdowns and the constant threat that someone could strike you down and put your rare resources at risk makes Dark Souls' campaign even more of an edge of your seat experience.