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Dark Souls III Deluxe Edition is the base game bundled with the Season Pass. The Season Pass adds the two DLC chapters, Ashes of Ariandel and The Ringed City. The standard edition is the base game without that bundled pass. The core game is the same in both; the difference is whether the two expansions come with the purchase.
What the Deluxe Edition actually contains
Deluxe is a content bundle, not a separate version of the game. Official listings describe it as the full game plus the Season Pass. The Xbox product description states: “The Dark Souls III Deluxe Edition includes the full game & the Season Pass.” That bundle covers both DLC chapters, Ashes of Ariandel and The Ringed City. The publisher identifies Ashes of Ariandel as Season Pass content.
The standard edition
The standard edition gives you the base game only. If you want the two expansions, you need to buy them separately. Choose the standard edition if you only want the core game, or if you plan to add DLC later and are comfortable buying it at a different time.
The Fire Fades Edition is a third option
The Fire Fades Edition is a separately named release that Bandai Namco describes as the base game plus both DLC chapters. It is a complete-game option, but it is not the same product listing as Deluxe. If you are buying a physical copy, check the box or store listing for the platform and the list of included content before you pay. Physical copies for PS4 and Xbox One are the formats most commonly listed.
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Side-by-side comparison
| Option | What it includes | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Dark Souls III | Base game only. The two DLC chapters are not bundled and must be bought separately. | Readers who want only the core game, or who will add DLC later. |
| Dark Souls III Deluxe Edition | Base game plus the Season Pass, which provides Ashes of Ariandel and The Ringed City. | Readers who want the base game and both expansions in one purchase. |
| Dark Souls III: The Fire Fades Edition | Base game plus both DLC chapters, as described by the publisher. | Readers who want a complete-game edition under a different product name. Check platform and physical contents. |
Platform availability
Deluxe has official listings on Xbox, PS4, and Steam. The PlayStation listing names PS4 and notes that PS5 compatibility details may apply. If you play on PS5, read that compatibility note on the store page before buying rather than assuming the PS4 listing covers it.
Is Deluxe cheaper?
There is no universal price advantage. Official pages establish what each edition contains, but they do not establish that Deluxe costs less than buying the parts separately. Compare the following on the same platform and in the same region:
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- The current local price of Deluxe.
- The current local price of the base game plus the Season Pass or the separately sold DLC.
- Any active discounts, which change without notice.
Do not rely on an old Xbox price shown in search results, and do not compare prices across regions, since currencies, taxes, and store catalogues differ.
Checklist before you buy
- Confirm the platform you play on, including whether you use PS5 with a PS4 listing.
- Read the contents line on the store page and confirm that it names both Ashes of Ariandel and The Ringed City if you want both.
- Compare the local price of Deluxe against the base game plus separately priced DLC on the same storefront.
- For a physical copy, check the listing’s platform, region, and included content.
- For online play, check your platform’s current subscription requirement, since it is separate from the game purchase.
Sales figures
In 2020, Bandai Namco Entertainment and FromSoftware announced 10 million units sold worldwide for Dark Souls III and The Fire Fades Edition combined. That figure does not isolate Deluxe Edition or the base game alone.
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Which one should you choose?
If you want the full experience with both expansions and you play on a platform where Deluxe is listed, Deluxe is the simplest route, provided its local price is competitive with buying the base game and DLC separately. If you want only the base game, or you already own part of the content, the standard edition avoids paying for what you do not need. The Fire Fades Edition suits readers who find that product name at a good price and have confirmed that its contents match their platform.
Quick Recap
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- Compact disc release for Age of the Synth: Dark Souls III Composer CthulhuSeeker
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
