The mechanism by which player matchmaking is determined in Dark Souls II is known as Soul Memory. This system tallies all souls acquired by a character throughout their playthrough. A character falls into a specific Soul Memory tier based on this accumulated soul count, which dictates the range of other players they can connect with for cooperative or competitive multiplayer interactions. A tool exists to assist players in determining their current Soul Memory tier and potential matchmaking partners.
Understanding the mechanics is crucial for players seeking specific multiplayer experiences. It allows players to optimize character builds for player-versus-player combat within desired Soul Level and Soul Memory ranges, or to more easily connect with friends for cooperative gameplay. Originally implemented to reduce the impact of character level disparities on online interactions, the system has become a subject of much discussion within the Dark Souls II community, impacting gameplay strategy and build planning.