Actually, I think that invasions in Ds3 are great, I play this game because of the invasions and I have several hundred hours in it. I play low level (SL 11) invasions and SL 125. No duels, I mean, at all. I've never entered arena.

I'll make a post about some interesting differences between the host behaviour at High Wall and high level hosts and phantoms. For example, there are WAAAAY more disconnects at High Wall, than at high level invasions, etc.

And 9 times out of 10 I don't even use the hornet ring. From the twink arsenal I only have 5 estus flasks and Prisoner's chain. Not even Astora straight sword. I use regular halberd, wich can be bought from Shrine Maiden for 1500 souls, and the longsword. I do 90 damage per hit.

I use hornet ring if i'm really outnumbered, I mean really, with 2 blues or 3 password summoned phantoms or other crap like that.

And yeah, I win 9 out of 10 invasions, and if I die - I take several phantoms with me. At high levels though my win rate is about 7/8 out of 10. It may sound like I'm bragging, but invasions are really not that difficult as they are pictured. JUST DON'T RUSH, fellow invader. Actually, it's getting harder for me if there's another invader in the world, because usually he rushes and just gives 2 estus to the host upon dying.

If you want to get fun from the invasions, just stay away from Pontiff's. Now THAT place is something else. If there is a prepared ganksquad, they just kill invaders and refill their estus constantly. Of course, eventually they will die, but 99% it's becoming a chore to chase them down to the bonfire, try not to hit your allies, etc etc.