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If you mean the main Dark Souls trilogy, play Dark Souls (or Dark Souls Remastered), then Dark Souls II, then Dark Souls III. For a wider FromSoftware action-game list, start with Demon’s Souls and follow the broader release order below. That broader list is a curated group of Souls and Souls-adjacent games—not every game FromSoftware has made.
Dark Souls games in release order
Release order is the clearest way to play the numbered trilogy. It follows the games’ original sequence, while putting the 2018 remaster in the same starting position as the 2011 original.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Dark Souls Trilogy (PS4) | $38.80 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Demon's Souls - PlayStation 5 | $39.45 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Dark Souls Remastered - PlayStation 4 | $22.19 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin - PlayStation 4 | $21.39 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Dark Souls 3 The Fire Fades (PS4) | $24.40 | Buy on Amazon |
- Dark Souls (2011) — Play Dark Souls Remastered (2018) here if you want the updated edition. It is a remaster of the first game, not a fourth numbered entry.
- Dark Souls II (2014).
- Dark Souls III (2016). Bandai Namco describes it as the final journey in the series.
FromSoftware’s listed dates for the three numbered releases—September 22, 2011; March 13, 2014; and March 24, 2016—are domestic Japanese dates, not worldwide launch dates. The company lists Dark Souls Remastered for May 24, 2018 in Japan, with the Switch version following on October 18, 2018. FromSoftware’s series announcement gives those dates and distinguishes the remaster from the numbered games.
Broader FromSoftware Souls and Souls-adjacent games in order
If you want more than the trilogy, this release-year list adds prominent FromSoftware action games often discussed alongside Dark Souls. It is an editorial grouping, not an official shared-universe chronology or a list of sequels.
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#1 Best Overall
- 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.
- Demon’s Souls (2009)
- Dark Souls (2011) — or Dark Souls Remastered (2018) as the edition to play in this slot
- Dark Souls II (2014)
- Bloodborne (2015)
- Dark Souls III (2016)
- Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019)
- Elden Ring (2022)
Demon’s Souls, Bloodborne, Sekiro, and Elden Ring are separate titles, not numbered Dark Souls sequels. Official descriptions classify Dark Souls and Elden Ring as action RPGs, while Sekiro is an action-adventure game. FromSoftware’s company history provides a chronological view of its wider catalog and identifies years for these releases.
Do you need to play Dark Souls in order?
The cited official pages establish the release sequence but do not prescribe a mandatory play order. If you want the straightforward series route, use release order: it keeps the original trilogy sequence intact and makes the remaster’s place clear. If you are choosing among the wider list, decide whether you want the connected trilogy sequence or simply want to try a particular standalone FromSoftware game; the broader list above is chronological, not a required progression.
Rank #2
- Discover where the journey began - Experience the original brutal challenge, completely remade from the ground up. All presented in stunning visual quality with enhanced performance, this is the world of Boletaria as you have never seen it before.
- Become the Slayer of Demons - Venture to the northern kingdom of Boletaria – a once prosperous land of knights, now beset with unspeakable creatures and ravenous demons. Meet strange characters, unhinged and twisted by the world around them, and unravel the unsettling story of Demon’s Souls.
- Face the world’s greatest warriors in ferocious PVP combat - With online invasions adding to the danger of your quest. Or play cooperatively by summoning allies to aid in your fight against the demons. Active PS Plus subscription required for online multiplayer.
Which edition and platform should you choose?
Platform availability varies by release. FromSoftware lists the original Dark Souls for PS3; Dark Souls II for PS3, Xbox 360, and Windows; and Dark Souls III for PS4, Xbox One, and Windows. Dark Souls Remastered is listed for PS4, Xbox One, Steam, and Nintendo Switch. Check the current store listing for the platform and edition you intend to buy.
Bandai Namco’s Dark Souls Trilogy page describes a three-disc PS4 and Xbox One collection containing Dark Souls Remastered, Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin, and Dark Souls III: The Fire Fades, with associated DLC. The listed contents are:
Rank #3
- 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?
- Dark Souls Remastered includes Artorias of the Abyss.
- Scholar of the First Sin includes all three Dark Souls II DLC chapters.
- The Fire Fades includes Ashes of Ariandel and The Ringed City.
The collection covers the trilogy only; it does not include Demon’s Souls, Bloodborne, Sekiro, or Elden Ring. The product page and retail availability can change, so confirm the platform and included edition on the listing before purchasing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What “all FromSoft games” means
FromSoftware’s catalog is much larger than its Souls-related action games. It includes other franchises such as Armored Core, Tenchu, and King’s Field, as well as licensed and jointly developed projects. The list in this guide is therefore for the main trilogy and a useful wider Souls-adjacent release order; it is not an exhaustive company catalog. For a broader historical chronology, consult FromSoftware’s product history.
Rank #4
- 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
FromSoftware said in a May 19, 2020 press release that the Dark Souls series had passed 27 million combined sales, counting physical copies shipped plus digital downloads. That is a historical figure announced in 2020, not a current sales total. In the same release, the company described the series as pursuing a strong sense of accomplishment through tense exploration, dangerous encounters, and discovery. Read FromSoftware’s May 19, 2020 announcement.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Atmospheric Visuals: Dynamic lighting and particle effects immerse players into a dark fantasy world of ruin.
- Interconnected World: Expertly crafted world encourages players to explore vast and breath-taking landscapes.
- Sword Action: Diversifies combat action allowing players to craft their own unique play style.
- Unique Online System: Evolution of trademark online multiplayer functionality that seamlessly integrates online interactions into single-player story.
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.
