Dark Souls 3 Guide: How to Jump

Dark Souls 3 is a tough challenge for many reasons. These challenges mainly come from the difficult foes and confusing pathways, but it can also be somewhat tough to learn the game’s different mechanics. Some of these mechanics are surprisingly hidden, with a certain ability — jumping — not having much explanation in-game. Jumping isn’t very necessary in the land of Lothric, but knowing how to use it effectively can lead players to hidden items and alternate paths. Players that want to take full advantage of this game’s secrets should know how to jump in Dark Souls 3.

How to Jump in Dark Souls 3

Regardless of what controller you use, jumping in this game is done through holding the dodge button, sprinting forward, and pressing the jump button during your sprint. For PlayStation and Xbox controllers, that would mean holding the Circle or B button respectively, followed by pushing the control stick forward and clicking the left stick in during your run animation. The default controls for the PC release have the jump button on the Spacebar, making it the same as the dodge button. This means you’ll have to quickly tap the Spacebar to jump, but you can remap this control scheme if it proves to be too difficult.

Jumping can be useful in accessing hidden areas or alternate pathways. They offer a degree of control in where you land while providing a good opportunity for plunging attacks. You can use jumps to leave creative messages in hard-to-reach places, or you can use them to outwit slower foes. Just keep in mind that Dark Souls 3 is not a platformer. Attempting to use jumps as regularly as in other games will get you nowhere fast, especially since they aren’t improved through levelling up like normal stats are. If you want to use jumping in combat, you’re better off using jumping attacks. These are performed in a similar manner to kicking — just substitute the attack button for the strong attack button!

Dark Souls III is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.