Dark Souls (video game)

{{Further|Gameplay elements in the Souls series}}

File:Darksoulsbattle.jpg; shown here is a boss fight from the game's Artorias of the Abyss expansion.]]

Dark Souls is a third-person action role-playing game. A core mechanic of the game is exploration. Players are encouraged to proceed with caution, learn from past mistakes, or find alternative areas to explore. Dark Souls takes place in a large and continuous, interconnected environment, connected through a central hub area. The player character can travel between areas and explore various paths at will, although prerequisites must be met to unlock certain areas.{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/10/03/dark-souls-review-brick-walls-and-pancakes/ |title=Dark Souls review: Brick walls and pancakes |website=Engadget |date=October 3, 2011 |access-date=September 10, 2016 |first=Richard |last=Mitchell |archive-date=August 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160825180437/https://www.engadget.com/2011/10/03/dark-souls-review-brick-walls-and-pancakes/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://m.ign.com/articles/2011/09/30/dark-souls-review |title=Dark Souls Review |website=IGN |date=September 30, 2011 |access-date=September 10, 2016 |archive-date=September 19, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919131746/http://m.ign.com/articles/2011/09/30/dark-souls-review |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/dark_souls/b/ps3/archive/2011/10/03/dark-souls-review-dead-and-loving-it.aspx |title=Dark Souls Review: Dead And Loving It |magazine=Game Informer |date=October 3, 2011 |access-date=September 10, 2016 |first=Phil |last=Kollar |archive-date=October 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008204359/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/dark_souls/b/ps3/archive/2011/10/03/dark-souls-review-dead-and-loving-it.aspx |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://m.gamerevolution.com/review/dark-souls |title=Dark Souls Review |website=GameRevolution |date=October 3, 2011 |access-date=September 10, 2016 |first=Daniel |last=Bischoff |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160825175549/http://m.gamerevolution.com/review/dark-souls |archive-date=August 25, 2016 |url-status=dead }}

A central element to the gameplay of Dark Souls is the bonfire. Bonfires are scattered throughout the world and serve as checkpoints for each level. By resting at a bonfire, the player character is healed to full and regains all of the healing charges of their "Estus Flask." They can also level up and perform other functions, such as attuning magic and repairing and upgrading equipment. However, resting at a bonfire respawns all of the world's enemies, except for bosses, mini-bosses, and friendly non-playable characters.

The player character's interaction with the world of Dark Souls includes a great deal of combat. Combat includes melee attacks, ranged attacks, various forms of defensive maneuvering, and magical abilities. For melee attacks, player characters have access to a wide array of high fantasy, medieval-style weaponry—including swords, spears, maces, and fantastical weaponry such as magical swords, huge greatswords, and immense clubs. For ranged attacks, player characters have access to an array of bows and crossbows. For defence, player characters have access to shields, armour, dodge rolling, backstepping, and parrying. For magic, which includes a wide variety of offensive and defensive abilities known as sorceries, miracles, and pyromancies, player characters do not use any form of mana as in most other fantasy RPGs. Instead, they gain a discrete number of uses for each attuned spell when resting at a bonfire. These various forms of combat all have tradeoffs, variations, and in-game costs associated with them. They can all be buffed or altered in some fashion through levelling, smithing, consumable items, magical rings, and new equipment.

Another aspect of Dark Souls is the "humanity" system. There are two forms the player character can be in during the game, human form or undead form. Whenever the player character dies in human form, they are returned to undead form and can only return to human by consuming the humanity item and issuing the command at the bonfire to restore humanity. While in human form, the player character may summon other players and non-player characters (NPCs) to assist them, but they may also be subjected to invasions by other players and NPCs who seek to kill the player to restore their humanity, harvest souls, or achieve some other goal. Humanity can be acquired in many ways, and if no humanity is available, players can still progress in undead form. Death results in the loss of all carried souls and humanity, but players revive as undead at their most recent bonfire with one chance at returning to where they died to recover all lost souls and humanity. If the player dies before reaching their "bloodstain," their previously accrued souls and humanity are permanently lost. Carrying humanity grants bonuses and resistances, incentivizing players to hold onto their humanity.

Communication and interaction between players are deliberately restricted. Outside of some character gestures, the only communication players have with one another comes through orange soapstones, which allow players to write preset phrases that others can read in the same area. Also, players can enter cooperative or player versus player combat with each other.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/how-dark-souls-pvp-keeping-game-alive/|title=The rituals, strategies, honour and etiquette that keep Dark Souls PvP alive|last=Ahmed|first=Sayem|date=August 26, 2015|website=GamesRadar+|access-date=August 13, 2018|archive-date=August 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180814071252/https://www.gamesradar.com/how-dark-souls-pvp-keeping-game-alive/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://en.bandainamcoent.eu/dark-souls/news/master-online-play-vaativiyda|title=Master Online play|last=Entertainment|first=Bandai|date=June 25, 2018|access-date=August 14, 2018|archive-date=August 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180814103306/https://en.bandainamcoent.eu/dark-souls/news/master-online-play-vaativiyda|url-status=live}} Throughout the game, there are multiple NPCs that the player may encounter on their journey. These characters add to the plot of the game but are not essential. If the player chooses to engage with them, some of the characters can assist the player by being summoned for certain boss fights when the player character is in human form.

The multiplayer component for the PC version of Dark Souls was disabled in February 2022, in response to a security threat within the matchmaking system found that same month.{{cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/dark-souls-multiplayer-tags-disappear-from-steam-and-fans-are-getting-nervous/|title=Dark Souls multiplayer tags disappear from Steam, and fans are getting nervous|first=Andy|last=Chalk|work=PC Gamer|date=April 7, 2022|accessdate=April 26, 2022|archive-date=April 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426124005/https://www.pcgamer.com/dark-souls-multiplayer-tags-disappear-from-steam-and-fans-are-getting-nervous/|url-status=live}} In October 2022, Namco Bandai confirmed that online multiplayer for the "Prepare to Die" version of the game had been permanently disabled due to aging hardware, but noted that they were working on restoring online multiplayer for the Remastered version.{{Cite web |author1=Ali Jones |date=2022-10-25 |title=Dark Souls 2 PC servers are back, but Prepare to Die multiplayer is gone forever |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/dark-souls-2-pc-servers-are-back-but-prepare-to-die-multiplayer-is-gone-forever/ |access-date=2022-10-26 |website=gamesradar |language=en |archive-date=October 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221026030128/https://www.gamesradar.com/dark-souls-2-pc-servers-are-back-but-prepare-to-die-multiplayer-is-gone-forever/ |url-status=live }}

Dark Souls employs minimalist storytelling to convey its plot and lore. Historical events in the world and their significance are often implicit or left to player interpretation rather than fully shown or explained. Most of the story is given to the player through dialogue from non-player characters, flavor text from items, and world design; how players progress through the story can vary heavily depending on their actions.

The opening cutscene establishes the premise of the game. Dragons once ruled the world during the "Age of Ancients." A primordial fire known as the First Flame manifests in the world, establishing a distinction between life and death, and light and dark. A being known as Gynn happens upon the First Flame and along with his allies use their new power to destroy the dragons and take control over the world, while the Furtive Pygmy is said to be forgotten, and thus begins the "Age of Fire." Over time, as the First Flame begins to fade while humans rise in power, Gwyn sacrifices himself to prolong the Age of Fire. The main story takes place towards the end of this second Age of Fire, at which point humanity is said to be afflicted with an undead curse related to a symbol on their bodies known as the Darksign. Those humans afflicted with the undead curse perpetually resurrect after death until they eventually lose their minds, a process referred to as "hollowing."

The player character is a cursed undead, locked away in an undead asylum. After escaping the asylum, the player travels to Lordran to ring the Bells of Awakening. The bells awaken Kingseeker Frampt who tells the player to ascend to Anor Londo, the home of the Gods. After fighting through the nearly abandoned city, the player discovers the daughter of Gwyn, Gwynevere, who instructs the player to succeed Lord Gwyn and fulfil the prophecy. To accomplish this, the player must acquire the Gwynn's primordial allies and return their souls to the flame to rekindle it. Optionally, the player may encounter Darkstalker Kaathe, who encourages the player not to link the fire but to let it die out and usher in the Age of Dark instead. After aquirring all the Lord Souls, the player travel to the Kiln of the First Flame to battle Gwyn. Once Gwyn has been defeated, the player has the choice of linking the flame to preserve the Age of Fire or letting it die out to instigate the Age of Dark.

{{main|Dark Souls: Artorias of the Abyss}}

In the Artorias of the Abyss expansion, the Chosen Undead is dragged into the past to the fallen land of Oolacile in an effort to rescue Princess Dusk of Oolacile and ascertain the fate of her would-be rescuer, the Knight Artorias. The player soon discovers that Artorias was defeated by Manus, the Lord of the Abyss, and left in a corrupted and feral state. After reaching the Chasm of the Abyss, the player defeats Manus. Unfortunately, the player finds Princess Dusk in a catatonic condition.

File:Hidetaka Miyazaki, The Game Awards 2022 (cropped).png, the game's director and producer|upright=.7]]

Dark Souls was developed by FromSoftware, with series creator Hidetaka Miyazaki directing and producing. Dark Souls is a spiritual successor to FromSoftware's 2009 game Demon's Souls, published and owned by Sony Computer Entertainment.{{cite web|url=https://www.giantbomb.com/souls/3025-2169/|title=Souls - Overview|website=Giant Bomb|access-date=April 27, 2019|archive-date=April 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427032057/https://www.giantbomb.com/souls/3025-2169/|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/demons_souls/b/ps3/archive/2009/11/05/feature-demon-s-souls-director-discusses-difficulty-sequels-and-more.aspx|title=Demon's Souls Director Discusses Difficulty, Sequels, And More|last=Kollar|first=Phil|date=November 5, 2009|magazine=Game Informer|access-date=April 27, 2019|archive-date=November 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111173612/https://www.gameinformer.com/games/demons_souls/b/ps3/archive/2009/11/05/feature-demon-s-souls-director-discusses-difficulty-sequels-and-more.aspx|url-status=live}} Bandai Namco Entertainment was chosen to publish Dark Souls as they had the ability to release on more platforms.{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2013/6/13/4424550/demons-souls-2-shuhei-yoshida-e3|title=Sony studios head wants to see more Demon's Souls|last=McWhertor|first=Michael|date=June 13, 2013|website=Polygon |access-date=April 27, 2019|archive-date=July 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712080717/https://www.polygon.com/2013/6/13/4424550/demons-souls-2-shuhei-yoshida-e3|url-status=live}}{{cite journal | title = Relationships among video games: Existing standards and new definitions | author = Jin Ha Lee |first2=Rachel Ivy |last2=Clarke |first3=Simone |last3=Sacchi |first4=Jacob |last4=Jett | journal = Proceedings of the Association for Information Science and Technology | volume = 51 | issue = 1 | year = 2014 | pages = 1–11 | doi = 10.1002/meet.2014.14505101035 | doi-access = free }}{{cite web|url=https://www.cgmagonline.com/2016/05/30/dark-souls-history-bloodborne-fromsoftware-ps4-playstation-pc/|title=Prepare To Die: A Brief History Of The Souls Series|last=Gilyadov|first=Aleksander|date=May 30, 2016|website=CGMagazine|access-date=April 27, 2019|archive-date=April 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427032059/https://www.cgmagonline.com/2016/05/30/dark-souls-history-bloodborne-fromsoftware-ps4-playstation-pc/|url-status=live}}

The design and development process itself involved a guided freeform approach, with Miyazaki steering designers while allowing them latitude for creativity:

The design ordering process for Dark Souls can be divided into two main categories. The first involves providing the designers with simple keywords we brainstormed during the early stages of project development and allowing them to design freely. We take the images they produce and provide feedback, make adjustments as necessary, or incorporate their ideas into our plans. [...] The second process comes into play once we've settled on the basic details of the game world. At that point we are able to make more detailed design requests. These requests usually include information like how the design will be used, where in the game the design will be used, and the specific purpose of the design in terms of what it will represent in the game. [...] Either way, I am the one who hands out the orders and I work directly with each designer instead of having a middleman between us.

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| footer = FromSoftware modeled several places in Dark Souls after real-world locations, such as the main building in Anor Londo based on the Milan Cathedral (left) and Château de Chambord (right).

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Miyazaki stated that the game draws direct inspiration from earlier works of fantasy and dark fantasy, especially the manga series Berserk.{{cite web |title=Dark Souls 3: Das komplette Gamescom-Interview mit Schöpfer Hidetaka Miyazaki |url=https://www.pcgames.de/Dark-Souls-3-Spiel-55615/Specials/Hidetaka-Miyazaki-im-Gamescom-Interview-1167759/ |website=PC Games |access-date=June 22, 2019 |language=de |date=August 12, 2015 |archive-date=June 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190623003231/https://www.pcgames.de/Dark-Souls-3-Spiel-55615/Specials/Hidetaka-Miyazaki-im-Gamescom-Interview-1167759/ |url-status=live }} He has described the driving aesthetic principle of the game as being "a certain kind of refinement, elegance, and dignity". He also described the themes which guided the design of the game in the following way: "I put three major guidelines in place: Gods and knights centered around Anor Londo, demonic chaos and flames centered around Lost Izalith, and the theme of death centered around Gravelord Nito. To these themes we added the special concept of ancient dragons that predate all life, and this formed the basis for Dark Souls". Many of the game's locations were inspired by the real-world, such as the Château de Chambord in France and Milan Cathedral in Italy.{{Cite book|title=Dark Souls Design Works|last=Otsuka|first=Kadoman|publisher=UDON Entertainment Corp.|year=2012|isbn=978-1926778891|pages=114–125|chapter=Dark Souls Interview}}{{Cite web|title=The Real Dark Souls Starts Here: 13 Real-Life Inspirations for Lordran|date=March 13, 2014 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/03/13/the-real-dark-souls-starts-here-12-real-life-inspirations-for-lordran|language=en|access-date=February 3, 2020|archive-date=August 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809060848/https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/03/13/the-real-dark-souls-starts-here-12-real-life-inspirations-for-lordran|url-status=live}}

The characters and world of Dark Souls contain many philosophical and folkloric parallels among Greek mythology,{{cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/darks-souls-and-mythology-267395.phtml|title=Darks Souls and mythology|date=January 1, 2014|website=Destructoid|access-date=April 27, 2019|archive-date=April 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427032053/https://www.destructoid.com/darks-souls-and-mythology-267395.phtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/v2/2019/02/15/dark-souls-and-the-mythology-of-ruin/|title=Dark Souls and the Mythology of Ruin|last=Lowe|first=Kenneth|date=February 2019|website=The Escapist|access-date=April 27, 2019|archive-date=April 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427032056/https://www.escapistmagazine.com/v2/2019/02/15/dark-souls-and-the-mythology-of-ruin/|url-status=live}} Japanese mythology,{{cite web|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2016/04/8-videogame-characters-based-on-japanese-folklore.html|title=8 Videogame Characters Based On Japanese Folklore|last=Yarwood|first=Jack|date=April 27, 2016|website=Paste|access-date=April 27, 2019|archive-date=April 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427032053/https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2016/04/8-videogame-characters-based-on-japanese-folklore.html|url-status=live}} French existentialism,{{cite web|url=https://thegemsbok.com/art-reviews-and-articles/dark-souls-from-software-existentialism-philosophy/|title=Unchosen Undead: A Thorough Existentialist Philosophical Analysis of FromSoftware's Original Dark Souls|last=Podgorski|first=Daniel|date=April 24, 2019|website=The Gemsbok|access-date=April 27, 2019|archive-date=April 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427032059/https://thegemsbok.com/art-reviews-and-articles/dark-souls-from-software-existentialism-philosophy/|url-status=live}} and the work of proto-existentialist philosophers like Friedrich Nietzsche. Dark Souls{{'}} description of natural cycles that the world experiences, and the designs of some individual characters, parallel Japanese and Greek myths. The game's presentation of a universe defined by the inevitable burning out of a flame and the tragic stories of the individuals in that meaningless world, parallel ideas in schools of philosophy concerning existentialism, absurdity, meaninglessness, and the end of the universe.

The game was first released for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in Japan on September 22, 2011, and in Western regions in October 2011. Following the game's success, many expressed their hope for a PC version.{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/dark-souls-admin-suggests-pc-could-happen-with-a-petition/|title=Dark Souls admin suggests PC could happen with a petition|last=Conditt|first=Jessica|date=January 8, 2012|website=Engadget|publisher=joystiq|access-date=April 27, 2019|archive-date=April 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427032309/https://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/dark-souls-admin-suggests-pc-could-happen-with-a-petition/|url-status=live}} In early 2012, fans started a petition to bring Dark Souls to PC, with over 93,000 people signing it.{{cite web |title=Petition: Dark Souls for PC |url=http://petitionbureau.org/DarkSoulsForPC/ |date=January 6, 2012 |access-date=January 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108214501/http://petitionbureau.org/DarkSoulsForPC |archive-date=January 8, 2012 |url-status=dead }} A PC version of the game was confirmed in April 2012 via German magazine PC Action.{{cite web |last=Donaldson |first=Alex |url=http://www.rpgsite.net/news/1512-dark-souls-pc-confirmed-in-pc-action-magazine |title=Dark Souls PC confirmed in PC Action magazine |website=rpgsite.net |date=April 7, 2012 |access-date=October 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026202607/http://www.rpgsite.net/news/1512-dark-souls-pc-confirmed-in-pc-action-magazine |archive-date=October 26, 2016}} It had been reported during the development process that FromSoftware had been having difficulty with the port due to inexperience with PC as a platform and were focusing on new content rather than optimization.{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-06-07-from-software-having-a-tough-time-porting-dark-souls-to-pc-frame-rate-issues-remain |title=From Software "having a tough time" porting Dark Souls to PC, frame rate issues remain |first=Fred |last=Dutton |website=Eurogamer |date=June 7, 2012 |access-date=October 14, 2013 |archive-date=October 17, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017192949/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-06-07-from-software-having-a-tough-time-porting-dark-souls-to-pc-frame-rate-issues-remain |url-status=live }} Re-branded as the Prepare To Die Edition, it came out in August 2012 and featured new content, including bosses, enemies, equipment, and NPCs.{{cite web|url=http://gamingbolt.com/dark-souls-prepare-to-die-edition-coming-to-pc-in-august|title=Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition coming to PC in August|last=Mudgal|first=Kartik|date=April 7, 2012|website=Gaming Bolt|access-date=April 27, 2019|archive-date=October 26, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026164132/http://gamingbolt.com/dark-souls-prepare-to-die-edition-coming-to-pc-in-august|url-status=live}} The new content, subtitled Artorias of the Abyss, was also released for consoles in October 2012 as downloadable content (DLC).{{cite web |url=http://www.vg247.com/2012/05/31/dark-souls-pc-coming-to-steam-consoles-to-get-pc-content/ |title=Dark Souls PC coming to Steam, consoles to get PC content |last=Cullen |first=Johnny |date=May 31, 2012 |website=VG247 |access-date=May 31, 2012 |archive-date=June 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120602234139/http://www.vg247.com/2012/05/31/dark-souls-pc-coming-to-steam-consoles-to-get-pc-content/ |url-status=live }} Soon after, it was announced that Dark Souls for PC would use Games for Windows – Live for online play and DRM, spurring fan backlash.{{cite web |last=Makuch |first=Eddie |title=Gamers rallying against Dark Souls PC using Games for Windows Live |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/news/gamers-rallying-against-dark-souls-pc-using-games-for-windows-live-6371507 |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=April 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120420174732/http://uk.gamespot.com/news/gamers-rallying-against-dark-souls-pc-using-games-for-windows-live-6371507 |archive-date=April 20, 2012 |url-status=dead }}

The PC version was released on August 23, 2012. A user-created mod to circumvent the resolution cap, named "DSFix", was created shortly after release.{{cite web|url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/dark-souls/1225853p1.html|title=Modder Purportedly Fixes Dark Souls PC Resolution Limitations in 23 Minutes|last=Nelson|first=Mike|date=August 23, 2012|website=GameSpy|access-date=April 27, 2019|archive-date=March 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311035243/http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/dark-souls/1225853p1.html|url-status=live}} DSFix was later extended to become an unofficial fan-made patch that also allowed graphical improvements, raising the framerate cap to 60, and installing custom texture mods.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.gamestar.de/spiele/dark-souls-prepare-to-die-edition/news/dark_souls_prepare_to_die_edition,48018,3005061.html |title=Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition - Fans bringen das Spiel auf 60FPS |quote=Die PC-Version des Action-Rollenspiels Dark Souls plagen ein paar Macken. Die fleißige Community hat sich diesen angenommen und einen Patch veröffentlicht, der die Auflösung erhöht und den Framelimiter aushebelt. |first=Maximilian |last=Walter |magazine=GameStar |date=September 18, 2012 |access-date=October 12, 2013 |language=de |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203045236/http://www.gamestar.de/spiele/dark-souls-prepare-to-die-edition/news/dark_souls_prepare_to_die_edition,48018,3005061.html |url-status=live }} On December 15, 2014, Games for Windows – Live was removed from the Steam version and replaced by Steamworks. The ability to transfer both achievements and save data was provided.{{cite web |url=http://steamcommunity.com/games/211420/announcements/detail/206368522048405952? |title=Dark Souls™ Prepare To Die Edition update to replace the Games for Windows Live functionality with Steamworks is now live |date=December 15, 2014 |access-date=December 15, 2014 |website=SteamCommunity.com |publisher=shoupinou |last=Grabit |first=Anthony |archive-date=December 18, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218050953/http://steamcommunity.com/games/211420/announcements/detail/206368522048405952 |url-status=live }} In April 2016, Dark Souls became available on Xbox One via backward compatibility.{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/2/16/11015920/dark-souls-xbox-one-backwards-compatible-dark-souls-3-season-pass |title=Dark Souls Getting Xbox One Compatibility, Free with Dark Souls 3 Pre-Order |last=Frank |first=Allegra |date=February 16, 2016 |website=Polygon |access-date=October 5, 2016 |archive-date=October 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005143205/http://www.polygon.com/2016/2/16/11015920/dark-souls-xbox-one-backwards-compatible-dark-souls-3-season-pass |url-status=live }}

{{anchor|Dark Souls: Remastered}}A remastered version of the game, titled Dark Souls: Remastered, was released worldwide for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows in May 2018, and for the Nintendo Switch on October 19, 2018.{{cite web |first=Michael |last=McWhertor |url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/4/17/17246506/dark-souls-remastered-nintendo-switch-release-date-delayed |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180524032942/https://www.polygon.com/2018/1/11/16746620/dark-souls-remaster-pc-ps4-xbox-one-trailer-date |title=Dark Souls: Remastered for Switch delayed |website=Polygon |date=April 17, 2018 |access-date=May 24, 2018 |archive-date=May 24, 2018 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=McWhertor |first1=Michael |title=Dark Souls coming to Nintendo Switch on Oct. 19 |url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/8/14/17688580/dark-souls-remastered-nintendo-switch-release-date |website=Polygon |date=August 14, 2018 |access-date=August 14, 2018 |archive-date=August 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815112657/https://www.polygon.com/2018/8/14/17688580/dark-souls-remastered-nintendo-switch-release-date |url-status=live }} The remaster was ported by the Polish studio QLOC, whereas the Switch version was ported by the Singaporean studio Virtuos. The game runs at a native 60 frames per second on all platforms except the Nintendo Switch and supports a 4K resolution on the PlayStation 4 Pro, Xbox One X, and Windows.{{cite web |first=Michael |last=McWhertor |title=Dark Souls: Remastered coming to PC, PS4 and Xbox One |url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/1/11/16746620/dark-souls-remaster-pc-ps4-xbox-one-trailer-date |website=Polygon |date=January 11, 2018 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |archive-date=May 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524032942/https://www.polygon.com/2018/1/11/16746620/dark-souls-remaster-pc-ps4-xbox-one-trailer-date |url-status=live }} Several changes were made to the online multiplayer, including adding dedicated servers, increasing the maximum number of players online from four to six, and password matchmaking.{{cite web |first=Sherif |last=Saed |title=Dark Souls Remastered announced for PC, PS4, Xbox One with 4K and 60fps |url=https://www.vg247.com/2018/01/11/dark-souls-remastered-announced-for-pc-ps4-xbox-one-with-4k-and-60fps/ |website=VG247 |date=January 11, 2018 |access-date=January 14, 2018 |archive-date=January 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180114060757/https://www.vg247.com/2018/01/11/dark-souls-remastered-announced-for-pc-ps4-xbox-one-with-4k-and-60fps/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Callum |last=Agnew |title=Can the Nintendo Switch Handle a Dark Souls Remaster? |url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/features/363233-can-nintendo-switch-handle-dark-souls-remaster#5VfcYLz0Z3yxqDde.99 |website=Game Revolution |date=January 13, 2018 |access-date=January 14, 2018 |archive-date=January 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180114060737/http://www.gamerevolution.com/features/363233-can-nintendo-switch-handle-dark-souls-remaster#5VfcYLz0Z3yxqDde.99 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://nordic.ign.com/switch/12662/news/here-are-all-the-differences-between-dark-souls-and-dark-sou |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524031849/http://nordic.ign.com/switch/12662/news/here-are-all-the-differences-between-dark-souls-and-dark-sou |title=Here are All the Differences Between Dark Souls and Dark Souls Remastered |website=IGN |first=Lucy |last=O'Brien |date=April 3, 2018 |access-date=May 24, 2018 |archive-date=May 24, 2018 |url-status=live}}

{{Video game reviews

| title = {{Screen reader-only|Reception of Dark Souls}}

| MC = wikidata

| 1UP = A{{cite web |first=Bob |last=Mackey |title=Review: Dark Souls Shines, But You May Hate It (PS3, XBOX 360, PC) |website=1Up.com |url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/review-dark-souls |date=October 4, 2011 |access-date=January 28, 2021 |archive-date=August 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803153411/http://www.1up.com/reviews/review-dark-souls |url-status=dead }}

| Edge = 10/10{{efn|Originally scored 9/10 before revisal{{Cite magazine |title=Dark Souls review |magazine=Edge |url=http://www.next-gen.biz/reviews/dark-souls-review |date=October 3, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005085116/http://www.next-gen.biz/reviews/dark-souls-review |archive-date=October 5, 2011 |access-date=January 27, 2021 |url-status=dead}} }}

| EuroG = 9/10

| Fam = 37/40{{cite magazine|url=https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=16392|title=ダークソウル [PS3] |magazine=Famitsu |language=ja |access-date=July 23, 2018|archive-date=October 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024232411/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=16392|url-status=live}}

| GamePro = 5/5{{cite magazine|first=Kat |last=Bailey |title=Review: Dark Souls (360/PS3) |magazine=GamePro |url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/223585/review-dark-souls-360-ps3/ |date=October 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008000814/http://www.gamepro.com:80/article/reviews/223585/review-dark-souls-360-ps3/ |archive-date=October 8, 2011 |url-status=dead |access-date=January 28, 2021}}

| GSpot = 9.5/10{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/dark-souls-review/1900-6337621/ |last=VanOrd |first=Kevin |date=October 3, 2011 |website=GameSpot |title=Dark Souls Review |access-date=March 11, 2017 |archive-date=March 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312200218/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/dark-souls-review/1900-6337621/ |url-status=live }}

| GTM = 9/10{{cite web |title=Dark Souls review |website=GamesTM |url=http://www.gamestm.co.uk/reviews/dark-souls-review |date=October 3, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111206031100/http://www.gamestm.co.uk:80/reviews/dark-souls-review |archive-date=December 6, 2011 |url-status=dead |access-date=January 28, 2021 }}

| IGN = 9/10{{cite web |last1=MacDonald |first1=Keza |title=Dark Souls Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/09/30/dark-souls-review |website=IGN |date=September 30, 2011 |access-date=February 4, 2020 |archive-date=December 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211032708/https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/09/30/dark-souls-review |url-status=live }}

| GI = 8.75/10{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/dark_souls/b/ps3/archive/2011/10/03/dark-souls-review-dead-and-loving-it.aspx|title=Dark Souls Review: Dead And Loving It|magazine=Game Informer|author=Phil Kollar|access-date=6 August 2020|archive-date=August 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805084003/https://www.gameinformer.com/games/dark_souls/b/ps3/archive/2011/10/03/dark-souls-review-dead-and-loving-it.aspx|url-status=live}}

| Joystiq = 4.5/5{{cite web| first=Richard |last=Mitchell |title=Dark Souls review: Brick walls and pancakes |website=Joystiq |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/dark-souls-review-brick-walls-and-pancakes/ |date= October 3, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111025195016/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/dark-souls-review-brick-walls-and-pancakes/ |archive-date=October 25, 2011 |url-status=dead |access-date=January 28, 2021}}

| PALGN = 10/10{{cite web |last=Markovic |first=Denny |title=Dark Souls Review |url=http://palgn.com.au/playstation-3/19824/dark-souls-review/ |website=PALGN |access-date=December 29, 2011 |date=October 21, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111222030507/http://palgn.com.au/playstation-3/19824/dark-souls-review/ |archive-date=December 22, 2011 |url-status=dead}}

}}

Dark Souls received positive reviews from critics upon its release. One of the reviewers for Dark Souls described it as "a very hardcore dark-fantasy [role-playing game]" that is "role-playing right down to the roots", and stated that the "massive field map and powerful enemies serve to rev up both your sense of adventure and your sense of dread." Another reviewer said that "the sheer happiness you get after the trial-and-error pays off and you overcome the challenge is absolutely impossible to replicate."{{cite web |last=Gifford |first=Kevin |title=Japan Review Check: Dark Souls |url=http://www.1up.com/news/japan-review-check-dark-souls |website=1UP.com |access-date=September 23, 2011 |date=September 14, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020055949/http://www.1up.com/news/japan-review-check-dark-souls |archive-date=October 20, 2012 |url-status=dead }}

GameSpot praised the online system and the sense of jubilation when conquering boss fights after numerous failed attempts. They also suggested that casual gamers may struggle to progress, whereas role-playing game enthusiasts will thrive on the difficulty. IGN complimented the level design, variety, strong emphasis on online features, excessively dark tone and atmosphere, and deep gameplay. While praising the extreme difficulty, they stated that "there's a difference between punishing, and downright unfair."{{cite web |author=Keza MacDonald |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/09/30/dark-souls-review?page=1 |title=Dark Souls Review |website=IGN |date=September 30, 2011 |access-date=June 16, 2018 |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616104806/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/09/30/dark-souls-review?page=1 |url-status=live }} Eurogamer also applauded the level design and atmosphere while noting that the game's difficulty might not appeal to casual gamers.{{cite web |last=Welsh |first=Oli |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-10-03-dark-souls-review |title=Dark Souls Review • Page 1 • Reviews • |website=Eurogamer |date=October 3, 2011 |access-date=January 13, 2012 |archive-date=January 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120116090142/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-10-03-dark-souls-review |url-status=live }}

Edge retroactively awarded the game 10 out of 10 in their October 2013 20th anniversary issue, stating that the breadth and quality of the game's design had overruled complaints about its difficulty.{{cite magazine |title=The ten amendments: we crown seven games from the last 20 years of Edge with a retrospective 10 |url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/the-ten-amendments-we-crown-seven-games-from-the-last-20-years-of-edge-with-a-retrospective-10/ |magazine=Edge |publisher=Future Publishing |location=Bath |access-date=February 22, 2014 |archive-date=September 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921110632/http://www.edge-online.com/features/the-ten-amendments-we-crown-seven-games-from-the-last-20-years-of-edge-with-a-retrospective-10 |url-status=dead}}

Game Informer Phil Kollar opined that "the frustration in Dark Souls arises from how [late '00s and early 2010s] games have conditioned us. Gamers are used to handholding tutorials that walk you through every aspect of a game’s mechanics." While complimenting the game's notoriously steep difficulty curve, Kollar was less favourable toward its "overall lack of direction".

In a review of Dark Souls in Black Gate, Connor Gormley said "I can't help but smile at all the things I've done in this game, from the serious and atmospheric, to the actually kind of stupid, like losing a fist fight with a giant mushroom man who I like to imagine has a thick cockney accent. I've given very few examples of the game's lore by design, because half of the fun is finding that out for yourself, at least if you're in it for the fantasy. It's an experience, one fueled by creativity and ingenuity, and it's one that I urge you to go out and at least try, regular gamer or not."{{cite web | url=https://www.blackgate.com/2014/07/13/original-fantasy-in-a-video-game-its-about-time/ | title=Original Fantasy? In a Video Game? It's About Time – Black Gate | date=July 13, 2014 }}

Namco Bandai's yearly financial report stated that the game sold 1.19 million units in the United States and Europe by March 2012.{{cite web |author=PS3 |url=http://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2012/05/08/namco-bandai-touts-dark-souls-sales-over-1-19-million-in-us-and-europe/ |title=Namco Bandai Touts Dark Souls Sales, Over 1.19 Million in US and Europe |website=Playstationlifestyle.net |date=May 8, 2012 |access-date=December 8, 2012 |archive-date=June 1, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120601143029/http://playstationlifestyle.net/2012/05/08/namco-bandai-touts-dark-souls-sales-over-1-19-million-in-us-and-europe/ |url-status=live }} FromSoftware announced in April 2013 that the game had sold 2.37 million units worldwide.{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-04-12-dark-souls-worldwide-sales-total-2-3-million |title=Dark Souls worldwide sales total 2.3 million |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=April 12, 2013 |website=Eurogamer |publisher=Gamer Network |access-date=April 12, 2013 |archive-date=June 7, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150607172501/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-04-12-dark-souls-worldwide-sales-total-2-3-million |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.gamingunion.net/news/dark-souls-worldwide-sales-exceed-23-million-copies--9090.html |title=Dark Souls Worldwide Sales Exceed 2.3 Million Copies |website=GamingUnion.net |date=April 13, 2013 |access-date=April 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130415162143/http://www.gamingunion.net/news/dark-souls-worldwide-sales-exceed-23-million-copies--9090.html |archive-date=April 15, 2013 |url-status=dead }}

{{Video game reviews

| title = Dark Souls Remastered

| MC = PC: 84/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dark-souls-remastered/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Dark Souls Remastered for PC Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=September 19, 2018 |archive-date=October 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005025510/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/dark-souls-remastered |url-status=live }}
PS4: 84/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dark-souls-remastered/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=Dark Souls Remastered for PlayStation 4 Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=April 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180525144835/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/dark-souls-remastered |archive-date=May 25, 2018 |url-status=live}}
XONE: 86/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dark-souls-remastered/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one |title=Dark Souls Remastered for Xbox One Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=September 19, 2018 |archive-date=October 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005012453/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/dark-souls-remastered |url-status=live }}
NS: 83/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dark-souls-remastered/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |title=Dark Souls Remastered for Switch Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=November 1, 2018 |archive-date=December 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225142939/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/dark-souls-remastered |url-status=live }}

| Destruct = 9/10{{cite web |url=https://www.destructoid.com/review-dark-souls-remastered-503275.phtml |title=Review: Dark Souls Remastered |website=Destructoid |date=May 25, 2018 |access-date=June 16, 2018 |archive-date=July 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720022118/https://www.destructoid.com/review-dark-souls-remastered-503275.phtml |url-status=live }}

| GI = 8.75/10{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/dark_souls_remastered/b/playstation4/archive/2018/05/23/gently-modifying-a-masterpiece.aspx |title=Dark Souls Remastered – Gently Modifying A Masterpiece |magazine=Game Informer |last=Tack |first=Daniel |date=May 23, 2018 |access-date=April 27, 2019 |archive-date=April 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190429004909/https://www.gameinformer.com/games/dark_souls_remastered/b/playstation4/archive/2018/05/23/gently-modifying-a-masterpiece.aspx |url-status=live }}

| IGN = 9.5/10{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/10/18/dark-souls-remastered-for-switch-review |title=Dark Souls Remastered Switch Review |website=IGN |date=October 18, 2018 |access-date=October 7, 2021 |archive-date=October 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007150038/https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/10/18/dark-souls-remastered-for-switch-review |url-status=live }}

}}

In GameSpy{{'s}} review, the original Windows port was referred to as "shabby", citing the game's limit of 30 frames per second, poor mouse and keyboard controls, and nonadjustable resolution. However, the expanded content was praised, giving the game an overall favourable review.{{cite web |last=Janicki |first=Stefan |title=Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition Review |url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/dark-souls/1225854p1.html |website=GameSpy |access-date=October 11, 2012 |date=September 30, 2012 |archive-date=October 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012034403/http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/dark-souls/1225854p1.html |url-status=live }} Eurogamer also commented on the quality of the port, stating: "Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition does not come with the technical options you would expect from a well-engineered PC game, because it's a port of a console game, and that's all FromSoftware ever promised to deliver. Anyone who passes up Dark Souls for this reason is cutting off their nose to spite their neckbeard of a face."{{cite web |last=Stanton |first=Rich |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-08-28-dark-souls-prepare-to-die-edition-review |title=Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition Review • Reviews • PC • |website=Eurogamer |date=August 28, 2012 |access-date=December 8, 2012 |archive-date=December 11, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121211065555/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-08-28-dark-souls-prepare-to-die-edition-review |url-status=live }} One of the producers of Dark Souls II, Takeshi Miyazoe, responded to the criticism of the PC version by saying:{{cite magazine |url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/dark-souls-producer-says-pc-version-was-rushed-problems-were-expected/ |title=Dark Souls' producer says PC version was rushed, problems "were expected" |date=December 19, 2013 |magazine=Edge |publisher=Future plc |access-date=March 27, 2014 |archive-date=January 20, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140120011104/http://www.edge-online.com/features/dark-souls-producer-says-pc-version-was-rushed-problems-were-expected |url-status=dead}}

This is going to sound bad but our main priority was to get the game onto the PC as fast as possible, because people wanted it on the PC. The PC market in Japan is so minimal that originally there were no plans to make it on the PC, but with the strong petition from the North American and European fans, even with the lack of experience of working on a PC platform we still did our best to try to get it out as fast as possible. [The problems] were expected to a certain extent.

We did know there were PC-specific features like key-mapping and use of the mouse and keyboard, high resolution and higher frame rate, stuff like that, but... It's not that we ignored it, but it would have taken too much time for us to implement it, test it and get it up to the level people expected. It was more of a publisher (Namco Bandai) decision to say, "Guys, don't worry about this – let's just get it out and see how this works on PC."

Dark Souls: Remastered received "generally favorable" reviews from critics, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Critics praised the improved visuals and performance, while criticism was directed towards the lack of an effective anti-cheat system{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2018/05/24/dark-souls-remastered-on-pc-already-falling-victim-to-infamous-hackers.aspx|title=Dark Souls Remastered On PC Already Falling Victim To Infamous Hackers|last=Khan|first=Imran|date=May 24, 2018|magazine=Game Informer|access-date=April 27, 2019|archive-date=August 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190821073131/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2018/05/24/dark-souls-remastered-on-pc-already-falling-victim-to-infamous-hackers.aspx|url-status=live}}{{cite journal|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2018/06/07/interview-with-a-dark-souls-hacker/#more-551177|title='I wish they had good anti-cheat,' says Dark Souls hacker|last=Caldwell|first=Brendan|date=June 7, 2018|journal=Rock, Paper, Shotgun|access-date=April 27, 2019|archive-date=March 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323055542/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2018/06/07/interview-with-a-dark-souls-hacker/#more-551177|url-status=live}} and the PC version's price despite few significant changes.{{cite web|last1=Scott-Jones|first1=Richard|title=Dark Souls Remastered review scores - our roundup of the critics|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/dark-souls-remastered/dark-souls-remastered-review-round-up|website=PCGamesN|date=May 24, 2018 |access-date=May 24, 2018|archive-date=May 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524222052/https://www.pcgamesn.com/dark-souls-remastered/dark-souls-remastered-review-round-up|url-status=live}} It sold 71,739 copies in Japan during the week of its release, making it the best-selling game in the country at the time.{{cite web|url=https://gematsu.com/2018/05/media-create-sales-5-21-18-5-27-18|title=Media Create Sales: 5/21/18 – 5/27/18|first=Sal|last=Romano|date=May 30, 2018|website=Gematsu|archive-date=May 31, 2018|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180531080759/https://gematsu.com/2018/05/media-create-sales-5-21-18-5-27-18|url-status=live|access-date=May 31, 2018}}

Game Revolution gave Dark Souls the Community Choice Game of the Year award.{{cite web |title=Community Choice Game of the Year |url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/news/community-choice-game-of-the-year-10205 |website=Game Revolution |access-date=December 31, 2011 |date=December 23, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130402080913/http://www.gamerevolution.com/news/community-choice-game-of-the-year-10205 |archive-date=April 2, 2013 |url-status=dead }} IncGamers also gave it the "Game of the Year" award.{{cite web |last=Robertson |first=John |title=Game of the Year 2011: #1 – Dark Souls |url=http://www.incgamers.com/Features/477/game-of-the-year-2011-1---dark-souls |website=IncGamers |access-date=December 31, 2011 |location=United Kingdom |date=December 25, 2011 |archive-date=January 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120124050910/http://www.incgamers.com/Features/477/game-of-the-year-2011-1---dark-souls |url-status=live }} Q-Games' Dylan Cuthbert and Double Fine Productions' Brad Muir chose Dark Souls as Game of the Year.{{cite web |title=Developers' Games of 2011 |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-01-02-developers-games-of-2011-article |website=Eurogamer |access-date=January 7, 2012 |date=January 2, 2012 |archive-date=January 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107132918/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-01-02-developers-games-of-2011-article |url-status=live }} Electronic Gaming Monthly{{'}}s Eric L. Patterson chose it as Game of the Year.{{cite magazine |last=Patterson |first=Eric L. |title=EGM'S BEST OF 2011: ERIC L. PATTERSON'S PICKS |url=http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/egms-best-of-2011-eric-l-pattersons-picks/ |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly |access-date=January 7, 2012 |date=December 19, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207015951/http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/egms-best-of-2011-eric-l-pattersons-picks/ |archive-date=December 7, 2017 |url-status=dead }} GameTrailers gave it the "Best Role-Playing Game" award{{cite web |title=Best Role-Playing Game |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/best-role-playing-game-of-the/725239 |website=GameTrailers |access-date=December 29, 2011 |date=December 28, 2011 |archive-date=January 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107200535/http://www.gametrailers.com/video/best-role-playing-game-of-the/725239 |url-status=live }} while also nominating it for the "Best Multiplayer Game", "Best Trailer", and "Game of the Year" awards.{{cite web |title=GameTrailers Game of the Year Awards 2011 |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/game/gametrailers-game-of-the-year/15923 |website=GameTrailers |access-date=December 31, 2011 |archive-date=December 22, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111222020749/http://www.gametrailers.com/game/gametrailers-game-of-the-year/15923 |url-status=live }} GameZone gave the game the "Best Action/Adventure" award and chose it as the runner-up for the "Best RPG" award.{{cite web |last=Splechta |first=Mike |title=GameZone's Game of the Year Awards Day 3: Genre Awards |url=http://www.gamezone.com/editorials/gamezone-s-game-of-the-year-awards-day-3-genre-awards |website=GameZone |access-date=December 30, 2011 |date=December 29, 2011 |archive-date=January 11, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111173641/http://www.gamezone.com/editorials/gamezone-s-game-of-the-year-awards-day-3-genre-awards |url-status=live }} At the 15th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards (now known as the D.I.C.E. Awards), the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences nominated Dark Souls for "Role-Playing/Massively Multiplayer Game of the Year".{{cite web |title=Dark Souls |url=https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2012&idGame=1199 |publisher=Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences |access-date=April 9, 2020 |archive-date=August 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807084554/https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2012&idGame=1199 |url-status=live }}

The Daily Telegraph gave the game the "Best Integration of Online Features" award and nominated it for the awards of "Best Director" (Hidetaka Miyazaki), "Best Level Design", "Best Sound Design", "Best Original Score" (Motoi Sakuraba), "Best Developer" (FromSoftware), and "Game of the Year".{{cite web |title=Telegraph video game awards 2011 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/8974993/Telegraph-video-game-awards-2011.html |website=The Telegraph |access-date=December 29, 2011 |date=December 27, 2011 |archive-date=April 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120423131837/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/8974993/Telegraph-video-game-awards-2011.html |url-status=live }} TeamXbox gave it an honourable mention as the runner-up for the "Best RPG" award.{{cite web |last=Lord |first=Jesse |title=TeamXbox Best RPG of 2011 |url=http://features.teamxbox.com/xbox/2599/TeamXbox-Best-RPG-of-2011/p1/ |website=TeamXbox |access-date=December 31, 2011 |date=December 29, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107221855/http://features.teamxbox.com/xbox/2599/TeamXbox-Best-RPG-of-2011/p1 |archive-date=January 7, 2012 }} 1UP.com gave it the "Most Rewarding Game" award.{{cite web |title=1UP's Best of 2011 Awards: Editors' Picks |url=http://www.1up.com/features/1up-2011-awards-editors-picks|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120103141244/http://www.1up.com/features/1up-2011-awards-editors-picks|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 3, 2012 |website=1UP.com |access-date=December 31, 2011 |date=December 22, 2011}} Game Informer gave it the award for "Best Boss Fight" (Sif).{{cite magazine |last=Juba |first=Joe |title=The 2011 RPG Of The Year Awards |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/12/30/the-2011-rpg-of-the-year-awards.aspx?PostPageIndex=2 |magazine=Game Informer |access-date=December 31, 2011 |page=2 |date=December 30, 2011 |archive-date=January 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107113246/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/12/30/the-2011-rpg-of-the-year-awards.aspx?PostPageIndex=2 |url-status=live }} It also received the "Best Boss Fights" awards from GameSpot, including the Editors' Choice and Readers' Choice awards.{{cite web |title=GameSpot's Best of 2011 Special Achievements |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/best-of-2011-special/ |website=GameSpot |access-date=December 31, 2011 |date=December 30, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210074915/http://uk.gamespot.com/best-of-2011-special/ |archive-date=February 10, 2012 }} Famitsu gave it an Award of Excellence in its 2012 awards ceremony.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/201204/18013272.html|title=ファミ通アワード2011、大賞は『モンスターハンター3（トライ）G』！ - ファミ通.com|magazine=Famitsu|language=ja|access-date=July 23, 2018|archive-date=November 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191128050747/https://www.famitsu.com/news/201204/18013272.html|url-status=live}}

In 2013, Digital Spy named Dark Souls the best game of the seventh console generation.{{cite web |last1=Reynolds |first1=Matthew |title=Why 'Dark Souls' is our game of the generation |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/retro-corner/news/a529058/why-dark-souls-is-our-game-of-the-generation/ |website=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst Magazines UK |access-date=February 21, 2016 |date=November 10, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160221001006/http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/retro-corner/news/a529058/why-dark-souls-is-our-game-of-the-generation/ |archive-date=February 21, 2016 |url-status=live}} In 2014, Edge magazine named Dark Souls the best game of the seventh generation of game consoles, noting that while some may initially tire of it, "We've yet to meet a single player for whom persistence has not been enough to transform apathy into all-consuming love."{{cite magazine |title=The Ten Best Games of the Generation |magazine=Edge |issue=272 |publisher=Future Publishing |location=Bath |pages=74–81 |date=November 2014}} In September 2015, Dark Souls topped the Edge{{'s}} special issue The 100 Greatest Videogames.{{cite magazine |author= |title=the 100 greatest videogames |magazine=Edge |location=Bath, UK |publisher=Future |page=206 |date=2015 |isbn=978178389244-0}} In 2015, the game placed first on GamesRadar+{{'s}} "The 100 best games ever" list.{{cite web |last1=Houghton |first1=David |title=Top 100: Why Dark Souls is simply the greatest game of all time |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/why-dark-souls-simply-greatest-game-all-time/ |website=GamesRadar+ |publisher=Future US, Inc. |access-date=February 20, 2016 |date=March 6, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151103212650/http://www.gamesradar.com/why-dark-souls-simply-greatest-game-all-time/ |archive-date=November 3, 2015 |url-status=live}} The game was also put first on USgamer{{'s}} The 15 Best Games Since 2000 list.{{cite web |last1=Bailey |first1=Kat |title=The 15 Best Games Since 2000, Number 1: Dark Souls |url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/the-15-best-games-since-2000-number-one-dark-souls |website=USgamer |publisher=Gamer Network |access-date=August 11, 2015 |date=August 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150811193155/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/the-15-best-games-since-2000-number-one-dark-souls |archive-date=August 11, 2015 |url-status=live}} The game was titled the "Best RPG on PC" by Rock, Paper, Shotgun.{{cite web |title=The 50 Best RPG On PC |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2015/07/10/best-rpg/8/ |website=Rock, Paper, Shotgun |access-date=February 29, 2016 |date=July 10, 2015 |archive-date=March 23, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160323012157/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2015/07/10/best-rpg/8/ |url-status=live }} In 2016, Dark Souls placed fifth on PC Gamer{{'s}} "Best RPGs of all time" list.{{cite magazine |title=The best RPGs of all time |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/the-best-rpgs-of-all-time-1/ |magazine=PC Gamer |access-date=February 19, 2016 |archive-date=November 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161127163957/http://www.pcgamer.com/the-best-rpgs-of-all-time-1/ |url-status=live }} In 2021, the game was voted the Ultimate Game of All Time at the Golden Joystick Awards.{{cite web |title=Dark Souls is your Ultimate Game of All Time at the Golden Joystick Awards |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/dark-souls-is-your-ultimate-game-of-all-time-at-the-golden-joystick-awards/ |website=GamesRadar |access-date=November 24, 2021 |archive-date=November 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211124000826/https://www.gamesradar.com/dark-souls-is-your-ultimate-game-of-all-time-at-the-golden-joystick-awards/ |url-status=live }}

{{see also|Soulslike}}

Dark Souls has been cited as one of the greatest video games of all time.{{cite web|last=Polygon Staff|title=The 500 Best Video Games of All Time|url=https://www.polygon.com/features/2017/11/27/16158276/polygon-500-best-games-of-all-time-500-401|website=Polygon.com|access-date=December 1, 2017|date=November 27, 2017|archive-date=March 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303210843/https://www.polygon.com/features/2017/11/27/16158276/polygon-500-best-games-of-all-time-500-401|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Tailford|first=Scott|title=30 Best Video Games Of All Time|url=http://whatculture.com/gaming/30-best-video-games-of-all-time|website=WhatCulture|access-date=October 28, 2017|date=September 1, 2017|archive-date=October 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181015162034/http://whatculture.com/gaming/30-best-video-games-of-all-time|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|magazine=Game Informer|title=The Top 300 Games of All Time|date=April 2018|issue=300}}{{cite web|title=Top 100 Games Of All Time|url=http://ign.com/lists/top-100-games|website=IGN|access-date=October 28, 2017|date=2015|archive-date=June 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614021412/http://www.ign.com/lists/top-100-games|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/best-games-ever/ |title=The 100 Best Games of All-Time |date=February 15, 2013 |website=GamesRadar+ |access-date=November 19, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150319223433/http://www.gamesradar.com/best-games-ever/ |archive-date=March 19, 2015 }} GamesRadar+ has made subtle adjustments to the list since its original 2013 publication date. Due to its design and philosophy, it is often cited as an essential instance of video games as an art form.{{cite web|url=http://www.thesaint-online.com/2016/11/gaming-as-art-dark-souls/|title=Gaming as art: Dark Souls|date=November 16, 2016|website=The Saint|access-date=April 27, 2019|archive-date=April 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427032055/http://www.thesaint-online.com/2016/11/gaming-as-art-dark-souls/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.redbull.com/us-en/why-hardcore-gamers-love-dark-souls|title=Why Dark Souls is a hardcore gamer's dream ticket|last=McFerran|first=Damien|date=February 27, 2018|website=Red Bull|access-date=April 27, 2019|archive-date=April 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427032057/https://www.redbull.com/us-en/why-hardcore-gamers-love-dark-souls|url-status=live}} It is also considered one of the most influential video games of its generation.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-most-influential-games-of-the-21st-century-dar/1100-6466811/ |title=The Most Influential Games Of The 21st Century: Dark Souls |magazine=GameSpot |last=Hussain |first=Tamoor |date=May 14, 2019 |access-date=May 21, 2019 |archive-date=May 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190514172416/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-most-influential-games-of-the-21st-century-dar/1100-6466811/ |url-status=live }} It was voted the Ultimate Game of All Time at the 2021 Golden Joystick Awards.{{cite web |last1=Donnelly |first1=Joe |title=Why Dark Souls has been crowned the best video game of all time |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/why-dark-souls-is-the-best-game-of-all-time/ |website=GamesRadar+ |date=November 23, 2021 |access-date=20 December 2022 |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220174230/https://www.gamesradar.com/why-dark-souls-is-the-best-game-of-all-time/ |url-status=live }}

Games cited to have been influenced by Dark Souls include Destiny,{{cite magazine |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/130638-Destiny-Inspired-by-Dark-Souls-Monster-Hunter-Bungie-Says |title=Destiny Inspired by Dark Souls, Monster Hunter, Bungie Says |magazine=The Escapist |last=Slabaugh |first=Brett |date=December 18, 2013 |access-date=April 9, 2015 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304222226/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/130638-Destiny-Inspired-by-Dark-Souls-Monster-Hunter-Bungie-Says |url-status=live }} Alienation,{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/8/22/6056895/alienation-dark-demon-souls-ps4 |title=How Dark Souls influenced Alienation, the next game from Resogun's developer |website=Polygon |last=Tach |first=Dave |date=August 22, 2014 |access-date=April 9, 2015 |archive-date=April 24, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160424182028/http://www.polygon.com/2014/8/22/6056895/alienation-dark-demon-souls-ps4 |url-status=live }} Lords of the Fallen,{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/lords-of-the-fallen-dev-talks-dark-souls-compariso/1100-6424474/ |title=Lords of the Fallen Dev Talks Dark Souls Comparisons |website=GameSpot |last=Makuch |first=Eddie |date=January 5, 2015 |access-date=April 9, 2015 |archive-date=April 7, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150407062821/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/lords-of-the-fallen-dev-talks-dark-souls-compariso/1100-6424474/ |url-status=live }} The Surge,{{Cite web|title=The Surge Is Like Dark Souls Except You Can Dismember Everyone|url=https://kotaku.com/chopping-off-limbs-in-action-rpg-the-surge-is-fun-and-u-1795379616|access-date=2020-08-12|website=Kotaku|date=May 19, 2017 |language=en-us|archive-date=September 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910004219/https://kotaku.com/chopping-off-limbs-in-action-rpg-the-surge-is-fun-and-u-1795379616|url-status=live}} Salt and Sanctuary,{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/8/28/6080383/salt-and-sanctuary-video-preview-ps4-ps-vita |title=How Salt and Sanctuary reimagines Dark Souls as a 2D action-platformer |website=Polygon |last=McElroy |first=Griffin |date=August 28, 2013 |access-date=April 9, 2015 |archive-date=March 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316221758/http://www.polygon.com/2014/8/28/6080383/salt-and-sanctuary-video-preview-ps4-ps-vita |url-status=live }} Shovel Knight,{{cite magazine |url=http://killscreendaily.com/articles/articles/feature/how-do-you-make-rpg-after-dark-souls/ |title=How Do You Make An RPG After Dark Souls? |magazine=Kill Screen |last=Breault |first=Chris |date=February 24, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150828193953/http://killscreendaily.com/articles/articles/feature/how-do-you-make-rpg-after-dark-souls/ |archive-date=August 28, 2015 }}{{citation |url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/game-dev-recipes-shovel-knight |title=Game Dev Recipes: Shovel Knight |author=Williams, Mike |date=May 24, 2014 |access-date=May 26, 2014 |website=USgamer |archive-date=May 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525144706/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/game-dev-recipes-shovel-knight |url-status=live }} Titan Souls,{{cite magazine |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/titan-souls-2/ |title=Titan Souls |magazine=PCGamer |last=Hamilton |first=Andi |date=April 13, 2015 |access-date=April 20, 2015 |archive-date=March 9, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309155711/http://www.pcgamer.com/titan-souls-2/ |url-status=live }} Enter the Gungeon,{{cite web |last1=Crooks |first1=Dave |title=How to Get Started in Enter the Gungeon on PS4 |url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2016/04/05/how-to-get-started-in-enter-the-gungeon-on-ps4/ |website=PlayStation.Blog |date=April 5, 2016 |access-date=April 18, 2016 |archive-date=July 31, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731002957/https://blog.us.playstation.com/2016/04/05/how-to-get-started-in-enter-the-gungeon-on-ps4/ |url-status=live }} The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-11-19-the-witcher-3-what-is-a-next-gen-rpg |title=The Witcher 3: What is a next-gen RPG? |website=Eurogamer |date=November 28, 2013 |access-date=September 10, 2016 |last=Purchese |first=Robert |archive-date=June 11, 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170611124734/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-11-19-the-witcher-3-what-is-a-next-gen-rpg |url-status=live }} Nioh,{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-09-30-nioh-director-fumihiko-yasuda-on-difficulty-player-feedback-and-whats-changing |title=Nioh director Fumihiko Yasuda on difficulty, player feedback and what's changing |last=Matulef |first=Jeffrey |date=October 4, 2016 |website=Eurogamer |language=en-UK |access-date=May 25, 2017 |archive-date=October 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161007214337/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-09-30-nioh-director-fumihiko-yasuda-on-difficulty-player-feedback-and-whats-changing |url-status=live }} and God of War,{{cite web|title=God of War's New Combat System Explained|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_JNQKlA57k|website=YouTube|date=March 19, 2018|language=en|access-date=May 1, 2018|archive-date=April 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418073325/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_JNQKlA57k|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|title="It Has to Be Personal" Says 'God of War' Creative Director Cory Barlog|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/features/it-has-to-be-personal-says-god-of-war-creative-director-cory-barlog-w488948|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=June 20, 2017|archive-date=May 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501161717/https://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/features/it-has-to-be-personal-says-god-of-war-creative-director-cory-barlog-w488948|url-status=live}} as well as features used on the PlayStation 4 console.{{cite news |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |title=Demon's Souls and Dark Souls inspired PS4's design, says Shuhei Yoshida |url=https://www.polygon.com/2013/11/21/5131972/demons-souls-and-dark-souls-inspired-ps4s-design-says-shuhei-yoshida |website=Polygon |date=November 21, 2013 |access-date=December 10, 2019 |archive-date=November 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191116005823/https://www.polygon.com/2013/11/21/5131972/demons-souls-and-dark-souls-inspired-ps4s-design-says-shuhei-yoshida |url-status=live }} Dark Souls was also cited as an inspiration for the television show Stranger Things.{{cite news |last=Tilly |first=Chris |title=How Silent Hill, Dark Souls and The Last of Us Influenced Stranger Things |url=https://uk.ign.com/articles/2016/08/26/how-silent-hill-dark-souls-and-the-last-of-us-influenced-stranger-things |website=IGN |date=August 26, 2016 |access-date=October 13, 2018 |archive-date=November 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117124425/https://uk.ign.com/articles/2016/08/26/how-silent-hill-dark-souls-and-the-last-of-us-influenced-stranger-things |url-status=live }}

{{Notelist}}

{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

{{Wikiquote|Dark Souls}}

• {{Official website|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111231103938/http://www.preparetodie.com/en}}
• {{Official website}} for Dark Souls: Remastered
• {{MobyGames|/dark-souls}}

{{Dark Souls series}}

{{Hidetaka Miyazaki}}

{{FromSoftware}}

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