Board Thread:Dark Souls II/@comment-213.126.76.170-20140319211924/@comment-5337347-20140405040406

Easy fix:

Press pause, return to the main menu.

Lower the controller. More. All the way.

Turn off the system.

Leave the room.

Easier fix: Return to the start menu, and when it says "Retrieving calibrations", cancel, confirm that you wish to cancel the calibration check, and the game will start in offline mode. You can easily go back online from the start menu with the "Go Online" button. You can burn effigies to avoid invaders, as well. Some places are forced PvP, and can't be avoided, like the Belfries or the Doors of Pharros/Grave of Saints.