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UPDATE: FromSoftware has announced that the PvP servers for Dark Souls 3, Dark Souls 2, and Dark Souls: Remastered have been temporarily disabled in order to address the issue. Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition will join them shortly.
ORIGINAL STORY: As if Souls games weren't hard enough already, a newly discovered exploit via Dark Souls 3's online functionality has the capability of exposing your PC to malicious attacks by hackers. Twitter user SkeleMann has elaborated on this issue via a long Twitter thread, and it has also been posted on the Dark Souls 3 subreddit by one of the moderators (thanks, PC Gamer).
"On PC there is a new, very serious exploit plaguing Dark Souls 3 which can cause lasting damage to your computer," said SkeleMann's tweet. "This could brick your PC, let your login information be shared, or execute programs in the background." They advised people who want to play the game online to use the Blue Sentinel mod, which has "will protect you from malicious cheats, flag players who use them, and allow you to kick them from your world." While it didn't defend against the exploit at first, it has now been updated to do so.
The discoverer of this exploit has run a demonstration to show how dangerous it could be via a stream. They have also reached out to Bandai Namco in hopes of getting the developers to fix the issue before it can do any major damage. However, we'd advise that you refrain from playing Dark Souls 3 online until it has been resolved.
Among the discussion are also speculations that this exploit could potentially affect FromSoftware's upcoming title, Elden Ring if it uses the same netcode as Dark Souls 3. While this remains unconfirmed, it is a troubling thought.
While currently only your PC is at risk due to this Dark Souls 3 exploit, soon your Steam Deck could be as well. SteamDB has been keeping track of all the games that Valve has approved for its handheld device, and Dark Souls 3 is among them. Other big games that have been given the nod as of now are Risk of Rain 2, Hollow Knight, and Celeste, Scarlet Nexus, Psychonauts 2, and Death's Door. The overall list contains 38 games as of now and is bound to be updated with more over the coming months before launch.