Play the numbered Dark Souls games in this order: Dark Souls (2011), Dark Souls II (2014), then Dark Souls III (2016). For a new purchase, use Dark Souls Remastered for the first game, Scholar of the First Sin for the second, and The Fire Fades for the third if you want their expanded or complete editions.
The correct Dark Souls order
- Dark Souls (2011) — Play Dark Souls Remastered today; it includes the Artorias of the Abyss expansion.
- Dark Souls II (2014) — The second numbered entry. Scholar of the First Sin is its expanded edition.
- Dark Souls III (2016) — The concluding numbered entry. The Fire Fades is the complete edition.
Dark Souls Remastered is an updated version of the first game, not a separate fourth story. This sequence follows the series’ release and story-entry progression, preserving its intended references and escalation.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Dark Souls Trilogy (PS4) | $40.68 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Dark Souls III: The Fire Fades Edition - PlayStation 4 | $21.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Dark Souls Remastered - PlayStation 4 | $22.19 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Dark Souls Trilogy - PlayStation 4 | $399.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin - PlayStation 4 | $21.39 | Buy on Amazon |
What “chronological” means for Dark Souls
There is no official in-universe calendar that places the three games into a different, fully defined timeline. FromSoftware’s official series listings establish the numbered release sequence, so “chronological order” is best understood here as Dark Souls → Dark Souls II → Dark Souls III. Playing in that order also gives you the clearest introduction to the recurring themes, terminology and callbacks.
Which edition should you buy?
| Game entry | Recommended edition | Base game | DLC included | Presentation | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Souls | Dark Souls Remastered | Yes | Artorias of the Abyss | Remastered version of the 2011 game | Anyone starting the series now |
| Dark Souls II | Scholar of the First Sin | Yes | Expanded/definitive-edition package | Expanded edition | Players wanting the fullest official version of game two |
| Dark Souls III | The Fire Fades | Yes | Complete-edition package | Complete edition | Players wanting game three with its add-on content |
Platform availability, prices and stock vary by region and retailer; the official series information cited for these editions does not establish one universal price or platform list.
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- DARK SOULS REMASTERED - Then, there was fire. Re-experience the genre-defining game that started it all. Return to Lordran in the beautifully remastered game in high definition, 60 fps with single-player or online multiplayer with dedicated servers. Includes the Artorias of the Abyss DLC.
- DARK SOULS II: SCHOLAR OF THE FIRST SIN - Prepare to Die again. The second installment of the series includes the base Dark Souls II plus all three DLCs: Crown of the Sunken King, Crown of the Old Iron King, and Crown of the Ivory King.
- DARK SOULS III: THE FIRE FADES - Now only embers remain… Dark Souls III is the final journey in the series where players can fight through intense combat solo or team up for in co-op or PvP multiplayer. Includes the award-winning game and both DLC chapters: Ashes of Ariandel and The Ringed City.
- ALL ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACKS - Visit the EP!C corner to download the music of the Dark Souls saga composed by Motoi Sakaraba and Yuka Kitamura. 110 tracks and more than 6 hours to listen and take back any Dark Souls fan to the intense boss fights and the best moments of their deadly journeys.
Does one package include all three games and DLC?
Yes. Dark Souls Trilogy is the one-product option that includes Dark Souls Remastered, Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin and Dark Souls III: The Fire Fades, along with all DLC for all three games and the original soundtracks. Check the live listing for your region, platform and current availability before buying.
How the editions map to the numbered games
Dark Souls Remastered
This is the modern purchase of the first entry. It contains the main game and the Artorias of the Abyss DLC, so you do not need to locate a separate expansion to get the intended first-game package.
Rank #2
- The Complete Dark Souls III Experience All on One Disc: Includes the award-winning base game, PLUS both complete DLC expansion chapters: Ashes of Ariandel and The Ringed City.
- Intense Combat Action: Challenging, genre-defining gameplay. Diversified combat action allows players to craft their own unique style.
- Team up for some jolly good cooperation or test your ability in PvP battle: All PvP maps unlocked and accessible. Improved online matchmaking functionality.
- Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) Content Description: Blood and gore, violence
Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin
Scholar of the First Sin is the expanded or definitive-edition name used for Dark Souls II. Choose it when you want the officially expanded presentation rather than treating it as a separate numbered sequel.
Dark Souls III: The Fire Fades
The Fire Fades is the complete-edition name for Dark Souls III. It is the appropriate version for a first playthrough when you want the third game and its additional content together.
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- Delve into an epic dark fantasy universe stricken by decline and the Curse. Explore its intricate world design - full of hidden passages, dungeons and secrets - and uncover its deeply rooted lore
- Each playthrough surprises you with new challenges and unexpected facets of the game. Don't bet on completing the game only once
- Hundreds of unique combinations of weaponry, armor, magic and crafting options to create your own playstyle and gaming experience
- From your first steps to mastery, build your character while refining your playing skills. Learn to strategize freely and experience the rewarding taste of overcoming daunting foes
- Whatever your motivations are to play online - collaboration or confrontation, support or betrayal - you'll find your true home among the nine covenants. Which allegiance will you choose?
Are Dark Souls 1, 2 and 3 directly connected?
They are connected as a numbered series through shared mythology, concepts and references, but they are not three chapters of one conventional, continuously unfolding plot. Starting with the first game and moving forward lets later entries build on ideas and echoes introduced earlier without requiring you to rearrange the order around speculative lore chronology.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How many copies had the series sold?
In a 2020 official press release, FromSoftware reported 27 million combined physical copies shipped and digital downloads for the series. That figure covered the company’s statement at the time and is not a current 2026 sales total.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- All 3 DLC Pack Contents: Crown of the Sunken King, Crown of the Old Iron King, Crown of the Ivory King
- Additional NPCs Added For Enhanced Story Experience To Assist Guiding Players Through Level
- Parameter Setting Adjustments for Improved Balance
- Augmented Item Descriptions
- Increase in Maximum Online Players
Rank #4
- DARK SOULS: REMASTERED - Return to Lord ran in the beautifully remastered game in high definition, 60 fps with single-player or online multiplayer with dedicated servers.
- DARK SOULS II - The second installment of the series includes the base Dark Souls II game plus all three DLC: Crown of the Sunken King, Crown of the Old Iron King, and Crown of the Ivory King.
- DARK SOULS III: THE FIRE FADES - Dark Souls III is the final journey in the series where players can fight through intense combat solo or team up for in co-op or P2P multiplayer.
- EXCLUSIVE STEEL BOOK: Dark Souls Trilogy includes one steel book with iconic Dark Souls art from across the series.
Quick buying decisions
- Starting with one game: buy Dark Souls Remastered.
- Buying the middle entry: choose Scholar of the First Sin.
- Buying the finale with add-on content: choose The Fire Fades.
- Want everything in one physical package: look for Dark Souls Trilogy, confirming region, platform and stock.
- Want the intended progression: play in numbered order rather than trying to reconstruct an unofficial lore calendar.
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.
